Chapter 24: A Gift for You

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"Who's being good to you? I just think it's a waste for someone as strong as you to be stuck here smithing."

Gion truly believed this, but she also had another reason she hadn't mentioned. Ryuusaki was the first man to have seen her... well, a certain part of her, though that incident had been an accident.

Still, it had stirred some special feelings in Gion toward Ryuusaki. Combined with his impressive swordsmanship, she had grown quite fond of him.

"Are you sure you're not just infatuated with me?"

"Idiot! I'm going to tear that big mouth of yours apart!"

"Wait, wait, just kidding! Just kidding! Heh, Gion, how about you become my sworn sister?"

"Oh?"

Gion's eyes sparkled as she thought it over. This idea seemed pretty good; it would put her in a position of seniority over Ryuusaki.

"Hehe, then call me 'big sis' first."

"Big sis!"

"Good boy, little brother!" Gion cheerfully ruffled Ryuusaki's hair and pinched his cheek.

Alright, Ryuusaki figured that to get some backing, he'd have to put up with this.

So she pinched his cheek? Fine, let her do it. Once I'm strong enough, I'll get my payback.

He silently vowed to remember how many times she pinched his cheeks, planning to repay each one by pinching her butt when he got the chance.

"Hey, how dare you glare at me? Call me 'sis!'"

"Sis!"

"Are you still going to glare at me?"

"No, I won't!"

Gion, still playful at heart, was pleased with Ryuusaki's obedience and her earlier annoyance faded away.

Now, Ryuusaki had a backup plan. If things didn't work out in the intelligence service, he'd join the Marines. And if that failed, he could always hide out on Sky Island.

"Gion, I have a gift

for you."

"Huh? A gift?"

"Yup, here you go."

Ryuusaki handed her a gift box.

Gion took the box and opened it, gasping when she saw what was inside. She looked up at Ryuusaki, her heart pounding as she asked, "What's this?"

"The Rumble-Rumble Fruit," Ryuusaki said casually.

Gion was so shocked she nearly passed out.

Of course, Ryuusaki knew that Gion understood the significance of this Devil Fruit. As the strongest Logia-type fruit, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit represented invincibility to its user.

Ryuusaki wanted to give the fruit to Gion because she was already his sworn sister. Not only would she owe him a big favor, but with her enhanced abilities, she could better protect him.

Most importantly, Ryuusaki had made the right choice. He had a good grasp of Gion's character. Although she had some quirky ideas and a bit of a temper, she was trustworthy and knew how to keep a secret.

With the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Gion's power would grow exponentially.

"Alright, hurry up and eat it. I want to see how you look after you've eaten it."

However, Gion didn't move to eat the fruit right away. Instead, she continued to gaze at Ryuusaki.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Eat it quickly. This thing is rare!"

"Ryuusaki, this is the strongest Devil Fruit! Are you really giving it to me?"

"Yeah, I'm giving it to you. So what?"

"Why?"

"No reason, you're my big sis now. Who else would I give it to? Besides, I can't eat it myself."

"Do you want me to swear an oath of loyalty?"

"No, no, just treat me a little better in the future. Oh, and spar with me less often."

With a smile, Gion closed the box, then walked up to Ryuusaki and gave him a tight hug.

It caught him off guard, especially considering her usually aggressive attitude. This hug was completely unexpected.

Ryuusaki had wanted to struggle, but he gave up and let her do as she pleased.

Gion whispered softly, "Thank you."

As she said this, her heart warmed, and she was filled with a sense of belonging. For the first time, she felt she had someone who genuinely cared for her.

Ryuusaki, still a bit confused by the hug, shrugged it off.

He still wasn't used to Gion's displays of affection, but maybe with time, he would grow accustomed to them.

The moment passed, and Gion let him go, her smile growing wider. "Alright, let's test this fruit out."

Ryuusaki nodded, smiling as he stepped back to give her some space.

Gion ate the fruit, making a face at the bitter taste but swallowing it down.

As soon as she consumed it, her body began to crackle with electricity, her hair standing on end as she felt the power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit coursing through her veins.

Gion clenched her fists, feeling the immense power surging within her. The energy was overwhelming, but exhilarating at the same time.

The two of them spent the next few hours testing her new abilities. Gion discovered she could control electricity, move at lightning speed, and even transform into pure energy.

Ryuusaki observed her, impressed by how quickly she adapted to the new power.

However, they knew that mastering this fruit would take time and practice, but Ryuusaki had faith in Gion's abilities.

With the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Gion's strength had reached a new level. And with her by his side, Ryuusaki felt more secure about his future plans.

"Sis, you're amazing!"

"Of course! And don't forget, little brother, if you ever need anything, I'll be there for you."

"Thanks, big sis."

The bond between Ryuusaki and Gion had deepened, solidifying their partnership and setting the stage for the challenges they would face together in the future.

Gion's eyes were slightly moist, but she still accepted the Rumble-Rumble Fruit from Ryuusaki.

As the saying goes, "Don't let good things go to outsiders."

From Gion's perspective, if her little brother was offering the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, she would be a fool not to accept it. Rather than giving it to someone else, she might as well take it herself!

"Ugh—what is this taste? It's awful!"

Gion covered her mouth, her expression twisted in disgust.

After a moment, she finished eating the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.

"Gion, how do you feel?" Ryuusaki asked.

"Nothing for now," Gion replied, but her gaze toward Ryuusaki had softened significantly.

"Don't worry, little brother." Gion patted Ryuusaki's shoulder. "If things don't work out with the World Government, come join the Marines. Big sis will take care of you…"

Just as she finished speaking, electricity surged from Gion's hand and zapped Ryuusaki.

Ryuusaki let out a yelp, black smoke puffing from his mouth as his hair stood on end, completely charred. He collapsed backward onto the ground.

"Little brother, little brother… don't scare me like that! It's all big sis's fault…"

"Don't… don't touch me!"

"Ah, sorry."

Gion stuck out her tongue in embarrassment. She had instinctively reached out to shake Ryuusaki awake, only to shock him again.

"Phew…" Ryuusaki took a deep breath and then said, "Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm not going to die!"

"You scared me half to death! It's good that you're okay. Give me a moment; I need to get familiar with these abilities."

Having just consumed the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Gion wasn't yet in full control. She was now eager to experiment with her newfound powers.

Ryuusaki glanced at Gion's attributes and noticed a new talent had appeared: **Talent: Devil Fruit Mastery (118).**

Damn, 118? That's really high.

It seemed that the Rumble-Rumble Fruit wouldn't be wasted in Gion's hands!

However, there were a few important techniques Ryuusaki wanted to share with Gion.

"Gion, I've thought of some good strategies."

"Strategies?"

"Yes!" Ryuusaki explained, "You can combine your electromagnetic waves with Haki to greatly enhance your sensory abilities and range."

Gion's eyes lit up. "You're right! I wouldn't have thought of that if you hadn't mentioned it."

"Also, if your heart ever stops beating, you can use electricity to massage your heart and get it pumping again."

"Wow—you're so smart, little brother! What else? What else?"

As Gion excitedly leaned in closer, Ryuusaki felt a bit speechless, secretly thinking that he had borrowed these ideas from Enel in the first place. Those were the only key techniques he could think of for now!

"Oh, right, if you release an electromagnetic field, you should be able to transform into electricity and teleport within the field, bypassing any obstacles."

Gion, as excited as a little girl, began experimenting with her powers based on Ryuusaki's suggestions… Well, considering her age, she was still pretty much a young girl.

Aside from the heart resuscitation trick, which couldn't be tested immediately, Gion successfully enhanced her sensory Haki by focusing on electromagnetic waves within just a few minutes.

As for teleportation, she followed Ryuusaki's instructions and succeeded in doing it effortlessly.

Teleporting while ignoring obstacles? This was even more powerful than the Glint-Glint Fruit!

Overjoyed, Gion impulsively kissed Ryuusaki on the forehead—a gesture that could have been very charming, but unfortunately, she lost control and electrocuted him, leaving him with blank, fish-like eyes.

"Ryuusaki, get up! Let's spar!"

Ryuusaki felt like crying. This was going to be the death of him!

Right now, Ryuusaki knew he couldn't beat Gion. With just the teleportation ability of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, he was no match for her anymore.

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