"The Pass-Pass Fruit… sounds like it allows the user to phase through the ground?"
Laffitte, having just explained the crew's rules to Kuro, walked over with a gentle smile.
Kuro adjusted his glasses, his expression unmoved. "Not just the ground. Any non-living object can be passed through."
"In that case, this Devil Fruit isn't suited for me."
Agin remained as cold as ever, his tone indifferent.
Burgess burst into laughter, slapping his thigh. "Not suited? Hell, it's overpowered!"
"Imagine this—if you're losing a fight, just sink into the ground. Who the hell can touch you then?"
"It's the ultimate escape tool! HAHAHAHA!"
Doc Q's weathered face twisted with regret. "If this fruit had appeared earlier, I would've eaten it without hesitation."
Law glanced at Van Augur, his voice cool. "This fruit suits you perfectly."
"With this ability, combined with your sniping skills, assassinating targets would be child's play."
Hawkins nodded in agreement. "Indeed. It'd be like adding wings to a tiger."
Just then, hurried footsteps approached. Merry rushed over, clutching a small wooden box.
"Master, here it is!"
Gaimon smiled warmly at Chris. "Sir, please accept this gift."
Before Chris could respond, Van Augur spoke up, his usually stoic face showing rare excitement.
"Captain… may I have this Devil Fruit?"
Chris, hands still in his pockets, gave a single nod.
"Take it."
With that, he turned and walked away without another word.
Van Augur's eyes gleamed with gratitude. "Captain, your wisdom is truly peerless."
"Joining the Chris Pirates… was the greatest fortune of my life."
Burgess clapped him on the back, laughing. "Enough with the fate talk! Eat the damn fruit already—we've got sailing to do!"
Law watched them, his voice flat. "His strength is about to skyrocket. Interesting."
Hawkins' tone was grim. "We'll have to train harder. Otherwise, we'll be left far behind."
Laffitte twirled his cane, smiling modestly. "The crew growing stronger is always a good thing."
As the men dispersed, Bakara turned to Kaya with a knowing smile.
"Take your time saying goodbye. We'll wait for you on the ship."
The women soon followed, leaving only four behind—Makino, Kaya, Gaimon, and Merry.
Gaimon patted Kaya's shoulder warmly. "Go on. I've said all I need to. Just take care of yourself."
"Those ladies seem kind. You'll be safe with them."
Kaya nodded, her sweet smile unwavering. "I'll call you often, Father."
She turned to Makino, linking arms with her. "Sister Makino, let's go!"
Makino chuckled, brushing back her chestnut hair. "Alright~"
The two walked off, chatting cheerfully.
Merry watched them go, his expression soft. "After this journey, the young lady will return far more mature."
Gaimon sighed in contentment. "Kaya's too sheltered. She needs to see the world."
"Only then will her life be truly fulfilling."
On the deck of the Chris Pirates' ship…
Burgess scratched his head, staring toward the training area. "There's one thing I still don't get."
Doc Q smirked eerily. "Struggling to understand why I'm stronger than you?"
Burgess shot him a glare. "Everyone knows the captain's a training maniac—cold as a machine."
"So why the hell do so many women like him? What's the secret?"
Agin scoffed. "No secret. He's just the captain."
Hawkins flipped a card, his voice lifeless. "Destiny shows… the captain is fated to attract women."
Law leaned on Kikoku, smirking. "One thing's certain—he has Conqueror's Haki."
"Men with that aura naturally draw others in. Women can't resist it."
Kuro adjusted his glasses. "Strong men always have admirers. It's only natural."
Laffitte ignored their chatter, turning to Van Augur. "Well? How does it feel?"
Van Augur, for once, allowed a faint smile. "Perfect. As expected."
With a whoosh, he vanished.
A moment later, he phased up through the deck, solidifying again.
Laffitte grinned. "Your enemies are in for a nightmare."
"The 'Assassin King'… suits you well."
The crew erupted in cheers.
"Van Augur-sama is unbeatable!"
"That marksmanship combined with this power? Absolutely broken!"
"Van Augur-sama for next division commander! HAHAHA!"
"I've always believed in him! The best of the best!"
Five days later…
Burgess, drenched in sweat from training Armament Haki, cursed loudly.
"Damn it! It's been days—still no sign of that damn ship!"
"Why don't we just charge into the Grand Line? Why waste time here?"
Doc Q leaned against the mast, smirking. "Why not ask the captain directly?"
"Surely he owes the crew an explanation."
Burgess glared. "Stop trying to get me killed!"
Agin, resting nearby, muttered. "Relax. Worst case, you get beaten half to death."
Kuro adjusted his glasses calmly. "With Bakara here, that ship will appear eventually."
"Its fate… is already sealed."
Van Augur tapped his rifle against his shoulder. "No need to doubt."
Suddenly—
"GREAT NEWS! THE BEST NEWS!!"
A lookout's voice boomed from the crow's nest, trembling with excitement.
"I SEE IT! THE MYSTERIOUS SHIP!!"
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: The Legendary Ship's Secret! Chris Pirates' Next Power-Up!
Author's Note:
Pass-Pass Fruit : Grants intangibility—similar to the Doa Doa no Mi (Door-Door Fruit), but with broader phasing capabilities.
Van Augur's new ability makes him a true nightmare for enemies—imagine a sniper who can shoot through walls!
The "Mysterious Ship"—what secrets does it hold? Is it connected to the Void Century?
What do you think the ship is? Let me know in the comments!
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T/N:
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