ONE PIECE: Lone Sails

January 12, 1503

Submarine, East China Sea

Four days had passed since Noah's call with Morgans, and he and Vic pressed on with their undersea treasure hunt. Over this period, they'd explored seventeen sunken ships, amassing over 60 million Berries' worth of gold, silver, and jewelry. Miscellaneous finds included Log Poses, swords, parchment treasure maps, telescopes, Adam Wood furniture, stone tablets with cryptic carvings, and a few barely legible logbooks.

As the submarine neared the Reverse Mountain Canal, the density of wrecks increased, a testament to the route's perilous traffic. However, their vessel's maximum diving depth of 100 meters limited their reach—wrecks beyond 200 meters remained inaccessible without Vic's diving efforts.

In a shallower stretch of sea, Noah's Observation Haki detected a massive wreck, though its depth hovered around 220 meters. After a brief discussion, they decided to test their luck. Vic suited up and descended, his searchlight cutting through the murky depths.

The wreck's sheer size became apparent as Vic approached—a colossal ship, its hull dwarfing their previous finds. A faded emblem caught his eye: a lion's head flanked by three swords. After a moment's recollection, he recognized it as the sigil of the Tris Kingdom, north of the Pole Star Islands.

Inside, the cabins brimmed with boxes of gold, silver, and jewelry—an astonishing haul that left Vic momentarily stunned. After regaining his composure, he scoured the wreck, eventually returning to the submarine with two small boxes cradled in his arms.

Noah examined the contents, his eyes widening as Vic recounted the discovery. Cross-referencing his East China Sea intel, he pieced together the story: in 1422, eighty-one years ago, the Tris Kingdom lost a treasure ship laden with celestial gold to a storm near Rogue Town. Salvage attempts had been futile—storms scattered wrecks across vast seas, and the technology to recover them was scarce. The proximity to the Calm Belt, with its frequent Sea King sightings, further deterred efforts. Without Conqueror's Haki, Noah mused, even he might have met a grim fate facing such creatures underwater.

Over two days, they stripped the wreck bare, amassing treasures worth approximately 2 billion Berries—a fraction of the 10 billion typically demanded for celestial tribute, but a fortune nonetheless. With this haul, Noah's financial worries for the next few years evaporated. Eager to secure their gains, they abandoned further exploration and set course for Rogue Town.

Rogue Town

Evening, Following Day

After a discreet landing and a night's rest near Rogue Town, Noah received Morgans' confirmation. Returning to the familiar basement of the World Economic News branch, he verified the Devil Fruit encyclopedia and Paradise navigation data. Satisfied, he delivered the promised intel on Kaido.

"Last year, Kaido completed his coup in Wano, deceiving and eliminating Kozuki Oden and his family," Noah revealed.

Morgans, aware of Oden's significance as a former Whitebeard and Roger crew member, grasped the implications. Wano's isolation and Kaido's suppression had kept this news under wraps—its exposure could spark a clash between the Whitebeard and Beasts Pirates. Both parties concluded the transaction, pleased with their respective gains.

Noah sealed the hefty books into a card and slipped out of the branch, altering his appearance multiple times before departing Rogue Town in his submarine under the cover of early morning darkness.

Evening, Starfish Island

Orchard Study

Back at the manor, Noah retreated to his study, laying out the three Devil Fruits alongside Morgans' encyclopedia. He began the identification process with meticulous care.

Black Melon-Shaped Fruit: Paramecia—Graphite Fruit. A creation-oriented fruit, focused on material manipulation rather than physical enhancement or supernatural powers. Red Banana-Shaped Fruit with Scales: Zoan—Fish-Fish Fruit, Carp Model. A common species, offering aquatic transformation but little combat utility. White Peach-Shaped Fruit with Fuzz: Zoan—Human-Human Fruit, Silverback Gorilla Model. A common species with significant physical potential, ideal for strength and durability.

The Carp Fruit was underwhelming, but the Graphite Fruit and Silverback Gorilla Fruit held promise.

Dinner Time

Manor Dining Room

Noah presented the three Devil Fruits to the group, detailing their abilities. "The Carp Fruit is lackluster," he admitted. "Any takers for the Graphite Fruit or Silverback Gorilla Fruit?"

Joshua grimaced. "Brother, that Carp Fruit is pitiful."

The group deliberated. Vic spoke first. "I'll pass. I'm focusing on the Six Styles and Haki. If my progress stalls later, I'll consider a Devil Fruit."

Lilith shook her head. "Neither suits me." Lillian and Mary echoed her sentiment—graphite and gorillas held little appeal for the girls.

Ajie, the youngest, hesitated before speaking. "Brother Noah, could I have the Graphite Fruit?"

Noah smiled warmly. "As our designated boatman, it's a fitting choice. It's yours."

"Thanks, Brother Noah!" Ajie took the fruit eagerly, biting into it with determination. His face contorted at the taste—bitter and revolting—but he pressed on, swallowing it whole under Noah's guidance.

Noah had emphasized this approach: while a single bite granted the fruit's power, consuming it entirely was a test of courage and willpower. In a world where idealism influenced strength, and Haki was tied to resolve, this act could subtly enhance one's potential. Ajie's resolve shone through as he finished, grimacing but triumphant.

The group watched, a mix of admiration and relief in their eyes. With Ajie's initiation, another pillar of their growing strength was forged—a step closer to the future Noah envisioned.