Chapter 84: The Awakened Power Unleashed
If this had been back in the East Blue, dealing with small-time pirates, would he have even considered such things?
For now, without more experience or evidence, he could still be certain that he was Jock Ian, with his own "self" and "individuality" intact.
"Peacock..." Ian began, a faint smile touching his lips. "Are you asking me if I'm still human? I wasn't a dog to begin with, so how could I turn into one?"
His witty retort broke the tension, and laughter rippled through the group. Peacock herself chuckled, the unnecessary doubts in her heart dispelled by his casual confidence.
"This secret is unknown to Headquarters. Even my teacher, Vice Admiral Garp, doesn't know." Ian's tone turned serious again. "In this world, only the five of us know I am an Awakened user. Do you understand what that means?"
The four of them immediately stopped laughing, their expressions turning solemn. They looked at him with unwavering loyalty.
Skylark was the first to speak, her voice firm. "Major General Ian, I would die before revealing this secret."
Nami followed, her determination clear. "I wouldn't tell even if I died ten times. I know nothing!"
Peacock met his gaze squarely. "This is the highest trust a leader can give. You could kill me, and I would not speak of it."
T-Bone simply nodded, his deep voice resonating. "And I."
Seeing their resolve, Ian knew his trust was not misplaced. He couldn't keep the secret of his awakening forever. Before arriving at Headquarters, he had set a goal: the secret would not be revealed until he possessed the strength to contend with the New World's powerhouses. He was far stronger now than when he first arrived. Telling his most loyal followers was acceptable, especially since they needed to adapt to the abilities he was about to demonstrate before they faced another powerful enemy.
"Is there any need for further declarations?" Ian asked. "Everyone, step back. I will now demonstrate the unique Awakened technique of the Human-Human Fruit. Pay close attention. Feel it carefully. If you feel mental pressure, do not resist, or you may be hurt."
Following his instructions, they quickly created distance, their eyes fixed on him, full of anticipation. They expected a physical transformation—what form would an Awakened Human-Human Fruit user take?
What happened next defied all expectations.
[Five Senses Severance] - Activated!
Thud!
Thud!
...
In an instant, all four cadres were utterly deprived of their five senses, collapsing to the ground in a neat row before they could even register what was happening.
Ian released the skill just as quickly as he had activated it.
The four officers struggled to their feet, their faces pale with shock. Awe and a tinge of fear filled their hearts.
"Major General Ian, is this the power of the Awakened Human-Human Fruit?" Peacock stammered. "It's... terrifying! I just... lost everything!"
"I couldn't speak, couldn't hear, lost all sense of touch..." T-Bone murmured, his usual stoicism shattered. "I was completely helpless."
"This is beyond any ordinary Zoan ability!" Skylark exclaimed. "It's incomprehensible!"
"So, we were being controlled?" Nami asked, her voice trembling slightly. "The Awakened Human-Human Fruit can... control others?"
The scene erupted with their shocked reactions. Ian had anticipated this.
His Zoan-type fruit was not normal. It could not be compared to others.
"Alright, that was the application for enemies," Ian explained calmly. "Just to give you a feel for it. What you truly need to familiarize yourselves with is the application for allies." He looked at each of them. "As you surmised, after my fruit Awakened, I gained the ability to control my own five senses, and the five senses of those weaker than me within a certain range. This is [Five Senses Severance]."
He paused, letting the concept sink in.
"And since I can control the five senses... what if I targeted my teammates?"
The four of them understood instantly, speaking in unison: "You could enhance them!"
Ian smiled in affirmation. "Correct. Now, feel the change in your basic abilities when your five senses are heightened. You must learn to adapt to this sudden sensory surge under any circumstances." His voice took on a decisive edge. "I've named this ability... [ZONE Mode]."
…
Back in the Present - Grove 16
Ian focused his will, activating the dual applications of his Awakened power simultaneously.
[ZONE Mode] enveloped his four subordinates.
[Five Senses Severance] fell upon the Blackbeard Pirates.
"Move out!" Ian's voice cut through the grove, a domineering declaration of their fate. "Leave none alive!"
In that moment, the true terror of the Awakened Human-Human Fruit was finally revealed.
Van Augur, the sniper, stumbled, his world dissolving into chaos. "Ugh! What's happening? My vision... it's blurring!" He fumbled, his hands feeling numb. "My rifle... where is it? It was just in my hands!" A primal fear seized him. "Whose Devil Fruit power is this?"
His vision wasn't completely gone, but it was fading fast. Through the haze, he saw a petite figure streaking toward him with impossible speed.
It was Skylark.
Hiss... Skylark took a sharp breath. Even with prior training, truly utilizing [ZONE Mode] in combat made her heart race.
Her vision was sharper than a hawk's, allowing her to see every minute twitch in Van Augur's deteriorating posture. As a sniper, her talent for finding flaws was now magnified exponentially. Van Augur, his senses being systematically stripped away, was a canvas of vulnerabilities.
What thrilled her more was the terrifying boost to her movement speed. The enhanced tactile feedback from her feet allowed for perfect, efficient motion, translating force into breathtaking velocity. In the blink of an eye, she was before him.
The barrel of her high-tech rifle pressed against Van Augur's forehead.
Boom!
An explosive round fired at point-blank range.
Sparks mixed with blood, marking the first lethal shot of the battle.
Van Augur, the "Supersonic" sniper of the Blackbeard Pirates, was dead before he hit the ground.