Location: Inside the Sorbet Kingdom Church
"It's settled then," Storm said, a kind smile masking his scheming mind. "Until Jewelry Bonney is cured and grows up, you are my subordinate. Simple, right?"
"Simple," Kuma agreed. Compared to losing Bonney, selling his freedom was a bargain.
Just as they finalized the deal, the Den Den Mushi in Storm's pocket purred.
Pru-Pru-Pru... Clatch.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku has made a decision," Aokiji's voice came through. "Headquarters accepts your plan. A fleet is en route to the South Blue to reclaim the assets."
"And my core condition?" Storm asked.
"Where is Dr. Vegapunk?"
"Sengoku agreed in principle," Aokiji sighed. "But there are rules. You must come to Punk Hazard in person, and you must be supervised by Admiral Kizaru (Borsalino) at all times."
"Kizaru? Scary," Storm deadpanned. "But I'm in the South Blue. I can't reach the New World immediately. I request a secure call with the Doctor first."
Aokiji paused, likely getting approval. "Fine. But be quick."
Minutes later, Storm dialed a new number.
Beep.
"Moshi moshi? This is Vegapunk."
An aged voice crackled on the line.
"Dr. Vegapunk," Storm cut straight to the chase. "Is this line secure?"
"Very cautious," Vegapunk chuckled. A soft beep indicated he activated a White Den Den Mushi (jammer). "The surveillance snails are off. Speak."
Storm handed the receiver to Kuma.
"Dr. Vegapunk!" Kuma's voice trembled. "I am the patient's father. Have you heard of the Sapphire Scale disease?"
"Sapphire Scale? Ah, yes. A cruel condition." Vegapunk's tone turned serious. "Blue stones on the skin caused by exposure to natural light. How old is the patient?"
"She is six. Diagnosed a year ago. The stones are currently only on her face."
"Only on her face? After a year?" Vegapunk sounded surprised. "That is rare. You must have kept her in total darkness."
"Yes," Kuma whispered.
"If the spread is contained... then it can be cured."
"Really?!" Kuma's knees nearly gave out. "It's not terminal?"
"No," Vegapunk explained. "The cure requires advanced Stem Cell Transplantation. We create new, healthy cells to replace the crystallized ones. It's complex, but possible."
Storm took the receiver back. "Doctor, one question. Could Vinsmoke Judge of Germa 66 perform this procedure?"
"Judge?" Vegapunk sighed nostalgically. "My old colleague from MADS... Yes. While his methods are... unethical, his mastery of genetic cloning is second to none. If he has the equipment, he could theoretically synthesize the stem cells."
"Thank you, Doctor."
Clatch.
Storm hung up.
The room was silent, then exploded with relief. Kuma hugged Bonney, tears streaming down his face. "You're saved! Bonney, you're saved!"
"Calm down," Storm said. "Punk Hazard is too dangerous for you right now. If the World Government finds out about your race—or Bonney's lineage—it's game over."
"My advice: Go to the East Blue first. Find Germa 66. See if Judge can do it."
"If he can't, then we use the Warlord title to force a meeting with Vegapunk later."
Kuma nodded solemnly. "I understand. I will go to the East Blue."
"Good. Then we split up."
Three Days Later
A medium-sized Marine fleet arrived at the Sorbet Kingdom.
True to his word, Storm handed over the three G-Class Warships and the prisoners. He decided not to keep a ship for himself—traveling with a huge battleship would only slow him down, and he had a dragon for that.
With the transaction complete, Storm stood on the cliffside with Kuma, Kid, and Killer.
"The Navy has their ships. The funding is secured," Storm patted his pocket, now heavy with a billion-Berry debit card (from Aokiji).
Kuma raised his hand. The paw pads glowed with compressed air.
"I will send myself and Bonney to the East Blue to find Germa."
"And you?" Kuma looked at Storm.
"If you were to travel," Kuma asked the famous question, "where would you like to go?"
Storm grinned.
He pointed to the location on his mental map. The Kingdom of Sand. The home of the Desert King.
"Alabasta."
POOF!
Kuma's hand struck. Storm, Kid, and Killer vanished instantly into the sky, launched toward the Grand Line.
Next Stop: The Desert Kingdom.
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