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"Phew, finally! I've achieved the ideal balance of hardness and toughness!"
Time flew by.
It had been five days since Shaka arrived at Amazon Lily.
On this particular day, in one corner of Kuja City, stood a makeshift laboratory that looked completely out of place among the classical architecture. Constructed entirely from steel plates, the simple container-like building wasn't particularly large, covering only about a hundred square meters.
Inside, various weapons and alloy steel plates were stacked somewhat haphazardly.
After countless experiments, adjusting the ratios of different metallic elements over and over, Panda Bai Long had finally synthesized a new alloy. As Shaka observed the results, a smile appeared on his face.
He was certain—this was the perfect shape-memory alloy.
Its toughness and hardness had been enhanced to the limit, reaching the ideal state.
This was the best material for crafting battle suits and weapons.
Outside the laboratory.
"This is the place… I've confirmed it. That great man has been staying here for the past few days!"
A few female warriors, dressed in revealing yet practical battle attire, cautiously approached the building, glancing around nervously.
"Hey, maybe we shouldn't disturb him…" whispered a tall, strikingly beautiful woman with sharp, slanted eyes. She wore her long black hair in a high ponytail and carried herself with a wild, untamed aura.
She hesitated.
That day, when they, the nation's protectors, along with the Kuja Pirates, regained consciousness one by one, they were informed of the identity of the so-called "intruder."
They had been utterly speechless.
Who could have imagined that the man who had suddenly appeared on Amazon Lily was none other than the legendary King Kṣitigarbha himself?
No wonder he was unbelievably powerful, effortlessly blocking all their attacks.
Even a mere glance from him had been enough to knock out their battle-hardened warriors.
She felt that someone like him wouldn't be easy to talk to. Suddenly showing up to ask for a favor made her uneasy, and she felt an urge to back out.
"Come on, we can't back out now!"
A tall girl with striking brown eyes and long, wavy orange-brown hair, wearing a hat marked with the Kuja emblem, grabbed her arm. "Kikyo, we're all here for you!"
"That's right, Aiflandra is right!"
A blonde girl with short hair, dressed in a leopard-print swimsuit, a black-and-green striped snake coiled around her neck, spoke softly. "Don't forget, your period pains are unbearable every time!"
"Exactly! I even asked Dr. Belladonna—she said that man's medical skills are extraordinary. He's especially skilled in treating difficult gynecological conditions. He can definitely help you!"
Stobii, one of the protector warriors, a tall and stocky woman, said seriously.
Inside the laboratory.
Just as Shaka was about to take a break and step outside for some fresh air, he sensed something.
Raising an eyebrow, he focused his mind and immediately picked up on the thoughts of the people outside, understanding the entire situation.
A small smile appeared on his face as he stepped out of the laboratory.
Click—
The sudden opening of the door startled the female warriors, who had just been about to gather the courage to knock.
Looking at the four young women standing at the entrance—each with different physiques, yet all dressed in their revealing and wild warrior attire—Shaka immediately recognized them.
They were the protector warriors of this generation of Kuja.
Smiling, he asked, "What are you all sneaking around for?"
"L-Lord Shaka…"
Kikyo, Stobii, Marguerite, and Aiflandra stiffened, their nerves tightening.
"I-It's nothing! We're very sorry for disturbing you…"
Faced with the legendary and mysterious Lord Shaka, Kikyo tensed up, deeply bowed, and was about to pull the others away.
"Wait! Lord Shaka, actually…" Marguerite quickly stopped Kikyo and raised her voice. "We have a favor to ask of you!"
"Hmm, I have some knowledge of medicine. From what I can see, you three are perfectly healthy…"
Shaka's gaze fell on the wild yet valiant beauty with the high ponytail. "You're Kikyo, right? Do you suffer from severe menstrual cramps?"
"Huh?!"
The protector warriors were stunned.
He had figured out Kikyo's condition in an instant!
Even Kikyo herself widened her sharp eyes in shock, staring at the tall and handsome Shaka in disbelief.
"You're incredible, Lord Shaka!"
Aiflandra's eyes sparkled with admiration, nodding rapidly. "Yes, that's exactly why we're here! Every time Captain Kikyo has her period, the pain is unbearable!"
"This problem has tormented her for years!"
Marguerite nodded seriously. "The island's doctors have prescribed medicine, and she's tried drinking brown sugar water, but the relief is minor, and it never really goes away!"
"Even Lady Hancock has the same problem—she just endures it!"
"I see."
Shaka wasn't surprised.
In fact, the moment he first laid eyes on Hancock, the Empress of the Kuja, he had already noticed she had the same issue.
He had planned to treat her before leaving, but it seemed the protector warriors had come to him first.
"Kikyo, stay here. I'll give you a thorough check-up."
He pulled out a sheet of paper and began writing quickly.
Listing 20 to 30 different medicinal herbs, he handed the prescription to Stobii and the others. "Gather these herbs and bring them to me tonight."
"Yes!"
"Thank you so much, Lord Shaka!"
Stobii, Marguerite, and Aiflandra were overjoyed.
They couldn't help but curiously observe this great man.
Even Kikyo, the captain of the protector warriors, was surprised. She hadn't expected him to be so approachable.
Was this the so-called 'man'?
He wasn't ugly, cruel, or short-tempered as she had imagined.
"Lord Shaka, please take care of Kikyo!" Marguerite and the others reluctantly left with the prescription in hand.
This left Kikyo standing there awkwardly, unsure of what to do.
"Relax. Come inside."
Shaka reached out, gently brushing his large hand against her delicate face, smiling warmly.
"Y-Yes, Lord Shaka!"
Looking at his handsome face, Kikyo's initial nervousness and unease gradually faded, replaced by an inexplicable sense of peace and reassurance.
In her eyes, he seemed towering and majestic.
As expected, the legendary King Kṣitigarbha was truly like a savior.
She felt ashamed for having misunderstood him earlier.
Guilt welled up in her heart.
"....."