Human Enhancement Attributes:
Name: Crocodile (Rosen)
Abilities: Devil Fruit Awakening (Sand-Sand Fruit), Advanced (Proficiency: 1161/2000)
Martial Arts: Advanced (Proficiency: 1003/2000)
Haki: Conqueror's Haki, Intermediate (Proficiency: 580/1000)
Armament Haki: Proficiency 360/1000
Observation Haki: Proficiency 220/300
Swordsmanship: Intermediate (Proficiency 520/1000)
Enhancement Count: 10
Effects: Defense x12, Speed x6, Agility x6, Strength x4, 1 Experience Pack
Next Enhancement Condition: Defeat a fighter with a bounty of 1 billion Berries or more (Speed x6)
Random Reset Task: Defeat a fighter with a bounty of 1.2 billion Berries or more (Strength x4)
Extra Devil Fruit Slot Task: Progress 4/5 (Pig-Pig Fruit…), Suggestion: After completion, minimum Defense x8 required to safely activate; optional transfer possible.
Paradise Emperion Dragon Hotel.
Robin and the others had returned here to rest temporarily. The Kingdom of Andia had stabilized, and Xia's prestige had reached its peak. Though there were setbacks, no serious threatening forces intervened. The nation now had a chance to recover, and Rosen was reviewing his recent progress. The most notable improvement was his Sand-Sand Fruit ability, awakened during his fight with Tezoro.
Martial arts had advanced significantly, reaching Admiral level. Rosen felt confident that against Kizaru, he could hold his own. This was a conservative estimate; a full fight could be unpredictable, but he wouldn't be easily overwhelmed.
Haki had also grown, thanks to repeated tough battles. Swordsmanship remained average, but even his weakest skill now surpassed some Admiral-level fighters who specialized solely in swordsmanship. Coupled with his strong physical traits, calling him a swordsman was not an exaggeration.
The Devil Fruit task remained incomplete because Rosen had two unused fruits: the Bubble Fruit and the Giraffe Fruit. He would see if anyone wanted them; if not, he could add them to the task. Rosen had no desire for a second ability unless it was extremely overpowered; ordinary Logia fruits wouldn't significantly increase his combat power.
Sitting cross-legged in his room while the others relaxed, Rosen contemplated his awakened ability. It was not fully mastered, merely possessed.
He held a cup in his right hand, focused, and activated his collapse ability. The cup instantly disintegrated into dust. A piece of metal lasted only a second before crumbling like rust in midair.
"Different materials collapse at different speeds, but real objects can all be destroyed. How about elements?" Rosen considered. His ability was far stronger than the Sand-Sand Fruit's usual erosion or instant destruction.
Would it work on elemental matter without Haki coverage? Even if Haki could be activated quickly, it still required time. Collapse ability emphasized speed—touching or hitting the target alone could be lethal.
If he could bypass Haki activation and strike in close combat immediately, he would be extremely dangerous—provided collapse worked on elemental matter.
"Air is an element… maybe I can try…"
With intense focus, Rosen's palm emitted a swirling sand vortex, slightly whitish, then struck through the air. Rather than concentrating on a single point, he dispersed the ability into the surrounding air.
Crack! The air where his palm passed visibly ruptured.
Suddenly, he realized there was no air around him—he could not breathe—but only briefly; the surrounding air rushed back in moments later.
"Collapse works, but I can't control it. The flowing air quickly refills the void I created, but that's enough. My collapse ability can destroy anything, ignoring all defenses. Elements, perhaps one day even light and lightning, could be collapsed, creating my own exclusive domain." Rosen felt both excitement and caution. He had never imagined the Sand-Sand Fruit could reach this level.
Such power frightened him; its destruction was irreversible. Accidentally harming allies would leave them in a collapsed state permanently.
"How long can Haki resist this?" Rosen crushed a solid wooden table corner with his left hand, covered it with Haki, and then applied collapse with his right.
The Haki-protected wood lasted about 1.5 seconds before gradually vanishing—not instantly collapsing. Haki provided measurable defense.
"True, collapse is powerful, but not omnipotent. Haki remains an effective counter to any user."
"Uncle? Are you there?" Suddenly, the door was knocked.
Rosen ignored it. Natalie at this hour? Probably something trivial, like asking for a story or begging for a Devil Fruit. He pretended to sleep.
"Uncle! I know you're there! I heard the wind from your hand! I'm reporting on material collection—open the door!" Natalie stood outside in oversized white pajamas, holding roasted fish and pounding on the door with her small hand.
"I'm here." Rosen formed a sand hand and opened the door. Natalie rushed in, sitting on his bed, swinging her little feet.
"Eating late at night and not sleeping—don't complain when you grow chubby," Rosen said.
"No, Uncle, tell me a story! Sister Hathaway isn't back tonight, and no one is here. I can't sleep!" Natalie pleaded.
"What story do you want?"
"Hmm… something about Devil Fruits would be best."
Rosen sighed. "Are you trying to hint at something?"
"Nope!" Natalie said shamelessly.
"You want a Devil Fruit? You're too young. There's no rush, and the side effects are serious—you won't be able to swim." Rosen ruffled her head.
"But I'm weak! I don't want to lose to everyone. Not swimming would be bad though," Natalie said honestly.
"Stop thinking about fighting all the time. Why not study with Sister Robin? Kids shouldn't live by fighting. Going to sea is about seeing and understanding the world. Most people can't beat you anyway."
"Studying is boring… I fall asleep reading…"
"Later. How's the material collection going?" Rosen changed the subject.
"Almost done. Uncle Enel said we can start. Oh, Sister Robin and the others are in the hall waiting. If they don't want Devil Fruits, maybe consider me? I won't even take a salary later."
"If you want to get stronger, wait for Sister Hathaway to return and let her teach you Haki—it'll be better," Rosen advised. Strong Devil Fruits weren't currently available.
The one from Charles already had a designated recipient, and if Blackbeard succeeded in taking it, combined with that person's existing power, it could become incredibly strong—even potentially overpowered.
"But Sister Hathaway taught me before, and I couldn't learn Armament Haki."
"After she finishes her current training, it might be different. Go downstairs to meet everyone."
"All right."
(End of Chapter)