Chapter 142

Previously…

Kairos Flint had just finished a conversation with Jinbe.

Jinbe had personally come to share the good news—and to express the loyalty of the fishmen.

Naturally, Kairos didn't particularly care about this kind of formality.

What truly concerned him now was something far more practical.

Since eating the Alpaca Fruit, granting him the form of Arceus, the mythical Creator God of the phantom species, his current priority was crafting and enhancing the Creation Slate—a divine artifact that increased the power of his Devil Fruit.

But to strengthen it, he needed more Devil Fruits.

And that, clearly, was no simple task.

Devil Fruits were rare across the sea. The world was vast—how could he possibly scour every island hoping to stumble across one? Unless he began raiding other forces to steal them, which would be far too inefficient.

Moreover, most Devil Fruits didn't sit around long. When found, people consumed them almost immediately.

Take the Whitebeard Pirates, for example. When they found the Dark-Dark Fruit, Sachi was already preparing to eat it the same day.

So… what were the chances of someone finding one and just letting it sit there, waiting for Kairos to show up?

Basically zero.

But just then, as he spoke with Jinbe, an idea sparked in his mind—a brilliant one.

Why not let his allies help find Devil Fruits?

This way, he wouldn't have to do all the work himself.

Naturally, Jinbe and the others would be grateful enough to help. But that gratitude would eventually wear off. People's enthusiasm always fades with time. They needed real incentive to keep searching.

That's when Kairos proposed a trade.

He offered Ability Crystals—powerful items capable of enhancing one's strength—in exchange for Devil Fruits.

Specifically, one Devil Fruit in return for one Legendary-quality Ability Crystal.

It was a fair deal. Legendary Devil Fruits for Legendary Ability Crystals. No one was losing here.

In fact, it was such a tempting trade that Neptune and Jinbe even offered to trade three Devil Fruits for just one Ability Crystal—not because the exchange rate made sense, but out of pure gratitude toward Kairos for protecting Fishman Island.

They were even more eager after Kairos explained that consuming one of these traded crystals could instantly raise an ability to General level—a massive boost in strength.

Yet, Kairos turned down the generous offer.

He already possessed far too many Legendary Ability Crystals—from body and soul enhancements to talents, swordsmanship, martial arts, Armament Haki, Observation Haki, and even the Six Powers of the Navy obtained from his recent conquest.

These Legendary Crystals were piling up.

Take the Navy's Six Powers, for instance—they were just icing on the cake for Kairos. His battle techniques were crafted from his own talent, already far more powerful than the standard Marine combat styles.

So parting with a few ability crystals in exchange for Devil Fruits? That didn't bother him in the slightest.

Moreover, obtaining Devil Fruits was the only way to further enhance his Creation Slate. After all, the power of Arceus was on the level of a true god, and further evolution required large amounts of Devil Fruit energy to forge stronger slates.

But even with all that, Devil Fruits remained scarce.

Even if Fishman Island mobilized all its forces, finding a dozen would be considered lucky.

So, Kairos didn't stop there.

After speaking with Neptune and Jinbe, he made additional calls—to King Cobra of the Kingdom of Alabasta and King Riku of Dressrosa.

He laid out the same deal, fully aware that both rulers had previously received Ability Crystals from him and understood their value.

Naturally, they agreed without hesitation.

However, like Jinbe, they also proposed trading multiple Devil Fruits for a single crystal. But Kairos was firm—one fruit per crystal. No debate.

They didn't argue. After all, it was already an incredibly generous offer.

Once everything was settled, Kairos finally breathed a little easier.

He no longer had to worry about where to find Devil Fruits.

Fishman Island, Alabasta, and Dressrosa would now handle the search on his behalf. Their combined manpower and reach far surpassed what he could do alone. And, with a hefty reward on the table, they'd give it everything they had.

After all, money talks.

Kairos had no doubt they'd scour the seas for every Devil Fruit they could get their hands on.

Aboard the Mythical Sky

The ship continued silently on its course toward the territory of the Whitebeard Pirates.

That night, Kairos was alone in his room when—

Creak.

The door slowly opened.

A slim figure slipped inside.

"Uta?"

Kairos immediately recognized who it was.

Before he could say another word, Uta quickly closed the door behind her and rushed toward him.

She had made up her mind that night.

From Kairos's cabin came the soft sounds of affection—shy, breathy, passionate—echoing gently into the night.

Their whispers and gasps lingered until almost dawn…

And then, finally, silence.