"Devil Fruit Encyclopedia? What's that?"
The moment Padong heard something new, his eyes lit up. He tossed aside his fishing rod and bounced over excitedly.
Betty glanced at the little guy and explained coolly,
"A book that records Devil Fruits. That's all you need to know."
"Finally! We know what this fruit does! Quick, tell me—maybe it suits me!
Burgess had been itching to eat the fruit ever since he got it, but no one knew what it was, so they hadn't dared touch it.
Baccarat handed him the fruit with a charming smile.
"See for yourself. Check the book."
She flipped to the page on the Soundwave Fruit.
"Transforms your voice into laser cannons...
The louder the roar, the stronger the blast..."
Burgess was fired up. He threw his arms into the air and let out a booming laugh:
"This is perfect for me! Wahahahaha—!"
Doc Q coughed, eyes on the girls.
"What did the Captain say? Did he want Burgess to eat it?"
Burgess quickly followed up,
"Yeah! Did he say I was a good fit? Come on, tell me!"
Sweetheart Queen rolled her eyes, voice full of sarcasm.
"You think Chris is the type to say something like that?"
"He didn't even show up. You expect a speech?"
Betty looked at Burgess and said calmly,
"He said: You decide for yourself."
"Yup. Just that."
Baccarat waved her hand, stopping them from bickering further.
"Chris is deep in training. He's not the type to interfere with stuff like this."
"But personally, I think this fruit really does suit you."
Doc Q gave a twisted grin.
"That's our Captain. Doesn't bother with the small stuff."
Burgess shrugged.
"Captain's cold-blooded. Doesn't care about his crew at all."
"But this fruit—hell yeah, I'm eating it!"
With that, he took a huge bite.
Blegh—!
His face instantly twisted into disgust, turning a nasty shade of purple.
Sweetheart Queen chuckled, covering her mouth.
"Hahaha! That look is priceless!"
Betty shook her head, half-laughing.
"Ugh. That reminds me of when I ate my Devil Fruit. Disgusting experience."
Padong bounced around, eyes full of excitement.
"Captain Burgess, show us your power! I bet it's amazing!"
"Watch and be amazed!"
Burgess strutted to the railing and looked out over the sea.
RRAAAHHHHH—!!
A bluish-white glow gathered in his throat.
With a roar, a laser-like beam shot out, tearing across the surface of the sea.
BOOM—!!
A loud explosion echoed across the ocean. Waves surged from the impact, force terrifying.
Everyone was stunned.
"Captain Burgess, you're awesome!!"
The crew, scattered around the ship, erupted in cheers and applause.
Sweetheart Queen stared wide-eyed.
"What a terrifying fruit… so powerful!"
Betty flicked away her cigarette.
"This one's definitely a heavy hitter. Take a direct hit, and…"
She shook her head, not finishing the thought.
Baccarat smiled at Burgess.
"Congrats, Captain Burgess. Looks like the First Division Commander spot is yours."
The praise made Burgess beam with pride. He raised his arms and laughed wildly:
"Wahahahahaha!"
Doc Q gave him a sly look.
"Burgess, I think your chance has come… go challenge the Captain."
"Hell no! You trying to get me killed? Screw off!"
Burgess barked back.
"You wanna die, go challenge him yourself! I still wanna live a few more years!"
Padong bounced and clapped.
"That was so cool! This fruit is awesome!*"
Baccarat smiled, arching her brow.
"Alright, let's head back to the training room."
The three women giggled and walked off to keep watching Chris's training.
Four days later.
Near the waters of Conlinia Town.
In the training room—
"Chris, take a break from training—we've hit another stroke of luck."
Baccarat leaned back in her chair, legs crossed elegantly, eyes shining as she looked at the imposing man in front of her.
Sweetheart Queen's eyes lit up, her stunning face full of anticipation.
"More good luck? Oooh, I can't wait to see what it is this time!"
Betty shrugged and looked at Baccarat, impressed.
"Every time you say that, I get chills. Your fruit ability is honestly incredible."
Chris wiped the sweat from his body and tossed the towel aside.
"Then let's go ashore."
He walked to the door, no hesitation.
The three beauties followed, no questions asked.
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T/N:
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