The power of the Paw-Paw Fruit

The lightning faded, and the church filled once more with the dim glow of lamplight.

Rock stood where he was, his gaze sweeping between Kuma and Ginny. "Bartholomew Kuma, and Ginny."

"It's been a long time."

Those words were like a pebble dropped into still water.

Kuma visibly froze.

In that instant, he clearly sensed something deeply familiar emanating from Rock—the gentle yet resolute pulse of lightning buried deep in his memories, which had once guided him through the darkness.

Before he could sort out his thoughts, Ginny's voice shot up beside him, strained by overwhelming tension.

"A Marine?!"

Her body tensed almost reflexively, her finger settling beside the shotgun's trigger, her knuckles paling slightly from the force of her grip.

"Did the World Government send you to capture us?!"

Just as she was about to raise the muzzle and aim at Rock, a broad, powerful hand pressed firmly against the barrel.

The muzzle was forced down.

"Ginny, wait."

Kuma's voice was low and restrained, yet carried an unquestionable weight.

Ginny paused, instinctively turning toward him, her eyes full of shock and confusion.

"Kuma...?"

Kuma offered no explanation. He released the barrel and took a few steps forward to stand before Rock, looking straight into eyes as still as the deep sea.

"Vice Admiral Rock."

His tone was earnest, even solemn.

"I can sense... that you mean us no harm."

He paused briefly, as though confirming a memory long sealed away, yet never truly forgotten.

"And—"

Kuma's voice grew quieter, but remained utterly certain.

"You were the one who saved people in God's Canyon back then and guided me..."

"Weren't you?"

The moment those words fell, Ginny's breath caught.

She raised her head in disbelief, her gaze darting between Rock and Kuma.

Images long faded by time seemed to light