Chapter 27: Ship’s Doctor is in Place!

"Kaya, quickly recall the medical books you've read," Ace prompted, watching as Kaya was bathed in the enigmatic fluctuations of the realm of understanding. This realm required the recipient's mind to be active, blending 'Nika's' imagination with one's own extraordinary understanding.

 "oh oh!," Kaya, spurred by Ace's words, concentrated on the medical texts she had studied.

To her amazement, the once complex medical knowledge now seemed as simple as a childhood game. It was as if a wealth of medical information had suddenly been etched into her brain.

"Call!" The invisible wave receded.

At that moment, Ace's keen gaze caught sight of a white, patterned fruit carried by the waves, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. "The superhuman-healing fruit has been drawn to Kaya!" he thought.

"Is it really happening?" Ace's heart raced with anticipation. He had wondered if Kaya could attract a Devil Fruit, just as he had with the Mera-Mera Fruit, due to his own exceptional understanding. Now, it seemed his theory was proven correct.

A superhuman healing fruit? While it might not be as coveted as the surgery fruit, it was undoubtedly the most fitting Devil Fruit for Kaya at this moment.

"Devil Fruit?!" Nami's astonishment was palpable, her eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets as Ace held the healing fruit in his grasp. This was the legendary treasure of the sea, a Devil Fruit worth at least 100 million beli. With just one, she could reclaim Cocoyasi Village from Arlong, freeing her from the years of toil and extortion.

Despite the turmoil churning within her, Nami watched silently as Ace offered the white Devil Fruit to Kaya.

"Eat it, Kaya. This is the Devil Fruit that's perfect for you. With this superhuman healing fruit, your frailty will be resolved," Ace said, his smile warm and encouraging.

"Devil Fruit?! Known as the secret treasure of the sea, worth at least 100 million?!" Merry echoed, his voice a mix of shock and awe.

"You're thinking of the least valuable Devil Fruits. This superhuman healing fruit is likely worth over a billion. Those who eat it can recover from any ailment," Ace clarified, turning to Merry.

His extraordinary enlightenment had already deciphered the capabilities of this healing fruit. Those who consume it could become healing human, theoretically capable of curing all diseases in the world, and it could also alleviate all of the user's physical ailments.

Just as Trafalgar Law cured himself of his amber lead disease by consuming the Ope Ope no Mi, this fruit's healing properties are invaluable. Even if its combat capabilities aren't exceptional, many would vie for it at the cost of one billion Baileys.

When Nami heard this, her eyes widened in sheer disbelief. One billion beli?! The number echoed in her mind, staggering in its enormity. After a few steadying breaths, Nami managed to shake off the shock. The significance of this Devil Fruit for the delicate Kaya was not lost on her. Despite her own desperate needs, Nami found herself smiling genuinely, her heart's kindness shining through.

"This… this is so precious," Kaya murmured, a hint of trepidation in her voice. The wealth of her family, which Kuro had coveted, paled in comparison to the value of this Devil Fruit.

"This was meant for you, just as you were destined to be my ship doctor," Ace reassured her with a warm smile.

"Um!" Kaya's eyes brimmed with tears, and upon Ace's gentle encouragement, she consumed the healing fruit.

"Woo!" Kaya clutched her mouth, her complexion paling momentarily.

"Miss!" Merry exclaimed, concern etching his features.

"I'm fine, it just tastes a little…" Kaya raised her hand to still Merry's worry, then gazed at her hands, now glowing with a warm yellow light, in wonder.

"Is this… the healing fruit?" Kaya whispered to herself. Bathed in the yellow glow, her body began to mend rapidly. Before long, Kaya's health had improved to that of an average person, and with the realm of understanding's influence, the enhancement persisted.

"My body!" Kaya exclaimed, jumping up and waving her hands, a sensation of unprecedented ease and comfort flooding through her. It was a feeling she had never known in her life.

"Isn't it the perfect Devil Fruit for you, Kaya? From now on, you can join us and sail freely across the sea," Ace said, watching Kaya's face light up with joy.

Kaya, overcome with gratitude, flung herself into Ace's arms, her embrace tight and heartfelt.

"Thank you, thank you, Ace…" she whispered.

"Miss!" Merry, visibly moved, dabbed at his eyes with a handkerchief.

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

"Um!" Kaya's response was a radiant smile, one that sprang from deep contentment within her heart.