Kuro Devil Fruit.

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Seeing Ethan employ this familiar technique, everyone paused momentarily, their eyes fixed on the house ahead, anticipating the magical display.

"Observation Haki makes things so simple," Honey Queen remarked, shaking her head in amazement. "You can know the location of objects without even moving."

"I wish I could learn that skill!" Betty remarked calmly, carrying her banner. "Observation Haki varies in strength. It's impossible to reach Ethan's level of mastery."

At that moment, a purple box shot out from the house and sped towards Ethan.

Witnessing this, Princess Vivi was astonished.

Vivi's face displayed surprise as she murmured, "Ethan is truly remarkable to execute such a feat. 'Universal Pull' is a formidable technique!"

She stared at Ethan's back with admiration, clearly impressed.

Reiju glanced at her, frowned slightly, and then smiled. "Once you've spent enough time with Ethan, you'll realize this is nothing out of the ordinary. He possesses hidden talents that he rarely reveals to others."

Carina's eyes sparkled mischievously as she remarked, "Hidden talents are meant to stay hidden. If they're exposed, they cease to be secrets!"

Mr.9, observing from the sidelines, witnessed the scene with horror, his eyes widening in fear. "He's terrifying, a true devil," he muttered, deeply shaken.

At that moment, Ethan instilled extreme fear in him, leaving a lasting impression that would haunt him for days.

With a swooshing sound, the box swiftly landed in Ethan's hands, and he opened it without hesitation.

Inside lay a white, apple-shaped Devil Fruit, gleaming under the sunlight, its beauty captivating.

"An apple-shaped Devil Fruit? It must be Paramecia!" Burgess exclaimed, raising his arms in jubilation.

Doc Q glanced at Cavendish, Kuro, and Gin with a serious expression, his smile turning grim. "If none of them have eaten a Devil Fruit, then who could it be?"

Law, holding the demon sword, maintained his cold demeanor as he spoke. "It's the same type as the one Bartolomeo ate, all white."

Hawkins, still expressionless, remarked in a low voice, "From its appearance, this is a potent Devil Fruit."

Cavendish waved his hand dismissively. "I have no interest in Devil Fruits. The rest of you can have it."

Bartolomeo sneered at him. "Without a Devil Fruit, you'll never be my match. Your swordsmanship is no match for my absolute defense!"

Desire gazed at the Devil Fruit in Ethan's hand, a hint of recognition crossing his features. "What Devil Fruit is this? It seems vaguely familiar."

Nami clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes lighting up with realization. "I remember now! This is the Kuki Kuki Paramecia. It allows the user to control atmospheric pressure, which is incredibly powerful."

Honey Queen, stroking her pale golden hair, smiled. "Didn't we discuss the Air Pressure Fruit before? Reiju mentioned hoping Ethan would acquire it, and now here it is."

Alvida, carrying her massive iron rod, smiled warmly. "Upon careful consideration, this Devil Fruit is indeed formidable. Quietly controlling atmospheric pressure and then unleashing it with devastating force."

Carmen nodded in agreement and said, "Indeed, it's a good fruit, but I wonder if Ethan will consume it."

Reiju glanced at Bacala, her eyebrows raised generously. "I believe this Devil Fruit suits Ethan perfectly."

Among the group, only Baccarat was privy to Ethan's true circumstances. Knowing he possessed the Kopi Kopi no mi, it was evident he wouldn't consume this Devil Fruit. However, she kept this knowledge to herself, as it was a secret among secrets.

"He won't partake in it; this one isn't meant for him," Baccarat said gently. "As for which one to choose, Ethan already has the answer in his heart, so there's no need for concern."

At that moment, Kuro's typically serious countenance lit up with excitement as he eagerly spoke up.

"Captain, this Devil Fruit suits me perfectly. If possible, I humbly request that you grant it to me."

With great sincerity and humility, he bowed deeply to Ethan.

Gin glanced sideways at Ke Luo and spoke indifferently, "Since you're so keen, I won't contest it. I'll give it to you."

Lafitte patted Gin on the shoulder and politely interjected, "Gin, I believe this Devil Fruit is better suited for Kuro. His exceptional intellect would enable him to wield the power of the Air Pressure Fruit more effectively. You understand, don't you?"

Gin nodded quietly, agreeing without further comment.

Burgess chuckled as he looked at Kuro, "Seems like this fellow has a strong affinity for the Kuki Kuki no mí. Quite a dramatic plea and bow, just like a clown. Haha!"

Doc Q smirked oddly, "Indeed, that bowing act was rather unflattering, almost resembling a begging dog. Hehe..."

Ethan intervened calmly, "If you want it, just say so. These theatrics are unnecessary."

Without hesitation, he tossed the Air Pressure Fruit to Crowe.

Kuro caught the Devil Fruit eagerly, nodding repeatedly with a smile on his face.

"Thank you, Captain, for your generosity. I'll remember this act of kindness," he said gratefully before consuming the fruit with enthusiasm.

Lafitte observed Kuro's earthy expression and twirled his cane gentlemanly. "With this addition, the team's strength has been further enhanced. It seems the competition for captaincy will be fierce."

Law nodded in agreement, "Controlling atmospheric pressure is indeed a formidable ability."

Hawkins observed Kuro thoughtfully and muttered, "It seems I'm outmatched in this aspect."

Van Augur, as usual, tapped his shoulder with his gun and spoke expressionlessly.

"As soon as we entered the Grand Line, we acquired two Devil Fruits, significantly strengthening the crew."

"It's destiny!"

Burgess, ever eager, urged Kuro, "Don't dawdle; use your ability now. Let's see how powerful it is."

Carina scrutinized Kuro, pondering aloud, "We won't be able to see the atmospheric pressure he controls, will we?"

Moodie, stroking her pale golden hair, chimed in with a sweet smile, "Atmospheric pressure is invisible to the eye."

Kaya beamed at Makino, her face radiant with joy. "I'm thrilled to see Master Crowe grow stronger. If Father knew, he'd be relieved too."

Makino tenderly caressed her head, "Absolutely."

"You and your uncle are both kind-hearted. You'd naturally rejoice," she assured.

At that moment, Kuro adjusted his glasses, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "Very potent. This Devil Fruit is undoubtedly tailored for me."

"With my intellect, once I develop it to the awakening level, I'll command the atmospheric pressure of entire spaces, even trigger detonations."

"Excellent. The future's top-tier powerhouse will bear my name, Kuro. I have full faith in this!"

Two hours later.

Alabasta, the land of rain.

In an underground casino's lavish room.

A crisp knock on the door interrupted Crocodile's contemplations.

"Enter!"

With a creak, the wooden door swung open, revealing a graceful figure.

Clad in a hat, exuding an air of elegance and erudition, it was none other than the last survivor of Ohara from West Blue — Nico Robin!

"Boss, news from Whiskey Peak. The Devil Fruit we seized was taken by the Black Sun Pirates," Robin reported, reclining on the sofa.

"They're headed to Alabasta, aiming to challenge you and become the new Shichibukai."

Hearing this, Crocodile reclined on his sofa, chuckling incredulously.

"A bunch of ignorant brats. What do they think they're doing?"

Crocodile took a drag from his cigarette, observing the banana crocodiles in the pool, massive and serene.

"The 100 million and 300 million Bellys rewards were merely Marine exaggerations," he sneered. "A mere newcomer who hasn't even set foot in the Grand Line offering such bounties?"

"The Marines' influence is dwindling. If that brat Ethan dares to come, I'll toss him into the pool and show him the consequences of crossing me."

Robin nodded, her sweet smile belying her words. "If he challenges the boss, it's as good as signing his death warrant."

"However, there's a puzzling report. They all fainted, clueless about what transpired."

"And the Devil Fruit was swiped from under their noses."

Frowning, Robin pondered aloud, "Whatever ability made so many people faint, what could it be?"

"What?!" Crocodile bolted upright, his cigar nearly tumbling from his grasp. His composed demeanor shattered, replaced by shock akin to seeing a specter.

"What did you say? Everyone fainted? How is that possible?" Crocodile took a drag from his cigarette, shaking his head in disbelief. "Impossible. How could this kid, Ethan, possess Conqueror's Haki? He's just a rookie, incapable of wielding such power."

Upon hearing about Conqueror's Haki, Robin furrowed her brows, pondering deeply. She hadn't encountered this ability before.

Turning to Crocodile with a sweet smile, she inquired, "Boss, what exactly is Conqueror's Haki?"

Crocodile composed himself, reclining on the sofa, crossing his legs, and taking a long drag from his cigarette before explaining.

"Conqueror's Haki is a rare ability possessed by only one in a million individuals. It's a hallmark of the world's top powerhouses."

Crocodile's gaze turned icy, his voice laced with menace. "Ethan is just a newcomer. He cannot wield such power."

"The only explanation is that he's unconsciously emitting it, unable to control this power."

"This brat with potential must be eliminated. I will personally see to his demise!"

"Spread the word. Find out the whereabouts of the Ethan Pirates. Once they reach Alabasta, report to me immediately. I'll take care of them myself."

Robin was utterly shocked.

The thought of such a rare ability possessed by only a select few was chilling.

Ethan, a mere youth, was truly remarkable.

It left her trembling.

Regaining her composure, she smirked at Crocodile's arrogance.

"Still as arrogant as ever, with no regard for anyone," she muttered under her breath.

"Crocodile, your arrogance will be your downfall."

With a sweet smile, she nodded in agreement. "Understood, boss. I'll see to it."

With graceful steps, she made her way to the door, opening it slowly before stepping out and closing it gently behind her.

Leaning against the wall, her slender figure illuminated by a flickering light, she began to analyze the situation.

"Crocodile's arrogance blinds him to his weaknesses."

"Dismissive of Ethan, he underestimates him entirely."

"Such arrogance will lead to his defeat. I can no longer stand by him. It's time to leave."

Robin gently stroked her delicate chin, deep in thought, contemplating Ethan, the enigmatic young man.

"The first time I saw his bounty, I was intrigued. How did he achieve such a high reward?"

"As his bounty climbed to 300 million Bellys, I seriously gathered information on him, yet I found no clear answer."

"Now, it seems the reason lies with Conqueror's Haki."

"Ethan is shrouded in mystery. My intuition tells me that Crocodile is no match for him. He will be defeated."

"In that case, seeking refuge with Ethan, clinging to this mysterious powerhouse, seems the wisest choice."

With a determined gaze, Robin resolved in her heart and stepped outside without hesitation.

As for Crocodile's orders, she couldn't be bothered. She had her agenda, and it didn't involve following his commands.

At this moment, her curiosity about Ethan was overwhelming, driving her to meet this intriguing individual.

Having navigated the shadows of the underworld for years, evading enemies and sensing danger with uncanny accuracy, Robin possessed a unique ability.

Her keen intuition often forewarned her of impending threats, allowing her to evade capture time and time again, outsmarting her pursuers and surviving against all odds.

Now, she felt certain that Crocodile's demise was inevitable. There was no other outcome.

Therefore, remaining here was no longer an option. Aligning herself with Ethan, a formidable ally, was her best course of action.

"Ethan, I trust you won't disappoint me," she murmured.

"My instincts seldom lead me astray."

As her melodic voice echoed through the corridor, its resonance lingered in the air, a testament to her resolve...

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Titles of the next chapters. (Spoilers)

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100-101: Naval Headquarters Call.

102-103: Robin Joins the crew.

104-105: Set up, a Branch in Arabasta Robin is in charge of management.

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