None of the Revolutionary Army cadres spoke.
A decision of this magnitude, one that would shape the future of the entire organization, could only be made by their leader. Still, the tension was evident on every face, unease, hesitation, and concern lingering in their expressions.
Dragon stared at the Devil Fruit in Ash's hand for a long time.
At last, he clenched his teeth, stepped forward, took it, and bit into it.
At first, he had been conflicted. But in that instant, clarity settled in his mind.
With Ash's strength, if he truly intended to target the Revolutionary Army, there would be no need for such elaborate measures. If that was the case, there was no reason to hesitate.
The moment he swallowed the fruit, Dragon felt the change within his body. His expression shifted immediately, a trace of astonishment followed by unmistakable joy.
"Wait for me," he said quickly before rushing out of the meeting room.
The others exchanged confused glances.
Moments later, Dragon returned, completely drenched.
"My abilities haven't changed," he declared, his voice firm with certainty. "And I am completely unaffected by Seastone!"
He turned to Ash without hesitation.
"Lord Ash, please, help us replace the Devil Fruits of all Revolutionary Army members. I ask this of you."
"No problem," Ash replied easily. "Everything is for the sake of overthrowing the World Government."
The words sounded noble, but inwardly, Ash was thoroughly pleased.
There were at least seven or eight Devil Fruit users within the Revolutionary Army. With a few carefully chosen words, he had avoided a potential conflict and gained everything he wanted.
A perfect outcome.
Among them, Dragon possessed a Logia-type wind-based ability. Bartholomew Kuma had the Paw-Paw Fruit.
Emporio Ivankov wielded the Horm-Horm Fruit, while Inazuma used the Snip-Snip Fruit.
Karasu controlled the Soot-Soot Fruit, and his deputy possessed the Cook-Cook Fruit.
Belo Betty had the Pump-Pump Fruit, and Morley wielded the Push-Push Fruit.
Sole Mission: Devil Fruit Collection Count [114 / 500]
With the fruits secured, Ash was just about to return to Hachinosu Island when Sabo, who had left earlier with Luffy, returned and stepped into his path.
Ash raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
"Lord Ash," Sabo said, lowering his head, "Ace has completely abandoned the idea of becoming a pirate. He has joined the Revolutionary Army. If possible, please remove the Seastone from his body. With his strength restored, he can play a crucial role in the assault on Mary Geoise. I ask this of you."
As his words fell, Koala entered as well, supporting Ace.
Sabo remained bent at a ninety-degree angle, while Ace stood beside him, his gaze clear and resolute.
Ash clicked his tongue internally. Dragon's group truly knew how to reshape people.
In any case, as long as Ace did not return to the path of piracy, his future did not concern Ash. Whether he became a revolutionary or anything else was irrelevant.
Ash lifted his hand slightly.
A fragment of Seastone, still stained with faint traces of blood, appeared instantly in his palm.
"Lord Ash, please wait a moment."
Just as Ash picked up the black blade Shusui and prepared to leave, Koala called out again.
Ash frowned slightly.
"You two really should say everything at once."
His remark caused both Sabo and Koala to flush with embarrassment, though Koala quickly composed herself.
"Lord Ash," she said seriously, "do you still have more of those special Devil Fruits?"
"Of course," Ash replied. "What, are you interested too?"
"If possible."
She bowed deeply, mirroring Sabo's earlier posture.
"The operation against Mary Geoise will require immense strength. I do not want to be left behind. I hope you can lend me a Devil Fruit. After the battle, no matter the cost, I will find one to repay you."
"I ask this of you."
Ash's eyes flickered with interest.
With his current reserves, creating a few Devil Fruits was trivial. More importantly, having an organization like the Revolutionary Army gathering fruits for him across the world was an opportunity he could not ignore.
That said, it depended on whether they understood how to conduct themselves.
"Lord Ash," Dragon added at the right moment, "we have yet to properly thank you for replacing our Devil Fruits. After this battle, the Revolutionary Army will do everything in our power to collect Devil Fruits for you as compensation."
That answer satisfied Ash.
He glanced at Sabo.
With his interference, Sabo would never inherit Ace's Mera Mera no Mi in the future. In that case, there was no reason to leave him empty-handed.
Ash clapped his hands.
Two Devil Fruits appeared instantly.
"Mythical Zoan, Tyrannosaurus model. This one is yours," Ash said, tossing it to Koala.
Then he turned to Sabo.
"This one is a Mythical Zoan, Rake-Ear model. Don't ask what that is. Both are Mythical Zoans with strong fire-based properties. Use them well."
Sabo had not expected such an outcome. While he had been focused on Koala's request, he now found himself holding a powerful fruit as well.
The two accepted without hesitation, repeatedly promising that after the battle, they would repay Ash by gathering more Devil Fruits for him.
Ash nodded, then swept his gaze across the room.
"That's everything, right? No one else has anything to say?"
A few members hesitated.
They clearly wanted to ask for fruits as well, but unlike Sabo and Koala, they lacked both the familiarity and the nerve to speak.
Seeing no one step forward, Ash turned to Dragon instead and pulled him aside.
"Dragon, have you thought about your slogans and propaganda for the attack on Mary Geoise?"
"Slogans? Propaganda?" Dragon repeated.
"You need both," Ash said. "You have Belo Betty and her ability. How can you not understand this? You need to boost your army's morale, and you need to show the world that the Revolutionary Army fears neither the Celestial Dragons nor their authority. Let the kingdoms see that you can bring them down. That's how you gain support."
Dragon nodded slowly.
"I see. Since you bring it up, do you have any suggestions?"
Ash grinned.
"I do. I've got an opening statement that suits you perfectly."
He leaned closer and spoke in a low voice.
After a brief exchange, Ash straightened, clearly satisfied.
Without another word, he opened a space gate and departed with Sali.
...
New World, Hachinosu Island.
The space gate opened wide.
Ash and Sali stepped through.
Ash was mid-sentence, laughing.
"Haha, Shurima, your emperor…"
His words cut off abruptly.
He stared at the chaotic scene before him, eyes narrowing.
"…What exactly happened here?"
===
Get access to the entire catalog on Patreon, where all chapters are conveniently organized into collections.
If you prefer not to pay for a monthly membership, this is a more affordable option that gives you access to the content you want.
(Buying the collection gives you access to all chapters in it.)
Search for "_Zeph" on P@treon to get started.