Kafu, the Flying Iron Eagle.
The base for this creature was one of the personal armaments I'd commissioned from the Technical Division—part of the "Prototype Arsenal" series.
Specifically, he was "Prototype No. 6," a massive Gatling gun originally designed to be integrated into my armor.
However, because it was deemed too bulky for the suit, it had been mothballed... until now. By feeding it a Devil Fruit, it had transformed into a sentient, flying Gatling-bird.
Additionally, I'd had an Image Transponder Snail installed into his frame. By connecting a receiver, we can now transmit video and audio in real-time. Kafu is, for all intents and purposes, a high-altitude stealth reconnaissance and fire-support drone.
Strangely, his "ammunition" seems to be generated internally after he eats. He doesn't need gunpowder or iron scraps; he just needs food.
...For some reason, his favorite meal is minestrone.
Admiral Sengoku, after receiving this explanation from Captain Krieg, stared blankly.
"I'm sorry, did I mishear you? You fed a Devil Fruit... to a Gatling gun?"
Initially, when Sengoku asked what happened to the Fruit, Krieg had simply said, "I fed it," leading the Admiral to assume he'd given it to a subordinate.
When Sengoku asked which fruit it was, Krieg triumphantly presented the eagle perched on his shoulder, which then promptly transformed into a heavy weapon.
"I see! So you gave the Fruit to an eagle? Was it the Arms-Arms Fruit?"
"No, sir! It was a Bird-Bird Fruit! I fed it to the Gatling gun!"
Sengoku lapsed into a long, profound silence.
"Ah... an object eating a Devil Fruit? I'm sorry, but I literally don't understand what you're talking about..."
Despite his confusion, Krieg just insisted, "I'm sure the guys in the Technical Division can explain the details!" and left.
Sengoku watched him go, wondering if that "How to Raise a Hawk" book Krieg was clutching would actually be of any use.
Mapping the Future
After my report to Admiral Sengoku—who basically told me to make sure Kafu stays useful—I returned to my quarters to plan my next move.
Now that I have my own ship and unit, I have the freedom I need. My first destination: Ohara.
In the original story, that island was wiped off the map by a "Buster Call" because of the scholars' research. I recall Sakazuki (Akainu) was the one who sank the refugee ship.
Tomorrow, the "Monster Trio"—who have all somehow been promoted to Vice Admiral while I was in the hospital (God-damn-sh*t)—are throwing me a farewell party.
I'll try to fish for info there.
I remember Robin was eight years old when her bounty was issued. And she was... 28 when she first appeared in the manga? Not quite 30, anyway.
If I can get to Ohara and see Robin now, I can confirm her age and backtrack to find out exactly how many years I have before the main story starts.
Once I have that timeline, I can estimate the birth years of the Straw Hat crew. Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp... I need to check Foosha Village, Shimotsuki Village, Cocoyasi Village, Syrup Village... and that mushroom-shaped island in the East Blue.
I also need to find Gin and Pearl. And the spots where I buried those other Devil Fruits.
The problem is, I don't know where Gin or Pearl are from. Pearl mentioned growing up in a jungle, but that doesn't narrow it down much. As for the Devil Fruits... I really need to borrow a proper encyclopedia.
Devil Fruits are a massive advantage. "It all depends on how you use it," as someone once said. I'd love a Logia for that physical invulnerability, but they're rare.
Paramecias are versatile, but for pure combat power, an Ancient or Mythical Zoan is hard to beat. As Lucci said, "Zoans are the strongest for close-quarters combat."
They amplify your natural physical stats the more you train.
However...
"To be honest, the risk of falling into the sea and drowning isn't exactly a joke," I muttered.
That's the deal-breaker. A Devil Fruit user is hated by the sea. You become a hammer in the water, losing all strength.
As a Marine, I spend 90% of my life on a ship. Having the ocean as a fatal weakness—especially with the existence of Sea Prism Stone—is a terrifying prospect.
I fell into a deep, restless sleep that night, torn between the hunger for power and the fear of the deep blue.
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