A moment later, Sabo found himself holding not only a Devil Fruit but also a photograph showing Rolan, Luffy, and Ace together. His heart tightened with excitement.
Koala blinked at him, confused by his sudden change in expression.
"Sabo, what did Rolan say to you? Your face looks completely different."
Startled, Sabo quickly hid the photo in his pocket. Only he had heard what Rolan whispered through the electromagnetic pulse.
"He gave me this Devil Fruit," he said calmly, "and called it a meeting gift."
Koala's curiosity sharpened. "What kind of Devil Fruit is it?"
Dragon arrived beside them, studying the strange fruit with his calm, analytical gaze.
"I've never seen this one. It's not recorded in the Devil Fruit encyclopedia."
Koala tugged at Sabo's sleeve with worry. "Maybe don't eat it. What if it's dangerous?"
But Sabo didn't hesitate. He trusted Rolan—and Rolan had no reason to harm him. He took a large bite.
Instant regret.
"Ugh! That is disgusting!" Sabo gagged as he forced down the rest. The fruit's awful taste spread across his tongue, but he kept going until nothing was left.
Heat surged through him immediately, rising from deep in his core. In moments, the ground beneath him melted into lava. Dragon quickly pulled Koala away to safety.
Koala shielded her face from the unbearable heat. "It's so hot, Sabo-kun… what Devil Fruit is that?!"
Dragon's eyes narrowed. "Something extraordinary."
Sabo's body flashed white-hot. Before Koala could react, his form dissolved into flames, reshaping itself until a massive, three-legged bird with golden-black feathers stood where Sabo had been.
Dragon stepped back, shocked. "A creature I've never seen… perhaps only Rolan and Sabo know the truth."
The heat slowly faded. Koala tugged at Dragon's sleeve excitedly. "Let's go ask him!"
Sabo, now fully transformed into the strange divine bird, spread his wings and felt a surge of overwhelming strength.
Koala called out, "Sabo-kun, what Devil Fruit is this?"
A voice echoed from the beak.
"This is the Mythical Zoan type, Bird-Bird Fruit, Three-legged Golden Crow form."
Koala's eyes widened. "Mythical Zoan?!"
Dragon exhaled slowly, stunned. Mythical Zoan abilities surpassed even Logias in rarity and potential. His gaze drifted to the sky—why would Rolan give such overwhelming power to someone he had just met?
The flames around Sabo dimmed as he returned to his human form. Koala rushed to him, hugging his arm tightly.
"Sabo-kun! What is a Three-legged Golden Crow?"
Sabo scratched his cheek, thinking. "A divine creature from ancient legends. It lived in the sun. It controls flames, and can summon wind, lightning, and rain."
Koala grinned mischievously. "Show us!"
Sabo flinched. "Not here. If a World Government agent sees, we're done for."
Koala immediately pulled his ear. "So you're losing patience with me?"
Sabo panicked. "No, no! I'm serious! Once I learn how to control it, you'll be the first person I show!"
"Hmph. Better." She tightened her grip one more time before releasing him.
Sabo rubbed his reddened ear, thinking silently, Anyone who marries you will be beaten three times a day… actually, maybe only I can survive this.
Koala raised a brow. "What face is that? Come here!"
Sabo covered his ears and dashed away.
Watching from afar, Rolan smirked. He could clearly sense everything through the electromagnetic field. He had expected a powerful fruit, but the Three-legged Golden Crow was far beyond even his expectations.
Still, it was a worthwhile investment.
…
Far away, behind a low wall, a Marine in plain clothes held a Den Den Mushi.
"Has Rolan appeared on Sabaody Archipelago? Have the Celestial Dragons been evacuated?"
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. As soon as Fire Fist and her crew arrived, the World Government's Special Agents took the Nobles off the island."
"Good. Keep your distance and monitor Rolan's movements. Don't do anything reckless."
"Understood, Fleet Admiral."
The Marine tucked away the Den Den Mushi and watched Rolan carefully from the shadows.
In Marineford, Sengoku let out a long sigh.
"As long as those fools don't run into Rolan, we avoid another disaster."
Garp laughed loudly. "Hahaha! Those bubble-wearing scum finally learned to run!"
"Garp! This is Marineford! Watch your mouth!"
"No one heard anything!"
Sengoku pressed a hand to his forehead, exhausted by his old friend's behavior.
…
Rolan glanced toward the Marine hiding behind the wall and disappeared in a flash of electricity. He knew exactly what had been reported to Sengoku, but he didn't care. Killing two Celestial Dragons had escalated the situation, but at least he didn't have to deal with those filth again.
Moments later, he appeared at the entrance of an amusement park.
A mocking voice greeted him.
"Oh? Isn't this Captain Rolan, our lovesick captain who wants to marry four beautiful women?"
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