Chapter 36

On the edge of the East Blue Sea, Jessica eagerly awaited Arthur's return while gazing out at the Calm Belt.

Seven hours had passed since Arthur departed. Amidst the battle, where the absence of wind in the Calm Belt muted most sounds, a faint echo persisted even after nearly two hundred kilometers.

Peering through binoculars, Jessica maintained her watch for several consecutive hours. She could discern flashes of lightning, a golden slash, and the sea parting open in the distance.

Knowing Arthur didn't wield a sword, she attributed the powerful slash to the Shiki. Admiring its strength, Jessica couldn't shake her concern for her beloved.

Later, when the agreed-upon thunderous fireworks erupted, signaling Arthur's victory, Jessica's worries eased.

Upon Arthur's return from the Calm Belt, he found Jessica's caring gaze fixed on him.

Upon landing on the boat, Jessica swiftly removed Arthur's armor, examining him for injuries. She checked every part, relieved to find his wounds were minor, primarily stemming from exhaustion.

Observing Jessica's attentiveness and concern, Arthur playfully quipped, "Don't worry, I've taken care to protect the most crucial areas."

"Huh?" Jessica felt relieved after her check-up but was a bit puzzled by Arthur's remark. When she caught the smile in his eyes, her reaction was sudden—she blushed and lightly punched him.

"Look what I brought you!" Arthur handed Jessica two renowned knives wrapped in cloth beside them.

Upon seeing their shape, Jessica immediately recognized them. With excitement in her eyes, she eagerly unwrapped the package. [Note: The original text mentioned a double-edged sword, but it seems Jessica was previously written as a double-edged sword herself. To avoid confusion, I've adjusted it.]

"These are... Sakura Ten and Wither Wood! Arthur, you're so thoughtful!" Jessica exclaimed as she threw her arms around Arthur with excitement.

"If I promise something, I'll deliver! However, you can change the knife handles yourself. They were previously attached to the Shiki's leg and are unusable," Arthur explained.

"Hmm!" Jessica pulled the two knives out of their original scabbard, carefully examining them like works of art.

"Oh, by the way! Jessica, are you interested in becoming a Devil Fruit user?" Arthur had a plan in mind. He wanted Jessica to eat the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi so he could reclaim the Shiki directly to the island.

Plus, those close to him should also consume such fruits! As for Raki, there were plenty of fruits available, and he would find another suitable one for her.

"A fruit? No thanks! I don't want to eat that fried fruit, remember? I'm a swordsman with two blades; that fruit won't do anything for me!" Jessica thought Arthur was referring to the fried fruit she had mentioned before.

"It's not a fried fruit!" Arthur corrected her, lifting the bag containing the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit and gesturing.

"Not fried fruit? What kind of fruit is that? Did you find new fruit on the island of Shiki?" Jessica asked in surprise when she saw the shape of the fruit in the bag.

Devil Fruit is not so easy to get. Arthur accidentally got a fried fruit, and now he got another one.

"Yeah, it appeared after me and the Shiki fight." Arthur smiled and nodded.

"Oh, then you are lucky. Unfortunately, I am a swordsman, so I don't want to eat those strange fruits." Jessica curled her lips.

Arthur nodded, and walked into the boat, making the move to put the fruit in a hidden compartment in the wall. On the one hand, Arthur said with a pity: "It's a pity that this Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit is, so let's see if others can eat it or not."

"Wait!" Jessica was really attracted by Arthur's words. "What fruit did you just say?"

"Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit." Arthur didn't stop, and continued walking in, while repling as if casually.

"How is it possible!" Jessica rushed in, took the power bag from Arthur's hand, and took out the fruit and looked at it. "This pattern... is it really Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit? But, isn't that the fruit ability of Shiki?"

"He died, so the fruit was born again. I didn't expect to be born again in his kitchen. I happened to find it." Arthur shrugged his shoulders, indifferent.

"Okay, give it to me. I'll hide it and show it to someone then." Arthur said, and reached for the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit.

Jessica turned around, cradling the fruit in her arms, and scrutinized it while Kaido spoke: "You don't need to hide it. Let me eat this fruit."

Arthur's lips curved into a gentle smile as he teased, "But you said if you're a two-sword swordsman, you don't eat Devil Fruit."

Pouting slightly, Jessica wore a proud expression. "Oh? Arthur, are you not feeling well? Didn't I say that? Humph, I'll eat it!"

With determination, Jessica was about to take a bite of the Fuwa Fuwa no Mi Fruit.

"Oh, that's awful, incredibly awful," Jessica gagged and tossed the remaining fruit into the sea.

"Indeed, it's as unappetizing as it gets," Arthur remarked with a smirk.

"Hmm!" Jessica grabbed a glass of water and nodded as she rinsed her mouth. Then, Arthur's expression turned shocked as he looked at Jessica as if she were dreadful. "How do you know that it's unappetizing? Have you actually eaten... you know what?"

"What?! You!" Jessica, hearing this, angrily set down her water glass and chased after Arthur.

For a while, laughter filled the boat, easing Arthur's exhaustion a bit.

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