Throughout those long four hours, every moment was fraught with uncertainty.
The captain's body endured immense strain, each activation of the ability pushing his physical limits to the brink.
Finally, As the serum's effects wore off, the colonel could no longer sustain himself and collapsed to the ground.
His face was as pale as paper, his forehead beaded with large drops of sweat, his body trembling slightly—as weak as a drowning victim pulled from the water.
"Report!"
Medics rushed to the colonel's side and, after a thorough and meticulous examination, reported with grave expressions,
"Vital signs are stable, but severe weakness is present. Recovery is estimated to take 24 hours."
Sengoku stood not far away, silently observing the scene, his brow tightly furrowed as he studied the report in his hands.
His gaze was profound and troubled, his heart a tumult of mixed emotions.
Although the test's success was undoubtedly positive news—marking a significant step forward in ability development—
Witnessing the severe side effects on the colonel weighed heavily on his mind.
He turned slowly and spoke sternly to his adjutant:
"Notify Vegapunk—I need a detailed production plan for the serum. This plan must specify every step to ensure the serum's safety and efficacy.
Simultaneously, draft a priority list for personnel usage. This list must undergo rigorous screening and evaluation, prioritizing soldiers with extensive combat experience and robust physical conditioning."
"We must fully leverage the advantages of this ability while ensuring safety."
Upon hearing this, the adjutant dared not show the slightest negligence and promptly acknowledged the order before turning to swiftly carry out the task.
...
Meanwhile,
In Ron's laboratory on Skypiea, golden light surged like flowing liquid gold, illuminating the entire space with dazzling brilliance.
On the experimental table, Three Buddha Fruits and Six Azure Dragon Fruits were neatly arranged.
These fruits resembled meticulously crafted works of art, each exuding a unique charm.
Their surfaces were covered in intricate patterns, complex and intertwined like ancient, mysterious runes.
Ron stood before the experimental table, his posture upright and resolute, his expression focused and calm, as if the entire world had narrowed down to just him and the fruits before him.
His fingers gently traced one of the Buddha Fruits, his movements delicate and precise, as if caressing a priceless treasure.
"For the first enchantment, I'll use the Buddha Fruit, and for the second, Kaido's Azure Dragon Form. After all, Sengoku's blood sample is too precious—every drop must be conserved."
Despite countless attempts and improvements that had doubled the success rate of enchantment, he still dared not be the slightest bit careless.
He knew all too well that even the tiniest oversight could lead to the failure of the entire plan.
"Although the success rate has improved—two fruits are enough to succeed—it's still safer to produce all of them." Ron murmured to himself with a faint, confident smile curling at the corners of his lips.
"If Big Mom is lucky and succeeds with just two, of course, the extras must be reclaimed. After all, she's already been given a discount—she shouldn't get too much of an advantage."
A faint energy ripple permeated the air, like a gentle breeze softly brushing across every inch of the space.
Ron slowly turned and walked toward another experimental table.
There, three enchanted Azure Dragon fruits were laid out, prepared specifically for Katakuri.
The surfaces of the fruits were covered with bluish scale-like patterns, each scale neatly arranged next to the other, faintly revealing the form of a dragon through the intricate designs.
The dragon shape seemed as if it were about to break free from the fruit, displaying its majestic and imposing demeanor, evoking awe at the wonder and incredibility of Devil Fruits.
"The Azure Dragon fruits for Katakuri are also complete." Ron nodded in satisfaction with a glimmer of anticipation flashing in his eyes.
"Once the transaction is completed, the plan can proceed smoothly."
Just then, Nami entered through the door.
Her figure appeared particularly striking under the golden light, her hair flowing like a shimmering stream, each strand radiating a captivating luster.
A gentle breeze brushed past, causing her hair to sway softly.
Her gaze inadvertently swept over the fruits on the experimental table—one of them emitted a peculiar glow, its surface shimmering with mysterious patterns.
A flicker of surprise flashed in Nami's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared, and she soon regained her composure.
"Are you ready?" Nami asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of laziness, as if she had just awakened from a sweet dream.
Hearing Nami's question, Ron gave a slight nod.
After storing the fruit in a specially crafted box—a container so exquisitely made that its surface was adorned with intricate carvings, every detail a testament to the artisan's masterful skill—Ron slowly turned around.
"Let's go. It's time to depart."
Hearing Ron's words, Nami's lips curled into a faint, captivating smile.
Her body began to transform instantly.
A layer of delicate pink scales gradually emerged across her skin, shimmering with a kaleidoscope of colors under the light, as if countless dazzling gemstones had been inlaid upon them.
Her figure elongated, her originally slender legs growing thick and powerful, while every muscle in her body expanded and stretched.
In the end, she transformed into a massive pink Dragon, majestic and awe-inspiring, her enormous draconic form radiating an overwhelming presence.
Seeing this, Ron didn't hesitate.
He leaped into the air, landing steadily on Nami's back.
The pink Dragon let out a low, resonant roar.
With that roar, Nami shot forward, the powerful surge of air instantly stirring up dust and debris, sending them swirling chaotically through the air.
Then, she soared skyward like a pink lightning bolt tearing through the heavens.
She pierced through the layered clouds of the sky island, the clouds parting rapidly under the pressure of her colossal form, forming a wide passageway.
She flew swiftly toward the Eternal Kingdom below, her speed so immense that the surrounding scenery blurred into indistinct streaks.
As the clouds raced past beneath them, Ron's gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
Soon, they landed on the highest island of the Eternal Kingdom.
The island appeared mysterious, enveloped in a faint halo of light that seemed to act as a protective barrier, shrouding the entire landmass.
Nami reverted to her human form, her feet landing gracefully on the ground.
She glanced around, a flicker of confusion in her eyes as she realized that aside from a single door, there was nothing else to be seen.
"Why is there only a door here?"