[~1600 Words]
James guessed that there was indeed a "devil" living in the devil fruit, and the nemesis of the "devil" was Seastone (Kairōseki) and the sea.
Seastone includes an ingredient that harnesses the energy of the ocean. When someone with special abilities encounters it, the "devil" will interfere and try to subdue them.
His white Lightning plundered the abilities and eliminated the "demons" inside it.
That's what protects this pirate from their Devil Fruit's drawbacks.
However, James aimed to eliminate this restriction. The experiment was still ongoing as James casually ascended Pirate No. 1 into the sky.
The experiment had not yet ended, and James casually sent Pirate No. 1 into the sky.
White Thunder lingered in his hand, and he felt the power emanating from Pirate No. 1. Approximately three minutes later, James detected a weakening of the Dog-Dog Fruit's energy within Pirate No. 1. Swiftly, he took hold of that power and transferred it to Pirate No. 2.
Three minutes later, after repeating this process with Pirate No. 2, the same outcome was observed.
James continued his experiments by transferring the Cat-Cat Fruit's abilities from Pirate No. 2. To his relief, there were no explosions when merging these two Devil Fruits.
Examining Pirate No. 2, whose form now incorporated a dog body with a cat tail and paws, James understood that this method permitted the simultaneous use of multiple Devil Fruits.
After allowing Pirate No. 2 to transform between various forms several times, James became increasingly confident in his findings. He subsequently took away Pirate No. 2's power, resulting in two distinct Devil Fruits manifesting nearby. Notably, Pirate No. 2 was not dead; however, he felt extremely weak and hollowed out upon regaining consciousness. The longevity of such a state remained uncertain.
After restoring Pirate No. 2 with the Inu-Inu Fruit, his condition returned to normal.
While James tested whether this technique could accommodate more than two Devil Fruits, Pirate No. 2 successfully unleashed eight different fruits; yet, James still needed further evidence regarding an upper limit for the number of fruits one person might possess.
Sufficient as it was, most of the Devil Fruits obtained by Golden Lion Shiki were relatively insignificant. Only a select few—such as the Dragon-Dragon Fruit (Ancient Type), Spinosaurus Form, and Logia Type Cloud-Cloud Fruit—held significant value.
"Goodbye, Shiki, Go and join Roger!"
Golden Lion did not respond, nor could he do so.
James dismissed him expressionlessly and seized his abilities with a flash of white lightning.
"The Float-Float Fruit..."
When displayed by Golden Lion, the power of the Floating Fruit is more akin to [telekinesis], enabling control over any non-living object. With this ability, Golden Lion can manipulate objects to fly or deform them, even controlling seawater. The functionality and magnitude of these powers are unparalleled.
The Float-Float Fruit consumes almost no physical energy—a crucial factor that allowed him to maintain countless floating islands in the sky for decades effortlessly.
These abilities are extremely convenient; with such powers, James would not need Nimbus Explorer. He could go directly to Fishman Island and displace Noah without much difficulty.
While contemplating this, James repeatedly sent flashes of lightning toward falling islands, allowing them to continue their flight into the Divine Kingdom. These floating islands are considered valuable resources; thus, he let them gradually move towards Sky Island.
After experimenting with the Floating Fruit's abilities for a while, James discovered that these powers can be transferred between objects. For example, if James uses his ability to control object A and then directs it to hit object B, both objects would become controllable through him.
[T/N: Not sure if this is true or if the author is cooking]
This characteristic makes the Golden Lion Shiki displayed ability more like telekinesis. This is particularly significant when combined with his Rumble-Rumble Fruit, making it devastating in actual combat.
"Not bad, not bad~" James was highly satisfied by this discovery.
The subordinates of Golden Lion were useless to James. Having followed him for many years, their chances of succumbing to his influence are minimal. Even if someone surrenders, they would merely be slaves dispatched to open up the cloud mines. Given the limited value and potential riots, he might as well allow them to accompany Shiki.
Thinking this through, James raised his right hand and clenched it.
⚡El Thor (God's Judgment)⚡
The earth trembled, and Lightning dragons surged forth, accompanied by thunderous roars. This scene frightened the strange creatures on the floating island, causing them to flee in panic.
All prisons were crushed and buried beneath the ground, silencing the pirates' screams and preventing their cries from being heard.
'Oto' and 'Kogarashi' also became his trophies. After undergoing baptism by lightning and thunder, he suddenly found these two swords of no use to him as he was not a swordsman.
However, his swordsmanship skills were adequate; he could wield the Lightning Sword and harness its power through the Rumble-Rumble Fruit to emit potent thunder energy.
These famous swords would only serve as collectibles. Perhaps in the future, he might give them to goddesses who require swords.
James waved his hand, placing all spoils into a treasure chest. Next, he connected with the signal network monitoring Den Den Mushi, instructing them to direct their gaze towards Sky Island.
Afterward, let these floating islands continue on their journey toward the sky island, enabling James to track their movements precisely.
With everything in place, James took the treasure chest back to Robin and company.
[Scene Break]
The moon shone brightly overhead as the Nimbus Explorer buzzed with activity.
Why? Because James had returned home.
"Onii-chan~ How did it go? Did you encounter the person you wished to meet?" Vivi inquired happily as she rushed over. She noticed that James appeared relaxed and content, though he did not bring back a new wife, causing her to feel somewhat puzzled.
Vivi rushed over happily. She saw that James looked relaxed and obviously happy, but she didn't see that he had a new concubine with him, so she couldn't help but feel confused.
"Haha, indeed I did! This time, I've gained much. Perhaps, once I conclude my current affairs, we may directly enter the new world."
James took Vivi into his arms and took her to the dining table. He liked Vivi very much, this thoughtful and obedient little princess.
💕Before Vivi could respond, James captured her lips in a searing kiss. His mouth moved hungrily over hers as one hand tangled in her long blue hair. The other slid possessively down to squeeze the curve of her hip.
Vivi melted into the passionate embrace, parting her lips to grant his questing tongue entry. She moaned softly as James deepened the French kiss, their tongues entwining and tasting each other's sweetness.
💕James kissed Vivi again and again, turning her to face him. His hands roamed her body, caressing her breasts through the thin fabric of her nightgown. He could feel her nipples stiffening under his touch.
Breaking the kiss, James trailed his lips along Vivi's jawline and down her neck. He nibbled at the sensitive skin below her ear as he kneaded her ample bosom. "my princess," he growled huskily.
💕Vivi gasped and arched into him, overwhelmed by sensation. The heat of James' body enveloped her. His skillful fingers tweaked and rolled her sensitive nipples until they were tight peaks straining against the confines of her nightgown.
"James..." Vivi whimpered breathlessly, dizzy with desire. She surrendered to his dominant touch, melting against him as he lavished attention on her most intimate areas through the sheer fabric. The bulge in James' pants pressed insistently against her thigh, promising pleasure beyond imagining.
"New world?" Robin interjected, taking over the conversation as she inquired curiously. James broke off his kiss with Vivi in order to talk to Robin.
"The New World refers to the sea region in the second half of the Grand Line. It is ruled by the Four Emperors. Robin should be aware of this."
"That's correct. Raftel, where the great secret treasure 'ONE PIECE' resides, is located within the New World. However, you intend to enter the New World. Do you aspire to become the Pirate King?"
Robin interjected curiously.
"Pirate King? I am not a pirate; anyone can be one if they wish. As for ONE PIECE, if I manage to acquire it, then I shall; if not, it matters little."
"My objective is the entire world. If ONE PIECE held the power to rule the world, Roger would have overthrown the World Government long ago. In the end, we must rely upon ourselves."
Robin nodded thoughtfully. Rule the world? That's an ambitious objective...
"Why didn't the president bring back the goddess this time? Did the other party refuse?" Mikita inquired with a sweet smile as she arranged the tableware before James.
As the temporary chef aboard the princess' vessel, she had prepared a delectable feast for everyone to enjoy.
"There was no Goddess in that place; however, there are many treasures. The individual I sought out today was Shiki, The Golden Lion—a notorious pirate admiral who has met his end at my hands."
"Golden Lion! Are you referring to the great pirate admiral Flying?" Robin's eyes widened as she exclaimed subconsciously.
[That's all for Now]