Chapter 137
"Did you almost forget about this just now?" However, Rosinante had already seen through everything. In addition to his lazy habits, he had recently developed a penchant for exposing the shortcomings of others, especially when they were putting on a false front. It had practically become his new hobby.
Zixu glanced at Karin and noticed how her eyes, once brimming with hope, gradually dulled and became tinged with disappointment. Realizing something was off, he didn't say much and instead retrieved a peculiar-looking fruit from a scroll. It was unlike any ordinary fruit—the intricate spiral patterns on its surface stood out the most.
The fruit itself resembled a pineapple, especially with its yellow leaves on top, which looked suspiciously like tufts of spiky blond hair.
Karin stared at the fruit in confusion. Was this really the gift Zixu had promised her? Her eyes dimmed further, and she forced a smile.
"It's okay. I like anything Zixu gives me. It's fine... really."
"Karin, this is no ordinary fruit. It... it cannot be tasted. You have to swallow it whole, and when you do, you'll gain magical powers," Zixu explained seriously, introducing the power of the Devil Fruit to her. However, Karin clearly thought he was playing a prank. She found his explanation clumsy and unconvincing.
"...Go ahead, try it yourself," Zixu urged, correctly guessing that she didn't believe him based on her awkward yet polite smile.
Karin pointed at the massive fruit, which was nearly the size of her head, then at her mouth. Her expression made it clear she was skeptical.
"Are you serious? You want me to eat this whole thing? It's too big! I'll choke to death! I—"
Before she could finish her sentence, Zixu's hand, holding the fruit, moved with the speed of a giant python, darting toward her face. With a swift motion, he shoved the fruit into her mouth mid-sentence.
"Mmmph~!" A muffled cry escaped Karin's lips, but the massive fruit quickly stifled her voice.