Egghead Island.
Sunlight streamed into Vegapunk's research facility.
After working through the night, Vegapunk now stood by the operating table, intently observing Kuma, who had been restored to his original body.
His face showed traces of exhaustion, but his eyes were filled with satisfaction.
Kizaru stood nearby, his posture even more relaxed than usual.
In his hand was a long bill.
"Haa—"
Kuma slowly opened his eyes, the effects of the anesthesia not yet fully worn off.
His mind was still hazy, and he couldn't even feel his own body.
He rolled his eyes and saw Kizaru and Vegapunk standing around the operating table.
His voice was low and hoarse: "Borsalino… you're here?"
After a brief pause, the corners of Kuma's lips curled slightly into a gentle smile.
"Is it the final moment now?"
"Are you going to erase my memories?"
"Haa—"
Kizaru stretched lazily and yawned, "Kuma, don't say such depressing things!"
"Just sign this contract first."
"It cost a full 10 billion Belly to modify you back!"
He handed the bill and a contract to Kuma.
Vegapunk watched this dramatic scene, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
He recalled what had happened the night before.
Last night, Kuma's body lay motionless on the operating table.
Having served as the prototype for the "Pacifista" for so long, his physical functions had inevitably deteriorated.
As a scientist who pursued perfection, Vegapunk couldn't tolerate such flaws.
He picked up a delicate glass vial from the nearby lab table, containing a liquid that shimmered with an eerie green light.
"Borsalino," Vegapunk explained, "Kuma's body has weakened from prolonged inactivity and will need some time to recover."
"However, I have a new research product here—the 'Green Blood Potion.'"
"It contains trace amounts of Lunarian lineage factors, which can significantly enhance physical constitution with almost no side effects. The only drawback is..."
"It's a bit expensive."
"Yo~"
Kizaru's eyes lit up, and he immediately said, "Sounds great! Give it to Kuma!"
Following that, Vegapunk proceeded to bring out a series of potions and auxiliary devices he had developed.
"This is the 'Muscle Potion,' which can slightly increase the circulation speed of Armament Haki."
"Add it!"
Kizaru didn't hesitate.
"His legs are a bit stiff, so—"
"Add it!"
"To prevent rejection reactions—"
"Add it!"
"For—"
"Add! Add it all!! Add everything!!!"
Kizaru waved his hand grandly, brimming with enthusiasm.
His mind was already calculating the benefits.
The more additions, the better—after all, Kuma would be the one paying for it all!
With Kuma's honest nature, he'd surely work diligently to repay the debt.
Hehe~
Is there any better workplace in the world than the New Marine?
Unmatched salary and benefits across the seas!
And with Mike, the handsome and generous boss behind the scenes!
Plus, given how close he and Kuma were, the pay standards were in his hands.
He could assign Kuma more bonus-earning missions, letting him deeply experience the "perks" of the New Marine.
How perfect was that?
As for whether Kuma would leave after repaying the debt?
He wasn't worried at all.
Kuma's daughter, Jewelry Bonney, was only 10 years old—an age where she needed stability in life.
Bonney (a Toshi Toshi Fruit user, actual age 10, disguised as 24 years old)
Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, she had set out to sea early as a pirate, living a turbulent life.
Wouldn't it take money to bring her back to a normal life sooner?
Education, living expenses—which of these didn't require money?
"This..."
Kuma, now mobile again, took the long bill and contract, feeling his unfamiliar yet familiar body.
In an instant, Kuma fully understood...
He had been restored!
He had expected his memories to be erased, turning him into an emotionless war machine, a mere tool of the World Government. But instead...
He looked at Kizaru and Vegapunk, his emotions a tangled mess.
The World Government wouldn't let this go...
"Borsalino, what exactly is going on..."
Kizaru and Vegapunk quickly explained everything, taking turns to fill him in.
"..."
Kuma's eyes widened slowly.
He had simply gone to sleep as usual, silently awaiting the moment his memories would be erased, ready to embrace his fate as a weapon.
But when he woke up...
Not only had he been restored to his original body, but the entire world had changed?!
The New Marine was about to replace the old Marines, completely breaking away from the World Government?!
And...These ideals of the New Marine... why do they sound even more... more advanced than those of the Revolutionary Army?!
And more complete?!
Compared to the New Marine, the Revolutionary Army led by Dragon seems like... child's play?
Could this... truly be what revolution looks like?
The New Marine, its founder, Captain Mike...
If he remembered correctly, this name had been mentioned not only by Dragon but also by Mihawk and Crocodile. (Chapter 97)
Just who... is he?
Kuma took the bill and contract, silently glancing at them.
100 billion Belly... Had he ever seen this much money in his life?
Still, he quietly signed his name.
Since he was already in so much debt, the only option was... to work it off.
After all, he was now part of the New Marine.
Naturally, he couldn't leak any of their intel.
But...
Perhaps he could find an opportunity to mention it to Dragon?
After all, the New Marine's ideals and strength were far more... compelling than the Revolutionary Army's!
Kizaru watched as Kuma signed the contract and patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, Kuma."
"Our New Marine has both power and resources. And as part of the New Warlords of the Sea, you'll be taking orders directly from that brat Mike."
"That kid's generous to a fault!"
"Stick with him, work hard, and you'll pay off that 100 billion Belly in no time!"
"Mm... but..."
Kuma hesitated, words caught in his throat.
"What, missing Bonney already?"
Knowing his old friend well, Kizaru grinned smugly and pointed outside the lab.
"My men are already on their way. You'll be reunited soon."
"What?!"
Kuma's head snapped up, surprise flashing in his eyes before being replaced by deep gratitude.
Kizaru proudly patted his chest, where a small booklet was tucked—New Marine Internal Salary and Benefits Standards (Draft).
"This was personally drafted by that brat Mike! Humanistic care is one of our New Marine's top priorities!"
Then, he pulled out his wallet and withdrew a stack of Belly—a full million.
Though it pained him a little, he handed it to Kuma.
"Take it."
"You've been working for the World Government for free all these years. You must be broke."
"And Dr. Vegapunk's research funds can't be touched."
"Use this to buy yourself some new clothes."
"After so many years apart, you can't meet your daughter looking like a mess, can you?!"
"Then take Bonney out for a good meal. She loves pizza."
"..."
Kuma stared at the money in his hands, warmth flooding his heart.
A man of few words to begin with, he was at a loss for what to say now.
Silently, he pocketed the cash.
Borsalino...
The New Marine...
Mike-san...
This kindness... i would never forget it.
"Well, it's getting late. I should head back."
Kizaru checked his watch—the hands had reached the scheduled time.
"There's a big show waiting at HQ. This old man can't miss it!"
He turned to Vegapunk and added, "Oh, right, Dr. Vegapunk."
"Your lab is a critical strategic location."
"Until everything's settled, all communications will be cut off, and all personnel entering or leaving will be strictly vetted!" Kizaru's expression turned serious.
"My men will be stationed here to ensure your safety."
"Understood."
Dr. Vegapunk nodded in acknowledgment.
"Alright, Kuma, let's head to Marine Headquarters together."
Kizaru slipped his hands into his pockets and said with a grin, "The grand finale of the Suspension Plan is about to unfold."
"Time to claim our rewards at Headquarters."
"Mmm."
Kuma felt the surging power within him—this long-lost body of his own was even stronger than before the modifications.
He nodded silently.
"Woo—"
A low, resonant horn sounded.
A fleet of massive Marine Headquarters warships slowly came into view off the coast of Egghead Island.
Like loyal sentinels, they fanned out and encircled the island, forming an impenetrable defense.
Kizaru watched the warships with a satisfied smile curling at the corners of his lips.
"Dr. Vegapunk!"
He called out softly, "We're off now!"
In a flash of golden light, Kizaru vanished from the research facility.
Kuma took a deep breath, patted the air behind him, and activated his Paw-Paw Fruit abilities.
With a "whoosh," he shot into the sky, chasing after Kizaru.
The two streaked across the horizon—one gold, one white—racing toward Marineford, the Marine Headquarters.