"Hm, it seems this ability suits you very well, Usopp."
Zoro watched as the compressed mass of air high above them dispersed, the echoes of the explosion fading into the sky. He gave a slow nod of approval.
The Bomu Bomu no Mi, known as the Explosion Explosion Fruit, was extremely compatible with Usopp's fighting style as a sniper. The ability allowed its user to turn parts of their body or touched inorganic objects into bombs, detonating them at will. It offered overwhelming ranged firepower and also provided solid self defense if an enemy managed to close the distance.
"It really is a powerful ability," Zoro said honestly.
Usopp's eyes sparkled as he clenched his fists in excitement.
"Then I will…"
"Don't rush, Usopp."
Shirogai smiled calmly and cut him off before he could finish.
"Don't you want to hear about the other two abilities that also suit you just as well?"
Usopp blinked, his long nose twitching as realization hit him.
"Ah, right. There are still others."
He turned toward Shirogai eagerly.
"So, Shirogai, what else is there?"
"The second ability is the Buku Buku no Mi, the Book Book Fruit."
Shirogai bent down, picked up a massive rock from the ground, and casually rested it on his palm. With a slight shift of his fingers, the surface of his hand opened like a seamless page, swallowing the stone whole.
"This ability allows the user to turn parts of their body into storage spaces," Shirogai explained.
"These spaces can hold items far larger than their apparent size. Stored items carry no weight, and even food can remain fresh for extended periods of time."
He turned his hand over, and the rock dropped out, slamming into the ground with a heavy thud.
Bang.
"You enjoy creating all kinds of Usopp Special Weapons," Shirogai continued.
"With this ability, you would never have to worry about space or preparation. You could draw out any weapon you need from anywhere on your body, at any time."
Zoro frowned slightly.
"It sounds convenient, but aside from logistics, it doesn't seem particularly threatening."
"So amazing!"
Usopp, however, looked like he had just seen treasure beyond imagination. His eyes were practically glowing as he stared at Shirogai.
"This is insanely useful," Usopp exclaimed.
"Do you have any idea how much stuff I carry around?"
The mere thought of storing every invention, tool, and emergency weapon without worrying about weight made his heart race.
"I want this one," Usopp blurted out without hesitation.
Shirogai chuckled softly.
"I had a feeling you would like it. Still, you should hear about the last ability before deciding."
He raised his hand, and from his palm sprouted a slender green sapling, swaying gently as if alive.
"This is the third ability," Shirogai said calmly.
"The Mori Mori no Mi, the Forest Forest Fruit."
Zoro's eyes narrowed slightly.
"That's an Admiral's Devil Fruit."
Usopp stiffened.
"An Admiral's ability?"
Shirogai nodded.
"It belongs to Admiral Ryokugyu, also known as Green Bull."
The sapling in his hand thickened, roots spreading outward as lush greenery burst from the ground around them.
"The Mori Mori no Mi is a Logia type Devil Fruit," Shirogai explained.
"It allows the user to create, control, and transform plant life at will. The user can turn their body into a living forest, granting immense regeneration and near absolute dominance on land."
As he spoke, the ground beside him transformed into a miniature ecosystem.
Some plants grew long, narrow leaves shaped like sword sheaths. When they opened, sharp blade like leaves shimmered with cold light, radiating clear killing intent. Others bloomed into fragrant plants that emitted a sweet aroma, drawing the hungry gazes of nearby refugees. There were also massive carnivorous plants with jagged mouths, thick acidic saliva dripping as they stared hungrily at their surroundings.
Zoro's eyes gleamed.
"To grow plants infused with sword intent… interesting."
He drew his blade and slashed forward.
Swish.
The sword plant reacted instantly, blooming outward and meeting his strike head on. Steel clashed against hardened leaves reinforced by Shirogai's Armament Haki.
Crack.
The plant was severed cleanly, scattering fragments across the ground.
Zoro sheathed his sword and exhaled.
"That was easy to cut, but still impressive. If the ground were filled with these, even I would take damage."
He glanced at Shirogai.
"This ability grows stronger based on the user's own skill and understanding."
Shirogai nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. The Mori Mori no Mi relies heavily on imagination and personal mastery. I can create plants that release fire, ice, or even condensed lightning."
Usopp stared in awe, then suddenly looked nostalgic.
"This reminds me of the Pop Greens from the Boin Archipelago," he said softly.
"The Forest of Temptation used plants to trap and devour outsiders."
A conflicted look crossed his face.
"This power might not be overwhelming in my hands," Usopp admitted.
"But I could create endless Pop Greens. I would never run out of ammunition again."
Shirogai smiled faintly.
"This ability would also cover your weakness in close combat. You could restrain enemies, heal injuries, or escape through the roots beneath the ground."
He folded his arms.
"The choice is yours. All three abilities suit you. Decide which path you want to walk."
Usopp sat down heavily, scratching his head as he groaned.
"It's too hard," he muttered.
"The Explosion Fruit boosts my firepower. The Book Fruit solves all my preparation problems. The Forest Fruit keeps me alive no matter what."
Zoro crossed his arms.
"You're overthinking it. Choose a direction and commit. Strength comes from resolve, not hesitation."
Usopp opened his mouth to argue, then paused.
His eyes drifted to a small refugee girl staring longingly at the edible plants nearby.
Usopp inhaled deeply.
He stood up, his expression firm, and turned to Shirogai.
"I've decided," he said seriously.
"I choose the Mori Mori no Mi."
Shirogai's smile widened slightly, approval clear in his eyes.
===
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