2. The frustrated Teach. Ron’s idea to eliminate his physical limitations.

│3rd Person POV│

[Grand Line, New World…]

"I have some information."

Observing Ron and Thatch's inquisitive expressions, Teach involuntarily twitched the corner of his mouth, feeling a mix of frustration and anger.

'If you didn't know, why didn't you wait for me to explain before eating the Devil Fruit? If only I came a few more seconds earlier, I could have secured this top-tier Devil Fruit.'

Despite complaining about the situation in his mind, there was no change in Teach's expression. He knew that with the Copy-Copy Fruit consumed, he had to bide his time, waiting for the appearance of the fruit he sought. He couldn't afford to screw up his act now.

'Just wait until the fruit I desire shows up! At that time, one way or another this Devil Fruit's ability will be mine.'

Internally roaring, Teach maintained a composed exterior as he explained, "I've seen entries in some incomplete Devil Fruit illustration books in the past. This Copy-Copy Fruit is an extraordinarily unique Devil Fruit!

"Anyone who consumes this fruit can become a Copy-person. If you encounter a user with abilities corresponding to a Devil Fruit, you can copy and use their abilities with the condition that the other party offers no resistance while copying their powers! After that, you can freely use their power."

Hissing sounds accompanied this revelation, prompting both Ron and Thatch to take deep breaths. The prospect of copying abilities from various Devil Fruit users seemed nearly unparalleled.

"Haha, I made the right choice! It's exactly what I thought! The Copy-Copy Fruit is perfect for me."

Ron couldn't conceal his joy. Although he had doubts before, excitement surged as soon as Teach validated his decision.

Considering the multitude of potent Devil Fruits in the One Piece world; Paramecia-type like the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, Float-Float Fruit, Soul-Soul Fruit, Op-Op Fruit;

Logia-type such as Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Flare-Flare Fruit, Magma-Magma Fruit, Ice-Ice Fruit, Glint-Glint Fruit; and the Mythical varieties in the Zoan-type like Fish-Fish Fruit; Model: Azure Dragon, Human-Human Fruit; Model: Nika, Bird-Bird Fruit; Model: Phoenix… Copying so many abilities could potentially elevate him to the pinnacle of power.

"Oh my God! Teach, tell me you misspoke. If what you said is true, then the Copy-Copy Fruit would be the strongest fruit in existence."

Thatch was also alarmed, casting a pained glance at Ron's empty hand. Had he known about the Copy-Copy Fruit's potency, he might have reconsidered giving it to Ron. The prospect of copying all abilities, if eaten by oneself...

"Don't get your hopes too high!"

Seeing this, Teach interjected, "There are certain limitations on the number of abilities you can copy. This Copy-Copy Fruit can only copy the abilities of up to three Devil Fruits throughout one's life, and the strength of the copied abilities is directly proportional to the development of the fruit.

"In other words, even if you copy a top-tier ability, it's useless unless you develop it yourself. The fruit's abilities depend not just on your imagination but also on the strength of your body.

"If your body is insufficient, the power of the copied Devil Fruit might become a burden, causing your already frail body to break or even result in death."

Teach glared at Ron again, emphasizing his point. Given Ron's well-known weakness in the Fourth Division, enhancing him a little with the Copy-Copy Fruit seemed like a wasteful use of its potential.

"Is that so?"

Ron frowned, appearing displeased. The revelation of restrictions on copying Devil Fruits and the potential burden of copied abilities wasn't good news.

His original plan to copy Whitebeard's Tremor-Tremor Fruit and skyrocket to power seemed jeopardized, as the backlash could prove to be fatal for copying the abilities of such a powerful Devil Fruit.

"It's such a Pity! Ron, you were too hasty. While this fruit does have immense potential, it's not suitable for you."

Thatch sighed, expressing helplessness. If Teach's information held true, the Copy-Copy Fruit would likely become mediocre in Ron's hands.

"Commander Thatch."

With renewed focus, Ron looked at Thatch and said, "Actually, I already have an idea! If successful, my body can rapidly improve, reaching a point where I won't be inferior to you, Commander."

"Oh!?"

Thatch and Teach raised their heads in surprise. They wondered what Ron had in mind to make such bold claims. Achieving a body on par with Thatch's in a short period wasn't an easy feat.

Thatch's strength was the result of decades of hard work and numerous life-and-death battles he had before and after joining the Whitebeard Pirates.

He didn't have a Devil Fruit to help him achieve such strength.

Thatch asked, eager to know the plan Ron came up with, "What idea!? Can I assist you!?"

"Absolutely!" Grinning, Ron looked at Thatch and said, "Commander Thatch, you have a good relationship with First Division Commander Marco, right?

"Do you think there's a chance you can help me persuade Commander Marco to let me copy his Mythical Zoan-type, Bird-Bird Fruit; Model: Phoenix!?

"The Phoenix Fruit will not only boost my physical abilities immensely but it also possesses the unique healing flames ability. If I can master its power, I can use the healing flames to quickly recover after training or battle. Then I can improve quickly, with close to zero drawbacks!"

After saying that, Ron looked at Thatch with bright eyes brimming with anticipation. This became his second choice after learning about the drawbacks of copying the Tremor-Tremor Fruit.

Knowing about the Whitebeard Pirates, Ron concluded that the truly powerful Devil Fruits were the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, Flare-Flare Fruit, and the Phoenix Fruit. Although the Phoenix Fruit lacked destructive power, its auxiliary capabilities, including healing flames and the ability to transform into a phoenix that can fly, were highly appealing.

"Great idea! Marco's abilities are an excellent match for you! And once this idea is realized, if your body becomes strong enough, you might even be able to copy Pops'…"

Thatch paused, his eyes becoming intense. Without hesitation, he stood up and said, "Ron, I'll contact Marco right away. We're about to head to Pops' location. I'll request the navigator to speed up so that we can quickly try out your idea."

With that, Thatch hurried to the cabin to retrieve the Den Den Mushi to establish contact with the Moby Dick.

"Huh…!"

Seeing this, Ron breathed a sigh of relief. Thatch agreed. In that case, maybe his plans would come to fruition.

"Ron." Before Ron could get too excited, Teach interjected, "First, copy the Phoenix Fruit, and then the Tremor-Tremor Fruit. Your future potential would become truly limitless then.

"However, the Copy-Copy Fruit can copy the abilities of three Devil Fruits. Do you have any ideas for the third fruit?"

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

A/N: As stated in the Synopsis, this Fanfic is a translation of a Chinese FanFic.

MTL Name: Navigation: The New King Of The Whitebeard Group, Copying The Phoenix At The Beginning.

You can find the MTL version on mtlnation.

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