The Dark-Dark Fruit Appears

This feeling was very similar to the sudden impulse the Lucky-Lucky Fruit's ability had given him when it guided him to the Five-Clawed Azure Dragon Fruit, only not nearly as intense.

This restless feeling and attraction were probably not even half as strong as before.

Could another Devil Fruit that had developed its own consciousness be drawing him in?

But with an attraction and restless sensation weaker than that of the Five-Clawed Azure Dragon Fruit, its development potential was likely inferior to the Five-Clawed Azure Dragon ability.

More importantly, all nine of Houka's Soul Fires already possessed Devil Fruit abilities. All slots were filled.

Could this Devil consciousness have set its sights on his main body and primary soul?

But for the current Houka, unless absolutely necessary, his main body would not eat a Devil Fruit and leave himself with such a massive fatal weakness.

Unless this ability was truly absurdly powerful.

Still, a Devil Fruit capable of developing its own consciousness had to be immensely powerful.

Even if Houka did not eat it, he would not let such a powerful fruit slip away.

"What's wrong?"

Tsuru tightened her grip on Houka's hand, thinking some sudden incident had occurred.

Was Houka about to provide lightning-fast support?

"It's nothing. Something good is drawing me in." Houka looked into the distance and smiled.

"...Is that another one of your sweet lines?"

Tsuru thought the "something good" Houka mentioned was her. A hint of a smile unconsciously appeared in her cool, aloof eyes.

"..."

"Yes, you are my treasure—the finest treasure of all."

Houka realized Tsuru seemed to have misunderstood him, but he immediately went along with it and followed her lead.

At a time like this, he certainly would not tell her that the "something good" he meant was not Tsuru, but