Storm wanted to go on a "trip", but not immediately. He planned to set out for the Grand Line after resolving matters in the South Blue.
At the very least, he needed to deal with those warships first!
Storm had already booked a "Paw-Paw Fruit Travel Pass" ticket from Kuma in advance. With that settled, he arranged a physical training plan for Kid and Killer.
As for their training, Storm's approach was simple—just follow the same rigorous routine he had undergone at the Marines' elite recruit training camp!
While Kid and Killer were enthusiastically pushing themselves through training, Aokiji once again received a call via Den Den Mushi.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku has already made a decision," Aokiji said, getting straight to the point.
He directly conveyed the Marine Headquarters' stance to Storm.
"The higher-ups have accepted your proposal and plan. Soon, a team will be dispatched to the South Blue to redeem the warships and Marines from you."
Storm had made a long list of demands in this deal.
Berries were just the most basic part of it. Money only held value when it circulated in the market and was successfully traded for necessary resources. Otherwise, it was nothing more than useless paper.
Beyond financial compensation, Storm requested practical resources that could aid him on his journey—nautical charts, Log Poses, intelligence reports on key figures, and more.
Among these demands, the most critical one was—
"Where's Dr. Vegapunk?"
Storm's voice was calm, but his focus was sharp as he stared at the Den Den Mushi.
This was the core condition of his deal.
Of course, he wasn't expecting to exchange three large warships for Vegapunk himself.
Even if, by some absurd chance, Sengoku suddenly lost his mind and sent Vegapunk over, Storm wouldn't even be able to host a man with the "greatest brain in the world".
A great scientist like Vegapunk required endless resources to sustain his research.
Storm's goal was much simpler—he just wanted to meet Vegapunk to obtain a treatment plan for Bonney's "Sapphire Scale" condition.
Aokiji let out a breath before speaking again.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku's response is…" he said slowly.
"As a matter of principle, the Marines cannot allow a 'pirate' to have close contact with Dr. Vegapunk."
"So the answer is no?" Storm raised an eyebrow.
Aokiji paused, then smirked slightly.
"That's just the official stance."
Storm immediately understood the implication.
"So… it's actually possible?"
"Right," Aokiji confirmed.
"After all, you are an operative of SWORD and technically still a Marine."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku has agreed to your request—he will allow you to meet Dr. Vegapunk."
"However, there's a condition."
Storm crossed his arms. "What condition?"
"If you want to meet Vegapunk, you must go to Punk Hazard in person."
"And throughout the meeting, you must be accompanied by Admiral Borsalino."
"Kizaru, huh?" Storm muttered, rubbing his chin. "I see."
However, a new issue arose.
"I'm in the South Blue right now," Storm said. "It's impossible for me to go to Punk Hazard anytime soon."
"Instead, I'd like to apply for a Den Den Mushi call with Dr. Vegapunk."
Aokiji fell silent for a moment, considering the request.
Storm knew that between the South Blue and the New World lay the Red Line.
While both his Blue-Eyes White Dragon and Kuma's Paw-Paw Fruit could help him bypass it, doing so would take time.
Besides, with Kuma's current mental state, it was best to avoid unnecessary delays.
Finally, Aokiji responded.
"If it's just a Den Den Mushi call… that should be fine."
Soon after, Aokiji relayed Storm's request to Sengoku, who approved it without much resistance.
Since Sengoku had already agreed to an in-person meeting, he saw no reason to refuse a mere conversation.
Aokiji passed on a new Den Den Mushi number, and Storm immediately returned to the chapel, where Kuma was waiting.
Together, the two of them boarded the Blue-Eyes White Dragon and took off.
Under Kuma's expectant gaze, Storm dialed the Den Den Mushi number.
"Moshi moshi. Is this Dr. Vegapunk?"
A moment later, an old voice answered.
"This is Vegapunk. Is this Storm? The one Fleet Admiral Sengoku mentioned?"
At that moment, Kuma's gaze shifted toward Storm.
Even though his daughter's illness was at the forefront of his mind, he couldn't help but be shocked by what he just heard.
Kuma had always known that Storm had connections within the Marines, but…
Direct communication with the Fleet Admiral himself?!
Storm didn't seem fazed.
"Yes, Dr. Vegapunk," he replied. "I know you're busy, so I'll keep this brief."
Before continuing, Storm asked a critical question.
"For the privacy of the patient, I need to confirm..."
"Is this Den Den Mushi call being monitored?"
There was silence for a moment.
Then, a faint beeping sound came from the receiver.
"Very cautious," Vegapunk muttered.
A moment later, he spoke again.
"Alright. I've activated a White Den Den Mushi to prevent eavesdropping. I've also turned off the surveillance Den Den Mushi around me."
"Now, tell me—who is the patient?"
Storm glanced at Kuma.
Kuma took a deep breath, then stepped forward and spoke directly into the Den Den Mushi.
"Dr. Vegapunk!"
There was a pause.
"Oh? A different voice now… Who is this? The patient?"
"No, I am the patient's father," Kuma said quickly.
"Doctor, have you ever heard of a disease called 'Sapphire Scale'?"
Vegapunk immediately responded.
"Sapphire Scale? Ah! Of course, I know it."
Hearing this, Kuma clenched his fists.
"Then… Doctor… is there a cure?"
Vegapunk's voice softened slightly.
"So this is the reason for your call… How is the patient's condition?"
Kuma took a deep breath.
"Her name is Bonney. My daughter."
"She has blue, stone-like scales growing on her face."
His voice trembled slightly.
"Last year, a doctor told me she had Sapphire Scale and wouldn't live past the age of ten…"
"But she's already six years old!"
At Punk Hazard Island...
When Vegapunk heard the voice from the other end of the Den Den Mushi, he couldn't help but frown.
"You mean to say that the poor little girl has been ill for a year?"
He recalled all the information about the Sapphire Scale stored in his mind.
"So how is she now?"
Kuma's voice came through the Den Den Mushi.
"There's only a little gem on my face, nowhere else."
"Only on the face?"
Vegapunk was surprised.
"This disease will continue to spread as long as it is exposed to natural light."
"Right."
Kuma's tone was deep.
"Because of this, I've kept my daughter indoors, sealing the doors and windows to prevent any exposure."
"It's truly rare..."
Vegapunk nodded.
"If her condition is exactly as you described, then this disease... it can be cured!"
"Really?!"
Kuma's voice trembled with excitement.
"Can Sapphire Scale really be treated?"
"There should be no problem," Vegapunk assured him. "But I'll need to see the patient before making a final decision."
Though Vegapunk was cautious in his words, Kuma could hardly contain his joy.
Just then, Storm spoke up.
"Dr. Vegapunk, we're currently in the South Blue, and reaching Punk Hazard will take time."
Storm continued, "I'd like to ask—if it's Germa 66, specifically Vinsmoke Judge, can he cure Sapphire Scale?"
"Judge? I haven't heard that old friend's name in a long time..."
Vegapunk sighed before responding.
"The treatment for Sapphire Scale involves creating new stem cells and transplanting them into the patient. As long as the disease hasn't progressed to an irreversible state, this method can cure it."
He paused before adding, "I'm not sure if Judge is familiar with Sapphire Scale specifically, but if we're only considering the creation and transplantation of stem cells, then Judge should be capable. His cloning expertise is top-tier."
"Thank you for the clarification, Doctor."
Storm expressed his gratitude before handing the Den Den Mushi back to Kuma.
Kuma then asked a series of detailed questions, mainly about precautions and protective measures for the Sapphire Scale.
Vegapunk patiently answered each one.
Only when Kuma had no more questions did Vegapunk finally end the call, excusing himself due to other research commitments.
As the Den Den Mushi clicked off, Kuma still looked ecstatic.
"Bonney is finally saved!"
Storm, however, remained cautious.
"Punk Hazard isn't easy to reach," he reminded. "Kuma, you have a unique identity, and Bonney's condition is too conspicuous. If you appear there, you could attract unwanted attention."
Kuma's excitement faded.
He thought about his race, the true reason behind Ginny's illness…
As much as he wanted to take Bonney to Punk Hazard immediately, he knew it could be a trap.
Not only could he fail to cure Bonney, but he might also endanger both their lives.
"My suggestion?" Storm said seriously. "Since Dr. Vegapunk believes Germa 66 has the means to cure Bonney, you should go there first and confirm if they can treat the Sapphire Scale."
"That's right. Let's go!" Kuma nodded, his determination set.
After discussing their next moves, they settled on a "split-up" strategy.
Three days later...
A medium-sized Marine warship arrived in the waters near the Kingdom of Sorbet.
The ship carried marine officials from the Grand Line, responsible for overseeing the transaction.
As per their prior agreement, Storm handed over three large warships and thousands of Marine soldiers to the officials.
He had initially planned to keep a warship for personal use...
But considering their upcoming travels...
Storm was heading to the Grand Line.
Kuma was setting off for the East Blue.
Leaving a massive, unclaimed warship in Sorbet Kingdom would only invite chaos.
So, Storm relinquished all three warships to the Marines.
After all, the sea was full of ships—old ones had to go for new ones to come.
Once the transaction concluded, Storm returned to the Kingdom of Sorbet.
Kuma, who had been waiting for him, raised his right hand and asked,
"If you could go on a trip… where would you like to go?"
Storm smiled.
"Alabasta!"
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