Fruit Choice

In the Fleet Admiral's office at Marine Headquarters, Senga looked at the three boxes before him, thinking they must be the Devil Fruits awarded this time by Headquarters.

Sengoku didn't play coy and directly introduced the contents of the boxes to Senga.

"These three boxes contain the rewards for being first in your assessment, three Devil Fruits for you to choose from."

Upon confirmation, Senga nodded. Next came the information on the three fruits. According to previous intel, the fruits awarded for first place were always recorded in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, to prevent a person's future from being ruined by a trash fruit.

Seeing Senga's indifferent reaction, Sengoku assumed he was worried about the quality of the fruits and continued, "Don't worry, these are all abilities recorded in the encyclopedia. Moreover, I've slightly screened them for you, so they shouldn't disappoint."

Senga gave Sengoku a surprised look. The Fleet Admiral himself had screened them? He was really afraid the backdoor he'd opened wasn't wide enough, was he now directly leading him?

Regardless, Senga accepted his gratitude. Sengoku had already helped him a lot, as had Zephyr.

Although a large part of their help stemmed from his talent and strength, the fact remained that they had helped him. A gentleman judges actions, not intentions, right?

He had to show some reciprocation too. It wasn't good to always be indebted to others. He wondered how Corazon was doing now.

Senga knew Sengoku cared deeply for Corazon. In the anime, upon hearing of Corazon's death, Sengoku had wept uncontrollably, showing his grief. Therefore, if he had the chance, he would help save Corazon.

Sengoku, unaware of Senga's thoughts, continued his introduction of the Devil Fruits.

"The one on the far right is the Paramecia-type Scythe Fruit. Its ability is to generate air slash attacks like a sharp scythe, with considerable offensive power."

"The one in the middle is the Zoan-type Cat-Cat Fruit: Ancient Saber-toothed Tiger Form. It enhances your physical abilities more balancedly, but it might have a certain impact on your personality."

As he spoke of the last fruit, Sengoku deliberately looked up at Senga. Seeing that he had no reaction to the first two fruits, he thought, I knew this kid had high standards. These two fruits alone would have people fighting tooth and nail on the outside, yet he doesn't even care.

But no matter how high your standards, I don't believe you can remain unmoved by this last fruit? This is a treasure among treasures for the Marines. Compared to this last one, the first two are just a prelude.

Thinking this, Sengoku maintained his tone as he introduced the final fruit.

"And this last one, it's also a Zoan-type, but a rarer Mythical Zoan. Its name is the Cat-Cat Fruit: Matatabi Form!"

Upon hearing the name, Senga's expression finally changed. It wasn't just because the last fruit was a precious Mythical Zoan, but more so because of its name.

Isn't this a Tailed Beast from my past life? Senga was a bit disoriented, but then he thought, There really is a Matatabi in Japanese mythology. They must be two different creatures.

Seeing Senga's expression finally change, Sengoku thought, Little brat, are you stunned by my generosity? Do you know the weight of a Fleet Admiral's influence?? I personally retrieved this one. It seems you know your stuff.

"I'll take this Matatabi Fruit!"

Senga no longer needed to deliberate and made his choice.

Seeing that Senga had indeed chosen the Matatabi Fruit, Sengoku stroked his small mustache with satisfaction. He pushed the box containing the Matatabi Fruit towards Senga and asked, "Are you going to eat this fruit now, or do some preparation?"

"Now!"

Senga didn't want to dawdle. The moment the box was pushed in front of him, his eyes felt hot, and an uncontrollable, strong craving arose in his heart. Ever since absorbing the Door-Door Fruit, Devil Fruits had become like poppies to him.

Seeing Senga's eagerness, Sengoku thought, He's just a young man, so impatient. But it's understandable. Eating a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, as long as one's body isn't too weak, can secure a place for them on the seas.

However, Devil Fruits taste awful. Sengoku had eaten one himself and still couldn't forget the taste. They say it tastes worse than feces. He certainly hadn't eaten feces, but he could be sure that statement wasn't an exaggeration at all.

So, upon hearing that Senga intended to eat the Devil Fruit immediately, Sengoku stared intently at Senga, ready to witness his "ate feces" expression.

However, what happened next was destined to disappoint Sengoku. Senga opened the box, revealing a black fruit that resembled an apple. He then slammed it, activating the Preta Path ability. In moments, the fruit degenerated into a normal red apple.

To Senga, a whole Devil Fruit was merely a special energy body. He didn't even need the Human Path's cooperation; he could directly absorb the ability using the Preta Path, saving effort, energy, and worry!

Having completed the absorption, Senga clapped his hands and pushed the box back to Sengoku, indicating he was finished.

Sengoku's eyes were about to pop out. He looked at the big red apple on the table, then back up at Senga, and asked, "Done?"

"Done."

Just like that!? Where's the promised "ate feces" face? And what kind of eating method was that? Why is it so different from how I did it back then? Sengoku was truly losing his composure.

Senga touched his right eye. A new tomoe had appeared in his right Rinnegan. This time, the feeling was peculiar; he felt as if this tomoe was restless, as if it had a life of its own.

He tried to activate his fruit ability. The next moment, Senga's exposed hands were engulfed in black flames, but there was no burning sensation. Instead, they carried a chilling coldness. Black fur appeared on the skin within the flames, and his fingernails became sharp.

This was a partial Zoan transformation, a combat state Senga favored most. In this state, his attack power, recovery rate, and stamina would all be greatly enhanced, especially the speed characteristic of feline animals, which improved most significantly.

Yet, even after using his ability, the newly formed tomoe in his right eye continued to pulsate, as if trying to break free. This feeling made him uncomfortable and unsure how to resolve it, so he could only temporarily close his right eye.

Seeing his action, Sengoku's heart tightened. He worried that Senga's method of absorbing Devil Fruits had gone wrong, and the problem was with his eyes. That wouldn't do; Senga's eyes were far more precious to the Marines than any Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit! He quickly asked, "What's wrong? Is something uncomfortable with your eyes? Do you want me to call a doctor?"

Senga waved his hand, indicating he was fine. Sengoku remained uneasy and pressed further, "Is there a problem with your absorption method? Can you explain it?"

Honestly, he hadn't intended to ask Senga this. Everyone had their own secrets, especially concerning their own strength. However, he was worried about Senga, so he asked. It could be said that besides Corazon, Uchiha Senga was the junior Sengoku cared about most right now.