Chapter 27: Ship's Doctor Kaya!  

"Kaya, quickly recall the medical books you've read," Ace urged, watching as Kaya stood there, dazed by the mysterious energy surrounding her.

The Realm of Comprehension, which combined the imagination of 'Nika' with Ace's exceptional understanding, required the recipient to actively engage their mind for it to take effect.

"Oh, right!" Kaya snapped out of her stupor and immediately began to recall the medical books she had read.

To her astonishment, what once seemed like complex medical jargon now felt as simple as a childhood game. Medical knowledge, some of which she didn't even remember studying, suddenly flowed into her mind as if it had always been there.

"Whew..."

An invisible wave of energy rippled outward as her comprehension deepened.

At that moment, Ace's Observation Haki picked up on something—a patterned white fruit floating along the waves, drawing closer. His eyes gleamed.

"The Paramecia Healing Fruit… It was drawn to Kaya's incredible comprehension!" Ace thought, excitement lighting up his face.

Could this really be happening?

When Ace first arrived at the beach, he had remembered how his own heaven-defying understanding had drawn the Mera-Mera Fruit to him, and he wondered if Kaya might attract a Devil Fruit of her own.

Now, his hypothesis was confirmed!

The Healing Fruit—a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. While perhaps not as coveted as the Op-Op Fruit, it was the most suitable fruit for Kaya at this moment!

"A Devil Fruit?!" Nami exclaimed, her eyes widening as she saw Ace retrieve the fruit. This was no ordinary item—it was a legendary treasure of the sea, worth at least 100 million Beli.

With just one of these, she could buy back Cocoyasi Village from Arlong...

But after a moment of internal struggle, Nami silently watched as Ace handed the fruit to Kaya.

"Eat it, Kaya. This Devil Fruit is perfect for you. Once you consume the Healing Fruit, your frail body will no longer be an issue," Ace said gently, smiling at her.

"A D-Devil Fruit? The treasure of the sea… worth at least 100 million Beli?!" Merry gasped, wide-eyed after hearing Ace's words.

"You're underestimating it," Ace corrected with a glance toward Merry. "The Healing Fruit from the Paramecia class is worth more than a billion Beli. Whoever eats it will not only recover from any illness, but they'll also gain the ability to heal others."

Ace's exceptional comprehension had deciphered the true nature of the Healing Fruit. Those who consumed it could become powerful healers, potentially curing any disease in existence. It would also address any underlying physical conditions in the user, much like how Trafalgar Law had cured himself of lead poisoning after eating the Op-Op Fruit.

Though its combat abilities weren't extraordinary, the Healing Fruit's immense value made it highly coveted—enough to fetch a billion Beli.

Nami's jaw dropped, her mind reeling. A billion Beli?!!

It took her several deep breaths to process that figure. But finally, she smiled. This fruit is important for Kaya's future, Nami thought. After all, deep down, Nami was a kind soul.

"This… this is too valuable," Kaya said hesitantly, overwhelmed by what she'd just learned.

Even the fortune that Kuro had coveted from her family paled in comparison to the worth of this fruit.

"This was always meant for you, just as you were destined to be my ship's doctor," Ace said, his smile warm and reassuring.

"Okay," Kaya nodded, her eyes filled with emotion. With Ace's encouragement, she took a bite of the Healing Fruit.

"Ugh!" Kaya winced, covering her mouth. Her face paled slightly.

"Miss!" Merry exclaimed, rushing to her side.

"I—I'm okay," Kaya reassured him, raising a hand. "It just tastes... awful." She then looked down at her hands, which were now radiating a soft, golden light. "Is this... the power of the Healing Fruit?" she murmured in disbelief.

As the golden light enveloped her, Kaya's body began to heal at an astonishing rate. Her frail physique was quickly restored to that of a healthy, normal person.

But the transformation didn't stop there. Under the influence of the Realm of Comprehension, her physical condition continued to improve beyond the ordinary.

"My body!" Kaya gasped, jumping up and waving her arms, marveling at how light and strong she felt. For the first time in her life, she felt truly alive, free from the weakness that had plagued her since birth.

"Isn't this the perfect Devil Fruit for you, Kaya?" Ace said, watching her with a smile. "From now on, you can sail the seas with us, free and full of life."

"!!!" 

Overcome with emotion, Kaya leapt into Ace's arms. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "Thank you… thank you, Ace…"

"Miss!" Merry was also wiping away his tears, overwhelmed by the moment.

"Welcome aboard, Kaya, my destined ship's doctor," Ace said, gently stroking her golden hair.

"Mm!" Kaya responded with a radiant smile, one filled with pure happiness that came from the depths of her heart.