Seeing the old man's firm stance, Ace didn't refuse any further.
He then picked up the Devil Fruit on the experimental table in front of everyone and took a bite.
"..."
The taste was as disgusting as ever.
"Don't spit it out—that's a 1 billion Berry Devil Fruit!" someone couldn't help but remind him.
No one could deny that most of them were envious.
After all, it was a Mythical Zoan!
Even rarer than a Logia type, with abilities so overpowered that even the old man's years of hidden injuries were healed!
To put it simply, with this power, dying would be hard!
The other division commanders watched with envy, but most remained silent.
They knew their place.
Compared to Ace, they were still far behind.
Devil Fruits like these should naturally be eaten by those with higher priority, but that didn't mean they'd never get a chance.
Because Ron was here!
As long as Ron was around, they would eventually get their turn!
It was just a matter of time.
So while everyone was envious, there was no jealousy or resentment—
Only hopeful gazes fixed on Ace.
"How is it, Ace?" Marco quickly asked, noticing Ace hadn't reacted after eating the Devil Fruit.
"Did it work?"
"Tch."
A sigh was all the answer needed.
Ace looked at everyone with disappointment.
"Sorry, everyone. It failed."
Vista stepped forward to console him. "What's there to apologize for? Ron said enchanted Devil Fruits aren't real Devil Fruits—success or failure is just probability. It's not your fault."
Ron also walked over and patted Ace's shoulder, curious about the success rate of the enchantment.
"Ace, failure is normal. Not everyone has the old man's luck. Try again."
"Yeah, it's just a bit of money and a drop of blood." Marco waved it off casually. "Now that the old man's back at his peak, we'll reclaim everything we've lost!"
Ace nodded and picked up the last enchanted Devil Fruit.
"Then I'll try again."
With that, he carefully placed the Devil Fruit in his mouth.
The familiar, revolting taste flooded his senses again, the intense sensation nearly making him vomit.
Every time he ate a Devil Fruit was torture.
But this time, unlike before when he only took a small bite, he gritted his teeth and swallowed the entire fruit in one go!
The scene left everyone around him stunned.
They couldn't help but raise their thumbs in admiration.
"Ace, you're good!"
Beads of sweat formed on Ace's forehead, his face pale as paper, but his eyes burned with unwavering determination.
He knew this was the only option he had left.
And enchanted Devil Fruits were different from regular ones—maybe eating the whole thing increased the chances of success...
Even if this power came with immense pain and risk, for Ace, who yearned to grow stronger, it was all worth it.
The others watched Ace's resolute expression, a trace of respect stirring in their hearts.
They knew that not everyone had the courage to taste something soooo disgusting.
When Ace swallowed the entire Devil Fruit, everyone present held their breath, their gazes locked tightly on him, their hearts filled with both tension and anticipation.
They knew this moment was crucial for Ace.
If he could successfully obtain the fruit's power, he would gain unprecedented abilities!
But if he failed—that would be a waste!
That was two billion Berry right there!
Thus, everyone's hearts rose to their throats, silently praying for a miracle.
Meanwhile, Ace himself could feel an earth-shattering transformation taking place within his body.
A strange and powerful force seemed to be awakening, first flowing gently through his limbs before surging like a volcanic eruption.
As time passed, Ace's expression gradually shifted from tension to delight—because he realized he didn't suffered any harm.
Instead, he had gained an entirely new ability!
"It worked!"
Suddenly, blazing crimson flames erupted around his body.
Though the flames looked spectacular, they didn't radiate scorching heat.
Instead, they carried a sense of vitality.
The crimson flames roared fiercely, as if they could dye the entire sky red!
Within those flames lay boundless power and each flicker seemingly filled with life force.
As time passed, the flames gradually condensed and transformed, finally taking the shape of a vivid crimson phoenix above Ace's head!
This phoenix was covered in fiery, dazzling feathers, each one shimmering with brilliance.
Its eyes gleamed like two radiant rubies, exuding a deep and majestic gaze.
With each gentle flap of its wings, invisible energy rippled through the air, leaving everyone awestruck.
Suddenly, a clear yet commanding cry pierced the sky, resonating deep within everyone's souls.
The sound sent a shock through all present, their eyes filled with awe and envy.
They had witnessed the birth of another miracle—the second dual-Devil Fruit user!
Even more astonishing, under the influence of this mysterious power, the withered, lifeless weeds around them began to revive.
They slowly took root, sprouted and grew at a visible speed.
"Hahaha! Pops! Ron, I did it!" Ace laughed excitedly, feeling the power of the Phoenix Fruit and testing his control over it.
"Gurararara! Another dual-ability user is born in the Whitebeard Pirates!"
Whitebeard was overjoyed.
Today was truly a fortunate day—one that should be remembered in history!
He was deeply grateful to Ron.
If not for him, the Whitebeard Pirates might have been on the path of destruction since Thatch's death.
It was Ron's arrival that changed everything!
"Alright, Ace, rein in your power," Whitebeard chuckled before turning serious and addressing the crew.
"Listen up, my sons. I have an announcement to make."
Upon hearing Whitebeard was about to make an announcement, the previously boisterous crowd immediately fell silent, listening intently.
They were all familiar with the old man and knew that this particular expression meant something significant was coming.
No one dared to joke around; everyone paid close attention.
"From this moment onward, Ron will be the vice-captain of our Whitebeard Pirates! If anyone has objections, speak now now!"
BOOM!
His words struck like thunder beside everyone's ears.
Ron? Vice-captain?
Was this for real?
If so, that was freaking awesome!