Chapter 141: Joz Consumes the Awakened String-String Fruit

Hancock hesitated to create a fake multi-fruit awakened Devil Fruit form, but the others were eager to have one.

Vista had also returned with news about Kaido a few days ago. When he learned that Chiba had crafted artificial multi-fruit awakening forms, his initial reservations faded. He didn't want the artificial String-String Fruit awakening; he wanted the genuine, man-made Devil Fruit awakening.

"Ace, tell Captain Chiba that I don't want the String-String Fruit awakening—I want the true awakened form," he said.

Ace, rubbing his temples, replied, "When Chiba comes out, you can tell him yourself."

At that moment, Chiba and Hancock stepped out of the ship. Seeing the group gathered, Chiba asked with a smile, "What's going on here?" Ace explained the situation.

To Chiba, the difference between the two fruits was minor, and switching them wasn't out of the question. But instead of immediately agreeing, he said, "If no one else objects, then it can be done."

Bartolomeo was the first to step forward. "I object!" he declared. Since he and Cavendish returned a day later than Vista, they missed the opportunity to claim the String-String Fruit. Now, anyone could see that the Gravity Fruit was superior to the String-String Fruit, so Bartolomeo and Cavendish opposed the switch, hoping to keep Vista with the String-String Fruit and improve their own chances of obtaining the multi-fruit awakening.

Chiba chuckled. "Vista, the awakened form of the String-String Fruit is quite powerful. Don't be hasty to change your mind. Hina, give Vista the String-String Fruit awakening."

Hina went to the ship, retrieved the awakened String-String Fruit, and handed it to Vista, who accepted it with a resigned sigh. Glancing at Bartolomeo, he grumbled, "Kid, after all I've done for you, you'd betray me like this?"

Bartolomeo laughed, "Uncle Vista, you can't blame me for this. It's the awakened form of the Gravity Fruit! Even if it were the Mera-Mera Fruit awakening, I wouldn't give you a free pass!"

Ace, overhearing this, frowned and looked sharply at Bartolomeo. "You brat! What's wrong with the Mera-Mera Fruit?"

Bartolomeo quickly explained, "Vice-Captain Ace, it's not that the Mera-Mera Fruit isn't good. I just think the Gravity Fruit awakening suits me better. If I used the Mera-Mera Fruit, its flames could melt my barrier. For me, it's too risky. The Mera-Mera's power could easily burn through my defenses."

Ace's expression softened, and he huffed, "Consider yourself lucky you can explain yourself so well."

Vista smirked. "Cockscomb-head, just because I might not get multiple fruits this time doesn't mean I won't next time."

Bartolomeo scoffed, "You know you can only consume one artificial Devil Fruit, right? Once you eat this one, you can't have another."

Vista's grin widened. "Who said I'm planning to eat this one? I can always give it away."

Bartolomeo turned to Chiba in a panic. "Captain, that's not fair! If Vista keeps taking every fruit we find, what chance do the rest of us have? We might as well just hand everything to him!"

Chiba laughed. "Good point, Bartolomeo. From now on, anyone who obtains a fruit won't be eligible to compete for the next one."

Vista's face fell, and he glared at Bartolomeo. "Kid, you're really pushing it."

Bartolomeo just laughed. "Uncle Vista, don't worry! Once I get a multi-fruit awakening, I'll be the first to protect you in any danger."

"As if I need your protection! I have my own methods." Vista scoffed, leaning in with a knowing smile. "I may not join the next fruit competition, but I'll still find a way to get one."

Bartolomeo sneered, "Come on, Uncle Vista, you won't even be eligible. How are you going to get one unless someone just hands it over to you?"

"Exactly," Vista replied, his grin widening. Bartolomeo blinked, then burst out laughing. "That's impossible! There's only one awakened multi-fruit form in the world. Who's going to give that up?"

Vista stroked his beard thoughtfully, casting a glance at Joz, who had just returned. "Joz, I'll give you the awakened String-String Fruit in exchange for joining the next fruit competition on my behalf. Think you can win a fruit for me?"

Joz's eyes gleamed. Everyone else wanted the Gravity Fruit awakening, but he favored the String-String Fruit. With the String-String Fruit, he'd gain agility and more complex offensive moves, which were critical for him. Though the multi-fruit awakening would enhance his power and speed, Joz knew his own limitations. He relied heavily on his defense, and winning multiple fruits seemed out of reach. The String-String Fruit would serve him better.

After a moment, Joz agreed. "Alright, I accept." Vista handed him the fruit, and Joz consumed it in one bite.

Almost immediately, Joz felt a surge of power coursing through him, reshaping his body. The intense transformation pain caused him to fall to the ground, writhing in agony and crying out as his entire body adapted to the new power.

After nearly half an hour, Joz finally stopped convulsing, lying in a pool of sweat. Ace quickly handed him a Foundation Establishment Pill, which he swallowed, and soon his strength began to return. Threads of silk began to emerge from his body, gathering into eight white limbs that resembled spider legs.

Testing his new form, Joz sped across the ground with incredible agility. Suddenly, he shot a white thread at Bartolomeo, pulling him close in an instant.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.