44. Fisherman Jinbei

"The individual scan was successful: Tony Tony Chopper, the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates."

"Evolution estimated at 7,000 points. Do you wish to proceed with evolution?"

"Evolution."

"Comprehensive enhancement of physical fitness initiated, estimated completion in five days."

"Full development of Conqueror's Haki initiated, evolution complete."

"Commencement of Devil Fruit ability evolution, ability development in progress, estimated completion in three days."

"Seven thousand points? That's fewer than Sanji's," Luffy observed as he watched the evolution points diminish.

"It could be a matter of potential. Demon Fruit powers inherently possess greater potential than ordinary abilities. However, when combined with other talents such as physical prowess or swordsmanship, the final evolutionary ceiling varies greatly," Rayleigh explained. "Moreover, it may also be influenced by the individual's baseline qualities. Chopper's initial strength was quite low, so this evolution likely just raises his abilities to this level."

Rayleigh speculated further, "Perhaps, once fully acclimated to this evolution, another stage may be possible."

Though Rayleigh voiced this possibility, he harboured doubts. Elevating someone to near-admiral or Admiral level was already fantastical. Many talented individuals in the sea would never reach such heights in their lifetimes.

Soon, Chopper's evolution was complete. His form instinctively shifted to a human-like size, resembling a large orangutan, with a gleam of light in his eyes. Rayleigh observed from the sidelines, a sense of wonder in his expression.

"This ability truly is miraculous," Rayleigh remarked, observing the transformation in Chopper. "What once seemed weak now exudes strength visible to the naked eye. In the New World, this level of courage ranks among the strongest."

"And this is just the beginning of the evolution process," Rayleigh continued. "Once his physical fitness and abilities are further enhanced, his strength will skyrocket."

Chopper, feeling the changes within him, clenched his fists tightly, a newfound sensation coursing through him. Though his physical strength hadn't drastically increased, his control had improved significantly. It felt as if today was the first time he had full command over his body.

With the heightened perception of Haki, reinforced Armament Haki, and the burgeoning power of Conqueror's Haki, Chopper felt reborn. Now, he understood why Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and the others could face danger with such calm confidence back in Sabaody. The strength they possessed instilled an unwavering sense of assurance.

"Congratulations, Chopper," Usopp congratulated, envy evident in his tone. "From now on, you're as strong as Luffy and the rest."

Despite the lack of external changes, Usopp could sense the aura emanating from Chopper, akin to that of Luffy and the others—a mark of true strength.

"Don't praise me like that, Usopp. It's embarrassing," Chopper chuckled, displaying the humility characteristic of a true warrior.

Chopper quickly reverted from his strongman form to his normal civet cat-like form, his face flushed with excitement as he waved his small arms like noodles.

"When you're ready, we can depart," Rayleigh announced from the deck.

Suddenly, a large group of murlocks and mermaids appeared throughout the port, with tall murlocks wearing seastone handcuffs at the forefront.

"That's Boss Jinbei! Don't you dare take him from Fish-Man Island!" the murlocks protested, their emotions running high.

Luffy, aboard the Sonny, watched the scene with curiosity. "Who's that guy?"

"That's Jinbei. He's a super famous figure, like Crocodile and Moria. He's one of the Shichibukai," Franky explained, peering over at the commotion.

"Jinbei," Rayleigh confirmed, recognizing the figure.

"Rayleigh, you know him too?" Luffy asked, intrigued.

"Yeah, I had connections with the Sun Pirates, the crew Jinbei was part of before. Fisher Tiger led them to Mariejois to free the slaves. I helped some of those escaped slaves return home," Rayleigh recalled.

A sense of nostalgia clouded Rayleigh's eyes. "It's a shame about Fisher. Even though Jinbei is stronger, he'll ultimately have to yield to the World Government."

"Why is the Shichibukai handcuffed?" Luffy asked, puzzled by the sight.

"The one escorting Jinbei, the Shichibukai, is just a Vice Admiral from Marine Headquarters. While not weak, he's no match for a Shichibukai," Rayleigh explained.

Yet Jinbei seemed to be willing to cooperate despite the restraints.

"I'm not sure, but it likely has to do with Fish-Man Island," Rayleigh speculated calmly.

"Oh, it's Hatchan," Luffy exclaimed, spotting Hatchan amidst the crowd. He was conversing with Jinbei but was forcefully shoved to the ground by the Marine escorting them.

Seeing the Marine raise his gun, Luffy vanished from the deck in an instant.

"You guys," he called out to his crew, urgency in his tone.

Jinbei observed as the Marine soldier raised his hand, water droplets forming on his palm, poised to strike. But before he could act, someone else intervened.

"Don't harm my comrade," a voice boomed.

In an instant, a figure enveloped in white steam materialized in front of Hatchan. Upon landing, a powerful wave of Conqueror's Haki emanated from him, causing several Marines to collapse unconscious as if struck by a powerful force.

Luffy's mastery of Conqueror's Haki was becoming increasingly formidable, allowing him to precisely target his adversaries.

Jinbei, his cloak billowing from the force of the airwaves, squinted in surprise at Luffy standing protectively in front of Hatchan.

"Straw Hat Kid," the Vice Admiral leading the Marine team, Huoshaoshan, addressed Luffy. Despite his seniority and strength, he remained rooted in place, sweat beading on his forehead. The headquarters had just relayed crucial information: Straw Hat Boy, alongside the legendary pirate Pluton Rayleigh, had set sail aboard the Oro Jackson towards Fish-Man Island. Given this, Huoshaoshan was under strict orders to monitor Jinbei's forced summoning on Fish-Man Island.

Moreover, to heighten his vigilance, he had been informed of the classified news: Admiral Kizaru had been defeated by Straw Hat Boy, a fact currently kept under wraps. Faced with the Straw Hat Boy and with Pluton Rayleigh likely watching from the shadows, Huoshaoshan dared not make a move.

With an Admiral-level fighter present and Pluton Rayleigh nearby, not even a Vice Admiral would dare act recklessly.

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