Chapter 194Because she was a Klabautermann, her true form was a ship, the power of the Devil Fruit affected not only her humanoid form but also manifested on the ship itself!She concentrated, and soon, the hull edges, railings, and even parts of the deck of the thousand sunny and the nearby going merry began to be covered with a layer of crystal-clear, translucent material shimmering with a rainbow-like luster.This crystalline layer looked beautiful but radiated an aura of indestructibility."Is this also an ability?!"The crew exclaimed in amazement once more.Merry explained: "This is one of my abilities, Crystal Coating. It allows me to cover the ship's hull with a crystalline layer, greatly enhancing its defense! From now on, ordinary cannonballs won't even be able to pierce our ship!""That's amazing!"Nami was the first to cheer. As the Navigator, nothing made her feel more secure than a sturdy ship.Usopp and Franky couldn't resist touching the crystalline surface, studying its hardness and properties.After all, the reason the Marines could dominate the seas was largely due to their superior ships and powerful cannons.If there was a box just lying around containing a Devil Fruit, among all this treasure, there might be other good things too.Everyone's treasure-hunting enthusiasm was instantly ignited.On the deck, a mountain of various treasures was piled high.Glistening gemstones, gold bars, and all sorts of rare and exotic treasures shimmered enticingly under the sunlight, filling a corner of the thousand sunny's deck.As a token of gratitude for saving their lives, the Lola Pirates had hauled up nearly all the movable treasures from Thriller Bark. Now, these spoils awaited inspection by their new owners.Everyone gathered around the treasure, the atmosphere relaxed and cheerful.Chopper and Usopp were excitedly identifying some oddly-shaped shells and minerals. It seemed they weren't the only ones who had been to Sky Island, as Moriah's treasure hoard contained quite a few Sky Shells.Sanji was more interested in the exquisitely crafted tableware adorned with gemstones.Those pirates and nobles were just too rich. Even their tableware was inlaid with gemstones, even gold and diamonds.Nami stood with her hands on her hips, her face glowing with happiness, her eyes practically shooting out Berry symbols. She was already mentally calculating the value of this immense fortune at lightning speed."Hey, Luffy, isn't this that giant sword you used before?" Zoro's voice carried a hint of surprise.He then pulled out an exaggeratedly shaped, astonishingly long greatsword from a pile of gold coins. It was precisely the one Luffy had wielded during his battles against Oars and Moriah, amplified by his Rubber abilities and shadows.Hearing this, Luffy looked over and said, "It really is. I didn't expect Lola and the others to have brought this up too."He walked over, reached out, and touched the cold blade, saying with some surprise, "After using that Rubber Spiral Sword Dance move, it didn't get damaged at all. I didn't even have time to use Armament Haki to turn it into a black blade for protection.""Doesn't look like an ordinary sword." Zoro hefted the greatsword in his hand, his brow slightly furrowed. He was a swordsman, after all, and fine swords held an inexplicable allure for swordsmen.The sword felt heavy in his hand, its material neither metal nor iron, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.What startled him even more was that when he gripped the hilt, he could faintly sense something like a life force pulsing within the blade. An indescribable attraction made his heart itch with anticipation."Luffy,"Zoro couldn't help but speak, his gaze still firmly locked on the sword, "your swordsmanship is already quite impressive, especially the moves that combine your Gum-Gum Fruit abilities with swordplay. Their power is astonishing. With such a fine sword in hand, it would be like adding wings to a tiger. Aren't you considering using it?""But Zoro, this sword is just too big, isn't it? It doesn't really fit my style. I'm more comfortable fighting bare-handed or with my stretchy body."Luffy looked at the blade, which was considerably longer than his own height. He couldn't maintain his shadow-enhanced form all the time.Transforming into his Rubber Giant form made him too large. Although he could use his Gum-Gum Fruit to maintain a slightly enlarged size, it still didn't match his fighting style. It wasn't necessary just to use a sword.Just as Luffy finished speaking, a sudden change occurred!The massive sword in Zoro's hand, as if understanding Luffy's words, suddenly emitted a faint, almost imperceptible, eerie glow. Then, under the astonished gazes of everyone, it began to shrink and transform at a visible rate.Within moments, the greatsword that required both hands to wield had transformed into a moderately-sized, simply styled katana, its entire form exuding a sharp, cold gleam."Huh?" Usopp exclaimed in surprise."The sword can actually change shape?" Choppersaid, his eyes wide as saucers. "Could this be Franky?!""Don't be ridiculous, I'm right here," Franky chimed in, striking his classic pose. "A sword that can shrink? That's just too Super!"Nami also temporarily snapped out of her treasure-induced trance."I've never heard of a sword that can change shape at will," Nami said curiously."This is a fine sword, and it even seems to be a type of black blade."Zoro's eyes practically shone with intense light. As a Three-Sword Style swordsman, his desire for famous swords was etched into his very bones.He repeatedly examined the now-shrunken sword in his hand, trying a few practice swings. The feel was excellent, as if the weight of the blade had perfectly adjusted along with its change in form.He couldn't help but say, "A little shorter?"But the sword didn't change.Lost in thought, he then tossed the sword to Luffy. "Luffy, you try it.""Oh, this is pretty interesting. Alright, get a little shorter then."Luffy glanced at the sword in his hand. Sure enough, as soon as he willed it, the black blade shortened again, turning into a shorter blade more suitable for thrusting."Incredible!"Zoro exclaimed in admiration, though his eyes were also filled with confusion. "But I've never heard of a sword like this either."It was simply unheard of.Everyone looked at each other, and finally, all eyes turned to the two most knowledgeable members of the crew.Vivi and Robin.Robin shook her head, indicating she wasn't particularly well-versed in the study of swords.Vivi slightly furrowed her delicate brows, carefully recalling. She stepped forward and closely examined the black blade in Luffy's hand, which was still faintly humming.After a moment of contemplation, her eyes suddenly lit up:"I remember now. I think I saw records about famous sword lineages in my father's library."Her words captured everyone's attention."What are famous swords?" Chopper asked."Oh, like these three swords I have," Zoro grinned, pulling out the three famous swords he carried one by one.The Skillful Grade sword, the cursed blade sandai kitetsu.One of the 21 Great Grade swords, the black blade shusui.One of the 21 Great Grade swords, wado ichimonji.Vivi cleared her throat and first explained to everyone what famous swords were."As is widely known, famous swords in the world are roughly divided into several ranks: the highest are the 12 supreme grade swords, followed by the 21 Great Grade swords, and then the 50 Skillful Grade swords.""For example, Zoro's sandai kitetsu is a cursed blade ranked among the 50 Skillful Grade swords. Its origin, the shodai kitetsu, is one of the 12 supreme grade swords."Everyone nodded."However,"Vivi changed the subject, "within the lineages of famous swords, besides the widely known cursed Kitetsu series, there actually exists another, even more mysterious series."Chapter 278 Luffy's Weapon, A supreme grade sword"Another series?"Zoro pressed eagerly, his hand gripping the sword unconsciously tightening. "What is it?"Vivi said, "That series is called the Magic Cutter series.""Magic Cutter?""Yes. Legend has it that the Magic Cutter series also consists of three swords, corresponding to the Supreme Grade, Great Grade, and Skillful Grade ranks, respectively.""Unlike the cursed nature of the Kitetsu blades, the characteristics of the Magic Cutters lie in 'change' and 'intent.' It is said that a true Magic Cutter can sense its wielder's will, changing its form and size at will, and can even resonate with its master's consciousness, unleashing power that transcends common sense.""They are not renowned for sharpness or hardness, but rather for their ever-changing adaptability and the mysterious power they contain."Regarding famous swords, most of the well-known strong individuals on these seas possess one.There are also many collectors who are keen on searching for them.For instance, Golden Lion Shiki had two famous swords on his feet, and the world's greatest swordsman, Hawkeye, wielded a supreme grade sword.The black blade, Yoru!Pointing at the black blade in Luffy's hand, Vivisaid, "If the ancient records are correct, a black blade capable of changing according to its master's will... Luffy's sword is likely the topmost blade of the Magic Cutter series, one of the 12 supreme grade swords—the black blade moyi!""The supreme grade sword Moyi?"Zoro gasped sharply.A supreme grade sword—that was the ultimate weapon every swordsman dreamed of!"It has such a background?" Luffy now understood why Vivi called it a black blade. His eyes flickered slightly, and he immediately began channeling Armament Haki into Moyi.Immediately, the thick layer of rust covering Moyi flaked away, revealing the pitch-black blade beneath."The blade pattern is a wild, heavy-flowered T-shape, just like Hawkeye's black blade Yoru. Truly worthy of a supreme grade sword," Zoro said, his eyes blazing with fervor."Want to give it a try?" Luffy tossed the sword to Zoro.Zoro caught it and swung it once. A sword slash flashed through the air.However, to everyone's surprise, after a brief moment of excitement and fascination, Zoro flicked his wrist and, without hesitation, threw the black blade moyi—this suspected supreme grade sword—back to Luffy!"Hey, Zoro!"Luffy fumbled to catch Moyi, which had reverted to its normal katana size, his face full of bewilderment. "Aren't you the type who'd cling to a good sword like it's your life? This is a supreme grade sword!"Zoro crossed his arms, coolly curling his lip. "You idiot. Famous swords, especially ones of this caliber, have a spirit of their own. They choose their masters.""Just now, although it reacted in my hand, it was nowhere near as thorough and obedient as when it changed in yours. Clearly, from the moment it appeared during your battle to now changing shape for you, it has already chosen you.""The more powerful the sword, the more this is true. You can't force it. And besides,"He glanced at Luffy, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "With your Gum-Gum Fruit abilities, paired with a sword that can change length at will... just thinking about it makes me feel the trouble you cause is about to double. It suits you perfectly.""Not bad, Marimo. You actually have that kind of magnanimity," Sanji chimed in from the side with a deliberately annoying tone of praise.Zoro's mouth twitched. "No one would think you were mute if you didn't speak.""Then I won't stand on ceremony."Luffy looked down at Moyi in his hand and smiled. He supposed, roughly speaking, he could be considered a swordsman now?He never really had much pursuit when it came to weapons.Since childhood, Garp had instilled one concept in him.For the truly strong, anything could become a weapon, whether external objects or their own body."Feels great in the hand," Luffy said, looking at the black blade.The blade was pitch-black, yet a dark luster seemed to flow faintly within it. Holding it, a sense of intimate connection, as if linked by blood, welled up.He focused his will: "Get smaller, become a dagger."Swish!The Moyi blade instantly shortened, transforming into an exquisite black dagger, its hilt fitting perfectly in Luffy's palm."Get longer again, like before!" Luffy thought next.The dagger immediately extended, reverting to its katana form in the blink of an eye. It could even grow longer, becoming slightly thinner and longer than before, like a black spirit serpent."Not bad, not bad,"Luffy excitedly swung it a few times. The long blade, wielded by his Rubber arm, gave him an incredibly exaggerated attack range."It's like a Rubber sword. It suits me perfectly."Pleased, he reverted Moyi to its small dagger form and hung it from the leather belt at his waist, feeling quite satisfied.Finding a supreme grade sword among the treasure only intensified everyone's treasure-hunting fervor.Luffy also rummaged through the treasure pile with great enthusiasm. Soon, he picked up an ancient-looking, dark golden armband engraved with unknown patterns, and a small black scabbard of similar material, just the right size to hold the dagger-form Moyi.He slipped the armband onto his right arm, sheathed Moyi, and tucked it behind his waist at his back. It felt very handy."Hey, Luffy, be careful. Nami is keeping a close eye on this treasure,"Usopp whispered a warning, watching Luffy equip himself as if he'd found precious loot. "If you keep taking things like this, she's going to transform."
