Even though the Straw Hat Pirates were no longer short of funds, Nami's greed remained an instinctive force. To her, a Devil Fruit was not just a mystical power; it represented a massive fortune of at least 100 million Berry. While she didn't dare ask for the Monkey-Monkey Fruit Carl already possessed—given its legendary record of driving away enemies like Kaido and Blackbeard—she was not about to let a new treasure slip through her fingers.
"Over there!" Carl called out, pointing in the direction indicated by the radar.
Sanji immediately adjusted their course, steering the ship toward the signal. While they were in a hurry to reach the North Blue and confront Germa 66, no one in the crew was willing to pass up a literal treasure hunt. Soon, the Thousand Sunny was hovering over a jagged reef where the radar indicated the fruit was located.
Nami, fueled by the prospect of wealth, forgot her usual caution and jumped toward the reef. Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper followed her with wide grins, feeling the same pure excitement they had experienced back in the East Blue.
However, as they prepared to land, the "reef" suddenly shifted and rose out of the water. It wasn't land at all, but the massive dorsal fin of a Sea King that used its body to lure resting animals and birds. The beast opened its ferocious maw, waiting for the four pirates to fall right in.
"You've got some nerve trying to eat us!" Nami shouted, using Geppo to stay airborne. "Luffy, Usopp, Chopper—take it down! The fruit must be on its fin!"
The three moved with murderous intent, easily dodging the creature's snapping jaws. Chopper transformed, his muscles bulging. "Heavy Point! Armament!" He slammed his hoof into the Sea King's head, but a loud metallic clang echoed across the water. Chopper recoiled, nursing his wrist in pain. "Its scales are like armor! Even with Haki, I couldn't break through!".
Luffy's standard rubber punches were similarly bounced back by the beast's natural defense. Seeing this, Usopp took action. He flapped the wings on his back with incredible speed, creating a localized windstorm that rapidly grew into a massive tornado. The swirling winds hoisted the giant Sea King out of its element and into the sky.
Disoriented and vulnerable in the air, the Sea King could do nothing as Luffy jumped up and infused his fist with advanced Armament Haki. A single, heavy blow dented the creature's iron-hard scales, knocking it unconscious instantly. Nami seized the moment, landing on the dorsal fin to retrieve a small, weathered leather bag caught in the scales.
The entire operation took less than a minute. Back on the deck, Nami clutched the dirty bag to her chest, grinning from ear to ear. "The fruit is mine!"
Carl handed her an illustrated guide to Devil Fruits so she could identify her prize. Nami opened the bag to reveal a fruit covered in dense, swirling patterns. Her smile faded slightly as she compared it to the book.
"Zoan-type... Monkey-Monkey Fruit, Ancient Species: Model Gorilla?" Nami sighed, feeling a bit disappointed. "Another monkey fruit? Why is it always monkeys?"
To her, the "monkey" label made it seem like a repeat of the "garbage" fruit Carl carried, though she quickly cheered up when she remembered it was still worth 100 million Berry. For Nami, even a small profit was a victory.
"Nami, since you're in charge, give that fruit to me," Law said suddenly. "Jean Bart needs this power, and it suits him perfectly."
The crew looked at Jean Bart's massive, muscular frame and nodded in agreement. His build already resembled a gorilla; the fruit seemed destined for him.
Nami's eyes instantly turned into Berry symbols. "Sure! That'll be 100 million Berry!"
Despite being part of the same alliance, Nami showed no mercy when it came to business. Law didn't hesitate. Using the power of his Op-Op Fruit, he instantly teleported his entire savings—exactly 100 million—from his room to the deck.
"Deal," Law said.
Carl raised an eyebrow, suspecting Law had just emptied his entire personal treasury for his crewmate. Nami happily hugged the money while tossing the fruit to Jean Bart. The big man caught it, looking deeply moved by Law's gesture.
Urged on by his captain, Jean Bart took a bite. Most people stop after one mouthful due to the legendary foul taste of Devil Fruits, but Jean Bart, moved by Law's sacrifice, insisted on eating the entire thing. The crew, many of whom were fruit users themselves, watched in silent respect. To finish a whole Devil Fruit was the mark of a truly resilient man.
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