One Piece My strange ability

Chapter 17: Devil Fruit

Zephyr didn't answer directly but instead asked Karen a question.

"Are you a Devil Fruit user?"

This time, Karen didn't pretend to be clueless. He had no choice but to admit it, as he couldn't explain the scene that had just occurred otherwise. Since people believed he had eaten a Devil Fruit, he could use that as a convenient cover for his abilities.

He nodded quickly and said:

"Yes."

Zephyr took a puff from his cigar and asked:

"What fruit?"

"It's a Paramecia-type fruit, the Fruit of Speech—a Devil Fruit related to language."

This was an explanation Karen had prepared in advance. Ever since he got the system, his abilities had been somewhat related to language, so this excuse would hold up. With so many types of Devil Fruits in existence, making up a new one wouldn't raise any suspicion.

Sure enough, Zephyr didn't doubt him in the slightest.

"So, when you were testing your power level earlier and shouted out Divine Avoidance and the slogan during the second round, it was all to sync with your Devil Fruit's abilities?"

Zephyr was sharp and quickly understood Karen's previous strange behavior.

"Yes. After all, I've only been with the Marines for a little over two weeks. Without the Devil Fruit, I wouldn't have passed the assessment," Karen admitted, feigning disappointment.

Zephyr chuckled and said:

"You brat, are you showing off to me?"

Karen was startled and asked in confusion:

"What?"

Zephyr glanced at the silent Dominic nearby and asked him:

"What was your power level during the test?"

Dominic scratched the back of his head with an honest smile and replied:

"698."

"And how long have you been training?"

"About 13 years, from childhood to now."

Karen was struck by this. A power level of 698 was undoubtedly impressive, but after 13 years of training?

In Karen's mind, people in this world all seemed to have monstrous physiques. Even a character like Koby, who started as a nobody, could learn advanced techniques like Shave within months and even manage to injure the protagonist.

This world didn't just have geniuses—it had cheats.

But looking at Dominic, a Marine officer, Karen reconsidered. Maybe talent like his was still considered outstanding.

Seeing Karen deep in thought, Zephyr grinned and said:

"Don't sell yourself short. Your potential is terrifying."

Karen sheepishly scratched his head and asked tentatively:

"Then, can I make a request?"

He hadn't forgotten why he had stood up to challenge Dominic in the first place.

Zephyr couldn't help but give Karen a light punch and said:

"Kid, are you kidding me? I already told you—you can make a request if you win. I'm not one to break promises."

Karen winced from the impact, rubbing his shoulder and thinking:

Jealousy! This must be jealousy!

"If you have a request, spit it out. Better now than pestering me about it every day," Zephyr said with curiosity.

"I want to learn Life Return!" Karen blurted out quickly, fearing another punch.

"Where did you hear about Life Return?"

"From a soldier. I heard it allows you to store energy in your body and use it later to restore your vitality."

Karen didn't bother hiding anything and explained honestly:

"I want to learn it so I can keep training without worrying about losing strength."

Zephyr frowned. It was true that Life Return could be used this way, but mastering it took years of practice from a young age.

"You're not wrong. Life Return can achieve that, but it takes a long time to learn. For most people, it only allows them to control their body's organs."

"Except for a few special individuals, Life Return isn't as practical as the Marine Six Styles," Zephyr added.

He recalled that Vice Admiral Onigumo was one of the few who had mastered Life Return to a high level. Combined with his Devil Fruit ability, he could control his hair as if it were additional limbs, allowing him to wield eight swords simultaneously.

Looking at Karen, Zephyr wondered if he had the potential to master Life Return to a high level.

"I can teach you the basics of Life Return, but I doubt you'll succeed. To reach the level you're talking about, you'd have to start training as a child. I advise you not to waste too much time on it."

"So, do you want to make a different request?"

Karen didn't answer but stared at Zephyr with burning determination.

Seeing this, Zephyr sighed, rubbed his forehead, and said angrily:

"Fine. I'll teach you after training. Come to my office later."

"Thank you, Teacher Zephyr!" Karen exclaimed joyfully, finally relaxing.

Zephyr scowled and said:

"Now get out of here!"

---

The training continued as usual, and the earlier episode didn't dampen the recruits' enthusiasm for sparring with their instructors.

Karen returned the borrowed sword to the instructor, thanking him before heading back to his spot. As he walked, he felt the weight of many curious stares.

He had become a celebrity among the recruits—the only one to defeat an instructor.

"Are you really a Devil Fruit user?" Rocinante asked curiously.

Karen explained Zephyr's earlier explanation to Rocinante and Hina.

"Lucky guy," Rocinante said enviously. "I never thought someone like you could get a Devil Fruit."

Hina snorted and teased:

"What kind of person are you, anyway? And why are you here, Hina? This isn't even your section."

"Hina can go wherever Hina wants," Hina retorted smugly.

Karen chuckled but didn't argue.

"Hey, why are you two always bickering?" Rocinante teased with a sly grin.

"What couple? What nonsense are you spouting?" Hina shrieked, flustered.

"Don't play dumb. Everyone knows Karen confessed to you in public. Now that you're hanging around him, doesn't that mean you accepted?"

Karen could only shake his head helplessly.

Hina blushed slightly and muttered:

"Yes, he confessed, but Hina didn't agree."

Rocinante didn't push further but sighed at Karen:

"You're something else. Beating an instructor—that's impressive."

Karen smiled modestly and opened the system interface in his mind.

4936/10,000

His reputation was growing steadily. Though he was still far from the 10,000 mark, he was confident today's events would boost it significantly.

Reputation needed time to spread, but Karen was certain it would soon skyrocket.

******

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