Chapter 282: Empowering Allies

"So, you can even fuse Devil Fruits into one now! Does that mean you can eat as many as you want?" Yamato asked, looking at Shin with both envy and curiosity.

"Of course not. I can only fuse Devil Fruits that are related to each other. If I could merge any fruit freely, I would've overthrown the World Government by myself by now." Shin rolled his eyes.

"Even so, that's incredible." Ace nodded. "So, when you say you're going to strengthen our Devil Fruits..."

"I mean exactly that." Shin smirked. "This Ice-Ice Fruit can be fused with your Okuchi-no-Makami Fruit, Yamato. As for you, Ace—your Flame-Flame Fruit is naturally weaker compared to Magma-Magma Fruit. I'll take it and merge it with a fusion of the Magma-Magma Fruit and the Stone-Stone Fruit, then give it back to you."

"Yeah... I've noticed." Ace placed a hand on his chest, recalling the wound he received in his fight against Akainu.

In battle, there were two primary defenses: the outer protection of Armament Haki and one's inherent physical resilience. However, against Akainu's Magma-Magma Fruit, Ace realized his body provided almost no defense, while his own flames were completely ineffective.

The power gap between them had always existed, but with the fruit's natural hierarchy in play, that gap widened significantly. If they fought again, Ace doubted he could win, even if he had doubled in strength.

"That's because the Flame-Flame Fruit is a lower-tier version of the Magma-Magma Fruit," Shin explained. "However, since their abilities are similar, your mastery over the Flame-Flame Fruit will carry over seamlessly. The power increase will be immediate."

"Well... that sounds great, but does that mean I have to start calling myself 'Magma Fist' now?" Ace scratched his head.

Ignoring the comment, Shin wove his fingers through the air, dark energy swirling around him as he extracted the two Devil Fruits from their respective users. He then merged them into a fused Okuchi-no-Makami and Ice-Ice Fruit for Yamato and a Magma-Magma and Stone-Stone fusion for Ace.

Without hesitation, Yamato devoured hers, exhaling frost soon after. "Whoa! My freezing abilities feel ten times stronger! And... wait, I can turn into pure ice now?"

To demonstrate, she transformed into an ice sculpture, shattered into pieces, and reformed effortlessly from the frozen ground.

Ace also took his fruit and bit into it. "Yeah... This definitely has more power than before. The range is a bit different, though."

A moment later, he clenched his fist, and the ground beneath him rumbled as molten rock oozed upward. "And this Stone-Stone ability... It lets me control solid earth and transmute it into magma. I could probably make a massive magma giant now."

"You can experiment later," Shin interrupted. "For now, take your subordinates and get moving. I'll return to the Whitebeard Pirates later—we have important matters to discuss."

Ace raised an eyebrow. "Discuss what, exactly?"

Shin smirked. "How we'll govern the world after we overthrow the World Government."

Ace and Yamato stared at him, speechless.

Somewhere in the first half of the Grand Line, on an island now known as 'Freedom Island'—a sanctuary for former slaves freed by Shin—word had spread about the Revolutionary Army's presence.

"So, the Revolutionary Army has people stationed here?" Shin mused, arms crossed as he surveyed the island.

A tall, scar-faced man beside him nodded. "Yes. Are you planning to contact them, Master Shin?"

"Of course, but before that..." Shin's gaze shifted, a knowing smirk forming. "I didn't expect you to be here too, Boa Hancock."

"Hmph! Why wouldn't I be here? A place where the weak are protected is exactly where a queen should be!" came a haughty voice.

From the shadows emerged a stunning woman, her beauty nearly overwhelming. Even the battle-hardened men nearby faltered, their eyes turning to hearts.

Shin sighed, rubbing his temple. "Not this again... Don't start causing trouble here."

"Trouble?!" Hancock pouted. "Do you think I don't know about your plan? To overthrow the World Government—isn't that right?"

Shin arched an eyebrow. "Oh? You figured that out?"

"Of course! You've aligned yourself with the Revolutionary Army! Only fools wouldn't see what's coming!" Hancock declared triumphantly.

Shin chuckled. "Fair enough."

"Then let my Kuja warriors fight at your side!" Hancock continued. "Amazon Lily is strong. Our forces will be a great asset!"

Amazon Lily was unique in that every warrior was trained in Haki. While their numbers weren't vast, their overall strength was formidable. Even their average warriors could stand toe-to-toe with Marine officers.

Shin nodded. "Fine. If you're willing, let's shake the world together."

Hancock smirked but hesitated for a moment. Then, in a rare moment of sincerity, she turned her gaze downward. "...And, well... Thank you."

Without waiting for a response, she spun on her heel and strode away. Shin blinked before sighing, shaking his head. "Typical tsundere. Saying 'thank you' shouldn't be that hard."

Hancock's involvement was an unexpected bonus, but Shin's main goal was reaching the Revolutionary Army. Fortunately, Freedom Island had drawn their attention, and there were already several Revolutionary Army members present.

The Marines and World Government had yet to take drastic action against the island—perhaps fearing it would provoke Shin. But that wouldn't last forever.

"There are no high-ranking members here, but that's fine. I just need them to lead me to their leaders," Shin muttered to himself.

He turned his gaze toward the horizon, his next move already forming in his mind.

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Now Available: Chapter 349: The Strength Test