I'm Not Interested in Devil Fruits

The "Iron Devil," wielder of the Magnet-Magnet Fruit, was a figure whispered about in hushed tones, a legend Haredas of Weatheria in Skypiea had once mentioned. Haredas's tales had ignited Liam's curiosity, drawing him to this island in search of the truth behind the legend and the Devil Fruit itself.

As a weather scientist, Haredas understood the intricate connection between weather and magnetism, sparking his fascination with Devil Fruit users who could manipulate magnetic forces. After all, no one had ever heard of a Weather-Weather Fruit.

Haredas had once journeyed to Magnifique Island in the South Blue, hoping to learn more about this "Iron Devil." But the locals he encountered were visibly shaken, warning the tall old man to stay far away from such talk.

Around Magnifique Island, chilling legends of the "Iron Devil" were abounded and they all shared a common thread: his terrifying mastery over metal and his brutal methods of killing.

Even those who had survived encounters with him, like Old Neil, were left deeply scarred, either driven mad or left to live out their days in broken bodies.

Liam's gaze drifted beyond the restaurant window.

His Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) was remarkably sensitive, allowing him to distinguish between individuals and perceive the strength of their auras.

While these abilities were inherent to Kenbunshoku Haki, Liam's skill was exceptional.

Luffy's Kenbunshoku Haki was known for its ability to sense the emotions of others.

Fujitora's, though less defined, seemed to possess an incredibly vast range, capable of tracking meteorites falling from space.

Usopp's Kenbunshoku Haki, perfectly honed for his role as the Straw Hat Pirates' sniper, allowed for precise long-range targeting.

Liam sometimes joked that his own Kenbunshoku Haki, with its focus on identifying people and judging their strength, felt more like a rebranded version of "Ki Sensing" from Dragon Ball... lacking that adventurous pirate flair.

Now, his Kenbunshoku Haki swept across Magnifique Island, picking up countless auras. He mused, "This 'Iron Devil,' this Magnet-Magnet Fruit user… seems to be a pure ability type. His aura isn't particularly strong."

It made sense. Someone who had acquired a powerful fruit like the Magnet-Magnet Fruit might prioritize honing its abilities rather than focusing on physical combat.

The Magnet-Magnet Fruit was a pure "Superpower" fruit, unlike the Gum-Gum Fruit, which relied heavily on the user's physical strength. A "mage-style" approach could still make someone incredibly powerful.

As he strolled down the street, his eyes on the blue sky and the fluffy white clouds, Liam's thoughts were on the Magnet-Magnet Fruit. Suddenly, Marigold exclaimed, "It's so lively up ahead!"

"What is it?" Hancock asked, squinting into the distance.

In a large square, a crowd had gathered, focused on a massive screen displaying what looked like a grand arena.

"It's a broadcast from a Video Den Den Mushi," Robin explained. "They seem to be showing the 'Grand Tournament' happening on the island."

The group moved into the bustling square. Normally, a group of such beautiful women would draw attention, but with Hancock leading the way, her aloof demeanor parted the crowd almost instinctively.

Men and women alike stared in awe at Hancock's flawless profile, a mix of admiration and something akin to shame in their eyes.

Hancock looked up at the large screen broadcasting from the Den Den Mushi. It showed a close-up of an old man wearing a crown – clearly the island's king.

Beside him sat a graceful princess with long orange-red hair, presumably Princess Erica Oroson, the prize in the fierce competition unfolding in the arena.

Marigold commented with a hint of disappointment, "She's not that pretty."

"She looks so delicate and weak, what a letdown," Sandersonia added.

The other warriors laughed. After all, these two were Hancock's younger sisters. For them to be unimpressed, Princess Oroson would have to be exceptionally beautiful.

The group was already a spectacle, and their open criticism of the princess drew curious glances.

But one look at Hancock's face silenced any disapproval. If such a perfect woman found the princess wanting, well, who could argue?

"Hey! You better watch it."

Liam looked down to see the red-haired kid at his feet. Surprised, he said, "Oh, you're still here?"

"Huh?!" The kid looked annoyed.

Liam continued, "We're not exactly friends. Why are you following us?"

"Yeah, it's kind of creepy, little bro," One of the Kuja warriors teased.

The kid seethed. If he weren't genuinely afraid, he would have punched the annoying man looking women.

He glared at Liam and then sneered, "You've been parading around this island for too long. You should be careful! Chopper Giorno… Kujo Jolyne!"

Huh?

They exchanged confused glances. How did this kid know Giorno and Jolyne's names?

With that, the kid slipped into the crowd and vanished.

Elsewhere on the island, a flower clone in denim clothes paid for and picked up a newspaper.

Back in the royal city square, Robin's attention snapped to the clone. The other two clones paused, and as the main body and all three clones read the newspaper in unison, they recited, "The strongest rookie pirates, Kujo Jolyne, with a bounty of 120 Million Berries, and Chopperna Giorno, with a bounty of 150 Million Berries, have resurfaced after several years…"

In the royal square, Hancock and the others heard Robin's words and finally understood. It was the newspaper.

"We haven't announced our names publicly, always staying within the Kuja Pirates," Robin said. "The newspaper has clear photos of us… It seems the Marines leaked the information to the World Economic Times."

"Photos?" Liam rubbed his chin, puzzled. "Are there reporters in the Marines? When were these taken? That's incredible…"

Bang!

A gunshot echoed through the crowd behind Liam.

As panic rippled through the square, a bullet tore through the air, aimed directly at the back of Liam's head.

Without turning, Liam casually reached out and plucked the bullet from the air as if it had flown into his hand.

He held it between his thumb and forefinger.

Looking back, he saw a figure in the crowd desperately trying to avoid his gaze, crouching down to escape.

Liam flicked the bullet.

Whoosh…

It zipped through the crowd, weaving between people, grazing clothing, passing under arms, brushing past hair… The terrified eyes of the crouching attacker reflected the bullet's path.

Thud!

Blood sprayed.

(End Of The Chapter)

You can read ahead up to 30 chapters on my patreon and I've also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon https://www.patreon.com/marvel6395