Higuma slowly regained consciousness by Kuzan's feet, overhearing the conversation between Kuzan and Aramaki.
"Two million and five hundred thousand Belly? I'm impressed you managed to find that," Kuzan commented casually.
"Hah, they're just mountain bandits—not exactly high-class. At least they can serve as bait," Aramaki replied nonchalantly.
Higuma, still groggy, muttered in confusion, "Bait? What bait?"
"Hm? Looks like he's awake," Aramaki said as he crouched down, his fingers transforming into writhing green vines. Under Higuma's horrified gaze, the vines wrapped tightly around him.
Higuma, who had never even heard of Devil Fruits, screamed in terror, "A monster! Help!"
Instead of being angry, Aramaki chuckled, clapping Higuma on the shoulder.
"Not bad! Got some fight in you. Perfect bait material."
Without further ado, Aramaki had a small boat prepared and pushed off from the Marine warship, tossing Higuma aboard. He then sprouted a dandelion-like plant from his back, grabbed Kuzan with a vine, and both of them floated into the air to observe from above.
The boat carrying Higuma drifted with the wind, and though bound, Higuma thrashed around in the cabin, shouting for help. Not that it was clear who he expected to save him.
The sun blazed mercilessly in the sky, and soon enough, Higuma, exposed to the heat, was reduced to a lethargic mess.
Above, Aramaki, being a plant-based human, remained unaffected, basking in the sunlight. The stronger the light, the livelier he became. Kuzan, an embodiment of ice, also felt no discomfort.
Seeing Higuma slump below, Aramaki smirked. "Hey, give him a cooldown, would you? Bait works better when it's fresh."
Kuzan obligingly released a blast of icy mist down onto Higuma. The sudden chill jolted him upright with an exaggerated gasp of relief.
This cycle repeated a few times until the afternoon sun began to set. Kuzan, having played the role of an air conditioner all day, grumbled, "Aramaki, are you sure your intel is reliable? We've been at this for hours, and there's not even a fish in sight!"
Aramaki rolled his eyes. "It's better than your methods!"
"Yeah? How so?"
"Well, uh…" Aramaki hesitated before mumbling, "Forget it. Let's head back. I'm hungry."
"Aren't you a plant? You don't even need to eat," Kuzan pointed out.
"Kuzan, don't make me slap you…"
The two continued bickering in the air, failing to notice a shadow rising beneath Higuma's boat.
A moment later, a massive sea king's head breached the surface. Its crimson eyes locked onto Higuma, who froze in terror, unable even to scream.
Up above, Kuzan and Aramaki were overjoyed.
"Yosh! Ice Age!" Kuzan bellowed.
"Forbidden Thicket!" Aramaki added.
In an instant, the sea king, Higuma, and the surrounding water were frozen solid. Aramaki then summoned a giant tree figure and smashed the frozen sea king to pieces with a single punch.
As shards of ice scattered into the air, both admirals stared in stunned silence.
Aramaki broke it first. "Are we sure this is the sea king Carl told us about? Seems kind of weak."
Kuzan frowned. "It has to be. He said it looked like an eel, and this is the only one in the area."
"So… mission accomplished?"
"Yeah… let's stick around for another couple of days just to be sure."
...
Holy Land Mary Geoise
Spandam stood nervously outside the Figarland family estate, wringing his hands as he addressed the golden-armored guards at the gate.
"Please inform Saint Garling that Spandam seeks an audience. I have something for Saint Carl."
One guard nodded and disappeared inside, returning shortly to escort Spandam in.
Inside the estate, Garling was speaking with Dr. Vegapunk in his chambers. Ever since Carl had been brought back in his dormant state, Garling frequently summoned Vegapunk to conduct examinations.
Spandam entered cautiously, carrying a black-draped iron cage handed to him by a subordinate. He stood quietly by the doorway, daring not to interrupt.
Vegapunk concluded his report, explaining, "Physically, Saint Carl's condition remains stable, but I can't predict when he'll awaken. His unique physiology defies conventional understanding."
Garling's brow furrowed. "So there's no progress?"
Vegapunk sighed. "I've tried various methods, but even in his current state, Saint Carl's defenses are extraordinary. Standard stimuli like electrical shocks don't even register."
Garling nodded thoughtfully, though clearly dissatisfied. Spandam, still waiting, shifted nervously under the heavy silence.
To Vegapunk, Carl was more than just a Celestial Dragon—he was a generous benefactor who had funded countless scientific endeavors, from research facilities to rare materials like Devil Fruits and legendary swords. Despite Carl's intimidating demeanor, Vegapunk respected his support for science.
"An ideal boss like him," Vegapunk mused internally, "is hard to come by."
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