Ginny pondered Roy's words carefully.
Thinking about how I often need to relay messages and observe situations,
Sometimes it is also necessary to protect oneself or important targets in non-combat environments...
I... I want to choose the ' Hollow-Hollow Fruit '.
Ginny finally decided,
"I feel it will allow me to better assist with some reconnaissance and support tasks."
Even when faced with danger, there are ways to cope.
"A good choice."
Roy nodded.
" The Hollow-Hollow Fruit's potential is far greater than this; develop it well, and it will be a powerful partner."
Ginny happily picked up the Hollow-Hollow Fruit, which emitted a faint pale mist and was shaped somewhat like a pear.
Next up was the CP Five.
All eyes were on these former government agents.
Their loyalty has been tested over time, especially in their ability and obedience demonstrated in assisting Crocodile in building his intelligence network and in previous battles.
But the choices they make at this moment are, to some extent, a reflection of their inner inclinations and future aspirations.
" Lucci," Roy called out.
Lucci stood up expressionlessly and walked silently to the table.
His gaze quickly assessed each fruit.
The leopard form ( Cat-Cat Fruit ) caused his cold eyes to flicker slightly.
But soon, his gaze shifted away.
His gaze swept over the Door-Door Fruit (strategic level) and the More-More Fruit (great potential).
Arms-Arms Fruit (offense and defense combined), Combine-Combine Fruit (creation and destruction)
Cave bears and Ancient Zoan dire wolves (pure violence), Mythical Zoan and Onyudo Fruit (mysterious and powerful)...
Finally, his gaze lingered on the Mythical Zoan Fruit for a few seconds, but his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
While Mythical Zoan certainly possess limitless potential, the specific form and abilities of the " Onyudo " remain unclear.
For a combat machine like Lucci, which pursues absolute control, high efficiency, and precision, the unknown and uncertainty are themselves a risk.
He craves power, but he craves the kind of power that he can fully understand, control, and unleash to its fullest potential.
He remained silent for a long time.
The conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; everyone could feel the cold, focused aura of deliberation emanating from the man.
Finally, Lucci raised his head and looked at Roy, his voice as deep and steady as ever, but with a rare hint of honesty.
" Captain Roy, thank you for your trust."
The fruits here are all very powerful.
but...
What I need is something that perfectly matches my own fighting style.
Among these fruits, the Ancient Zoan and this Mythical Zoan have great potential, but their specific forms are currently unknown.
There is a certain degree of uncertainty regarding what I am pursuing.
Other Paramecia Devil Fruits each have their own unique uses, but...
This is not what I desire at this moment.
Lucci paused slightly, then continued,
I am not denying the power of these fruits.
However, I believe that the suitability of the Devil Fruit is crucial.
Perhaps, something more suited to my abilities will emerge in the future. Until then,
I am willing to continue honing my existing physical techniques, Six Powers, and Haki, and assist Mr. Crocodile in handling intelligence matters.
He chose to give up for the time being.
Roy gave Lucci a deep look.
Roy actually hoped Lucci would choose the Mythical Zoan; a humanoid Mythical Zoan combined with Lucci's physical skills might be a good option.
But since he's not interested, we'll see what happens later.
Roy put away those top-tier Devil Fruits ( Momo, Riki, Fusion, Weapon, Door Door). These fruits certainly had immense potential, but Lucci didn't choose them.
Perhaps it's because he has an almost obsessive standard for "compatibility".
The unknown nature of that " Onyudo " Mythical Zoan dispelled his idea.
"I understand, Lucci."
Roy spoke slowly,
"Your choice is based on a clear understanding of your own path, which is good."
I respect your decision.
Remember your words today, and keep sharpening your claws.
In the future, I will keep an eye out and find that true Devil Fruit that can transform you.
"Yes, Captain."
Lucci nodded slightly, took a step back, and disappeared back into the shadows.
It was as if those candid words had never been spoken.
" Kaku," Roy called out the next person.
Kaku's attitude was relatively relaxed; he walked to the table.
Their gazes were quickly drawn to the " Zoan Ancient Zoan Dog-Dog Fruit in Model: Dire Wolf ".
He is one of the best CP9 members in terms of physical skills, second only to Lucci, and is highly agile and versatile.
The Model: Dire Wolf embodies the agility, cunning, and cooperative fighting instincts of the ancient wolf king.
Its powerful bite and speed complement his fighting style perfectly.
It can greatly enhance his physical attributes, as well as give him a wild fighting instinct and greater mobility.
"Haha~ Captain, I think this 'Dire Wolf' fruit is pretty good!"
Kaku pointed to the grayish-white fruit with wolf-fur-like markings, a look of eager anticipation on his face.
"It feels like it works very well with our Four Sword Style and physical techniques, making us run faster and jump higher."
Bite... oh no, the attack is even more ferocious!
Roy smiled.
"Very good eye, Kaku."
The dire wolf's agility and ferocity, combined with your already flexible and versatile fighting style, truly complement each other.
The Ancient Zoan ' robust physique also allows you to last longer in battle.
Develop it properly, don't waste the power of this ancient predator.
"Understood! I will definitely not let you down!"
Kaku happily picked up the Dire Wolf Fruit and played with it with it, unable to put it down.
Next up is Blueno.
This burly, somewhat introverted former CP9 member,
Their gaze then turned to " Zoan, Ancient Zoan, Bear-Bear Fruit, Model: Cave Bear ".
He possesses considerable strength and is proficient in defensive Six Powers such as Tekkai. The Model: Cave Bear, with its symbolic terrifying power and ultimate defense, seems tailor-made for him.
Simple, straightforward, but incredibly reliable.
As for the Door-Door Fruit, Roy had no intention of letting him eat it.
"Captain, I choose this one," Blueno said in a deep voice, pointing to the Cave Bear Fruit.
"Cave Bear Power: The perfect choice for both attacking and protecting."
Your defense is already excellent; combined with the Cave Bear's physique, you might become the team's strongest shield and most powerful hammer in the future.
Roy affirmed his choice.
Blueno picked up the dark brown, powerful-looking fruit.
Jabra stepped forward, his gaze shifting between the " Paramecia Rust-Rust Fruit " and the " Paramecia Sound Wave Fruit ".
The Rust-Rust Fruit is effective against swordsmen and metal weapons, Sound Wave Fruit has a wide attack range and is unpredictable.
Ultimately, he thought of his usual Shigan and Rankyaku attack methods.
And the many enemies armed with metal weapons that we may face in the future.
"I choose the Rust-Rust Fruit!"
Jabra licked his lips, a somewhat cruel smile appearing on his face.
"Let those bastards who rely on swords and armor taste the bitterness of rust! Kagaga~"
"Okay!"
Roy reminded him,
" The Rust-Rust Fruit's ability is effective in causing damage, but its development should not be limited to destruction."
Consider how to combine the corrosive properties with other attacks, or develop more sophisticated ways to utilize them.
Also, be careful to control the situation and avoid accidentally injuring your own people.
"Understood, Captain!" Jabra grabbed the Rust-Rust Fruit, his eyes gleaming with the glint of experimenting with new abilities.
Finally, there's Kalifa.
This former only woman in CP9 now primarily assists Stella and Scarlet with paperwork and internal affairs.
Her gaze fell upon the " Paramecia Brush-Brush Fruit ".
This fruit requires imagination, and as a former special agent, she is meticulous, observant, and also possesses a delicate, feminine side.
The ability to bring what she sees, hears, and needs to life through her paintbrush is of great benefit to her work and even to her potential combat support.
" Captain Roy, I choose the Brush-Brush Fruit," Kalifa said calmly, adjusting her glasses.
"Very good.
The upper limit of the Brush-Brush Fruit's ability depends on imagination.
You are meticulous and logical, which are excellent qualities for realizing the potential of this fruit.
Starting with assisting in daily work and intelligence gathering, we gradually explored its combat applications.
From now on, you will be officially under the command of Stella and Scarlet.
Share the roles of secretary and internal affairs manager, and use your abilities to serve Hachinosu.
Roy made the arrangements.
"Yes, Captain." Kalifa gracefully picked up the Brush-Brush Fruit and examined it carefully.
With this, the selection process for core members without Devil Fruit User has come to an end.
Roy looked at the three excited peripheral representatives and Bullet.
" Bullet, these two ordinary Zoan Devil Fruit ( Cat-Cat Fruit - Leopard Mode, Horse-Horse Fruit - Giraffe Mode) are yours."
Select the best from your Training Camp —those who are loyal, reliable, resilient, and whose characteristics match those of these two fruits—and have them consume them.
Remember, the results are just the beginning; subsequent training and guidance are even more important.
"Hehe, don't worry, leave it to me! I happen to have a few troublemakers; let's see if they have the luck and the ability!"
Bullet grinned, reached out, and scooped up the two fruits.