The atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Under the puzzled gazes of the others, Tiger's previously calm expression twisted with visible struggle.
At that moment, Yemu suddenly remembered something. Not wanting to put Tiger in an even more difficult position, he stepped in quickly.
"Tiger, there's no need for the blood test."
"I'm sorry, Tiger. That was my oversight... You don't need to worry about it."
After all, so many years had passed. While Yemu still remembered the broad strokes of this world's story, many of the finer details had long since slipped from his memory—unless something, or someone, brought them back to mind.
Like now, watching Tiger's clear discomfort, Yemu suddenly recalled that in the original events of this world, fishmen were unwilling to donate blood to humans—and humans, in turn, were unwilling to accept it.
"Captain... I... I'm sorry. I truly am..."
Tiger's face was filled with guilt, but he simply couldn't overcome that barrier in his heart.
Even though he had chosen to join the Sky Pirates and become a comrade to a human captain—though their time together had been harmonious—he could never truly let go of the darkness of his past. As long as the mark of the Celestial Dragon's Hoof remained on his skin, the memories of being a slave would never fade, and he could never truly accept humans.
"No... you don't need to apologize. The fault is mine. As captain, I shouldn't have been so careless."
The others watched Yemu and Tiger's exchange in confusion. They didn't understand what the two were hinting at, but one thing was clear: even if Yemu's blood type happened to match, he would be the only one able to donate—and the risk would be enormous.
"I'll try too."
Flare suddenly stepped forward. She glanced at Dr. Kureha, then at Yemu, and lifted her hand slightly.
"Even if my blood can't be used for Ayala, if my blood type matches, couldn't it be used for Yemu instead? That would make things a lot less dangerous, right?"
Dr. Kureha's eyes lit up at the suggestion, and she chuckled.
"What a clever girl. Even I overlooked that..."
But unfortunately...
"Young lady, your blood type is XF. It can't be used either!"
"!!!"
Everyone's expressions darkened, and Tiger's inner conflict deepened further.
Just then, Erik spoke up.
He looked at his sister lying on the bed, then turned to the others with a gentle expression.
"No... it's fine. Thank you, Captain Yemu. Ayala means everything to me, but neither of us would want anyone to risk their life for our sake. Just... let me stay by her side and see her through to the end."
The entire castle fell into silence.
Finally, Yemu broke it.
"Dr. Kureha, if we don't do a full transfusion—just a partial one—could that at least extend Ayala's life a little?"
Dr. Kureha thought for a moment before answering in a low, steady voice.
"It might help, but I wouldn't recommend it. There's no real point."
"To treat her, both surgery and transfusion have to be performed at the same time. The surgery removes part of the lead accumulated in her body, lowering its concentration. Then the transfused blood helps her body metabolize and flush out what remains. But without a full transfusion, I can't perform the operation. The lead inside her body would still be far too much. No matter how strong the new blood is, it won't be able to handle that burden. At best, it would buy her a few more days—but each of those days would only be filled with pain. Amber Lead Disease attacks are agonizing. There's no point in extending her life just to make her suffer longer. Let her go."
"....."
Dr. Kureha's words were cruelly honest, leaving everyone in silence.
Then, the sound of deep, steady breathing broke the still air.
Amidst the stunned gazes around him, Tiger stepped forward with firm resolve, extending his arm to reveal his crimson skin.
"Try my blood!"
"!!!!"
"Eh... Tiger-san, you..."
Everyone was stunned. He had just refused moments ago—so why now?
Tiger's eyes, however, gleamed with determination. He looked at Yemu, then at Erik, and finally at Ayala lying on the bed—her face pale, her forehead glistening with sweat from the pain.
"I'm sorry, Captain. I still harbor deep hatred toward humans... but I can't just stand here and watch a child die before my eyes."
At that moment, Yemu's heart trembled.
He knew better than anyone how much courage and strength it took for Tiger to make this decision. Yet even then, he couldn't truly fathom the torment within Tiger's heart.
The others looked at Tiger, not understanding what had just transpired between him and Yemu—but one by one, smiles appeared on their faces.
Tears welled up in Erik's eyes as he knelt before Tiger and cried out, "Thank you so much, Tiger-san!"
"No need to thank me. If my blood can save a child's life, I'll gladly give it."
Tiger then turned toward Dr. Kureha.
"Please... I'll leave it to you. But... can humans really use a fishman's blood?"
"Of course. There are differences, but nothing too serious," Dr. Kureha replied, her gaze softening with admiration as she looked at Tiger.
She pulled out a syringe and drew a small sample of blood from his arm. Within a minute, the results were in.
"What incredible luck... This little girl's blood type isn't rare, but I didn't expect it to actually match."
As soon as she said that, cheers erupted throughout the castle.
"That's amazing!!!"
Tiger looked astonished. Then, suddenly, he turned to Yemu, a nostalgic smile crossing his face.
"I don't know why, Captain, but this moment... it reminds me of when we first met."
His expression then grew solemn and resolute.
"Fate really is watching over us."
"Yes... fate truly stands on our side," Yemu replied, his eyes lighting up as he turned toward Dr. Kureha and extended his arm.
"Thank you for your help."
"I understand."
Even Dr. Kureha, who had lived for more than a century, stared in amazement at the group before her.
"Perhaps it really is fate's guidance," she murmured softly.
"Leave it to me."
Everyone watched in anxious silence, their eyes fixed on Dr. Kureha, waiting for her final verdict.
A minute later, her expression shifted from shock to disbelief—then, slowly, to a smile.
"It seems fate truly favors you..." she said at last.
"This little one can survive."
The castle erupted in joy.
Erik stood frozen for a moment, overwhelmed. Then, tears streamed down his cheeks as he fell to his knees before Yemu and the others, bowing deeply.
"Captain Yemu, Tiger-san, members of the Sky Pirates—thank you! I am Erik, the dual-blade swordsman from the North Blue. From this day forward, please allow me to serve under your guidance!"
...
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