"Alright," Jerry said, turning his attention back to the most pressing issue. "Shirley, what do we do next? Do you know where your home is?" He glanced at Kuma, hoping the giant might have a solution. With his connections to the Revolutionary Army, he was far better equipped to help than a fledgling pirate crew.
"I do! I do!" Shirley's eyes sparkled with renewed hope, and she raised her hand as if in a classroom. "My home is on Badak Island!"
"Badak Island..." Jerry repeated the name, drawing a complete blank. His encyclopedic knowledge of One Piece didn't extend to every minor island in the Grand Line.
Kuma, sensing his predicament, stepped forward. "I know the island," he said, his deep voice reassuring. "It is not far. If you do not mind, little one, I can ensure you arrive home safely."
"That would be a huge help!" Jerry said, immensely relieved. "Shirley, what do you think? This big, strong uncle can take you home."
Shirley looked from Jerry, the brother who had saved her, to Kuma, the giant who had healed her. She trusted Jerry's judgment completely. With a solemnity far beyond her years, she bowed deeply to them both. "Yes! If you think it's okay, big brother, then I'm okay with it! Thank you, uncle! And thank you!"
She looked up, her eyes nervous but hopeful. "But... I still don't know your names. I want to remember you."
"Ah, sorry about that," Jerry said with a soft smile, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "My name is Jerry."
Kuma offered a rare, gentle smile of his own. "And I am Kuma, little one. It is a pleasure to escort you."
"Thank you, Uncle Kuma!" Shirley beamed, her gratitude genuine and heartwarming.
"You are welcome, Shirley," Kuma replied. He then turned to Jerry, a strange, intense light entering his eyes. His calm demeanor shifted. "Young man... forgive the abrupt question, but I must ask. Do you know of an illness... one that causes sapphire-like crystals to grow on a person's skin when exposed to natural light?"
The question hung in the air. Jerry knew exactly what he was talking about. The Sapphire Scale disease. The incurable illness that afflicted Jewelry Bonney. The tragedy that drove this honest man, Bartholomew Kuma, to sacrifice everything.
Before Jerry could even form a reply, Kuma's massive hands shot out and gripped his shoulders. The giant's composure was gone, replaced by a desperate, trembling excitement. "Do you know?" he pressed, his voice strained. "Do you know of a cure? Or someone who can treat it?"
"Whoa, easy there," Jerry said, trying to pry himself from the iron grip. "Take a breath. Let go first." He saw the raw hope and pain in the Kuma's eyes. "I... I might know of a few possibilities. But nothing is certain."
Kuma instantly recoiled, releasing him. "My apologies," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I became... overexcited."
"I understand," Jerry said, his heart aching for the man. He thought of Kuma's fate, his sacrifice for a daughter that wasn't even his by blood. "Listen carefully. I can only give you clues. The final choice, and the outcome, will be up to you."
"A clue is more than I have had in years," Kuma said, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you."
"Alright. There are three, maybe four possibilities," Jerry began, sorting through the knowledge from his past life. "First, the most reliable option: Dr. Vegapunk. The lead scientist for the World Government. His knowledge of bloodline factors and human biology is five hundred years ahead of its time. With the government's resources, he stands the best chance. But... given your connections, seeking his help would come at a great price."
"Second, a medical genius on Drum Island, in the first half of the Grand Line. Her name is Dr. Kureha. She's over a hundred and thirty years old, a living legend. Her medical skill is said to be miraculous. But she's eccentric, and I'm not sure if Drum Island has the resources for such a complex illness."
"Finally," Jerry took a deep breath, "there are Devil Fruits. Specifically, the Op-Op Fruit and the Heal-Heal Fruit. Their abilities are legendary. But finding them is a matter of pure luck, and I don't know if treating this disease would require their 'awakened' powers, a feat few users ever achieve." He let the information hang in the air. "Those are your options."
Kuma stood in stunned silence, processing the sudden flood of hope. "This information... I cannot thank you enough," he said, his voice filled with profound gratitude.
"Just a friendly warning," Jerry added softly. "If you go to Vegapunk... be careful. The decisions we think affect only ourselves often end up hurting the ones we love the most."
He wanted to say more, to warn him of the path that would strip away his humanity, but he was cut off by a familiar sound from the direction of the town—a string of explosions and the crash of collapsing buildings.
"Well," Jerry sighed, "that sounds like my captain. Looks like I'm needed." He leaped onto the small hill, squinting at the plumes of smoke rising from the town center. "I'll have to leave Shirley in your care, Kuma."
Kuma bent down and gently lifted the little girl into his massive arms. "Of course. Thank you again. Do you require assistance over there?"
"Nah, I think we've got it," Jerry said with a confident smile.
"Big brother Jerry," Shirley called out, her eyes wide as she tried to memorize his face, "will I see you again?"
Jerry waved, his smile warm and reassuring. "You will! Just be a good girl, stay away from bad guys, and read the newspapers. You'll probably see my face in there sooner or later." He gave a final wave. "See you around!"
With that, he took off, dashing toward the chaos. He wasn't familiar with the town's layout and found himself running like a headless chicken, turning down alleys and doubling back, guided only by the distant sounds of battle.
As he got closer, a deafening roar echoed through the streets, a sound he knew all too well.
"FLAME COMMANDMENT: FIRE PILLAR!"
Jerry rolled his eyes as he ran. That guy, he thought with a grin. His power output really does depend entirely on how loud he shouts.