Chapter 56: 56. Awe Decreases, Loyalty Increases

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- Yamato couldn't fully grasp the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit yet, but from Laffitte's reaction alone, she knew how precious it was. Pointing to himself uncertainly, she asked, "You... you're giving it to me?!" Alex nodded. "Of course, Yamato. Don't you want to keep following me? If you eat this fruit, you'll become one of the most fearsome powers on the sea—and one of the strongest retainers by my side." This was the best choice Alex could make after careful consideration. There was no guarantee that the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi-no-Makami would ever appear in Wanokuni, or even end up in Kaido's possession. Rather than relying on such uncertainties, he saw greater potential in a top-tier Logia, especially with her natural affinity to thunder. If it had been anyone else, he might have hesitated. But Yamato's straightforward resolve made the decision easy. Yamato's eyes filled with determination as she accepted the Rumble-Rumble Fruit. "I swear, I'll become the strongest by your side, like Uncle King!" "That makes two of us!" Perona huffed from her floating perch, then impatiently urged Yamato, "Hurry up, eat it! Let's see what happens!" With everyone's eager eyes on her, Yamato took a deep breath and bit into the fruit. Her face twisted with disgust at the revolting taste, but she forced himself to swallow it down. Those who had eaten Devil Fruits knew the unique agony of gaining powers—but what followed was the start of a profound transformation. "Quick, quick, what can you do now?!" "They say Logia users can turn their whole bodies into their element!" As the crew murmured in anticipation, Yamato raised her hands and, with a crackling sound, blue-white lightning began to arc from her palms, quickly surrounding her entire body. The sheer energy radiating from her was awe-inspiring, and the raw power of lightning, one of nature's fiercest forces, left no room for doubt. Maria and the others instinctively took a step back, forming a wide circle around her. Yamato clenched her fists, testing her control. Sparks shot into the air, before suddenly converging into a massive bolt that crashed down onto the island below, leaving a scorched crater in its wake. "This is amazing!" Yamato exclaimed, grinning as the lightning crackled across her body. "I feel like I've got an endless supply of power! I can control the lightning however I want!" To demonstrate, Yamato turned entirely into lightning, reappearing at the cabin door in a flash, then just as quickly teleporting back to Alex's side. "An impressive display," Laffitte said, nodding. "Logia fruits are known to grant power to anyone who eats them. But Yamato, you have an exceptional one. That feeling of endless energy might be due to your physical strength—it's not truly limitless," he added with a smile, impressed by the Alex's trust in Yamato. After all, Yamato was Kaido's daughter. The fact that Alex had given her such a powerful Logia Fruit, despite the likely reaction from Kaido if he found out, showed how highly Alex valued and trusted her. "Remember, in this world, electricity is immensely versatile," Alex said. "It has unparalleled speed, range, and destructive power. Develop it well, Yamato; it's your ticket to becoming one of the strongest." Yamato nodded, grinning from ear to ear. With the Rumble-Rumble Fruit explained, everyone turned their attention to the other two items Alex had brought aboard. Meeting their curious looks, Alex opened the package, revealing an assortment of shell-shaped objects inside. "These are Sky Island dials, a unique specialty of Sky Island," he explained. "Some of these Dials are used in daily life—like Lamp Dials, Stove Dials, Heat Dials, Water Dials, and Tone Dials—while others are made for combat. I brought them back for research in Wanokuni. Who knows? They could even become a new specialty of our own." The shells were inexpensive but had useful and unique properties, so Alex had stocked up, carrying a large bag full. "And this..." Alex gestured toward the ancient stone tablet he had brought. "This is a Poneglyph, an ancient stone inscribed with lost history. Since we have a scholar aboard who can read it, I thought it worthwhile to bring back for study." Everyone naturally turned to Robin. "Thank you, Captain Alex," Robin said, both touched and slightly flustered. "I've actually already examined it." The Golden Bell, situated far in Shandora, was indeed difficult to reach, but it seemed Robin had managed to explore it with her Flower-Flower Fruit powers, even in the short time they'd been there. Seeing no further need for it, Alex decided to return the Poneglyph to Shandora. "So, what did it say?" Maria asked, curious. "Does it have anything to do with that 'Void Century' history you're always looking for?" Robin hesitated. The Poneglyph hadn't contained any information on the Void Century. Instead, its inscription was something entirely different—something of immense importance. "Share what you're comfortable with," Alex said, noting her pause. "As I mentioned when we first met, I have little interest in past histories or even the Ancient Weapons some texts may refer to. If you feel comfortable, say as much as you like." "From the look on your face, I'd guess it has to do with one of those Ancient Weapons." At Alex's words, Laffitte, Koshiro, and Hogback exchanged shocked glances. They knew well the significance of the Ancient Weapons, rumored to possess power capable of reshaping the seas. After a moment of thought, Robin nodded. "Yes... this Poneglyph reveals the location of one of the Ancient Weapons, Poseidon." As she paused, Alex stepped forward. "Poseidon... that's the one located on Fish-Man Island, correct?" Robin's eyes widened. "You... you already knew?!" "Is it true, Captain?!" The others looked on in shock, awed by Alex's knowledge of such closely guarded secrets. "Surprising, isn't it?" Alex replied nonchalantly. Surprising indeed! Hogback was barely holding in his astonishment. Poseidon, the weapon capable of commanding all Sea Kings, was something the world only dreamed of finding. And here it was, discussed openly on this ship! "If I told you I also know the location of Pluton?" Alex continued with a smile. "The Poneglyphs, after all, were originally carved by artisans of the old Wanokuni. As a Shogun, it's only natural I would know a thing or two." Of course, this was a calculated lie, but no one present had any reason to doubt him. Alex shared this information deliberately, aware that he was surrounded by his own loyal retainers, with no risk of betrayal. Speaking openly served another purpose as well: to ease Robin's persistent doubts. The effect was immediate. While the others were still reeling, Robin fell into deep thought, piecing together Alex's words. Her life experiences had taught her to be wary of anyone seeking her out; more often than not, people approached her either for her bounty or for her ability to interpret Poneglyphs, particularly those referencing the Ancient Weapons. When Alex had first approached her, she suspected he was no different—despite his claim of disinterest in the weapons and his assurance that he simply valued her skills. But now, in this moment, Robin saw the truth in his words. Could it be that Alex truly didn't care about the Ancient Weapons? That he'd chosen her simply for her abilities and potential as an ally? Over the past few days, Robin had learned the duties of her new role—a manager, something akin to a secretary, who could support Alex directly. The thought that he'd risk taking in a fugitive pursued by the World Government, for no reason other than her talents, stirred something in her. For the first time, Robin felt a faint warmth replace her usual wariness around Alex. She looked at him not with awe, but with a new sense of loyalty and closeness.