Loki stared at Joy Boy in utter disbelief. It wasn't Joy Boy's current size that shocked him, but the fact that he had emerged from the seawater so effortlessly.
He had assumed that Joy Boy must have used some kind of ability to protect himself. Yet, what he witnessed completely overturned everything he had believed, as well as the common knowledge shared by all—that Devil Fruit users couldn't survive in water.
Realizing that Joy Boy was unaffected by the sea, Loki immediately asked urgently,
"How can you move in seawater? How is this possible? Tell me now!"
Loki was known for his arrogance and dramatic nature. He had always considered himself the chosen one, having eaten the Apollo Fruit and possessing the bloodline of the Ancient Giant Race. To him, he was destined to be called a god.
A god should be flawless, free to do as they please. Yet, the sea's restraint on him felt like an unbearable flaw, a flaw he couldn't accept.
So, when he saw another Devil Fruit user who wasn't affected by seawater, he became agitated, almost breaking free from Joy Boy's grasp.
Seeing Loki's impatience, Joy Boy smirked, an idea forming in his mind.
His lips curled up slightly as he said,
"You seem desperate to know, but this is my secret. Do you really think I'd share it so easily?"
Loki's expression stiffened. Joy Boy continued,
"Of course, it's not something I can't tell you... but first, you must attack Mary Geoise with me."
Loki frowned and said in a deep voice,
"I already agreed to that when you freed me. Do you think I would go back on my word?"
"I don't doubt you," Joy Boy replied. "Someone as proud as you wouldn't break a promise. However, your reckless behavior during the battle—completely disregarding your allies—is a problem. I need you to fix that."
"Tch! Are you saying I should fight side by side with them? That's a ridiculous request..."
Joy Boy wasn't in a hurry. He simply watched Loki with an amused expression, his grip firm.
After a moment of contemplation, Loki chuckled. He lifted his chin arrogantly and said,
"I just realized something—you're not the only Devil Fruit user unaffected by seawater. Your greatest enemy, Fleet Admiral, isn't affected by it either. Aren't you afraid I'll seek him out instead?"
Joy Boy burst into laughter at the suggestion, quickly covering his mouth as if trying to suppress it.
Loki despised Joy Boy's fake mannerisms and immediately barked,
"What's so funny!?"
Joy Boy no longer hid his amusement, laughing heartily. The sheer force of his laughter sent a spray of saliva onto Loki's head, though it was instantly evaporated by the flames of Loki's fiery hair.
Loki's patience was wearing thin. His body ignited, and golden-red flames of the sun scorched Joy Boy's hand. Though his skin turned red from the burning, Joy Boy didn't loosen his grip.
He spoke slowly,
"I just find your idea laughable. You've never even interacted with Carl. How could you possibly know what kind of man he is? Let me tell you this—if you speak to him the way you speak to me, he will kill you. And it won't be a simple death—it will be brutal. Given his style, I'd say your giant head would be the first thing to go."
Loki's expression darkened. "What makes you think I would lose to him?"
"Confidence is good, but overconfidence is arrogance," Joy Boy said with a smirk. "Besides, I doubt you know the full extent of Carl's abilities."
"Hmph, his power is well known. He simply possesses the Dark-Dark Fruit—a Logia-type ability. My Devil Fruit is far superior! The sun's radiance will banish all darkness!"
"Good speech, but I don't think you have much to do with that light."
"Enough nonsense! What are you trying to say?"
Joy Boy tilted his head slightly. "I'm saying the Dark-Dark Fruit has another terrifying ability—it can steal other Devil Fruit powers. Over the years, Carl has stolen countless powerful abilities, making him a multi-fruit user. If he finds out about your Apollo Fruit, he won't hesitate to take it."
"Impossible! There's no such ability!"
"Nothing is impossible. Here's another fact—do you know why Carl, despite being a Devil Fruit user, isn't affected by seawater?"
"What is it!?"
"It's simple. It's because of his sword—a cursed blade named Muramasa, one of the Supreme Grade Blades. Anyone recognized by this blade is no longer affected by seawater or Seastone."
Joy Boy subconsciously touched his abdomen. Even though he had changed bodies, he could still feel the phantom pain from that strike eight hundred years ago, delivered by Cassilius. It was that sword strike that had cemented the Celestial Dragons' victory.
A rare expression of anger flickered across Joy Boy's face. Loki, however, was more concerned with the blade and asked urgently,
"Then how does one gain the blade's recognition?"
"First, you must have the bloodline of the Figarland family."
"...."
One sentence shattered Loki's fantasies. The only way to fulfill that requirement would be to reincarnate.
Loki fell silent. Seizing the opportunity, Joy Boy composed himself and continued,
"This is why standing with me is the right choice. It's not just about keeping your word—it's about survival. Carl will never tolerate someone like you. Only I can truly accept you. Do you understand, Loki!?"
As Joy Boy shouted his final words, his voice was so powerful that the clouds above scattered.
In the distance, Pedro, standing on the shoulder of the giant Dorry, was moved to tears. He gazed up at Joy Boy, now towering over everything, and murmured,
"This is the greatness of Lord Joy Boy... He is the true Sun God!"
After following Joy Boy for so long, Pedro had completely devoted himself to him, practically worshipping him.
However, giants like Dorry hadn't been "converted" to the same extent. Hearing Pedro's words, Dorry couldn't help but shudder.
"Why does Pedro sound so... emotional?"
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+160 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg