CHAPTER 200: CHAPTER 200: GIFT OF THE SUN FRUIT, CREW TEST!

Chapter 200: Gift of the Sun Fruit, Crew Test!

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Ryuunosuke took a deep breath as he studied the glowing fruit in his palm. The intense heat it radiated made his suspicions all the more real—but he said nothing for now. Quietly, he stashed the Devil Fruit and rose from his seat, making his way toward Escanor.

He could’ve easily summoned someone else to deliver the message or call the crew. But no. Escanor insisted on doing the menial tasks himself. He claimed he was used to it—that this kind of life felt more real.

To many on the ship, it was baffling how someone so humble and good-natured could be one of the legendary Seven Deadly Sins—the embodiment of Pride no less. Even now, many of the junior crewmen still thought he was just another sturdy handyman.

But Ryuunosuke knew better.

"Captain," Escanor greeted cheerfully, placing a freshly shaken cocktail on a tray. "Do you need anything? I tried adjusting the citrus blend this time!"

The broad grin on his face was full of warmth. It was difficult to believe this gentle, middle-aged man was once feared across kingdoms.

Ryuunosuke looked him in the eye.

"Escanor," he began, his tone calm but serious. "Your powers are connected to the sun, right?"

Escanor nodded without hesitation. "Yes. At noon, or when I release the solar energy sealed within my artifact, my strength multiplies significantly for a short time."

He wasn’t hiding anything. Escanor’s loyalty to Ryuunosuke was unquestionable.

"What if," Ryuunosuke said slowly, "you could wield the sun’s power freely—without limitation?"

Escanor blinked.

"...Freely?"

He had never even entertained the idea.

The limitations of his ability—the sun’s cycle, the dependency on his relic—had always been accepted as part of his identity. To wield the sun’s power unconditionally? That bordered on fantasy.

Before he could respond, Ryuunosuke pulled out the Sun Fruit.

The moment Escanor laid eyes on it, he felt it.

A pulse. A warmth that surged deep in his soul.

Solar magic.

He instinctively extended his hand toward the fruit, the heat drawing him in like a moth to flame.

"This is a Logia-type Devil Fruit," Ryuunosuke explained. "Sun Fruit. Pure solar power embodied."

Escanor’s eyes widened. "So the Devil’s power can... combine with the sun’s blessing?"

"It seems so."

Ryuunosuke then revealed a second item: a glowing, ethereal card.

"The Devil Fruit Purge Card," he said. "It removes the side effects of Devil Fruits—seawater, seastone, all of it. You’ll be untouchable."

No weaknesses.

For someone of Escanor’s caliber—an SSS-rank member of the Dragon Hunter Pirates—it was non-negotiable. Ryuunosuke wasn’t going to allow the strongest crew member on the ship to be held back by arbitrary limits.

Escanor’s expression turned serious for the first time.

"...This is for me?"

"A Devil Fruit that mirrors your soul," Ryuunosuke nodded. "A divine gift. As Fourth Division’s leader, you’ll be responsible for forming your own team—the Seven Deadly Sins—before Meliodas arrives."

"If it weren’t for the limitations of your power, I’d have sent you out already."

Escanor chuckled. "And... will the Captain come too?"

Ryuunosuke paused, then smiled. "All members of the Sins will gather, eventually. But it’ll take time and many... conditions."

Escanor gave a rare, genuine nod of understanding.

"And Merlin...?"

Ryuunosuke didn’t answer directly. "Eat the fruit, Escanor. We’ll talk more soon."

Then he turned and walked away, his coat fluttering lightly in the sea breeze.

He didn’t need to stay and watch. He trusted Escanor—both as a warrior and as a man.

---

Three days later...

"Captain, we’ve reached the inner sea surrounding Wallowells Island," Najenda reported, unfurling a map. "We should be able to make landfall within half an hour."

"The eternal pointer still aligns with our current course."

Ryuunosuke nodded. "Good. Stick to the current heading."

He turned, voice calm yet commanding.

"Notify all crew—combat test will be conducted on this island."

Najenda saluted lightly and moved to relay the message.

When the announcement went out, excitement rippled through the ship.

Especially for Uvogin, who had grown increasingly frustrated these past few weeks. None of the pirates they’d crossed paths with could so much as scratch him.

Even his boredom was starting to show.

"Tatsumi," Mine said, eyes narrowing, "I’m a sniper, right? I probably won’t be included in the tests?"

Tatsumi hesitated. "Well... I’m not sure. Technically, you’re our only official sniper."

Mine puffed her chest proudly. "My Romantic Pumpkin Turret performs better under pressure. If any of them want a challenge, I’ll be waiting!"

But even she appreciated Tatsumi’s concern.

It didn’t take long for the crew to disembark onto the shores of Wallowells Island.

All auxiliary hands stayed behind, watching from the ship’s deck with mixed awe and anxiety. They weren’t part of the test—this was a showdown reserved for the true monsters of the crew.

Even the support team—Conrad, Urzi, Hawkins—stood ready in the lineup. They had never gone head-to-head with the named squads before.

There was anticipation in the air. Excitement. A touch of fear.

Ryuunosuke stepped forward, surveying the dozen or so warriors with an amused expression.

"Anyone want to start?"

The lineup stood firm:

First Division - Nightraid: Najenda, Akame, Tatsumi, Mine

Second Division - Phantom Troupe: Chrollo, Machi, Uvogin

Third Division - Pain Group: Yahiko, Jigokudo (currently absent)

Fourth Division - Seven Deadly Sins: Escanor

Special Crew: Enelu (not present), Mario, Kuina, Roelky (not present), Hawkins, Conrad, Urz, Gunnar

Fourteen total.

From within the crowd, one stepped forward.

"I’ll go first."

It was Uvogin of the Second Division.

He cracked his knuckles and smirked. "Uvogin, Enhancement-type. Phantom Troupe."

"I’m accepting any challenge—just make sure you can take a beating!"

With every step he took, a subtle hum of power surrounded him.

His aura flared, enhanced by his unique hybrid Haki—Armament, Observation, and raw Nen synergy. Since joining the Dragon Hunter Pirates, his power had skyrocketed.

He was confident.

His fists weren’t just weapons—they were siege cannons.

The test was about to begin.

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