One Piece: Heaven-Defying Talent

Pirates have their own code of loyalty, especially those who sailed under Whitebeard. For them, betraying their allies was unthinkable. Some of the captains saw Gaia's actions as a betrayal and believed Chiba was right to hesitate in accepting him.

Ace said, "Joz, the captain will make his own decision. Let's respect that."

Chiba remained silent, and Joz, growing anxious, turned to Vista. "Vista, if it weren't for Gaia, we wouldn't have gotten so much treasure. You might not even have the chance for the multi-fruit awakening. Say something!"

Vista sighed. "I know you mean well, Joz, but loyalty is everything to us. Having a traitor among us is no small matter. This decision rests with Captain Chiba."

Hearing Vista's words, Joz held back, while Gaia watched Chiba nervously, feeling uneasy in the silence.

Finally, after a pause, Chiba spoke. "If you're willing to sever one of your arms, you may stay. Otherwise, leave."

Joz's eyes widened in shock. "Captain Chiba!" he exclaimed, but Vista held him back.

Gaia's expression shifted as he processed Chiba's demand. The smile on his face froze, and a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes. "Are you serious, Lord Chiba?"

Chiba met his gaze calmly. "Do you think I'm joking?"

After a brief hesitation, Gaia drew his sword and placed it against his arm. He hesitated, expecting Chiba to stop him—but Chiba stayed silent, watching.

Seeing this, Chiba said, "You hesitate too much. I can't keep someone like that by my side. If you want to stay, you can serve as Joz's navigator instead."

Gaia's heart sank. He had hoped for acceptance, but his hesitation had betrayed his uncertainty. *Who could cut off their own arm without hesitation?* he thought.

With resignation, he replied, "Captain Joz is strong and honorable. It would be an honor to serve under him." He bowed, hiding his disappointment. Joz's face brightened, grateful to have a talented navigator by his side.

As Gaia stepped back, a pirate with a log came forward and reported, "Captain Chiba, Captain Joz has gathered five billion Berries' worth of medicinal herbs and a vast amount of treasure."

Everyone was stunned.

"Five billion Berries? Joz, you really hit the jackpot!" Bartolomeo's eyes widened. "How did you manage to grab so much?"

Joz laughed. "It was all thanks to Gaia. Without his knowledge of the sea routes, we wouldn't have found the Marine ships, let alone raided them."

The crowd was speechless, and Joz, feeling proud, turned to Vista. "Vista, I got this awakened fruit form just for you."

Vista chuckled wryly. "Joz, you got all this treasure because of Gaia's help, not on your own. Shouldn't this multi-fruit awakening go to him instead?"

Joz paused, realizing the truth in Vista's words. Everyone turned to Gaia, waiting to see his reaction. Gaia knew that his next choice could shape his future with the crew.

If he claimed the fruit, he might earn their silent resentment. But if he gave it up, he'd be passing up a powerful gift and revealing his deeper ambitions to Chiba.

After a moment's thought, Gaia said, "I'd like the awakening form of this Gravity Fruit."

The captains' expressions darkened slightly, and even Joz looked uncomfortable. But before anyone could speak, Gaia surprised them.

Turning to Joz, he said, "Captain Joz, it's thanks to you that I'm here and that I have the chance to serve Lord Chiba again. For that, I owe you everything. This fruit belongs to you."

Gaia's words were carefully chosen, showing respect for Chiba and gratitude to Joz. Though his speech could be seen as flattering, his willingness to part with the fruit was impressive, and many of the pirates couldn't help but admire his sacrifice.

Even Joz hesitated. "Gaia, are you sure?"

Gaia nodded. "I've thought it through, Captain Joz. You're the one who deserves it. You honored your word not to harm the Marines unnecessarily, and you led me back to Lord Chiba. This fruit is rightfully yours."

Seeing Joz's reluctance, Chiba intervened. "Joz, take it. Gaia, you may stay here near my research lab as before and help guard the place. Of course, if you feel that's beneath you, you're free to decline."

"No, I'd be honored!" Gaia replied, hiding his excitement. He was relieved to find Chiba willing to keep him nearby, a chance he hadn't expected.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.