"Kuma, stop pacing already. Have a little faith in Haibara Meow and Law, will you?"
Sherwin called out to Kuma who was walking back and forth in front of him, dizzying to watch. He tried to reassure him:
"Besides, you've seen the effects of the healing medicine yourself, right? Bonney will be fine."
It had already been several days since they brought Law here. After all the time spent adjusting, discussing, and preparing, they were finally starting Bonney treatment.
But when it came to curing illness, Sherwin and the others couldn't be of any help at all, so all they could do now was wait outside for the results.
"Yeah, I know, I know…"
Even though Kuma said that, his steps never stopped—in fact, he even started walking faster.
Sherwin sighed helplessly. He could actually understand how Kuma was feeling. If it were Klee Meow or the others lying on that operating table, he wouldn't be acting much better.
In his arms, little angel Klee Meow had her eyes tightly shut, holding her two tiny paws toward the direction of the medical room, whispering softly over and over: "It'll work, meow… it'll work, meow… it'll work, meow…"
(つ`ω=)つ
Huamei Meow and the others weren't doing anything else either. They were all stretching their necks, staring unblinking at the medical room, their pairs of cat ears perked straight up and pointed in the same direction.
On the surface, Sherwin looked like the most relaxed one. But in truth, he had his Observation Haki active the whole time, constantly monitoring the faint fluctuations of Bonney life force on the operating table.
However, this Green Jade Scale illness was far too unusual, and Bonney aura showed almost no significant changes.
No one knew how much time had passed when finally, there was some distinct movement inside the medical room. The aura of Haibara Meow and Law began approaching the door.
Everyone who had their Observation Haki open immediately stood up, their gazes fixed on that all-too-ordinary door.
As the door to the medical room swung open, Haibara Meow and Law walked out with smiles on their faces.
"The surgery was a complete success, meow," Haibara Meow said lightly.
"But Bonney hasn't woken up yet, so don't disturb her for now. Also, even though I'm very confident in my treatment plan, to be safe, it best to observe Bonney condition for a few more days before we can say she fully cured, meow."
Law tilted his mouth into a smug grin, bragging proudly: "A surgery of this level isn't even worth mentioning with my ability. Plus, with both Haibara and my medical skills, you can rest completely easy. There absolutely no problem!"
Even though everyone had already sensed their emotions through Observation Haki, it was only after hearing them say it aloud that they finally broke into cheers.
"That amazing, meow! Big Sister Haibara, you're the best, meow!"
"You've worked hard, meow, Haibara. Go rest properly in the Admiral arms."
"Such great news calls for a grand toast, meow."
"I'll go make something delicious for you right now! What do you all want to eat, meow?!"
(=ω=)b
At this moment, Kuma was already in tears, repeating "thank you" over and over to everyone.
"Alright, you'd better hurry in and stay with Bonney," Sherwin, still not quite used to such scenes, patted Kuma arm (he couldn't reach his shoulder) and said:
"I think the person Bonney will want to see most when she wakes up is you."
"Yes! Yes!" Kuma was hardly able to think at this point. Whatever anyone said, he just nodded furiously, then ran straight into the medical room.
"Remember not to disturb Bonney, meow!"
Haibara Meow reminded him, then leapt into Sherwin arms, looking up at him with a proud, triumphant gaze.
"Hmph!"
"Aiya~ isn't this today great hero, Haibara~"
Of course, Sherwin knew exactly what this tsundere little kitten wanted to hear, so he hurriedly put on an overly sweet tone and flattered her:
"You've really worked hard today, Lady Haibara. Allow this humble one to help you relax a little!"
"Hmph~"
Haibara Meow snorted again, but obediently curled up on Sherwin lap, wrapping herself with her tail.
Sherwin, meanwhile, started massaging her with his "Kato Cat Hands," while muttering inwardly—
Now that Bonney illness had been cured through the combined efforts of Haibara Meow and Law, the deal between Vegapunk and Kuma would most likely fall through, right? Which would mean…
No more Pacifistas?
No, that not right. Even without Kuma, Vegapunk should still be able to find other "bases." Didn't those so-called Seraphim already prove there was more than one?
At most, the future Pacifistas would just end up weaker than the Kuma model.
But that was something for later. For now, it was time to celebrate Bonney recovery.
Not long after, Kuma came out of the medical room with a beaming face, carrying the now-awake Bonney.
The jade-like stone on Bonney face had vanished, revealing a small patch of tender pink skin, like the fresh layer beneath a scab that had just fallen off. Other than her still slightly pale complexion, she didn't look much different from usual.
"Bonney~ you're alright now, meow? Klee was so worried about you!"
The little ragdoll pounced first, hugging Bonney tightly, rubbing against her and snuggling close.
Bonney laughed cheerfully, hugging Klee Meow back and rubbing against her for quite a while. Then, full of energy, she pointed at her own cheek and said:
"Of course I'm fine! Big sister Haibara and everyone worked so hard to cure me. If I didn't recover, it would be letting everyone down. And look, the stone on my face is gone!"
Everyone congratulated Bonney on her recovery. Sanji Meow even pushed out the big feast he had prepared, and Bonney eyes immediately sparkled as she dove straight toward the delicious food.
Meanwhile, Haibara Meow, who was nestled in Sherwin arms enjoying her private Felyne-customized service, lifted her little head. Without caring about the mood, but speaking with strict seriousness, she warned:
"The stone being gone doesn't mean your illness is fully cured, meow. We still need to observe you for a few more days, gradually increase your time in the sun, and only after confirming the Jade Scales won't relapse can we officially declare you healed, meow."
"Puff! Big sister Haibara, don't say things that ruin the mood right now!" Bonney puffed up her cheeks.
Klee Meow nodded in agreement: "That right, meow! Big sister Haibara is good at everything, but she not so good with words, meow! Oh, right, Sherwin-nii once said… this is called tsundere. What does tsundere mean, meow?"
Sherwin silently lowered his head, meeting Haibara Meow sharp, dangerous gaze. After a moment, he suddenly smiled freely, as though he had figured something out.
"I won't use Armament Haki to block. Just bite down gently when you do."
"Meow-ow—!"
"Agh! Didn't I tell you to be gentle?!"
"Who cares about you! Go die, meow!"
"Uh-oh… looks like Klee said something wrong again, meow…"
Seeing Sherwin in trouble, the little ragdoll stuck out her tongue apologetically, but didn't really worry too much… after all, as long as she rubbed Sherwin-nii kitty head a little, he would forgive her.
Sanji Meow, as always, sided against Sherwin: "Go for it, little sister Haibara, meow! Bite that idiot Sherwin to death! Klee-chan, you didn't say anything wrong—it all that idiot Sherwin fault, meow!"
"Admiral, can't you teach Klee fewer of your random nonsense, meow?" Hua Mei Meow sighed helplessly, holding her forehead.
"Ahem… Lord Sherwin has always been… hmm… a bit free-spirited."
Seijirou, who was discussing a sparring session with Trafalgar Law, couldn't stand the strange look in the other eyes and awkwardly tried to defend Sherwin.
Meanwhile, Link Meow, who was also part of the discussion, could only spread his paws helplessly.
Although he had joined the group the most recently, he was already used to the Hunter and his companions quirks.