[126] : The Question

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One could feel awe—respect for power, for the forces of nature, for those stronger than oneself—but Fear? Terror? Those were different beasts entirely.

"Pathetic," Arthur sneered, looking down at Catarina Devon, blood trickling from her lips, his disdain evident.

In his eyes, those who cowered before strength would never surpass their limitations.

Awe was a feeling of reverence for something greater than oneself—authority, power, the majesty of nature. It was a fundamental human response.

Fear was...well, fear.

And those who couldn't overcome it would forever be trapped by it, unable to face the source of their terror.

Shanks and Buggy were prime examples. Both had challenged Whitebeard, experiencing the overwhelming force of his power.

Buggy had been terrified—While Shanks, years later—drank with Whitebeard as an equal, the Whitebeard Pirates watching in respectful silence.

Even Crocodile, after his defeat by Whitebeard, hadn't given up, shifting his focus to the Ancient Weapons, hoping to gain the power to challenge him again.

Arthur turned his attention to Kuzan, who was approaching, his tall frame parting the crowd.

"Vice Admiral Kuzan, there's something you should know. If you and Saul are planning to capture me—don't bother. You're wasting your time."

Kuzan, his face a mask of feigned indifference, adjusted his eye mask. "The cost of recapturing you is substantial. The Marines aren't prepared for another confrontation at this time."

"Is that so? Disappointing." Arthur sighed. He'd been looking forward to another good fight before heading to the New World.

He glanced at Saul, who was grinning like an idiot, his voice laced with impatience. "If that's all, Vice Admiral, you're blocking the view. You and your friend can be on your way."

"Don't get cocky, Arthur. You might not be interested in fighting, but Catarina Devon is still a wanted pirate. We'll be taking her to Impel Down," Kuzan said matter-of-factly.

Arthur chuckled. "Almost forgot—the Marines love swooping in and picking off the scraps. Be my guest. Do as you please."

He turned his back on them, ignoring the gawking crowd, activating his Castle-Castle bracelet and storing the mounds of food piled outside the restaurant.

"What's that...?" Kuzan's eyes, normally half-closed, widened slightly as he watched the shimmering portal, a gateway to an extra-dimensional space, appear in mid-air.

"Isn't his fruit the Rumble-Rumble Fruit? How is he using a Paramecia ability?" He was baffled.

Only the highest echelons of the World Government knew about Vegapunk's breakthrough with Devil Fruit transferal.

The Marines hadn't been informed.

And even if they had known, they wouldn't prioritize giving Devil Fruits to inanimate objects. The power was more valuable in the hands of a loyal Marine. And a well-trained Marine, unlike a mindless object, wouldn't betray them.

Kuzan and Saul exchanged glances, their surprise evident. They'd have to report this to Fleet Admiral Kong.

——

Arthur finished storing the food, pleased with his foresight.

The Castle-Castle storage bracelet was a stroke of genius. He could store anything in it, essential or not—a perfect solution for long voyages.

"Kuzan, still here? Do you think I'm afraid to kill you?" Arthur glanced at the Marines, who'd arrested Catarina Devon and her crew, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. Their presence was starting to grate on his nerves.

"Before you go, I have a question."

Kuzan, though lazy and often lacking in motivation, wasn't stupid.

He had studied Arthur's actions, his personality, recognizing the young pirate's arrogance, his unshakeable self-confidence.

Those individuals didn't bother hiding their intentions—their strengths or weaknesses. They didn't see the point.

In Arthur's mind, even if you knew his secrets—what could you do if you couldn't defeat him?

Arthur's gaze turned cold, his tone condescending. "A question? Hahahaha...and why would I answer it?"

Kuzan, still years away from reaching his full potential, wasn't yet Arthur's equal.

"Don't be like that, Arthur." Kuzan, unfazed by Arthur's disdain, asked directly, "That portal you just created—that's a Paramecia-type ability, right? But your fruit is the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, a Logia."

Arthur narrowed his eyes, studying the seemingly languid Vice Admiral—a man who, despite his lazy demeanor, possessed an unwavering conviction. "Before I answer your question—you have to answer mine."

Kuzan chuckled. "Quite the negotiator, aren't you, Arthur?"

"If—one day—you lose faith in the Marines' brand of 'Justice,' what will you do?" Arthur's gaze was intense, as if trying to see into Kuzan's soul.

Kuzan scratched his head, his expression troubled. "That's a tough one. If that ever happened—I suppose I'd search for my own justice. Like Garp-san."

"I see." Arthur knew Garp was Kuzan's role model, his mentor. The Vice Admiral's respect for Garp was absolute.

"Fine. Ask your question. I have to get to the New World."

"How are you using that Paramecia ability?"

Arthur laughed, throwing his head back. "What a boring question. The World Government has a Technique for imbuing inanimate objects with Devil Fruit powers. You think I don't?" He didn't wait for a response, leaving Kuzan to ponder his words, a cryptic smile on his face.

He had just given the World Government a massive headache.

——

"Transferring Devil Fruit powers to inanimate objects?" Kuzan and Saul exchanged glances, the implications of Arthur's words sinking in.

The World Government had such a technology? And they, Vice Admirals of the Marines, hadn't known about it?

How did a pirate like Arthur know? Did he have someone on the inside?

The more they thought about it—the more disturbing it became.

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