Chapter 404: The Devil Fruit User Tama

As the excitement in the orphanage settled, Grandma walked forward, her curiosity piqued. Seeing her approach, Yuta quickly handed her the recruitment flyer before stepping back obediently.

It wasn't just Yuta—the older children, the two village aunts, and Grandma herself all turned their attention to a little girl quietly wiping her tears in the corner.

It's embarrassing, Yuta thought to himself, that as the eldest brother to all my younger siblings, I can't even read properly. No, I have to study harder when I get back to school.

While Yuta silently made this promise, Grandma adjusted her glasses and began to read the flyer aloud.

"Devil Fruits are magical fruits born from the sea, each granting the eater unique and incredible abilities. Those who consume these fruits are known as ability users, blessed with powers beyond ordinary imagination.

However, the side effect is that ability users become unable to swim, and they are vulnerable to Sea-Prism Stone."

As Grandma continued reading, Yuta's brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

Why does this description sound so familiar? he wondered. Superpowers… unable to swim… Seastone…

Then it hit him.

Yuta turned his head slowly, his gaze landing on the little girl with dark purple, shoulder-length hair who was still wiping her eyes.

The girl didn't seem to notice the sudden attention. She was too busy crying over the fact that she couldn't join the Marine.

Her name was Tama, and she was only three years old.

A year ago, Tama's parents had died in an accident while working in one of Kaido's factories. Left all alone, Tama survived by selling bamboo hats in the streets, accompanied only by her loyal pet, Komachiyo.

This difficult life continued until Luffy came to power and established orphanages across Wano Country. It was a kind Marine sister who found Tama and brought her to the orphanage, where she finally had enough to eat and a warm place to stay. She met Grandma and all the other children, quickly becoming part of their family.

Because of this, Tama admired the Marines deeply and longed to join them one day.

But when she found out she'd have to wait more than ten years before she could enlist, Tama couldn't hold back her tears and began crying uncontrollably.

Just as she was wiping her eyes, Tama noticed something strange—everything around her had gone quiet.

Sniffling, she looked up, only to find that everyone in the room was staring at her.

Tama's face turned red with embarrassment. She thought they were all watching because she'd been crying like a baby.

Yuta, swallowing nervously, stepped forward with an expectant look in his eyes.

"Tama," he said gently, "you're a Devil Fruit user, aren't you?

What the flyer says—it matches your situation perfectly!"

"Huh?" Tama tilted her head in confusion. She'd been too upset to listen to what Grandma had read earlier and had no idea what Yuta was talking about.

Seeing her confusion, Yuta grew anxious. He started waving his hands, trying to explain.

"You know—the thing you do when you pinch your face and that ball comes out!"

Yuta mimicked Tama's peculiar habit, his face turning red from the effort.

Suddenly understanding, Tama's eyes lit up. She reached up with her small hand and pinched her rosy cheek, pulling out a glutinous rice dumpling about the size of a ping-pong ball.

Holding the dumpling in her tiny palm, she showed it to Yuta, still confused.

"Brother Yuta, is this what you mean?"

"Yes! That's it!!" Yuta exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He turned to Grandma, his voice full of urgency.

"Grandma, this has to be the power of a Devil Fruit, right?

And Tama can't swim no matter how hard she tries—that must mean she's an ability user!

So… does that mean Tama can join the Marine?"

"Eh? Really?! Can I?!"

Tama's face lit up with excitement. She didn't fully understand what was happening, but the thought of becoming a Marine thrilled her. She jumped up and looked at Grandma with hopeful eyes.

The other children crowded around, all eager to hear Grandma's answer.

But Grandma looked conflicted. She'd never heard of Devil Fruits before. Sure, she knew about Tama's strange ability, but she hadn't thought much of it—it never seemed dangerous, and Tama was just a child.

Now, though, it seemed that Tama's unusual talent might indeed be the Devil Fruit power mentioned in the flyer. And according to the recruitment notice, Devil Fruit users could bypass the age requirement.

Tama was technically eligible to join the Marine.

But…

Grandma's heart ached as she looked at the little girl. Even if Tama was qualified, could she really send such a young child into the army?

The Marines had been nothing but kind to them, always looking after the orphanage and protecting the people. But the military was still the military—full of hardship, discipline, and danger.

Tama was only three years old. It was far too soon for her to face such a life.

"Grandma… why aren't you saying anything?"

Tama tugged at her grandmother's sleeve, her voice filled with worry. "Just tell me! I really, really want to join the Marine!"

Grandma sighed deeply, looking down at Tama's bright, hopeful face. She gently stroked the little girl's soft hair, feeling torn between pride and concern.

"Tama," she said softly, "Grandma doesn't know for sure.

But how about this—let me go ask the Marine brothers and sisters, okay?

They'll know what to do."

Tama's face lit up, and she threw her arms around her grandmother.

"Okay! Thank you, Grandma!" she chirped happily, her earlier tears completely forgotten.

The other children cheered along with her, their excitement filling the orphanage once more. Even if Tama wasn't able to join right away, the hope in their hearts burned brighter than ever.

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