Storm proposed three potential treatment options, each based on the intelligence he had. These were the most promising avenues for curing Sapphire Scales, a disease that many considered a death sentence.
The first option was Trafalgar D. Water Law and his Paramecia-type Op-Op Fruit.
The power of the Op-Op Fruit was undeniable. The World Government had once placed a 5 billion Beli price tag on the fruit itself, demonstrating its extraordinary value. Some had joked about its worth, saying:
"The Op-Op Fruit is worth 5 billion, and Law's bounty is 3 billion. If you subtract the fruit's value, Trafalgar Law himself is actually worth negative 2 billion Beli!"
While humorous, the statement held some truth—Law's ability to perform miraculous surgeries made him invaluable.
Even if Law couldn't outright cure Bonney's Sapphire Scales, he could at least alleviate her symptoms. The "incision without harm" power of the Op-Op Fruit meant he could surgically remove the crystalline growths forming on Bonney's body without causing her pain or injury. This wouldn't be a cure, but it could slow the disease's progression.
The second option was Dr. Vegapunk.
In the original timeline, Vegapunk had been the one to successfully treat Bonney's Sapphire Scales. He was widely recognized as the greatest mind in the world, a title that was not merely symbolic but well-earned.
Beyond being a scientist, Vegapunk was also an exceptional medical doctor, possessing knowledge far beyond what the majority of medical experts could even comprehend. If anyone could completely cure Sapphire Scales, it was likely him.
Finally, the third option was Germa 66, the infamous kingdom of science and warfare led by Vinsmoke Judge.
While Judge was not as brilliant as Vegapunk, his expertise in genetic modification and human augmentation made him a formidable scientist in his own right. His work on cloning and biological enhancements had produced superhuman soldiers, proving that he understood human biology at a deep level.
With Germa 66's resources, there was a possibility that Bonney's disease could be treated through advanced gene therapy or modifications.
Of course, these three weren't the only options. The world was vast, and there were many other doctors and Devil Fruit users who specialized in healing.
Kuma had searched endlessly for a cure, traveling across the Grand Line and beyond. Yet despite all his efforts, he had failed.
Storm recalled several renowned medical experts and special healers who might have been able to help:
Crocus, the former doctor of Roger's pirate crew, who now resided in Twin Cape.
Dr. Kureha, the mysterious "witch doctor" of Drum Island, whose knowledge of rare diseases was unmatched.
Mansherry, the princess of the Tontatta Kingdom, who possessed the Heal-Heal Fruit, a mythical ability capable of restoring wounds and ailments.
Marco the Phoenix, the former First Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, who wielded the regenerative powers of the Mythical Zoan Phoenix Fruit.
However, Storm chose not to mention these individuals to Kuma.
Compared to Law, Vegapunk, and Germa 66, these other potential cures were far less reliable. The Heal-Heal Fruit had limitations, Marco's flames could only accelerate healing rather than cure disease, and neither Crocus nor Kureha had ever been documented treating Sapphire Scales before.
Kuma listened intently, his tear-streaked face filled with a mix of disbelief and hope.
"Germa 66, the Op-Op Fruit, Vegapunk..."
As he whispered the names, it was as if a ray of light had pierced through the endless darkness he had been trapped in.
For over a year, Kuma had lived in confusion and desperation, watching as his beloved daughter slowly succumbed to Sapphire Scales.
He had searched tirelessly, visiting every doctor he could find, only to be told the same thing—
"Sapphire Scales is incurable."
But now, a complete stranger had appeared before him, not only recognizing the disease but also offering three possible cures.
Kuma's eyes trembled.
There was still hope.
"Bonney! There's a cure for your illness!"
He gently placed Bonney to the side before falling to his knees.
"Thank you! Thank you so much!"
With genuine gratitude, Kuma bowed deeply before Storm, his voice trembling with emotion.
Bonney, watching from the side, saw her father kneeling and instinctively tried to kneel as well.
"No kneeling!"
Storm waved his hand, and the clay doll that Bonney had dropped earlier suddenly shifted.
In an instant, the doll transformed into a soft, white sofa, its form stretching into a comfortable cushion.
The sofa then gently grabbed Bonney, pulling her into its warm embrace.
The little girl was momentarily confused but soon began to giggle, happily bouncing on the sofa.
Seeing his daughter's laughter, Kuma felt his heart melt.
But then, Storm's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Tyrant, don't thank me just yet."
Kuma immediately snapped to attention.
"The three options I mentioned—each of them comes with major obstacles."
Storm sighed before explaining.
Vegapunk was the World Government's greatest asset, working under heavy security on Punk Hazard. If Kuma attempted to approach him, he would immediately be detected.
Law was an unaffiliated pirate with no known territory, constantly on the move in his submarine, making him nearly impossible to track down.
Germa 66, while more accessible, was a mercenary kingdom—they wouldn't help for free.
Storm's eyes narrowed as he glanced around the small, dim chapel where they stood.
Then, he asked the most crucial question.
"Do you have money, Kuma?"
Kuma froze.
He felt as though a bucket of cold water had just been poured over him.
For all the possibilities Storm had listed, there was one unshakable truth about the world—
"There is only one disease that plagues the sea, and that is poverty."
Kuma clenched his fists, his massive frame trembling.
He was a man with nothing—no home, no wealth, and barely any resources to his name.
For a moment, his hope wavered.
How could he possibly afford the treatment that Bonney so desperately needed?
Storm crossed his arms and sighed.
"Out of moral obligation, I don't want to see a poor little girl die in front of me."
Storm spoke calmly.
"So, I provided you with three methods to treat Sapphire Scale."
The silent Kuma raised his head, his gaze locked onto Storm.
"However, all I can offer you right now is a method."
Storm continued, his expression unreadable.
"If you want to know more, or if you need my help in other ways..."
"That's a different thing."
Hearing this, Kuma nodded silently.
At that moment, the image of another man flashed through his mind.
'Dragon'.
Kuma spoke slowly.
"I… I will seek help from others."
It was as if Storm had anticipated Kuma's thoughts. Without hesitation, he asked,
"You mean Emporio Ivankov?"
Kuma's eyes flickered.
"You know Ivankov?"
"Ivankov is my friend," Storm replied, raising an eyebrow.
"But don't think about looking for him," he added flatly.
"Because Ivankov is now imprisoned in Impel Down."
Kuma's eyes widened in shock. Of course, he knew what Impel Down was.
"Impel Down?" he repeated, his voice slightly hoarse. "How could that be?! Dragon—"
"Ha!" Storm let out a sharp laugh, cutting Kuma off.
"Dragon? You mean Monkey D. Dragon, the revolutionary who the World Government considers the 'world's worst criminal'?"
Storm sneered.
"Listen, Kuma. I don't usually speak ill of people behind their backs, but I'll make an exception this time. If you have any sense, you'll stay as far away from that revolutionary as possible."
A flicker of anger passed over Kuma's face.
Dragon was his comrade.
They had fought side by side for years.
But at the same time, Storm was a benefactor—the only person who had given him a lead on how to save Bonney.
Kuma took a deep breath, suppressing his frustration.
"Why?" he asked, his voice steady.
"Why?" Storm repeated mockingly. "Ha!"
Then, with a cold laugh, he said,
"Where was the so-called 'Revolutionary' when Ivankov was thrown into Impel Down?"
Kuma stiffened.
"And where was he when your daughter was infected with 'Sapphire Scale'?"
Storm's voice turned sharper.
"And more importantly," he leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto Kuma's,
"Where was the 'world's worst criminal' when Ginny was taken by the World Government?"
Kuma's breath caught in his throat.
Storm's words hit deeper than Kuma wanted to admit.
"Dragon... where were you?"
Kuma had been so focused on Bonney's illness that he had barely thought about the Revolutionary Army.
He had believed in Dragon.
He had trusted him.
But when he needed Dragon the most...
He was nowhere to be found.
"You've heard of the captain of the Sun Pirates, haven't you?" Storm asked, breaking the silence.
Kuma frowned.
"Fisher Tiger," he muttered.
Storm nodded.
"Yes. Fisher Tiger."
Storm's voice carried an undeniable weight as he continued,
"Fisher Tiger climbed Mary Geoise with his own hands. He fought through the Celestial Dragons' domain to free the slaves. He led a revolution not with words, but with action."
Kuma's breathing slowed.
"What do you think 'Dragon the Revolutionary' was doing at that time?" Storm asked.
Kuma remained silent.
"Where was your great leader when Ivankov was captured? When your daughter was suffering? When Ginny was stolen away?"
Storm's words cut through like a blade.
"And tell me, Kuma—what did Monkey D. Dragon do?"
Kuma's mind raced.
He wanted to argue.
He wanted to defend his comrade.
But... what had Dragon done?
Fisher Tiger, a single man, had risked everything to free slaves from Mary Geoise.
He was a fish-man, a race despised by the world, and yet he stood against oppression in ways that no one else dared to.
And Dragon?
Where was he?
Storm's voice broke through Kuma's daze.
"The so-called 'world's worst criminal' isn't even as brave as a single fish-man."
Kuma's fingers curled into fists.
His heart was at war with itself.
Everything Storm said...
Was it true?
Or was it just another test of his faith?
Kuma wanted to believe in Dragon.
He wanted to believe that the Revolutionary Army was still fighting for justice.
But right now—right now—there was only one truth that mattered.
Bonney was still sick.
And Dragon wasn't here.
Storm watched Kuma's turmoil in silence before letting out a quiet sigh.
"Listen," he said, his voice losing its sharp edge.
"I don't care what you think about Dragon. Follow him, don't follow him—it doesn't matter to me."
Storm pointed at Bonney, who was still playing happily on the sofa.
"But that little girl? She doesn't have time for politics."
Kuma's gaze softened.
Storm took a step back, his usual calm expression returning.
"I've given you your options, Kuma," he said. "It's up to you what you do next."
Kuma remained silent for a long time.
His heart was heavy.
His mind was clouded.
But one thing was clear.
Bonney's life came first.
Everything else... could wait.
And so, Kuma made his decision.
Even if it meant stepping away from everything he once believed in—
He would save his daughter.
No matter what it takes.
*******************************
Chapter release will slow down (every other day) here in WN since we have low review count.
I will release 1 bonus chapters for every two review till we meet ten reviews. [6/10].
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