Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

Unprepared, Shin was actually knocked back a few steps by Zephyr, but Zephyr's efforts only managed to bring about this single result.

After stabilizing his stance, Shin smiled slightly. "Old man, you've still got some strength!"

With that, Shin's fists, wrapped in armament haki, swung back at Zephyr, delivering over a thousand punches in only ten seconds.

This was Shin's first full-power punch since he analyzed the Mantis Shrimp fruit and enhanced his arms. Though he couldn't achieve the explosive power of someone who directly consumed the Mantis Shrimp fruit, the transformation still nearly tripled his punching speed and strength.

The resulting shockwave was like a flash flood, producing a terrifying force nearly on par with the "emperors of the sea." Although Zephyr initially managed to withstand hundreds of punches, he couldn't continue and was blasted backward.

The relentless shockwaves created a massive, fan-shaped channel through the newly emerged forest. At the end of the channel, Zephyr lay, bloodied and weakened, unable to rise after sustaining thousands of blows. Even as a former admiral with a strong body, Zephyr could no longer fight.

"Turns out that when common-type animals' abilities are amplified to their fullest, their power is comparable to Mythical Zoans." Shin flexed his arms, feeling a residual numbness. Since he hadn't consumed the Mantis Shrimp Fruit, the strikes caused a slight recoil in his arms, which usually required a minute or two to recover.

Of course, Shin could recover almost instantly with his sage body, medical ninjutsu, and powers from the Munch-Munch fruit. If another fight awaited, he would be ready in moments.

Scanning his surroundings, he saw that most weaker naval officers had been caught by the recent jutsu while a few lieutenants and Zephyr's apprentices managed to escape.

Loyal to Zephyr, they didn't follow his order to retreat. Instead, they tried to reach their severely injured teacher, determined to help him escape.

"Don't think you can get away!"

The headstrong Ulti was the first to charge forward. Aggressive and battle-hungry, she spotted an opponent whose strength nearly matched hers and immediately launched her attack.

A woman named Ain intercepted her. In addition to her fruit powers, Ain used dual daggers skillfully.

However, Ain's physique couldn't match Ulti's. Despite not being one of the major players among the Beast Pirates, Ulti was a formidable opponent as an ancient zoan user skilled in both observation and armament haki.

"Is that supposed to tickle?" Ulti laughed as she absorbed Ain's attacks, retaliating with a relentless series of headbutts.

A moment later, Ain struck back with a burst of pink flames, transforming Ulti into a young teenage girl.

"Huh?!" Ulti barely had time to react before Ain launched another flame at her. Luckily, her brother, Page One, intervened, kicking her out of the way before taking the attack himself.

Both siblings were neutralized almost immediately.

Shin chuckled at Ain's abilities, which were surprisingly effective against younger fighters. If they faced any of the Four Emperors, the effect would be minimal at best. Against older, more seasoned fighters like Whitebeard, her powers might even improve their vitality.

Now, Shin fully recalled Ain's powers, known as the Return-Return fruit, which could reverse a person's age by up to 12 years. In Ain's case, it seemed she had developed her fruit abilities to rewind someone's age by at least a decade.

Although similar to the Age-Age fruit, the Return-Return fruit had a unique advantage. It worked on both living and non-living objects, and instead of requiring physical contact, Ain could activate her powers by launching fire toward her target.

Kyros stepped forward because Ulti and Page One had quickly been subdued. Now aware of Ain's ability, he was prepared for her attack.

Several vice admirals and Zephyr's other disciples tried to join the fight, but Shin quickly overwhelmed them, knocking each one down with ease.

Recognizing the dire situation, Vergo tried to escape but was hit by a long-range finger pistol from Shin, leaving him severely wounded.

As Ain watched her teacher and fellow comrades fall one by one, she grew anxious. Kyros seized this moment, endured the effect of her Return-Return fruit, and counterattacked, gravely injuring Ain and knocking her unconscious.

Afterward, Shin approached Vergo and used Kotoamatsukami jutsu to control him, positioning him as an internal ally within the Marines. Meanwhile, the others were temporarily imprisoned.

Shin provided them with basic medical treatment, although he'd initially considered applying the same genjutsu to Zephyr. However, Zephyr's formidable spirit, honed over the years, made it likely he'd gradually break free of any such influence.

Moreover, devil fruits in this world had unpredictable, mysterious effects. The Marine's Clean-Clean fruit, wielded by Tsuru, could potentially negate the jutsu altogether.

Shin had fewer concerns with Vergo; as a diligent spy, he wouldn't provoke suspicion unnecessarily. However, Shin exercised caution when dealing with other high-ranking marines.

Though immensely powerful, Shin's Kotoamatsukami could easily incite fear. Exposure would make allies wary, so Shin refrained from using it openly, limiting its application to the Donquixote family members, a secret that remained undetected even by them.

Yet, while brainwashing was avoided, Shin saw no reason to spare their devil fruits.

He claimed the Return-Return and Grow-Grow fruits. He also noticed the familiar 'acquaintance'—Vice Admiral Dalmatian, who'd eaten the zoan-type Dalmatian fruit.

In all honesty, Shin was surprised someone as strong as Dalmatian had settled for such a low-level Zoan. With his rank and power, Dalmatian could have acquired a superior fruit, even one of the Ancient Zoans.

*******************************

For each power stones milestone—25, 50, 100, 150, and beyond—I will release a bonus chapter.

If you would like to gain early access, you can join me at www.patre on.com/bookbattalion

Chapter 239: The Golden Legend is now available.