"Shaddin Island?"
Taking the compass from Kisame's hand, Zeff frowned.
"Is there a problem?" Kisame asked instinctively upon seeing his reaction.
"Not really a problem, just... strange."
"From what I know, Shaddin Island is one of the few uninhabited islands in the first half of the Grand Line, and it's also near the Calm Belt."
"Normally, no one would prepare a compass specifically for this island."
"But there's no need to worry. We'll stock up the compass on the island, and once the needle points to the next island, we can leave."
"Oh, what a strange place. Well then, I'll leave it to you."
Kisame barely processed the explanation, figuring he wouldn't understand it anyway. So, he simply entrusted everything to Zeff.
Even though they hadn't known each other for long, Kisame found Zeff to be quite trustworthy.
"Ah... is this a Devil Fruit?"
At that moment, an excited cry came from the treasure pile.
Ever since parting ways with Doflamingo, Revy had practically pounced onto the treasure like a mother dragon hoarding its hoard.
Calling it a "treasure pile" was a bit of an exaggeration—it was just over a dozen large chests filled with various jewels, gold, and silver ornaments.
Not long after, Sanji, who had passed out in the cabin with a nosebleed, finally woke up. When he opened the cabin door and saw half the deck sparkling with treasure, he thought he was still dreaming. He slapped himself twice to wake up.
The red marks on his cheeks proved—he was not dreaming.
Immediately, like a greedy little miser, he dived into the treasure pile as well. The two of them, one big and one small, opened chest after chest, adorning themselves with any jewelry they found pretty.
They hadn't expected an even bigger surprise.
"So this is a Devil Fruit?"
Kisame stared at the oddly patterned melon in fascination.
He never imagined that the legendary Devil Fruit, spoken of so mysteriously, would look like this.
"Yes! This is a Devil Fruit! I've seen a Devil Fruit encyclopedia before!" Revy said excitedly.
Hearing this, Zeff gave Revy a thoughtful glance.
He had heard of the Devil Fruit encyclopedia, but he had never actually seen it. He also knew that it wasn't something an average person could get their hands on.
"I've seen it too, but none of the ones I saw looked like this," Sanji chimed in.
What?
This time, Zeff was genuinely surprised. He had never expected that the little brat who followed him around all day had such a secret.
He stared at Sanji for a long moment but ultimately decided not to ask.
Some things couldn't be learned just by asking. If someone wanted to talk, they would.
Suppressing his curiosity, Zeff checked the time and was about to gather ingredients to cook when Kisame suddenly called out to him.
"Mr. Zeff."
"Something wrong?" Zeff turned to Kisame and noticed the Devil Fruit in his hand, already suspecting what was coming.
"Take this fruit. Would you consider eating it?" Kisame asked, lifting the Devil Fruit.
"Why?"
Zeff neither accepted nor refused. Instead, he simply looked at Kisame in confusion.
"I think... you're the one who needs it most on this ship."
Although they were just traveling together temporarily, Kisame had already come to respect Zeff.
"Revy has already found her path. I don't think she'll ever eat a Devil Fruit."
"As for this little brat..."
Kisame glanced at Sanji, who was still rummaging through the treasure pile, revealing a sharp-toothed grin.
"If I'm not mistaken, this kid has no interest in Devil Fruits—at least, not this one."
"And as for me..."
Kisame flashed a confident, powerful smile. "Even without this fruit, who could possibly stand against me?"
There was also something he didn't say—he had an ace up his sleeve that was far more terrifying than this Devil Fruit.
Though he couldn't summon them all yet, just having those two around made him fearless against any strong opponent.
With that thought, his gaze drifted toward Zeff's missing leg, and he continued, "Among the four of us, you're the one who needs this the most."
"I don't know what ability it grants, but it's bound to help you in some way."
"As for being hated by the sea, I doubt that would be much of a problem for you."
Zeff was stunned. No matter how he looked at it, he never would have guessed that this seemingly goofy man actually had such sharp insight.
Could this be what they call 'hidden wisdom beneath a foolish exterior'?
There was no denying it—ever since the shipwreck, he had lost his fighting spirit. He had even considered leaving the Grand Line behind to settle down somewhere quiet and open a small restaurant.
But could a man really just give up on his dreams so easily?
He had spent this time struggling with that very question, and now, out of nowhere, this opportunity was thrust upon him—so suddenly that he didn't know how to respond.
"Kisame... I..."
Just as Kisame had said, even if this fruit couldn't restore his lost limb, it could still give him something valuable.
He wanted to refuse. But he couldn't bring himself to say the words.
"Eat it. It's yours now."
Without waiting for a response, Kisame shoved the Devil Fruit into Zeff's hands, then turned and walked toward the deck's lounge chair.
"If one day you decide to leave, you can still chase your dreams."
"And if you ever get tired... this place will always be your home."
"Kisame..."
The hardened man in his thirties could no longer hold back his emotions. His tears streamed down his face.
As he gazed at Kisame's retreating figure, that silhouette seemed larger than life, almost glowing in his eyes.
Zeff didn't say another word. He simply opened his mouth and took a bite of the fruit.
A moment later, his tearful expression twisted in sheer agony.
As a chef, he had never tasted anything this disgusting in his entire life.
Sanji, who was rummaging through his treasure stash, looked up at Zeff and couldn't help but feel genuinely happy for him.
"Ahh! Damn it, Revy! That's mine!"
Out of the corner of his eye, Sanji suddenly saw a hand snatch a gem-encrusted dagger from his collection. Furious, he yelled and lunged forward.
Immediately, the two—one big, one small—started wrestling atop the treasure pile.
The noisy atmosphere, strangely enough, felt peaceful.
Watching the scene unfold, Zeff felt a moment of hesitation creeping in.
But that hesitation didn't last long—because suddenly, an unfamiliar power surged within him.
In the next instant, he was completely stunned.
This fruit... it's like it was made just for him.
---
Life at sea was monotonous and exhausting. After several grueling days, their ship finally reached the waters surrounding Shaddin Island.
However, before they could even celebrate, a shadow swept across the sky.
A dark cloud drifted overhead, and through the thin mist, a green silhouette emerged.
"A-AHHH! KISAME! KISAME! THERE'S SOMETHING UP THERE!!"
Revy and Sanji, who had been playing on the deck, suddenly noticed the figure in the sky. Their faces turned pale with terror.
"What the hell are you screaming about?"
Lying on his lounge chair, Kisame was rudely awakened by their shouting. He growled in irritation.
Having spent nearly two months in this world, he had gradually adapted to its ways.
Though he still had the same intimidating presence, his personality had softened considerably.
And, truth be told, he had come to enjoy this carefree life—a life where he didn't have to concern himself with world peace.
(End of Chapter)