The Radiant Eclipse sped through the West Blue.
It was only a day away from reaching Reverse Mountain, the entrance to the Grand Line.
"Caw!"
A clear and high-pitched phoenix cry echoed from the horizon.
"Gion's back," the women aboard the ship exclaimed as they rushed to the deck, waving at the approaching phoenix in the sky.
"The Vice-Captain of the Sun and Moon Pirates has returned." Nico Robin, who had recently joined the crew, also watched curiously, her eyes fixed on the legendary figure of the Sun and Moon Pirates' second-in-command.
The phoenix descended gracefully and landed on the ship.
As it touched down, Gion's human form reappeared, her stunning figure and beautiful features captivating those around her.
"Captain Kuke, I've obtained it," Gion announced as she presented the Ope Ope no Mi—the heart-shaped Devil Fruit.
"So this is the Devil Fruit the World Government was willing to pay 5 billion Berries for?" the women asked, observing it with interest.
"It doesn't look all that special."
"The Ope Ope no Mi… is it really for performing surgeries?" The crew wondered aloud as they studied the fruit.
"It's said to grant the ability to perform the 'Immortality Surgery,'" Stussy explained, familiar with many of the secrets hidden in the depths of the sea.
"Immortality?" Everyone gasped, their mouths slightly agape.
Immortality had been a dream of humanity since ancient times. But no one had ever heard of someone actually achieving it.
"Maybe not true immortality, but it certainly offers a longer life," Kuke confirmed, erasing any doubts.
"Well, Captain, hurry up and eat it," one of the women urged.
"Yes, Captain, you're the most important."
"With you immortal, you'll be able to protect us forever."
"Captain will gain a Devil Fruit ability," they all chimed in, turning their attention to Kuke.
Even with the temptation of immortality, none of them harbored any greed for themselves.
Kuke took the Ope Ope no Mi from their hands, and everyone watched him intently, eagerly anticipating the moment he would consume the legendary fruit.
However, Kuke surprised them by turning around and handing the fruit to Belo Betty. "Here," he said.
"Wha—?" Belo Betty stared in disbelief at the Devil Fruit now so close to her, pointing to herself in confusion. "Me?"
Usually carefree and straightforward, even Belo Betty hesitated, unsure what to do. "Captain, me eating the Ope Ope no Mi would be such a waste."
That was her honest opinion.
5 billion Berries.
The Immortality Surgery.
She didn't feel worthy of such a precious gift—only the captain deserved something like this.
"It was always meant for you," Kuke replied.
"But Captain, I haven't done anything since joining the crew. I haven't even proven myself useful yet. Giving me this Devil Fruit makes me feel guilty," Belo Betty admitted, reluctant to take it.
The fruit was far too valuable.
Everyone watched this scene in awe, especially Nico Robin, who had joined the crew not long ago.
A soft smile spread across her face.
She had made the right choice. The Sun and Moon Pirates were even better than she had imagined, and their captain was the best.
"Eat the fruit so you can fulfill your role. The Ope Ope no Mi, when fully developed, does indeed grant the ability to perform the Immortality Surgery, but it comes at the cost of the user's life. And you can't perform the surgery on yourself," Kuke explained, hoping to alleviate any guilt or pressure Belo Betty might be feeling.
"I see. Don't worry, Captain. I'll master the Ope Ope no Mi, and no matter the cost, I'll use the Immortality Surgery to help you," Belo Betty vowed, pounding her chest.
Kuke quickly looked away.
Her actions were too bold.
He had seen too much.
Suppressing a smirk, Kuke commented, "Who said anything about dying?"
"Don't be modest, Captain! The longer you live, the more trouble it causes the World Government. Your value far exceeds mine, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes." Belo Betty got even closer, pounding her chest louder.
She was standing too close now.
No matter where Kuke tried to look, he couldn't avoid her presence.
Belo Betty was certainly… polite.
Refocusing, Kuke reminded himself not to embarrass himself in front of everyone. "Don't you remember what I told you all before? Now, everyone has the ability to revive once per month. By the time you've mastered the Immortality Surgery, you can just use it on us every month. There's no need for anyone to actually die."
The Ope Ope no Mi and the system were a perfect match.
Others might only be able to trade one life for someone else's immortality.
But for the Sun and Moon Pirates, the combination of the revival ability and the Ope Ope no Mi was an unlimited glitch.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Belo Betty laughed sheepishly.
"So that means we can all be immortal too?" Lily, always impulsive, rushed up to Kuke, her eyes wide with anticipation.
When Kuke nodded, she jumped for joy.
"Lily, why are you so excited? You're a giant. You already live longer than the rest of us," one of the others pointed out.
Lily grinned. "It's because I don't want to lose any of you. I don't want to have to say goodbye to you one by one in the future. I don't want to have to burn offerings for you every year. That would be a hassle."
Everyone, who had been moved just a moment ago, suddenly fell silent, staring at Lily with exasperation.
"Immortality…" Stussy whispered, reaching her hand out as if to touch the sky.
It all seemed too unreal.
"Even without immortality, being here is far better than being with the World Government," Stussy mused as she thought about the possibility of living forever, silently gazing at Kuke.
She was lucky to have been brought into the Sun and Moon Pirates.
There was no way she would have received this kind of treatment from the World Government.
"This means I'll never have to be apart from Kuke again," Hancock murmured, her cheeks flushing red as she cupped her face.
Koala and Guina, still young, couldn't fully grasp the significance of the situation yet.
But seeing everyone else so happy made them smile as well.
Gion, standing quietly beside Kuke as usual, didn't say much. She always remained by his side, a constant, silent presence.
"Immortality? Resurrection?" Robin was the most shocked of all.
Before she had even joined, the Sun and Moon Pirates were already a legendary crew.
But what she was witnessing now was beyond legendary.
It was like something out of a myth.
"Is it really possible?"
Even with all her knowledge of history, Nico Robin couldn't find any historical records that compared to what was happening before her eyes.
"You must be the new crewmate, Nico Robin. Welcome. I apologize on behalf of the Marines for what happened to your homeland," Gion turned and said to Nico Robin, her tone sincere.
Robin was still too surprised to respond.
But when she finally processed Gion's words, she bit her lip, trying to hold back her emotions.
Her homeland had been destroyed, and all she had ever received was malice—hatred from the entire world.
She had never expected anyone to seek revenge for her homeland.
An apology was already the most she could hope for.
Gion was no longer a Marine, but in Robin's eyes, she was the true embodiment of what a Marine should be.
"Vice-Captain Gion…" Robin began.
"Just call me Sister Gion."
"Okay!" Robin nodded.
"What are you two talking about? Why are there tears in your eyes?" Kuke asked, noticing the glistening tears in Nico Robin's eyes. Wasn't Robin known for being strong? Why was she tearing up so often?
"I was just telling her about all the legendary, mysterious things about you, Captain, and warning her not to get too captivated by your charm," Gion replied with a smirk.
"I wasn't… I wasn't!" Robin hurriedly waved her hands, her eyes darting nervously.
...
After the playful antics, all eyes turned expectantly toward Belo Betty.
Slowly, she opened her mouth and took a bite of the Ope Ope no Mi.
"We need to find a way to make sure Belo Betty can achieve immortality too," Kuke thought to himself. The Immortality Surgery couldn't be performed on the user themselves, and Kuke didn't want to lose any of the crew members who had wholeheartedly joined him. He didn't want to lose a single one of them.
Crunch!
Belo Betty took a few quick bites and swallowed the Ope Ope no Mi. Her cheeks puffed out, and her face turned green. She struggled to get it down.
"I almost choked to death," she gasped, patting her chest.
More was revealed as she patted herself, causing Kuke to turn away helplessly.
"Hahaha! The captain's embarrassed!" Belo Betty noticed his reaction, pointing at him and laughing.
Kuke was utterly speechless.
Belo Betty looked like a temptress on the outside, but her personality was something else entirely.
"Is the captain blushing?" Belo Betty teased, getting even more excited and leaning closer toward him.
With the outfit she was wearing and the fact that she hadn't zipped up, her posture made everything completely visible.
"Get out of here," Kuke grumbled, pushing her cheek away.
Belo Betty fell onto the deck, laughing and slapping the wooden floor.
The other women couldn't help but smile, each with a different expression—curiosity, amusement, and even a desire to join in.
"You all should be like me—liberate your body to free your mind!" Belo Betty said proudly, showing off her bold and unconventional attire.
Makino quickly turned around, her face flushing red, and covered the eyes of Koala and Guina, who were too young to see such things.
Hancock, deep in thought, wondered, "Does Kuke prefer this sort of thing?"
"If you keep acting crazy, I'll throw you into the sea," Kuke warned, irritated.
Belo Betty immediately shrank back. "I'm sorry, Captain!"
"Now that you've eaten the Ope Ope no Mi, start experimenting with its abilities. Figure out how to develop its powers and strengthen yourself," Kuke instructed, his tone serious.
There was no other choice. If he let the conversation drift, with a ship full of women, who knew where things would end up?
"I don't feel any different," Belo Betty said, examining her hands. She didn't sense any special abilities yet.
"The Ope Ope no Mi is a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit," Gion explained. "Paramecia fruits can generally be categorized into four types: body modification, creation, special Paramecia, and superpowers. Most types show immediate effects after consumption, but superpowers usually take time to develop. The Ope Ope no Mi seems to fall into the superpower category."
"So how do I develop it?" Belo Betty wondered, feeling a bit lost.
Kuke thought for a moment and suggested, "Start with its spatial abilities. The Ope Ope no Mi can create a space in which you can cut, swap, or reattach anything—even swap people's hearts and minds."
He then explained the development path from the original story, detailing how Trafalgar Law used the fruit.
Belo Betty listened intently, completely absorbed. The others were also shocked by how extensive and terrifying the Ope Ope no Mi's abilities were.
Gion was visibly moved. The power to manipulate space, to teleport at will—it was a superpower no strong fighter could ignore.
"Captain Kuke, how do you know all this about developing the Ope Ope no Mi?" Belo Betty asked, inching closer to Kuke like a curious child.
"Just try it out based on what I said and find the path that suits you best," Kuke replied nonchalantly, pretending not to notice her creeping closer.
There was no need for her to follow Law's path exactly.
"I'll give it a shot," Belo Betty said eagerly, spreading her arms. "Operation Room, activate!"
Nothing happened.
She changed her stance, crossing her arms. "Operation Room, activate!"
Still nothing.
She bent her knees, preparing to summon the power with all her might.
"Stop, stop!" Kuke couldn't take it anymore and stepped forward to correct her. He gently grabbed her right hand, positioning her fingers just so. "Don't use such silly poses or shout those silly commands. Just say: ROOM. Then focus on the energy inside you."
"ROOM!"
A faint breeze swirled in her palm, and for a moment, space seemed to stretch. But it quickly faded.
Even so, it was a sign of progress. It was a successful start.
"You're amazing, Captain! You even set me up perfectly for success. I didn't have to do anything!" Belo Betty exclaimed, looking at Kuke with admiration.
Kuke's mouth twitched slightly.
"ROOM."
"ROOM!" Belo Betty continued experimenting, excited about her new abilities.
"Does Captain Kuke know everything?" Nico Robin asked quietly, standing next to Gion. While everyone else was still clueless, Kuke had already given such detailed and precise instructions.
Even the smallest details seemed flawless.
"Well, Kuke's pretty mysterious. It's best not to overthink it," Gion said with a knowing smile. She had gotten used to it by now.
Nico Robin nodded. "I understand. I won't pry into the captain's secrets."
"That's not what I meant. I'm worried if you watch him too closely, you might fall for him," Gion teased.
Robin blushed. "I won't."
"Not so sure about that."
…
Kuke distanced himself from the group of women. Spending too much time with them was dangerous—it was hard to keep his temper in check.
"So the Ope Ope no Mi only increased Belo Betty's power by less than 10,000?" Kuke pondered as he sat alone at the bow, checking her stats.
Doctor: Belo Betty (Paramecia-type, Ope Ope no Mi user, Combat Power: 17,320)
Belo Betty had been training hard. Before eating the Ope Ope no Mi, her power level was around 8,000. After consuming the fruit, it had risen to just over 17,000.
Belo Betty was the second crew member to eat a Devil Fruit after joining the ship. The first had been Gion, who ate the Mythical Zoan-type Phoenix fruit, instantly boosting her combat power by 50,000.
That was five times the increase provided by the Ope Ope no Mi.
"Mythical Zoan fruits are incredibly powerful, but the Ope Ope no Mi's potential shouldn't be underestimated," Kuke reasoned. "It's because it's a Paramecia-type fruit."
Paramecia fruits required more development to unlock their true potential. At first, they couldn't compare to the quick results offered by Zoan or Logia fruits. But once fully developed, the Ope Ope no Mi would be just as formidable.
Kuke had no doubts about the fruit's power. He was looking forward to seeing how strong Belo Betty would become with it.
Yawning, Kuke stretched and leaned back to rest. They would soon be entering the Grand Line, and quiet moments like this would become rare.
"Kuke?"
Gion had quietly slipped away from the others and sneaked up behind him. Sitting next to him, she carefully reached out her hand with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"Gah!"
Kuke gasped in shock, staring at the bold Gion.
It was broad daylight, and everyone else was still on deck!
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