"Height…"
"Blood sample…"
"Ultrasound scan…"
Inside a sleek, sci-fi-looking white room aboard the Blue Planet, Hikari Uchiha and Bulma, both in white lab coats and masks, were guiding Whitebeard through a series of medical tests. Nearby, Tamayo and Yushiro, also in white, jotted down notes.
That's right. Just a few hours ago, Whitebeard had agreed to Hikari's proposed deal. So, she made a quick trip to the Dragon Ball world, picking up Tamayo and Yushiro from Dr. Gero's lab. Together with Kikyo, they formed a makeshift expert medical team.
Sure, Kikyo's medical skills were impressive, but given the era and setting of the Inuyasha world, her understanding of most diseases was still at a "knowing it works, not why" level. Tamayo, on the other hand, had lived for three or four centuries in the Demon Slayer world, had some exposure to basic modern medical equipment, and had spent half a year studying under Dr. Gero. She was fast becoming a master of both traditional and modern medicine.
Together, the two were a perfect combo for research and treatment.
Hikari had considered bringing Dr. Gero along or even pulling Orochimaru from the Naruto world, but since this was just a preliminary checkup and the situation wasn't fully clear, she decided against making a big fuss for now.
"So, what's the verdict?" Hikari asked, eyeing the two doctors as the test results came in.
The exams had gone smoothly enough. Since the Blue Planet was built to accommodate Yamato, who stood nearly three meters tall, Bulma had equipped the medical bay with oversized instruments. Whitebeard, twice Yamato's height, couldn't use some of the equipment, but most tests were still doable.
Whitebeard had been cooperative, too. He wanted to stick around a few more years to shield his "sons" from the storm, which was why he kept a team of doctors and nurses on the Moby Dick.
But the results? Not great.
"…It's bad," Tamayo said after exchanging a glance with Kikyo. "Some metrics are still pending, but based on what we have, Mr. Whitebeard's condition is critical—terminally so. Without proper treatment, he likely won't make it past two years."
"Two years?!" Hikari raised an eyebrow, surprised by the timeline.
She'd figured Whitebeard had less than a year before kicking the bucket.
At the door, Marco, who'd been standing guard out of concern, overheard Tamayo and balked. "What? Two years? No way! Pops is still so strong…"
Hikari mentally rolled her eyes. Strong? Even Whitebeard himself probably wouldn't claim that right now.
"It's hard to accept, but it's the truth," Tamayo said with a sigh, turning to Kikyo.
Kikyo picked up the explanation. "Based on the CT and ultrasound scans, plus my spiritual energy probing, Mr. Whitebeard's blood vessels and organs are severely worn. Compared to his external injuries, these internal damages are the real issue—and they're what's limiting his lifespan."
"Worn?" Whitebeard echoed.
"Yes," Kikyo continued. "The damage isn't from a single event but accumulated over years, which is why I call it 'wear.' My guess is it's tied to Mr. Whitebeard's ability. If he keeps using it recklessly, even two years might be optimistic."
Hikari narrowed her eyes. "So, it's the Tremor-Tremor Fruit after all?"
It made sense. Forces work both ways. A Paramecia-type fruit like the Tremor-Tremor Fruit, centered on generating vibrations, couldn't possibly leave its user unscathed. Compared to fellow Rocks-era Emperors like Kaido and Big Mom, Whitebeard's current state was far worse, likely because of this.
Whitebeard frowned, processing the news. "Can it be treated?"
"Absolutely!" Tamayo and Kikyo answered in unison.
His condition was severe but not immediately fatal. With surgery to remove key problem areas, followed by medication and careful management, he could comfortably live another two or three years.
And if they wanted to push further…
"I could try using my 'Light of Purification' to perform a cleansing ritual for Mr. Whitebeard," Kikyo said thoughtfully. "From what I sense, the side effects of a 'Devil Fruit' aren't just physical—they affect the spirit, too, like a kind of… erosion. Hikari, you know what I mean. The 'Light of Purification' might have some unexpected benefits."
Hikari's eyelid twitched. She knew exactly what Kikyo meant.
The last few times Kikyo used her "Light of Purification," it was for Hikari—when her "Yasaka Spear" absorbed too many foreign souls, tainting her with their negative emotions. The purification was the only way to cleanse it.
Now, using it on Whitebeard? Could Devil Fruits actually draw on their user's negative mental energy? Was the "devil" in the name more than just a figure of speech?
The truth was unclear. For Kikyo and Tamayo, Devil Fruits were uncharted territory, and without enough data, they couldn't make definitive claims.
Still, this gave Hikari a new goal. "Looks like a visit to Vegapunk is in order. He's probably the only one who can answer questions about Devil Fruits."
Just then, Bulma, who'd been quiet, noticed Tamayo's hesitant expression. "Miss Tamayo, is there something you want to say?"
"…I have an immature suggestion," Tamayo replied.
(End of Chapter)