The shockwaves from the vaporized Gate of Justice bought the Straw Hats priceless freedom, but the resulting bounty increase was astronomical. Kenji's bounty now stood at a terrifying $3,000,000,000 Berries, solidifying his status as the most wanted man outside of the Yonko.
Aboard the newly reinforced Thousand Sunny, the crew settled into the chaotic waters of the New World. Their next acquisition came in the murky shadows of the Florian Triangle.
The encounter with the bizarre, drifting horror of the Thriller Bark ship was inevitable. Kenji had known of its existence, but he allowed the crew to follow the currents, keen to encounter the final pre-timeskip member, Brook, and gain a critical power upgrade.
Brook, the living skeleton, drifted into view, requesting a peek at panties. While the crew reacted with shock, Kenji focused on the unique nature of the skeleton's power: the Yomi Yomi no Mi (Revive-Revive Fruit).
"You there! Skeleton-san!" Kenji called out, waving the musician aboard.
Kenji touched Brook's skeletal hand as he stepped onto the deck.
• Target: Yomi Yomi no Mi (Soul/Afterlife concept).
• Copying...
• Apex Enhancement Active...
• Resulting Ability: [Apex: Absolute Soul & Life Mastery] Acquired. (Full, absolute control over life essence, soul manipulation, consciousness transference, and the ability to instantly resurrect any being).
"Welcome aboard, Brook-san," Kenji greeted him warmly. "I just copied the essence of your ability. I can now not only feel your soul but ensure it is permanently anchored to your body. You are the Apex of the Revive-Revive Fruit."
Brook, already a walking miracle, stared at Kenji, his empty sockets widening. "A man who understands the nuances of the soul! Yohohoho! I have found my true eternal home!"
Kenji had not only gained the ultimate life-essence power but had instantly alleviated Brook's greatest existential fear, securing his loyalty and ensuring his permanent place on the crew.