Kapitel 52: Thunder User

---

As soon as Akira and Hancock left, Iceburg breathed a deep sigh of relief.

"The Pirate Empress truly lives up to her reputation as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea," he muttered. As the mayor of the Water 7 city, he knew how lawless these people can get.

Kalifa, standing nearby, nodded, still clutching her sweaty palms. As a CP9 agent, she was well aware of the Empress's power and reputation. The other shipyard workers also began whispering among themselves.

"Who's that young man she's with?"

"No idea. But it's no small feat to have caught the eye of the 'World's Most Beautiful Woman.' He must be someone extraordinary."

The foremen, who had chuckled at Akira earlier, now felt humbled. They were ordinary workers with no place to mock a man who had won the admiration of someone as formidable as the Pirate Empress.

---

Marine Headquarters - Marineford

In the Marine Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku listened with a frown as the intelligence report came in.

"The Pirate Empress, Hancock, has been sighted in Water 7," the report began.

Sengoku pinched the bridge of his nose, frustrated. "Why can't these Seven Warlords stay put? Don't they realize the chaos they cause?"

Garp chuckled from his spot on the sofa. "That girl finally taking a stroll?"

The intelligence officer continued, "There's more, sir. According to the report, it seems the Empress has a new interest… in a man."

"What?!"

Sengoku and Garp were both taken aback, disbelief on their faces.

"A man caught the attention of that proud woman?" Sengoku asked, surprised.

The officer handed Sengoku a photo of Akira.

"His name is Uchiha Akira. He's reportedly establishing a security company in the City of water 7—Uchiha Security."

"A security company? In this age of piracy?" Sengoku raised an eyebrow. "Starting such a business is just asking for trouble."

Garp chuckled, chewing on a donut. "Brave young fellow. What are his price?"

The officer shifted uncomfortably. "He… he's charging 100 million Berry per day."

"What?!"

Both Sengoku and Garp were stunned by the exorbitant fee.

"Is this kid crazy for money? How much does he need?" Sengoku exclaimed.

The officer shook his head. "Apparently, he's not short on funds. He just ordered a ship worth a billion Berry in Water 7."

"A billion Berry?" Sengoku asked, intrigued. "What's this guy's background?"

"According to our intel, he defeated Bellamy, a notorious pirate with a 55-million-Berry bounty, on Jaya Island using a single finger. He's also had a confrontation with the Blackbeard Pirates."

"Blackbeard?" Sengoku murmured. "That's the one who defected from Whitebeard's crew. And I believe someone recently suggested him as a candidate for the Seven Warlords. What happened in that clash?"

"The scene was reportedly chaotic. Witnesses say the Blackbeard Pirates took a major hit from this young man."

The room fell silent. They didn't yet know Blackbeard's full capabilities, but he was no weakling. For Akira to come out ahead in a confrontation with Blackbeard said much about his strength.

"He may be more than just brave," Sengoku mused. "He could easily be on par with the Seven Warlords, if not stronger."

Garp grinned. "What a remarkable young man. Just keep an eye on him. Make sure he and Hancock don't stir up too much trouble."

Sengoku shot him a glare. "You should talk! Your grandson is causing trouble right now!"

The officer stepped forward. "Vice Admiral Garp, according to our intel, your grandson, Straw Hat Luffy, is also in Water 7 and has been in contact with Uchiha Akira."

"What?!" Sengoku threw his hands up in frustration. "Garp! Your whole family's a headache! Your son, your grandson—all of them!"

Unbothered, Garp picked up his donut and chuckled. "Guess I'll just have to go grab him myself!" He dashed out, leaving Sengoku fuming in his office.

---

City of Water Seven - Hotel

Akira, Hancock, Shisui, and Itachi had spent the afternoon exchanging their gold for cash, strolling through the city's bustling streets before settling at the best hotel for a meal.

After a satisfying dinner, Akira unwrapped a mysterious-looking fruit and placed it on the table.

Shisui, curious, reached for a knife. "Brother Akira, what's this?"

But Hancock's expression changed instantly. "That… that's a Devil Fruit!"

Shisui and Itachi exchanged surprised glances. They had heard from Akira about the Devil Fruits' legendary powers, capable of granting remarkable abilities to their users.

Akira grinned. "You've already seen it in action—Enel's Logia-type Devil Fruit, the Thunder Fruit."

Shisui's eyes widened, realizing its significance. "So this… this is the devil fruit that allows its user to wield the power of lightning?"

Akira nodded, his eyes glinting with anticipation. The choice of who would wield this power could shape their journey in unimaginable ways.

---

The expressions on Shisui, Itachi, and Hancock's faces immediately shifted, each of them remembering the incredible power they'd witnessed on Sky Island. Although Enel hadn't lived up to the fruit's potential, its abilities—world-shaking power, elemental invulnerability, and blinding speed—were undeniable.

Hancock looked at Akira, disbelief clear in her eyes. "How did you get your hands on it?"

Akira smiled. "Remember how I took Enel with me when we left? I had someone extract the Thunder Fruit from his body."

The shock was obvious, especially for Hancock. "Someone who can rob the power of a Devil Fruit?! Who…who has such a power?"

"His name is Blackbeard, and he leads the Blackbeard Pirates."

"Blackbeard?" Hancock frowned, unfamiliar with the name. The only "beard" she knew of was Whitebeard, the most powerful man in the world.

"He was part of Whitebeard's crew until he defected. If you ever run into him alone, stay cautious. But don't worry—I'll make sure he knows better than to provoke you."

Shisui glanced curiously at the fruit. "Brother Akira, can we…share this?"

Akira chuckled. "Nice try, but a Devil Fruit can only be used by the first person who eats it. There's no splitting it up."

"Then why bring it out?" Shisui asked.

"I want you and Itachi to decide who's going to eat it."

"What?!"

Hancock, Shisui, and Itachi all looked at him, stunned. Hancock especially knew the value of a Logia Devil Fruit—let alone one as powerful as the Thunder Fruit.

"Are you sure you don't want it for yourself?" Hancock asked, her tone urgent. "This is the Thunder Fruit, the strongest Logia Fruit! Even if you wanted to buy it, no amount of money could be enough. It's the kind of treasure that could create someone on the level of a Marine Admiral."

Akira smiled, unbothered. "I know, but it doesn't benefit me much. It's better suited for one of you two."

Shisui quickly offered, "Then it should go to Itachi. He hasn't unlocked his Mangekyō Sharingan yet and could use the power to protect himself."

Itachi shook his head. "No, Shisui. It would be more useful for you. I'm not that skilled with Lightning Style. With your talent, you could bring our clan's strength to new heights, which would better support our goals in this world."

"Itachi, your talent surpasses mine," Shisui countered. "You'd master lightning in no time if you just practiced with it."

"It would take too long and hold back our progress."

"If you don't eat it, that's what will hold us back."

---

Hancock watched, bewildered, as they each pushed the fruit toward the other. Did they even understand what they were turning down? This was the Thunder Fruit—people would wage wars to obtain it!

"If you two are finished arguing," Akira cut in, smiling, "then I will decide. Shisui, you go ahead and eat it."

"Why me?" Shisui protested.

"You take the lightning as it matches your thunder breathing. I'll get a fire-based one for Itachi later."

Shisui blinked in surprise but, trusting Akira, nodded. "Alright." He looked down at the fruit and picked it up. "This thing actually looks kind of tasty."

With a slight grin, he took a large bite. Immediately, his expression contorted.

"Ugh!" He gagged, fighting the urge to spit it out.

"Swallow it," Akira quickly said, and Shisui obediently forced down the rest of the fruit, grimacing with each bite.

After a large gulp of water, Shisui gasped, regaining his composure. Itachi, looking amused, asked, "So, how was it?"

"It tastes horrible!" Shisui shuddered, downing another drink.

Hancock gave him a sympathetic smile. She remembered the awful taste from when she'd eaten her own Devil Fruit.

Suddenly, the air around Shisui crackled as arcs of electricity appeared in his hands, sparking to life.

"Already?" Itachi said in surprise, watching as Shisui clenched and released his hand, generating more electricity with each motion.

"Let's go outside and test it!" Akira said, grabbing Hancock's hand and pulling her along, causing her to blush. He placed his other hand on Shisui's shoulder, who in turn grabbed Itachi.

"Let's go."

In an instant, all four vanished in a flash of movement.

...