One Piece: Starting With Flame-Flame Fruit

At that moment, Robin approached Tony, lightly brushing aside her short black hair, and spoke softly, "If we're going to train, you can't leave me out. Tony, I want to learn Haki."

Tony looked at his three companions. In their eyes, he saw unwavering determination—a collective resolve to grow stronger.

His lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. Tony knew that, in the future, he wouldn't be fighting alone. Surrounded by such reliable companions, there was nothing he needed to fear, no matter the enemy.

As night deepened, the four of them crowded onto one large bed. Nami and Vivi quickly drifted off to sleep, but Robin, lying beside Tony, wasn't spared from his wandering hands. Though she allowed his playful touches, her subtle acceptance only heightened Tony's happiness.

If it weren't for Nami and Vivi being there... Tony's thoughts wandered to less-than-innocent places, and he had to force himself to suppress his inner urges. With some difficulty, he eventually managed to fall asleep, all while plotting to someday get a larger ship with more beds.

"Hehehe… just imagine..." The thought alone amused him as he drifted off.

The next morning, before the sun had even risen, Tony was already awake and on deck, training as he always did. He knew that only through cultivating a powerful body could he handle his powerful opponents.

Swinging his Zanpakutō with practiced ease, Tony completed in an hour what had once taken him three.

1998... 1999... 2000.

It was clear that his physical endurance had reached a new level.

Tony sheathed the Zanpakutō and sat cross-legged on the deck, closing his eyes to pull up his system panel in his mind.

[Host: Tony

Devil Fruit Ability: [Flame-Flame Fruit], Progress: 71%

Sword Technique: [Ryūjin Jakka], Progress: 28%

Special Abilities:

[Three-Tomoe Sharingan], Progress: 30%

[Kidō], Progress: 48%

Haki:

[Armament Haki], Beginner: 90%

[Observation Haki], Beginner: 98%]

Looking at the multiple abilities nearing breakthroughs, Tony couldn't help but grin. His Zanpakutō was close to achieving its Shikai, and with consistent effort, his Flame-Flame Fruit powers were steadily growing stronger. He could already sense an increase in the fire's temperature and destructive force, and he was confident that his progress would lead to even more terrifying potential.

Just then, Tony sensed a large group of people approaching from a distance.

His instincts kicked in, and he turned to look. Coming toward him were several familiar faces—workers he had rescued from Enel's shipyard, now accompanied by dozens of Skypieans and an older man who carried himself with authority.

The man, dressed in armor, stepped forward and bowed deeply to Tony.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Gan Fall, the former God of Skypiea. Young man, we cannot thank you enough for saving our home. None of us knows how to adequately express our gratitude."

Following Gan Fall's lead, the gathered Skypieans all bowed deeply.

Tony scratched the back of his head awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable with the display. "Come on, you don't have to make such a big deal out of it. You're making me feel weird. Honestly, saving Skypiea... it was kind of an accident."

He waved his hands dismissively, trying to downplay his actions. "Besides, I took plenty from Skypiea as it is. There's no need to thank me."

Despite his protests, Gan Fall and the others remained respectful. By now, the commotion outside had woken Nami, Robin, and Vivi, who came out to see what was going on.

With Enel gone, Gan Fall had naturally reclaimed his position as Skypiea's rightful ruler. However, the people's curiosity about Tony had only grown. He possessed the strength to defeat Enel yet showed no intention of ruling over Skypiea—an act of restraint that intrigued them all.

Gan Fall smiled warmly. "Young man, there's no need for humility. You saved Skypiea, and the people are truly grateful.

"As the former God of Skypiea, I feel deeply ashamed that I couldn't do more. To that end, I have a proposal—something I hope you won't refuse."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Gan Fall's next words stunned everyone.

"I hope you will become the new God of Skypiea."

The statement hung in the air.

"I refuse."

Tony's immediate rejection left Nami, Robin, and Vivi so shocked their mouths hung open wide enough to fit an egg.

"God of Skypiea!" The title alone carried immense weight and significance.

The emperor of the entire Skypiea! The position offered control over all of the island's resources and the life and death of its inhabitants.

Yet Tony's immediate response was to decline. His decision left Nami feeling a tinge of regret.

Tony's goals had never included ruling over anyone. He found the idea of being bound to a territory deeply uncomfortable.

He was clear about what he wanted—to live freely as a pirate, enjoying shameless adventures with his companions. That was enough for him.

Gan Fall and the Skypieans were visibly disappointed. Although Gan Fall had anticipated the possibility of rejection, he hadn't expected it to come so decisively, without even a moment of hesitation.

To Tony, the title of God of Skypiea was utterly meaningless.

Gan Fall felt a small blow to his pride as a former God but simultaneously admired Tony even more. To remain unmoved by such an offer, despite the temptation of fame and power, spoke volumes about his character.

"So your name is Tony, right?" Gan Fall chuckled. "Truly, heroes arise from the young… With such strength, yet still able to maintain a humble heart…"

Tony laughed and shook his head.

"Old man, you're mistaken. I'm not humble—I just don't want to be the God of Skypiea. We'll be hanging around Skypiea for a while, but eventually, we'll head back to the Blue Sea. This position should stay with you."

Having said his piece, Tony turned and headed back to the ship, intending to take a shower, leaving no room for further discussion.

Gan Fall, unfazed by Tony's abruptness, smiled faintly. "Then please, Master Tony, enjoy your time here without worry. We'll leave you in peace for now and visit again another day."

Although Tony's rejection was firm, his comment about lingering on the island for a while gave Gan Fall hope. He believed he still had time to convince the young man.

Often, the more someone resists, the more attention they attract. Gan Fall was determined to pass on the position to Tony, convinced that Skypiea would flourish under his leadership.

Strategically, he led the group of Skypieans away, retreating for now.

From the ship's doorway, Robin, having overheard everything, couldn't help but smile. "Tony, it seems you've got quite the dilemma. Being called 'Master Tony' by the former God of Skypiea—doesn't that sound like trouble?"

"Who cares!" Tony groaned. "Our goal here is to get stronger, and then we'll slip away before anyone can stop us. I'm not interested in being the God of Skypiea."

He rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated, before heading off to take a hot shower. Afterward, he changed into a set of casual clothes and prepared to dive into the day's training.

Following breakfast, the four of them began their training regimen.

Tony, unlike Rayleigh, didn't immediately push his companions into high-intensity exercises. He understood that they were different—they lacked both combat experience and the physical endurance required for such training.

He believed in starting with the basics. A strong foundation would pave the way for greater strength in the future.

Tony handed Vivi a wooden sword he had crafted from his Zanpakutō and had her practice basic sword swings.

For Nami, he focused on helping her control her newfound Rumble-Rumble Fruit powers. Her task was to form a sphere of electricity and maintain it in her hands for an hour without losing control.

However, things rarely went as Tony hoped. Nami struggled significantly with the exercise. Whenever she applied too much force, the electricity would surge out uncontrollably, scattering in all directions.

"Boom!"

Sparks erupted as her entire arm discharged lightning, causing small explosions across the deck and creating a patchwork of charred pits on the wooden planks.

The sheer power of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit was overwhelming, especially for a beginner like Nami. The chaotic aftermath left everyone's scalp tingling with unease.

~-------------------------

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