Speaking of the Devil Fruit issue.
Before testing his abilities the previous night, Ash had already questioned the editor about one critical problem.
How exactly was he supposed to obtain the energy required to design Devil Fruits?
He could not possibly keep absorbing Devil Fruits forever.
That path was unrealistic.
Across the known history of the Pirate World, barely more than two hundred Devil Fruits had ever appeared. Even assuming many more existed in the real world, their locations were unknown. Ash could not roam the seas slaughtering every Devil Fruit user, then patiently wait for new fruits to respawn, only to search endlessly again.
That would be absurd.
Fortunately, the editor did not disappoint him.
It gave him a solution, simple and brutal.
Kill people.
The editor explained that every living being was, at its core, an energy-bearing entity. The difference lay only in quantity.
At first, Ash had been thrilled.
If that was the case, then hunting Sea Kings would be the fastest way to accumulate energy.
That illusion was shattered immediately.
The editor clarified that the term "creature" referred specifically to humanoid beings.
Only humanoid creatures could condense usable energy values.
Depending on the individual's strength, some could yield hundreds or even thousands of energy points. Weaker individuals might only contribute a few decimal points.
Ash instantly understood.
His earlier thought had been correct.
Killing Devil Fruit users was not just effective, it was efficient.
There was no need to wait for fruits to regenerate.
Once a Devil Fruit user died, the energy contained within their Devil Fruit would be automatically absorbed by the system.
In short.
A Devil Fruit user equaled at least one hundred energy points.
That made perfect sense.
Any Devil Fruit user, regardless of strength, already possessed a baseline level of power.
As for monsters like Kaido, Big Mom, or Whitebeard, even without factoring in their Devil Fruits, their sheer physical strength alone was terrifying. In that context, a few hundred energy points felt almost insignificant to Ash.
Then there were the weak.
Those worth zero point something.
Or zero point zero something.
Ash had once belonged to that category himself.
Even so, he was satisfied.
At least there was a stable energy source.
If absorbing Devil Fruits had been the only method, he might as well have given up entirely.
When dealing with pure pirates like Kamberna, Ash felt no guilt killing them. But hunting Devil Fruit users across the world purely for energy would have been excessive. He was not that deranged.
Ash's ideal future was far simpler.
He wanted to lie back, watch the seasons pass, see the seas dry and the mountains crumble, and eventually stand above everything as a god.
Imu, or whatever name that shadow liked to hide behind, was laughably weak.
The Ope Ope no Mi?
Unnecessary.
Ash did not need surgery to become immortal.
He did not even need sunlight.
Because he was the sun.
All he needed was a comfortable place to rest.
However, if he wanted companions, laziness alone would not suffice.
Designing Devil Fruits for others required energy.
That meant preparation.
At that moment, the editor delivered another piece of good news.
If a person consumed a Devil Fruit designed by the editor, then any humanoid beings they killed would still generate energy for the system.
Ash immediately understood the implication.
This was perfection.
A system that rewarded delegation.
A paradise for the lazy, supported by willing workers.
No.
Not workers.
Companions.
Ash nearly laughed at the irony.
As for the energy needed to design the very first fruit?
He glanced at Pini, who was still staring blankly at the cooling ground.
Ash reached out and gave him a light pat on the shoulder.
"Alright, Brother Pini," Ash said casually. "What are you spacing out for?"
Pini snapped back. "Ah, nothing. I was just looking at the lava. I didn't expect it to cool so fast."
Ash smiled. "It didn't cool naturally. I recalled the flame energy first, then used the moisture in the air to speed up the process."
Pini's eyes widened. "You can control water too?"
"Of course," Ash replied calmly. "And I can give similar abilities to others."
Pini's pupils dilated instantly.
"You can give powers to other people?"
"Yes."
Pini swallowed hard. "Like Devil Fruits?"
"Similar," Ash said. "But without the weakness to seawater."
Pini's breathing quickened. "No fear of seawater? That's insane. There must be a terrible cost."
Ash shook his head. "No cost. Just some trouble."
Pini fell silent, lost in thought.
Ash rubbed his stomach exaggeratedly.
"Anyway, I'm starving after staying active all night," he said. "Go back first. Tell everyone to light the bonfire again. I'll catch a couple of small Sea Kings and be back shortly."
Pini nodded reflexively. "Alright."
Diwen Village.
Sali's expression was grave.
"Pini," he said, "are you sure about this?"
Pini nodded firmly. "I saw it myself. Ash controlled flames, flew right in front of me. As for granting abilities, there's no reason for him to lie. What would he gain from deceiving us?"
Youki nodded in agreement.
"He's right. We haven't known Ash long, but he's sincere. The village elders trust him. Someone like that has no reason to trick us."
Dicken and the Daly brothers stood nearby, listening intently, nodding without hesitation.
Sali clapped his hands once.
"That settles it. No more discussion."
"If Pini's words are true, then hunting small Sea Kings is nothing for him now. He'll be back soon. Everyone, get the bonfire ready. That kid said he's hungry."
As everyone got to work, Pini suddenly turned his head toward the distant sky.
Thatch noticed and followed his gaze.
"What's that?"
Pini sighed, his tone tinged with envy.
"That brat's coming back. And he's not exactly subtle."
Everyone looked up.
Moments later, Ash appeared overhead, carrying two frozen small Sea Kings. He scanned the village briefly before selecting an open area and gently placing the massive bodies onto the ground.
Sali noticed the care with which Ash handled them and nodded faintly.
Power had not gone to the boy's head.
That mattered.
Rook's eyes sparkled.
"These are even bigger than the one Big Brother caught yesterday. Ash, you're incredible!"
Ash laughed. "Not really. Big Brother Sali is far more impressive. And Rook, we're the same age. You don't need to call me that."
Rook shook his head vigorously.
"You're stronger than my big brother. Of course I'll call you Big Brother."
Ash understood the Pirate World's instinctive reverence for strength and did not argue further.
He turned to the villagers with a warm smile.
"These are a thank-you for last night's meal. Let's get started before it gets dark."
"And later, I'll have gifts for everyone."
Cheers erupted immediately.
"Grilled Sea King again!"
"I'll get fat at this rate."
"Then eat less."
"There are gifts too? Ash is so kind."
"He really is a good kid."
Ash's eyes narrowed slightly as he smiled.
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