Between Two Worlds: Nen and Haki

"Me?"

Roche, who was originally just there to make up the numbers, never expected the Captain to call his name. He pointed at himself in shock.

The others also looked at this usually quiet companion in surprise.

"Yes, come here!" Zane gestured to him with a smile.

Roche's heart skipped a beat, and he walked forward in a daze until he stood before Zane.

"Listen, I've been watching your performance. Among all of you, your record is at the top, so you can choose a Devil Fruit you like from these and eat it," Zane said with a light laugh, patting him on the shoulder.

"This..." Shaken by the pat on his shoulder, Roche snapped out of his daze.

His face flushed red. He clearly hadn't expected the Captain to call him out specifically to let him choose a Devil Fruit.

And he was ranked second, right after Big Brother Manlong.

"Thank you for your favor, Captain!" Without a second thought, Roche bowed deeply to Zane and shouted with excitement.

"No need to be nervous," Zane said to soothe him.

After calming his emotions, Roche finally looked at the five Devil Fruits.

In terms of reputation, Logia-types were naturally the most famous.

And mercury was certainly not a poor choice among natural substances.

But after thinking it over, the now-calm Roche ultimately chose the Bear-Bear Fruit, Ancient Model: Kolponomos.

"Are you sure about this one?" Zane looked at his choice with surprise.

He had chosen Roche because his seniority and contributions were sufficient, but also as a gesture to show that loyalty is rewarded.

For this, he had already prepared himself for the possibility of Roche choosing the Mercury Fruit.

"Captain, I'm very aware of my own abilities. Being able to get this Devil Fruit already makes me very happy. The other fruits should go to the brothers who need them more," Roche said, scratching his head with his free left hand, looking quite embarrassed.

There are many fools in this world, but there are just as many smart people.

He usually kept a low profile, yet he had made no small amount of contributions.

Besides proving that Roche wasn't one to show off, this also indirectly showed that even if he wasn't a genius, he was certainly no fool.

Since his Captain showed him such respect, how could he be greedy?

Being able to unexpectedly obtain an Ancient Model Devil Fruit was already enough to make him incredibly happy.

"I see."

Zane took a long, hard look at this subordinate.

'A true warrior's merit is often unsung.'

It seemed he hadn't been paying close enough attention to the Hunting Team; there might be more hidden gems like Roche within its ranks.

"I happen to have an announcement. After this matter is over, I will reorganize the entire Hunting Team. At that time, I will establish Officer positions beneath me."

"Roche, your performance has pleasantly surprised me, so I'm directly granting you an Officer position right here."

Zane looked around at everyone, first announcing the competition for Officer positions, and then patting Roche on the shoulder once more.

"Officers?"

In the entire Hunting Team, the only true Officers were Manlong and Baby 5.

Even Nico Robin was only considered Zane's assistant rather than an Officer.

When Zane announced the competition for Officer positions, the elites were naturally astonished.

Once they came to their senses, they all became incredibly excited.

Seeing Roche directly granted an Officer position by Zane filled them with envy.

From top to bottom.

Under Zane's leadership, the atmosphere of the Hunting Team was extremely proactive; there was no room for slackers to survive.

Now, the Officer positions Zane offered were even more tempting to them than the Devil Fruits.

"Captain, how do we compete for an Officer position?"

"Captain, you know me! I really want to serve you better!"

"Captain..."

Everyone scrambled to ask about the Officer positions, while Zane smiled and pressed his hands down for silence.

"I will announce the specific details later. For now, let's finish handling the Devil Fruits."

Under Zane's reassurance, the crowd's excitement finally settled down.

"Next is Wyper!"

Zane continued with the distribution of the fruits. Scanning the crowd, his gaze landed on Wyper of the Shandia.

"Huh?" Wyper was momentarily stunned, but he reacted quickly. Suppressing the excitement in his heart, he stepped forward with a stern face.

"Captain!"

Standing before Zane, Wyper couldn't hold back his emotion and gave him a deep bow.

"Smile a bit. I've always been very satisfied with your performance, so you come and pick a Devil Fruit you like too!" Zane reached out to help him up.

Wyper.

Back on Skypiea, he had been the one who resisted most fiercely when Zane was recruiting them.

Yet, ironically, since accepting reality and joining the Hunting Team, he had been the most proactive.

For example, in the battle at Whiskey Peak.

He was the first one to take on an Officer from Baroque Works.

It was the same with his daily training.

In terms of hard work, he was hardly inferior to Manlong.

Sometimes, when Zane chatted with Manlong, he would often hear him mention Wyper.

He said that if Wyper were a bit stronger, he would have a sparring partner.

Because of this, Zane chose Wyper as the second person after Roche.

Knowing that his Captain hadn't discriminated against him for his past resistance but had instead given him full recognition, it was impossible for Wyper not to be moved.

So, even though he tried to keep his composure, he couldn't help but bow to Zane to express his inner respect.

After Zane helped him up, Wyper began choosing a Devil Fruit at his signal.

"Captain, I promise you, I will never let this Devil Fruit's name be tarnished!" Wyper grabbed his chosen fruit and looked at Zane with determination.

He had chosen the Logia-type Mercury Fruit.

Unlike Roche's mindset.

He respected Zane, of course, but he also believed he had enough talent to bring out the full potential of the Mercury Fruit.

Wyper was also a genius.

Zane believed this firmly.

Therefore, he had no objections to Wyper choosing the Mercury Fruit; instead, he gave him some encouragement.

Then the selection continued.

The third person was also from the Shandia.

It could only be said that this tribe had always followed the path of warriors, whether four hundred years ago or now.

Even in Wyper's generation.

Facing Enel's heavy oppression and challenging him time and again had forged their iron wills.

With Wyper leading the way, the other Shandia also performed excellently after joining the Hunting Team.

The third person was named Kamakiri.

He was a childhood friend of Wyper's, looked very lean, and had a mohawk.

When he was selected, Kamakiri was extremely excited, repeatedly expressing his gratitude and respect to Zane.

He chose the Velociraptor Fruit.

Then came the last person.

"Eddie, this Devil Fruit is yours!"

Picking up the final Argentavis Fruit, Zane weighed it in his hand before tossing it to Eddie, the navigator who also served as a combatant.

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