NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: CH 9
The Power of the Restoration Fruit
Over the past week, Bai Yu and Kaya had delved deeper into the terrifying potential of the Restoration Fruit.
"It can be seen as a kind of time reversal, restoring things to their previous state," Bai Yu explained, awe in his voice.
"But it's not simply about time or space restoration—it completely defies the laws of the natural world."
The sheer versatility of the Restoration Fruit bordered on the divine, offering limitless possibilities if developed to its full potential.
Kaya had begun envisioning new abilities:
1. Life Restoration: She theorized restoring centenarians to their physical prime, their thirties or forties.
• Unlike Ayin's Regression Regression Fruit, this restoration would be permanent.
2. Death Recovery: If successful, this could grant immortality, bypassing the need for items like Pure Gold or the Immortality Surgery performed by the Ope Ope no Mi.
"Of course, everything comes with a cost. What if it only consumes stamina?" Bai Yu wondered aloud.
Even without tapping into deep conceptual development, the fruit's basic capabilities were already staggering. Bai Yu could only imagine how terrifying its advanced applications could become.
Arlong's End
In the ruins of Arlong Park, Arlong lay in a pool of his own blood, his body pierced by dozens of Nami's Cloud Spears. His jagged nose was broken in half, and his breathing was labored.
Nami descended from the sky, her expression dazed.
The once-terrifying Arlong had been brought to ruin by her own hands.
Eight years of torment.
How many eight years does one have in life?
And her mother—Bell-mère—murdered.
From hope to despair, over and over again. Nami didn't even know how she had survived it all.
Now, it was over.
"Cough… cough…"
Arlong's tenacity kept him alive. Raising his bloodied head, he glared at Nami with hatred.
"Why?! Why is it that after all my years of hard work, you—who've only had the fruit for a few days—can beat me?!"
Nami tilted her head, raising a single finger.
"To be precise, I've only had it for a week. Satisfied?"
"Pfft!"
Arlong vomited blood and collapsed, lifeless.
Killed by anger and humiliation.
Nami pouted. "Hmph, so petty. But…"
Remembering Bai Yu's advice, she muttered, "Better to make sure."
"Chi chi chi!"
More Cloud Spears materialized, stabbing through Arlong's body. She didn't stop until two of them pierced through his head.
Finally, Nami turned away, pale-faced.
"Yuck!"
She doubled over, vomiting. It was the first time she had personally killed so many fish-men.
"Clap, clap, clap!"
Bai Yu approached, applauding casually.
"Well done. Nami the Valkyrie is truly impressive—taking down so many in one shot."
"Hmph, they weren't human," Nami retorted, taking a deep breath.
When she turned around, her eyes widened in shock.
"You… what are you doing?!"
Behind Bai Yu floated Nojiko, bound by two Cloud Chains.
Several villagers, including Genzo, stood nearby, their faces red with anger but too frightened to intervene.
Bai Yu shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? I'm stealing her. And let me be clear—anyone who tries to stop me will die."
"You…!"
Nami glared at Bai Yu but ultimately relented. She rushed to Nojiko's side, unlocking the Cloud Chains.
"Sister, are you okay? He didn't hurt you, did he?"
Nojiko blushed, avoiding eye contact.
What could she say?
That Bai Yu had slapped her rear?
How could she ever explain that without dying of embarrassment?
Bai Yu waved off their reunion, turning to address the gathered villagers.
Bai Yu's Declaration
"Listen up," he began, his voice commanding.
"First: The Arlong Pirates have been destroyed, and it's all thanks to Nami. She's a hero."
Nami's face flushed. "Hero? That's a bit much…"
"Second: All the treasure here will be split among the villagers. Nami wants her hometown to thrive."
Nami's eyes widened in surprise.
"Is this really Bai Yu talking?" she thought.
"Third: My name is Bai Yu. I'm the captain of the Bai Yu Pirates, and I've officially stolen Nojiko!"
The villagers exchanged confused glances.
Nami, on the other hand, stared at Bai Yu with a mix of suspicion and exasperation.
"Is he addicted to stealing people, or does he just have a thing for sisters?" she muttered.
Still, deep down, Nami was relieved. Knowing Nojiko would be traveling with Bai Yu gave her peace of mind.
Thunder and Justice
Bai Yu's voice grew darker as he looked out toward the sea.
"And finally…"
In the distance, several Marine warships approached. Leading them was Colonel Nezumi, the corrupt officer who had worked alongside Arlong.
"I'll deal with them."
"Wan Lei!"
Above, the thunderclouds churned, bolts of lightning striking down with terrifying precision.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The sea exploded into massive waves as the warships were obliterated.
"Ahhhh!"
Screams echoed from the Marine soldiers as they were annihilated by the relentless storm. Not a single one survived.
The villagers stared in stunned silence, their awe of Bai Yu growing.
"You copied my move!" Nami shouted, pointing an accusing finger. "Pay up!"
Bai Yu chuckled. "What about the treasure you've been hoarding all these years?"
Nami's demeanor instantly changed. Smiling sweetly, she leaned in and said softly, "Oh, my dear captain, that treasure is all mine, okay? Let's not talk about such things."
Though her tone was gentle, her underlying threat was clear.
"Fine, fine," Bai Yu relented with a smirk. "Go pack your things. We're leaving."
Next Destination: Goa Kingdom
As the villagers celebrated their freedom, Bai Yu turned to Nami.
"How far is it to Windmill Village?"
"Windmill Village?" Nami asked, confused.
"In the Goa Kingdom," Bai Yu clarified.
"Oh, if we fly with Shima Cloud, it'll take about a week."
Bai Yu nodded, squinting slightly as he gazed toward the horizon.
"Good. Let's head there next."
He didn't know if there were any potential crewmates in the Goa Kingdom, but he was certain of one thing: the journey was just beginning.