Chương 100: See The Bear Fruit Again, In The Form Of A Polar Bear!

Chopper led the group to the place where he was born. There, his parents and the other reindeer of his herd grazed peacefully. Chopper had been exiled from this tribe because of his unusual blue nose.

As he gazed at the deer from a distance, a mix of emotions washed over him. But when he looked at the humans around him, he felt a surge of pride. So what if they kicked me out? I have companions now! And I have a name!

"Huh? What is that?" Hiyori's sharp eyes spotted something unusual growing among the grass at the feet of a majestic reindeer.

It was a fruit, as white as snow, with intricate silver patterns swirling across its surface. Lying in the snow, it was nearly impossible to see.

Curiosity piqued, Hiyori blinked and leaned in closer. Then, her eyes widened in realization. "Devil Fruit! It's a Devil Fruit!"

Just as the reindeer bent down to eat the Devil Fruit, another reindeer with huge antlers approached. It barked, lowered its head, and pointed its antlers at the fruit.

The two reindeer were preparing to duel.

But no one cared about the reindeer fight. Following Hiyori's gaze, the others also noticed the white fruit gleaming with a silvery light. It lay beneath the reindeer's hoof, and the charging reindeer was about to crush it!

Everyone's hearts raced—this was a Devil Fruit! Would it be smashed to pieces?

Would a trampled Devil Fruit still be effective?

Suddenly, there was a whooshing sound, and a figure darted forward. In an instant, the figure reached the reindeer's feet and snatched the Devil Fruit.

Because of the sudden movement, both reindeer collided with the figure, one after the other. But the figure didn't budge, and the reindeer staggered back, stunned.

"Great! Sister Yamato saved the fruit!" the little girls cheered.

Yamato returned with the fruit, and everyone examined it in awe as it was passed around. It resembled a pear, completely white like the snow, with silver lines adding to its mystery.

"What kind of fruit is this?" someone asked.

"Let's check my brother's Devil Fruit encyclopedia!" another suggested eagerly. "By the way, Brother Arias has two Devil Fruits in his collection!"

After witnessing the power of Yamato and Kuina's Devil Fruits, they were all eager for one of their own. However, none dared to eat it without Arias's approval.

They returned to camp and presented the Devil Fruit to Arias, who was surprised by their luck. Finding a Devil Fruit so easily!

But from their description, it seemed the fruit would have been crushed by the dueling reindeer if Yamato hadn't intervened. Arias figured this might be an ability that hadn't appeared in the original series.

As they gathered around, Arias opened the Devil Fruit encyclopedia, and together they flipped through the pages.

Finally, they found it listed under Zoan types:

Bear Fruit—Polar Bear Form!

Another bear fruit? Arias thought, feeling a strange connection with bears. A polar bear... I wonder if it can control ice and snow?

Although Zoan-type fruits usually didn't have extra abilities, exceptions existed. For example, Mary's Snake-Snake Fruit (Cobra Form) not only granted venom but also the power to breathe fire.

Sure, the Flame-Flame Fruit is famous, but who says a polar bear can't have an extra ability?

However, Arias knew the chances were slim. Otherwise, Arctic foxes, snow leopards, and penguins would have similar powers.

"Hiyori found the fruit, and Yamato retrieved it," Arias said, contemplating. "But Yamato already has a fruit ability. Hiyori, do you want to eat it?"

Hiyori stared at the fruit, surprised that Arias would offer it to her. But remembering their agreement, she shook her head. "No, I want to eat a Mythical Zoan-type fruit, just like Yamato."

The two had agreed that if Hiyori could obtain a Mythical Zoan-type fruit on her own, Arias would give her the legendary sword, Ame no Habakiri, permanently.

Although Hiyori declined, the others still had some desire for the fruit. However, Nami and the original protagonist group had set their sights on the most powerful Devil Fruits.

Carina and Nojiko, on the other hand, didn't have such high requirements. After seeing Kuina's strength, they were eager for a Zoan-type fruit.

But Arias didn't ask them. Instead, he stowed the fruit away.

"If you want something, show me your effort and achievements!" he declared.

A day later, Zoro awoke from his coma. His body ached, but he could feel a gentle energy coursing through him.

That's... Qi! The Qi that Arias taught me!

Overwhelmed with excitement, an intense hunger hit him. Arias handed over a large piece of Sea King meat, and young Zoro devoured it immediately.

After the meal, they packed up and prepared to face their enemies, washed the tents, and returned them to Chopper before heading toward Drum City.

The entrance to Drum City was heavily guarded. Because the Miss Universe contest had come to Drum Island, many outsiders and residents had gathered to witness the event.

These beauties, selected from all over the world, were the finest that most people would never have the chance to see in their lifetime.

As they entered the city, the guards couldn't help but stare at the stunning group.

Arias and Hancock were used to such attention. Yamato, now somewhat immune to the gawking, barely noticed.

However, Carina and the others felt uncomfortable under the scrutiny.

With their striking appearances and noble bearing, Arias and Hancock led the way. Yamato, her shoulders bare, carried a massive mace on her back, signaling that this group was not to be trifled with.

A receptionist hurried forward to inquire about their identities, only to be stunned by the response.

The Emperor of Amazon Lily!

The receptionist, just an ordinary official in the Iron Tank Kingdom, had never heard of the faraway all-female country, but the title emperor carried weight. He quickly ushered them inside with a flurry of bows and rushed to inform the kingdom's senior officials.

The emperor of a nation visiting personally? This is significant! If disrespected, it could lead to war!

Inside Drum City's palace, a middle-aged man in a crisp suit listened to a beautiful woman's report.

"Candrela, are you serious about this?" he asked calmly.

The woman nodded. "Absolutely! If you can capture that woman, she'll fetch a high price! And if you help me get that man, I'll be yours tonight!"

The man, Oliver, nodded and glanced greedily at her. This woman was the favored companion of another powerful figure, and ordinarily, he wouldn't dare touch her. But if she was offering herself, it was a different matter.

After she left, Oliver thought for a moment before heading to the palace's inner chambers. There, a young, short, and pudgy man with a shy face was enjoying the company of several maids. When he saw Oliver, he frowned in annoyance. This guy always refuses to share the beauties with me!

But his father had warned him that Oliver represented a powerful force and was not to be offended. He was even allowed to enter the palace freely, much to the young man's displeasure.

"Oliver, what do you want?" Wapol, the crown prince, asked with irritation.

Oliver sneered inwardly. If this spoiled brat didn't have a powerful family, he'd be nothing but trash to me!

But his sneer vanished as he put on a smile. "Your Highness, the Miss Universe contest must be fair and just, and the safety of every contestant must be ensured. But if you want beautiful women, the ocean is full of them! In fact, one has already arrived in Drum City—the queen of a nation."

"As the crown prince of the Iron Tank Kingdom and the future king, you'd be a perfect match for her. Why not propose marriage?"

"And this woman is known as the most beautiful in the sea! Only such a woman can match your status!"

Wapol's interest was piqued. "Where is she?"

Oliver was about to answer when a servant entered and addressed Wapol. "Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence to welcome the Emperor of Amazon Lily."

Wapol's eyes gleamed as he realized what Oliver meant. He eagerly followed the servant to the front hall.

When Arias and his group arrived at the palace gates, the king was already there with his entourage.

"Haha! I've heard much about the Emperor of Amazon Lily's beauty and grace. Now that I see her, the stories don't do her justice!" King Dickens greeted Hancock warmly. When he saw her in person, he realized that her beauty far surpassed the rumors.