Chapter 17

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Following Aqua's shocked gaze, Zyhark saw Luffy's right shoulder and entire arm stretched out, lying on the restaurant floor.

The scene, paired with Luffy's bewildered expression, was indeed startling.

Zyhark was only slightly surprised for a moment before his expression quickly returned to calm.

The Sun God Nika Fruit, after all, was just a regular Rubber Fruit before its awakening. It was natural for Luffy, who had just acquired this ability, to experience some adaptation issues.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, I just ate the Devil Fruit from Shanks and his crew, turning into a rubber man with a rubber body."

After the shock in the tavern, Luffy had already come to accept this incredible reality.

He frowned slightly, and after a few attempts, "pop", his arm snapped back into place, returning to normal.

"A Devil Fruit? There really is something that can give people terrible powers just by eating it?!"

Hearing Luffy's explanation, Aqua's horror did not diminish but deepened instead.

Zyhark had briefed her on the basics of the pirate world in the past few days, knowing about abilities like the Magma and Ice Users, all thanks to Devil Fruits.

Because of the Red Hair Pirates' "disgraceful" performance earlier, she had thought the abilities were exaggerated, not realizing they were real.

In other words, pirates capable of controlling the weather or causing tsunamis and earthquakes could indeed exist at sea!

"Super weird ability. Plus, I'm completely shunned by the sea now; touching seawater will drain my strength, turning me into a landlubber."

Thinking about it, Luffy sighed deeply.

However, his youthful face quickly regained its brightness: "But I definitely won't give up on my dream of becoming the Pirate King. I just need to avoid falling into the sea!"

"So, Devil Fruit users lose their powers upon contact with seawater?"

Aqua, still in a state of shock, suddenly became interested, a detail Zyhark hadn't mentioned before.

"Yeah, Shanks and those jerks even conducted experiments on me with water, totally outrageous!"

Luffy became irritated at the mention of Shanks, clenching his fists in annoyance.

"Does ordinary water work too?" Aqua's eyes sparkled even more.

If mere seawater could counteract Devil Fruit users, wouldn't her summoned Goddess Water have an even greater restraining effect?!

"Should be possible," Luffy thought for a few seconds and nodded.

"Let me try!"

Before Luffy could react, Aqua extended her palm and lightly grasped at the air.

A staff resembling something from a magical girl series materialized in her hand, glowing with holy light.

Knowing what she intended, Zyhark did not intervene but observed from the side.

He too was curious if Aqua's water could have the same effect on Devil Fruit users as seawater.

Surely, even Aqua wouldn't flood the entire restaurant, right?

Buzz!

As Aqua activated her powers, the pink bud at the staff's end slowly opened.

Following that, a water column with the force of a fountain shot out!

Luffy, caught off-guard, was hit directly by the water and sent tumbling.

Gurgle gurgle gurgle.

Clear water flowed through the restaurant, quickly reaching Zyhark's knees.

Zyhark: "…"

Gurgling underwater, Luffy was bewildered, instinctively flailing his limbs trying to struggle but unable to muster any strength, only blowing bubbles continuously.

"Stupid goddess! Did you really want to flood my restaurant?!"

Zyhark hurried over, grabbed Luffy by the back of his shirt, and pulled him out of the water.

After being rescued from the terrifying drowning, Luffy's teeth were set on edge with rage, and he scolded along with Zyhark: "Dammit, Aqua! Are you trying to kill me?!"

"I'm so sorry, really sorry!" Aqua, with an awkward yet apologetic grin, bowed frantically to Zyhark and Luffy, continuously apologizing.

Used to unleashing her Sacred Water Creation magic on the bandit stronghold, she hadn't controlled her strength properly this time...

Seeing Luffy still looking fierce while being held up by Zyhark, Aqua quickly came up with a great way to apologize.

"How about this, Luffy? To show my apology, from now on, your meals here will be free."

"Really?"

"Yes! Drinks too, have as much as you like."

"That's awesome! Aqua, you're really a good person!"

Hearing that he could now eat at the restaurant without worry, Luffy's anger dissipated, revealing his signature radiant smile.

"...I'm the boss here, you know."

Zyhark, having overheard their conversation, was exasperated.

Though he didn't truly hold it against Aqua or Luffy, showing considerable magnanimity.

After all, complaining wouldn't change the fact that they were accustomed to freeloading off his hospitality.

However, Luffy's reaction indicated that Aqua's water did indeed counteract Devil Fruit powers.

This aligned with his wishes when partnering with Aqua, a somewhat reassuring piece of news.

At least until he mastered Armament Haki and Observation Haki, they wouldn't be helpless against Devil Fruit users.

Speaking of Armament Haki and Observation Haki, the essential for Haki is strenght.

During his year in Windmill Village, Zyhark had attempted to learn from the stationed Red Hair Pirates and even Garp, who occasionally visited home after missions.

Perhaps due to differences in their stances, both parties tactfully avoided direct confrontation.

The consensus was that his physical condition wasn't yet sufficient to cultivate Haki.

Understanding the basic principles was one thing, but force it would only bring severe strain and risks to his body, with the disadvantages far outweighing the benefits.

Watching Aqua and Luffy showcasing their abilities to each other, then laughing heartily together, Zyhark decided to find a quiet corner away from them and settle down.

'Can I, enhanced by the Wishing Pool, meet the minimum criteria for Haki cultivation?' he wondered silently.

He had learned the basic methods of cultivation from Shanks and Garp (at the cost of a meal) and now had ample time to study them thoroughly, free from the need to sabotage Higuma's lair.

Mastering the foundational Haki of Observation and Armament sooner rather than later was undoubtedly beneficial!

Thus, amidst the playful sounds of Aqua and Luffy, Zyhark finalized his action plan for the coming days.

(Regarding the issue of water, Oda has answered in an SBS that ordinary water, in sufficient quantity, can indeed affect Devil Fruit users.)

(End of Chapter)