A choice?
Kuma had no doubt that Sanders truly had the means to suppress the Jade-Scale Disease.
A powerhouse of this level had no reason to lie to him—
especially when there was nothing worth deceiving him over.
Sanders' method of treatment might not be a permanent cure… But it was already no different from one.
It was like having a terminal illness, but as long as you "took your medicine" regularly,
you could live steadily and safely.
Compared to the hopelessness from before, this was already a tremendous blessing.
And the cost… was merely becoming Sanders' subordinate.
"Thank you, Lord Sanders."
Kuma looked at him sincerely and offered heartfelt gratitude.
Ever since Bonney was diagnosed with the Jade-Scale Disease, he had traveled all over the world looking for a cure— all in vain.
Seeking out Vegapunk this time was a final, desperate attempt.
What he never expected was—
He found multiple ways to cure her here.
Bonney could finally grow up happily!
"What a pity... I can't use Kuma as a template for clone soldiers anymore."
Vegapunk stuck out his tongue in disappointment, his eyes full of regret.
Kuma's body was just too perfect as a clone template.
"Don't you have Lunarian biological samples?"
"Aren't they even stronger than the Buccaneers?"
Sanders asked curiously.
After all, the Lunarians could manipulate flames and possessed extreme durability and speed
they sounded superior in every way compared to the Buccaneers, who only had giant blood.
"What do you know!"
"I want soldiers!"
"Clones based on the Lunarians are more like generals!"
"And making soldiers using Lunarian samples is extremely expensive."
"Even for the World Government, that's a massive investment of resources!"
Vegapunk declared loudly without hesitation.
Sanders suddenly understood.
No wonder, in the original story, there were only a few Pacifistas modeled after the Seven Warlords.
If the World Government could mass-produce such humanoid weapons without limitation—
there would be no power in the world capable of resisting them.
"I'm willing to give you my blood, Dr. Vegapunk."
"As for your Pacifist project, I too hope they can help save others."
Kuma spoke up.
To him, it seemed deeply meaningful that soldiers based on him could be used to save lives.
"Really?"
Vegapunk exclaimed in delight.
But he quickly turned to look at Sanders.
Strictly speaking, Kuma was now one of Sanders' crew.
Such a matter still required Sanders' permission.
Kuma realized this as well and quickly added with an apologetic expression—
"Apologies, Lord Sanders."
"I just thought the Pacifista project was very meaningful."
"If you are unwilling, then please forget what I said."
Kuma finally remembered— he now answered to Sanders.
"I never interfere with my companions' decisions,"
Sanders replied calmly.
"But have you considered this—"
"Would the World Government really allow the image of the pirate 'Tyrant' Bartholomew Kuma to serve as the model for Marine clone soldiers?"
Using the likeness of a pirate as a representation of government power… Wouldn't that be a slap in the World Government's face?
Both Vegapunk and Kuma were stunned.
Neither had considered that angle.
Indeed— there was no way the World Government would allow the likeness of 'Tyrant Kuma' to be turned into humanoid weapons.
Realizing this, Vegapunk was visibly disappointed.
To him, Kuma was the most suitable biological specimen he'd ever seen.
In his vision, a clone soldier needed not just raw power, but also an intimidating physique.
Kuma's Buccaneer lineage and strong build made him the perfect template.
"Then my apologies, Dr. Vegapunk."
Kuma still wore a gentle smile.
The disappointment in Vegapunk's eyes was clear.
Finding such a suitable model was no easy task.
Just then, Sanders spoke again:
"It's not that there's no way at all."
"What way?"
Vegapunk immediately asked, eagerly.
"Kuma could join the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"The Seven Warlords?!"
Vegapunk and Kuma exclaimed in unison.
Vegapunk quickly realized what Sanders meant.
"That's right! The Seven Warlords are pirates, but they cooperate with the World Government."
"If the clone is based on a Warlord's image, the government wouldn't object."
That explained why, in the original plan for the Seraphim, all models used the genetics of the Seven Warlords.
"But now that you've cured Kuma, he's not likely to join the Warlords."
Vegapunk said with concern.
"In truth, if I hadn't come here,"
"The World Government would have likely offered to cure Bonney anyway—"
"On the condition that Kuma joins the Seven Warlords."
Sanders pointed to the surveillance Den Den Mushi nearby.
"They would have required his service in exchange."
Following the story's original trajectory, if Sanders hadn't interfered, Kuma would have been forced to join the Warlords, then undergone full modification— even losing his consciousness.
"I see… So no matter what, Bonney would've been treated."
"That's truly good news."
Kuma spoke happily.
He didn't care at all about the possibility of being modified.
"Sanders, how about you don't officially make Kuma a member of the Thunder God Pirates for now?"
"After all, the World Government doesn't know he's working for you."
"Just treat it as placing an undercover agent inside their ranks."
"And I can go ahead and completely cure Bonney's illness."
"You won't even have to pay me for it."
"You also won't need to treat Bonney from time to time."
"Didn't you say using the powers of the Heal-Heal Fruit leaves you weak afterward?"
"That kind of weakness can't feel very good, right?"
Vegapunk had already come up with a compromise plan in the blink of an eye.
"I'll follow Lord Sanders' decision,"
Kuma said honestly.
Even though Sanders said the World Government would've treated Bonney either way, Kuma didn't want to take that risk.
Sanders already had a way to let Bonney survive— and Kuma would, of course, uphold his end of the bargain and serve as Sanders' subordinate.
"Well, Sanders?"
"Isn't this a great idea?"
"Bonney gets cured once and for all."
"Kuma still remains your follower."
"And you gain an undercover Warlord of the Sea."
"What a brilliant plan!"
Vegapunk looked at Sanders excitedly.
"But if you do that—Kuma will die."
Sanders said calmly.
--------------
Access 30 chapters in advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/OneFic