Within the experimental base on Jaya island.
Ron found himself slightly overwhelmed by Whitebeard's enthusiastic invitation.
The man's habit of adopting everyone as his 'son' remained as strong as ever.
However,
Ron didn't share that habit.
Addressing him as "Captain" felt far more natural.
"Captain, I... I can join the Whitebeard Pirates, but I'd prefer to keep calling you 'Captain.'"
"Gurararara! What an interesting brat. It just a title—call me whatever you like!" Whitebeard boomed with laughter, flexing his revitalized body with unrestrained joy.
The sensation of his renewed vigor was incredibly satisfying.
The others soon gathered around, offering their congratulations.
Ace, who had slipped beside Ron at some point, wore an apologetic expression.
"Ron, I owe you an apology for my earlier attitude."
"Huh? What are you talking about? I've already forgotten about it." Ron brushed it off casually.
"Thank you, Ron. If you hadn't stopped me in time, I would've caused even greater trouble." Ace's voice was sincere, his hatred practically etched onto his face.
"As for Teach... you were right. Killing him outright would be too merciful. He should live in fear every single day!"
Seeing Ace's change of heart brought Ron some relief.
Moreover, without Ace acting as the catalyst, the Summit War might never happen...right?
Ron wasn't sure.
But even if it did, it didn't matter.
Whitebeard had now possessed the power of Mythical Zoan-type Tori Tori no Mi, Model: Phoenix.
Death was no longer an option for him.
His vitality was at its peak, rivaling—if not surpassing—his prime years!
The Whitebeard of his prime didn't possessed dual devil fruit power.
But now, with this power, he stood equal to, if not, greater than his former self.
A Yonko of this caliber, even if the Marineford war still happen, Fleet Admiral Sengoku and the Marines would have their hands full of him.
Ron watched as Whitebeard lifted Murakumogiri, swinging the massive blade with practiced ease.
Each slash cut through the air like winter frost, leaving behind shimmering trails of silver light.
Every movement radiated sheer power and resolve—broad, sweeping strikes that showcased not just overwhelming strength but an indomitable presence.
It was like witnessing an adult tiger, roaring freely through the jungle, declaring its unchallenged dominion!
With each swing, the very air seemed to split under the force, emitting faint explosive cracks.
One couldn't help but imagine—if this power continued to build, could cleave an island in half?
In the world of one piece, abilities, physical prowess and Haki were all equally vital.
The truly strong mastered them all.
Yet Ron possessed none of these.
His survival depended on relying on the strong—or being relied upon by them.
His current physique was weak.
He had no mastery of martial arts, no swordsmanship.
The only thing he could rely on was Devil Fruits—but for now, he had no intention of eating one.
First, there was no need.
With the Whitebeard Pirates as his shield, he had no reason to give himself a glaring weakness.
Second, he was waiting for a stronger fruit.
The one piece world was full of wonders—who knew what even greater powers might await him? Everything remained uncertain.
Besides, He wasn't arrogant enough to believe that a single Devil Fruit could make him invincible.
The path must be walked step by step, and rising to power must be done gradually.
Just as he was deep in thought, the pleasant voice of the system echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations, Host, on completing your first enchantment.]
[Reward obtained: Auto-Training!]
[Current mission progress: Enchant ten devil fruit (1/10)]
[Upon completion, new technology will be unlocked!]
"Auto-Training? What an unexpected reward."
Ron looked at the system's reward in pleasant surprise and couldn't help but focus his consciousness on it.
After reading the description, he understood—it was simple.
As long as he was alive, even if he didn't train, his strength would gradually increase and the gains would be identical to those of someone who trained diligently!
"This is perfect for me."
Ron was ecstatic.
A method that allowed him to grow stronger without training? It was practically tailor-made for him.
Without this, he had no idea how long it would take to become powerful.
"Pops, Pops, stop playing around for now." Marco suppressed his excitement and quickly stepped forward.
"You've just recovered—you still need a full check-up."
Whitebeard knew Marco's personallity.
There was no escaping this examination today, so he reluctantly stopped and let Marco proceed.
"Hurry up. Right now, I feel like I have endless energy. I have to say, the power of the Phoenix is incredibly useful!"
"Understood, Pops. Hold out your arm."
Marco smiled as he took out a stethoscope and began carefully examining Whitebeard.
"Is Pops alright, Marco? Make sure you check thoroughly." Jozu couldn't help but ask.
"Relax and wait. Marco's the ship's doctor—do you really need to remind him of something so basic?"
"You're right. I'm just too anxious." Jozu scratched his head sheepishly, then lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at Ron.
He simply felt ashamed.
....
A short while later,
Marco put away his stethoscope and announced with a smile, "Pops's body has fully recovered. All his old injuries are gone. Right now... Pops is in perfect health!!!"
The moment the results were announced, everyone erupted in cheers!
"That's amazing! Pops has finally overcome his illness!"
"Hahahaha! Pops luck is as strong as ever—he's really fine now!"
"Brother, that's not quite right. It should be, 'Pops luck is thanks to Ron'—it was Ron who cured Pops!'"
"Right, right! My mistake. Ron, I apologize."
With that, the man bowed sincerely to Ron, his comical demeanor making everyone burst into laughter.
The crew looked at Ron with eyes full of gratitude and admiration, cheering as they lifted him overhead again and again.
"Ron!"
"Ron!"
"Ron!"
Whitebeard who's happier than he had been in a long time, watched the scene with misty eyes.
All of this... was thanks to that brat, Ron.
Once the celebrations settled, one question still remained before them—
There were two more enchanted Devil Fruits left.
Who should eat them?
Jozu was the first to shake his head, making his stance clear.
"Count me out. I'm just a big, tough guy with thick skin. Plus, I'm already a Paramecia-type user with the Shining Fruit—i'm as hard as diamonds. I rarely get hurt and if I do, there's no need to heal me anyway."
"Hahaha!"
Ron couldn't help but laugh at Jozu's words.
He hadn't expected the man to have such a humorous side.
Vista also declined while saying, "You know me, Pops. My swordsmanship is all about charging forward without hesitation. If I were to eat this fruit out of fear of getting hurt, it wouldn't help my swordsmanship at all—it might even set me back."
Whitebeard: "..."
Then Whitebeard turned his gaze to Ace. "Ace, you take these. No arguments."
Ace was taken aback. "Me?"
"Yes, you eat them," Whitebeard said firmly, locking eyes with Ace.
The Mythical Zoan-type Phoenix fruit's ability was incredibly overpowered.
As long as the user wasn't instantly reduced to ashes, they could recover—this was Whitebeard's most profound realization.
And so,
He wanted Ace to eat this fruit, to ensure his safety.