The Hie Hie no Mi (Ice-Ice Fruit) allows it's user to turn into ice, generate cold air, and freeze anything.
The Magu-Magu No Mi (Magma-Magma Fruit ) could transform the body into magma and produce volcanic magma at will.
The Pika Pika no Mi (Glint-Glint Fruit) transformed the body into light, granting the user the speed and destructive power of lasers.
The three Logia Fruits placed before Kojin were undoubtedly incomparably powerful.
As long as one ate any Logia Fruit, their body would transform, gaining passive elementalization... never again needing to fear physical attacks or ambushes.
In a sense, a Logia user's body effectively became the energy of the fruit they consumed.
"Which one should I choose?" A trace of hesitation flashed in Kojin's eyes as he silently thought of this.
But soon, he regained his composure.
Logia Devil Fruits were certainly powerful, with terrifying long-range destructive potential. However, what was invaluable to others... elementalization, was a fatal flaw for him.
Attacks that should have killed him could later be nullified by elementalization, which would directly reduce the system points he could earn.
In a way, Logias' unique elementalization would actually weaken him.
Sengoku, Garp, and Zephyr watched from the sidelines with interest.
"Which will the kid choose?"
"The Navy worked hard to obtain these three powerful Logias. Whichever one he chooses, paired with his potential and ability, he'll definitely become an admiral."
"Heh. Devil Fruits only alter the mindset of those who chase strength. They hinder true growth."
"They may have their advantages, but in the long run, Devil fruit users lose a lot."
The three whispered among themselves.
"A person's time and focus are limited. When you choose one path, the other disappears. So, which one will you choose?" Garp narrowed his eyes slightly.
As a teacher, he cared deeply about his disciples' growth.
For someone extremely talented, a Devil Fruit wouldn't make much of a difference in their overall strength. However, if their talent was average, a Devil Fruit could make a world of difference.
From a certain perspective, a Devil Fruit was a double-edged sword.
At that moment, standing before the three Logias, the hesitation in Kojin's eyes faded and was replaced by resolve.
"Sakazuki with the Magma Fruit, blown apart by an elderly, half-disabled Whitebeard."
"Borsalino with the Glint-Glint Fruit had a sword at his nose from Red Hair Shanks and surrendered."
"Kuzan with the Ice Fruit, sent to the seafloor by a single strike from Garp."
"It's not the fruit that's strong... it's the person!"
A faint smile appeared on his lips as he looked up at Steel Bone Kong.
"I don't want any of these three fruits."
After glancing once more at his status panel, Kojin had a clear idea of the path he wanted to take.
He was still far from maximizing all his abilities and becoming a well-rounded fighter. Even if he ate a powerful Devil fruit, he didn't know if its powers would remain after death.
Naturally, the main reason was simple, Logia Devil Fruits were not the abilities best suited for him.
"Do you have any Paramecia or Mythical Zoans?" Kojin asked, licking his lips lightly.
Hearing this, Steel Bone Kong laughed. He looked at the Marine before him, who was a young man from his perspective.
"Kid, what do you think this is? Do you think the fruits before you are just ordinary fruits you can buy on the street?"
He waved his hand. The boxes were closed and carried away.
"Powerful Paramecia and Mythical Zoan fruits are extremely rare. Even for the World Government and the Marines, obtaining them is difficult."
Kong said with a smile.
"Since you don't want these three Logia fruits, if Headquarters acquires something suitable for you in the future, we'll notify you. Otherwise, you can rely on your own ability and obtain the Devil Fruit you want."
Kōjin froze for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
After that, he hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Can you help me forge a weapon?"
Kong smiled with interest. "A weapon? Tell me your requirements."
"Gauntlets or brass knuckles made of Seastone." Kōjin grinned as he spoke.
In the future battles, he would inevitably encounter Devil Fruit Ability Users, and he currently had not yet mastered Busoshoku (Armament) Haki. Seastone could solve that problem.
Moreover, Seastone restrains Devil Fruit Ability Users more effectively than Busoshoku Haki does. Once in contact, it instantly renders an Ability User powerless, which makes it truly the natural enemy of Devil Fruit users.
"This kid is very smart! Devil Fruit users may be powerful, but there are many ways to counter them... seawater, Seastone, opposing elemental attributes, and so on. As long as you are strong enough, you can deal with any enemy!" Appreciation flickered in Zephyr's eyes as he smiled and spoke.
To the older generation of powerhouses, Devil Fruit users were not difficult to handle at all. Some even believed that relying on a Devil Fruit was the wrong path.
"Of course, that's only natural! Look whose disciple he is!" Garp laughed loudly.
Sengoku shook his head. He was the only one of the three who had eaten a Devil Fruit, and it had proven extremely useful. On the other hand, it was also because he wasn't naturally talented in combat; he relied more on brains.
The Devil Fruit complemented his weaknesses and strengthened him.
"You use pure Rokushiki, just like Garp, right?" Kong asked.
Kōjin nodded.
"I understand. I'll make the arrangements and have the craftsmen create a weapon suited for you." Kong nodded as he spoke.
After that, Kōjin turned and saluted Garp, Zephyr, and Sengoku before leaving decisively.
Inside the room, the three weren't too concerned about the selection of the three Logia fruits.
What made the Marine higher-ups look so grim at that moment was...
"The case of the murdered Celestial Dragon."
"Who would dare do something so reckless and outrageous?"
"The World Government has gone completely mad over this. They consider this an extremely vile and unforgivable incident."
"But, based on all the evidence found at the scene, it's difficult to determine who did it."
"What a troublesome mess!"
"Ha ha ha ha! You guys handle this garbage. None of it has anything to do with me anyway."
Garp sipped his hot tea and looked at everyone's solemn faces, feeling a sense of gloating.
...
Kōjin walked out of the Headquarters building and headed toward the Marine Academy.
His courses had already been arranged. The Marines had notified him yesterday that classes would begin today.
Rejecting the three Logia fruits didn't stir much emotion in him. His Undying ability and stat-point system were his greatest reliance.
As his strength increased, obtaining points had already become somewhat difficult.
"Logias are indeed very powerful. But if I had to pick one, it would naturally be the Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder-Thunder Fruit)! I'd only eat it when I can no longer improve, when all aspects reach their limit," Kōjin thought to himself.
The Thunder Fruit was known as the Logia with the strongest offensive power. It was almost perfect overall and came with electromagnetic force.
"Of course, the best and most suitable fruit for me would still be a Paramecia or a Mythical Zoan."
"Logias are almost always the ones getting beaten up."
He needed a fruit that could enhance his strength without interfering with his frequent need to die.
Moments later, Kōjin entered the Marine Academy.
His Rear Admiral rank immediately made him the center of attention on the sun-filled, youthful campus.
Almost every student's gaze turned toward him in unison.
(End of this chapter)
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