C22 The Fusion of the Mosasaur

He slid the Devil Fruit with its mysterious power into the small square frame, and a line of text materialized within it.

"Swift Fruit: Defects automatically eliminated upon synthesis."

Esaki's lips curled into a smile at the sight.

Just as he thought... the system was impressively effective.

Moreover, the Swift Fruit was a formidable one. There's truth in the old adage: "In the world of martial arts, nothing can withstand speed." Speed equates to power.

In time, the Swift Fruit's capabilities would surely rival those of the Flash Fruit, lacking only its elemental transformation.

"This fruit suits the Mosasaur quite well," he murmured to himself.

"The Ankylosaur isn't much use; might as well synthesize it... The Oviraptor, though, I'll keep that one for now."

The Ankylosaur was slow and thus useless, taking up precious space on the ship.

Ultimately, he chose the Mosasaur as the primary subject, with the Ankylosaur and Swift Fruit as secondary components for the synthesis.

Original form or aberrant form?

Two options presented themselves before him.

After some contemplation, he opted for the original form, wary of the risk that the Ankylosaur's traits, particularly its clubbed tail, might manifest on the Mosasaur.

Ding! Proceed with synthesis?

Upon Esaki's confirmation, 10 million Belly was debited.

The contents of the three frames merged into a beam of light, swirling incessantly.

Buzz!

With a surge of brilliance, the Mosasaur re-emerged in the large frame.

It had undergone some changes: its form remained the same, but its skin had transformed into thick, spiky scale armor, giving it an even more menacing appearance.

Name: Mosasaur

Type: Deep Sea Predator

Abilities: Super Hearing (capable of detecting sounds within 10,000 meters underwater), Super Smell (capable of detecting blood within 10,000 meters underwater), Death Roll (fatal if bitten, crippling if not), Godly Speed (extremely fast in water), Spiked Armor (provides formidable defense), Busoshoku Haki, and a Tenfold Speed Boost (upgradeable).

Strength: Colonel of the Naval Headquarters!

"Another small promotion, not bad. Plus, a tenfold increase in speed..."

Esaki's lips curled into a smile.

The Mosasaur was already swift, but now, with a tenfold speed boost, it seemed no Sea King could keep pace.

The Mosasaur was no mere ornament now; its combat prowess at sea surpassed even that of the Australovenator.

"Oh, uh~"

Suddenly, a gray shadow lunged at him.

"Little Scar, up to your surprise attacks again!"

Esaki extended his arms in resignation.

The little gorilla landed in his palms and clambered up to his chest.

"Oh, uh~" The little gorilla made hand gestures, seemingly trying to communicate something.

"Why are you even comparing yourself to dinosaurs? You're so tiny, who else would you bite?"

Esaki rolled his eyes, at a loss for words.

Somehow, he could decipher the little fellow's sign language.

The audacious little one had dared to steal an egg from an Oviraptor, truly fearless.

"Oh, uh~"

The little gorilla showed off its tiny, sharp fangs, trying to appear fierce.

"Alright, I get it, you're tough. One day, I'll find you a Devil Fruit," Esaki said, patting its little head with a sense of resignation.

On this ship, this little guy was his only real company. Creatures like the Australovenator only saw him as their master, offering nothing but respect.

Meanwhile, below deck, the Mosasaur had finished its transformation.

As Gaimon steered, the Mosasaur began to carry the ship forward, moving with a newfound grace.

...

East Blue, Syrup Village.

"Dad, are you really going to set sail and become a pirate?"

In a tiny wooden cabin, a small child with a long nose and curly hair, no more than two or three years old, looked up at his father and exclaimed with excitement.

"Absolutely, son. Your dad is the world's greatest sharpshooter," Jesus said, affectionately ruffling his son's hair.

"I'm gonna be the world's greatest sharpshooter too!" Usopp declared with a beaming smile.

"Hahaha, you'll have to work hard for it. I'll be waiting for you out on the vast ocean."

"I will, I'll work really hard."

Beside the bed, Banchina bowed her head, her eyes brimming with tears.