"Tried it, but it didn't work. The difference between the Thousand-Year Dragon and a reindeer is too vast; it only enrages the consumer."
"I see..."
Queen initially thought Nightin would use instruments for analysis, but she took a highly risky action instead, swallowing Q3.0 directly.
"Hey, hey, what are you doing?"
"Experiencing the drug's effects."
"What are you thinking? You're purely endowed with the ability of Divine Grace by Master Arceus. How could mere external substances interfere with such a power? You haven't felt anything unusual, right?"
It's the first time a non-ability user has taken such a drug, and Queen's heartbeat was racing due to extreme tension.
"No problem, the power given by Master Arceus to me is called Poison Heal; biological toxins are ineffective, but the taste is really terrible."
Poison Heal is a special enhancement for Nightin, not an antidote.
So, after ingesting the drug, there will be a brief uncomfortable phase before this feeling vanishes under the trait's effect.
Descriptions from others are never as vivid as personal experience, which allows Nightin to boldly trial new drugs, unafraid of poison, even leading to another idea.
"Perhaps I should help you test the drugs. Although I can't discern the effects, I can gauge side effects and toxicity..."
"No way! Absolutely not!"
Before Nightin could finish, Queen interrupted her.
The Poison Heal trait indeed makes her the perfect test subject, after all, consuming won't lead to any issues, but it's a matter of principle; even without consequences, it still constitutes experimentation, essentially making her an experiment subject.
Shaina and King are sensitive to this term, and if they discovered Queen was using his own people as test subjects, it would surely result in a painful consequence.
Furthermore, there's Olga. He had no grievances with Olga before, and his past misfortunes never involved Olga. If Nightin actually did that, causing Olga to join the anti-Queen alliance...
The deadly combination of illusion ability and a few formidable henchmen could be fatal, he might not even know how he died, which was why his heart raced earlier.
To prevent unforeseen accidents, Queen firmly vetoed this action.
An experiment yielding no results would at most invite a few complaints; he had no desire to heighten opposing forces as a result.
"Alright, just analyze the drug's properties and help me compile some formulas; please, refrain from getting involved in other matters."
Queen already sensed future misfortunes beckoning him; it was clearly an example. Before matters spiraled out of control, he quickly sent Nightin away.
"Okay, go see Asie. He's only reserved around you, but he's actually quite talkative. I'll soon restore your identity information; goodbye."
Queen's mechanical hand extended, pushing Nightin out while locking the door from within, clearly indicating his stance.
"Strange, after a while of absence, how did Queen become more prudent?"
Nightin was unaware of events transpiring in the meantime, nor did she know that Yamato had even openly expressed her intent to seek revenge, returning to Ghost Island with confusion.
...
Meanwhile, within the Flower Capital's palace, everything was as usual, with Kozuki Hiyori concluding her yearly outing with her guards.
The destination was Dressrosa, ruled by Doflamingo. Although she found the country odd, she couldn't pinpoint the problem.
As for whether the Sea Emperor's visit to the Seven Warlords of the Sea's territory would stir trouble, Doflamingo's reply was no; he couldn't defeat Hundred Beasts or topple the Navy, but his control over Dressrosa was unprecedentedly strong.
Additionally, due to its geographical location, the matters surrounding Dressrosa were mostly managed by the G-5 Branch, so even if someone tried to report it, Vergo would intercept them midway.
The Navy Headquarters' focus at the time wasn't on the Seven Warlords of the Sea, lacking attention towards territories actually governed by them.
The most crucial point is that Doflamingo isn't overtly causing trouble. His identity as the Underworld's JOKER isn't a secret; the Navy and World Government are well aware of what he's doing.
Yet, without tearing off the masks, the World Government won't take any action against him.
"Welcome, General."
The regal atmosphere within the palace remained intact; following Kozuki Hiyori's attitude shift, it was even strengthened.
For attendants living within the palace, Kozuki Hiyori's return signifies the onset of busy life again. While the general was away, they could slack off, but not with the general present.
For some, Kozuki Hiyori's return carries different significance.
Since King is seldom with Kozuki Hiyori anymore, Greninja has assumed such tasks, naturally following when she travels, executing his special duties.
Upon Greninja's return to Wano Kuni, some began to have their own thoughts.
Now back in the palace, guard duties naturally fell to Hotei and Hiyori's Imperial Court Guards; Greninja merely walked within the palace, using his special ear holes to capture information around.
"Too much commotion, the camouflaged stealth is too obvious."
A small Water Shuriken appeared in Greninja's hand, flying toward the nearby wall. Despite being water, under Greninja's power, the Water Shuriken was as solid as metal, unveiling a guise cloth, exposing Kurozumi Tama beneath.
"You little rascal, still not giving up? This path doesn't suit you at all."
Seeing Tama, Greninja wasn't surprised; it wasn't the first time.
A year ago, Tama seemed to have made a decision, aspiring to become a powerful female ninja.
Unlike the original timeline's alluring female ninja, this time it's merely aiming for power, the consequence of Wano Kuni's current influence.
During Kozuki Sukiyaki's critical illness, the Kurozumi Family harbored thoughts of rebellion, later producing the "Avenger" Kurozumi Orochi.
With the array of changes in Wano Kuni, plus the massive transfer of negativity by Orochi, the Kurozumi surname became unfavorable in Wano Kuni.
Even though these people had long lost any connection with Orochi's branch, being merely distant relatives faced prejudiced views from those around. For survival, they joined Hundred Beasts first, thereafter undertaking menial labor within the palace.
But menial labor fundamentally remains menial; if it were another nation, working in the King's palace doing menial tasks might sound acceptable, but Wano Kuni differs with the general long devoid of real power.
Living in such an environment, Tama herself conceived thoughts; she wanted to alter her family's fate and not continue menial work. In the current Wano Kuni, the quickest path is proving oneself with might and joining the Hundred Beasts group.
In this environment, the general's attendants didn't evoke awe in her. King instilled fear among outsiders instead, while Greninja's elusive yet influential status attracted admiration here.
As the head of Kozuki Hiyori's Imperial Court Guards, presently the leader of the Kouga Style Ninja Corps, Greninja epitomizes the highest reachable status for those within the palace.
King and Drake don't recruit locals; they couldn't even if met. Becoming an apprentice acknowledged by Greninja for these individuals equals soaring from humble beginnings.
In particular, in Wano Kuni's distinct cultural milieu, Greninja is deemed the God of Ninjas.
"Master, please grant me a chance; I will prove myself as an excellent ninja!"
Unyielding despite discovery, Tama recognized it as the rare opportunity to change her destiny, aspiring for a brighter future for her and her family, not blending into obscurity following her parents' path...