"..."
Bartholomew Kuma stared silently at the odd document in his hand.
He could roughly guess the man in front of him seemed to want to recruit him.
But how did East Blue Marines and pirates end up together? And not just any pirates, but the 'Overlord' of the East Blue working with the Marine 16th Branch...
'Didn't the rumors say the East Blue's overlord had a bitter feud with the 16th Branch Marines?'
That was why the Mock Pirates, despite clearly having the strength to enter the Grand Line, had stayed in the East Blue to get revenge on the 16th Branch. It was why, after getting recognized as 'Overlord of East Blue', they'd summoned the pirates of the East Blue to bloody the 16th Branch.
'There had to be a huge secret behind it, but none of that mattered right now.'
'For me, right now, all that mattered was curing Bonney. If this offer could do that, nothing else mattered.'
'And this guy in front of him... he hadn't even mentioned Bonney's illness, but he seemed to knowledgeable. Perhaps... he could really cure Bonney?'
'Was this some World Government conspiracy?'
At first, he'd been suspicious, worried it might endanger Bonney. But then, his heart rejected the idea completely. 'These people... they definitely not with the World Government.'
'At least...'
Kuma lowered his gaze to the document again.
'Even the World Government wouldn't be this ridiculous!'
"As long as Bonney can be cured!" In an instant, a smile returned to Kuma's face. He clutched the document tight, tears of joy welling in his eyes at hope, but his voice was firm. "Whatever you want me to do is fine!"
Hearing Kuma's earnest words, Bonney in the box couldn't help but call out in her small, tender voice. "Daddy~"
That innocent, tender voice made Kuma grip the document even tighter. He looked at Dante steadily, a smile on his face that spoke of absolute resolve.
For Bonney, he would give up everything! He didn't care who this man was, or what strange alliance existed between East Blue Marines and pirates... None of it mattered. All that mattered was curing Bonney.
The scene unfolding before them moved everyone watching yet again. Even Karoo made a heartfelt *Quack!*, and Mock, rough as he was, was wiping away tears.
The sea breeze swept gently across the deck.
Everyone watched the big figure with a mix of emotion.
It was the picture of a father, willing to sacrifice everything for his daughter's health, standing tall yet tear-streaked, the document clutched tight, smiling steadfastly at the man who offered hope.
However.
"Wait, seriously, what are you guys crying about?"
Dante stared at the sudden outbreak of tears, a baffled frown spreading across his face.
From his perspective, he was just legally and properly recruiting an employee.
'How did this turn into me looking like some black-hearted boss threatening a man's daughter to make him sign up?'
"I thought the benefits are pretty good!"
At his words, Nami and Vivi, who'd been caught up in the moment, blinked. Nami let out a little laugh. "Oh yeah, almost forgot about that part."
Right, even if it's slightly shady, it's still a proper Marine Branch, technically.
"Just sign it without worry, Kuma!" Nami said, smiling at Kuma. "Don't worry, even if this guy's reputation isn't the best, when he promises something, he absolutely follows through."
"That's right, Boss's reputation might be little bad, but he does keep his word!" Vivi chimed in.
"Captain Dante's reputation is certainly... well, colorful, but I've come to trust him too," Robin added smoothly.
"Senpai's reputation is... still pretty good! You can trust Senpai!" Kuina declared.
"Yeah! What they said!" a chorus added.
*Quack!*
'That last comment wasn't necessary,' Dante thought. 'My reputation in the East Blue is perfectly fine!'
'And Mock, what are you getting emotional for?' Dante stared at the chorus of 'support' with a look of utter bewilderment before turning back to Kuma.
He wasn't worried Kuma wouldn't agree. He'd played his trump card. Unless Kuma truly saw no other alternative, he wouldn't give up.
As for curing Bonney, there were two ways...
One was to find an Op-Op Fruit user, Trafalgar D. Water Law.
He'd actually sent people to the North Blue years ago specifically to scout him out.
But that guy was incredibly wary! He didn't trust anyone, and even dropping hints about the Donquixote Family secrets as bait was useless.
'It just made him run faster! Slippery bastard.'
And the second method...
Right, the second was asking Vegapunk for help.
But if he did that, recruiting Kuma would be pointless, wouldn't it? 'I am quite interested in Vegapunk, the world's greatest scientist, but the guy belonged to the World Government now. Couldn't kidn- 'Recruit' him even if I wanted to.'
Of course.
While neither method was immediately available, since Kuma was here now... worse come to worst, he could always tell Kuma about Vegapunk. He was pretty sure Kuma would appreciate the info.
If there was absolutely no other way in the end... then he'd just have to pick a fight with the Donquixote Family.
He figured Law would definitely show his face then.
At that point, he'd just have to make Doflamingo suffer a little!
And just as he expected.
After hearing everyone, Kuma lowered his head to look at the documents again.
He had to admit, the benefits listed... they were pretty good.
That was exactly why he was so sure this wasn't a World Government plot.
The World Government, acting like gods of this world, would never stoop to recruiting a former slave like this.
Kuma smiled, nodding seriously. "Thank you, everyone!" he said. "I'll sign!"
Saying this, he took the pen Robin offered and signed his name right there. Then, he looked up solemnly.
"If..." he began, his tone hesitant but firm, "...in the end, there's still no way... please allow me to leave and continue searching for a cure for Bonney!"
Kuma had expected his words to cause dissatisfaction, bracing himself for questions. But as long as Bonney could be cured, anything he had to sacrifice was irrelevant.
However.
Unexpectedly, the man who seemed to be the real power behind the Mock Pirates nodded without a moment's hesitation. He smiled, taking the documents back. "Welcome aboard!" he smiled.
"Welcome, Kuma!" Nami cheered.
"Welcome!" came a chorus.
"Kuma!" Even Mock grinned, spreading his arms wide in welcome. "Welcome! From now on, you call the boss 'Boss' with me! I'll tell the Mock Pirates to get a banquet ready right now to welcome you!"
"Thank you!" Seeing their welcomes, tears welled up in Kuma's eyes again, but the smile never left his face. "Thank you!" he said. "Thank you, everyone!"
Even Bonney, from the box behind him, sounded happy. "Thank you everyone for welcoming Daddy! Bonney wants to join the banquet too, but Daddy sounding also so happy makes me happy!"
Everyone heard Bonney's words, and a wave of warmth went through the crew. They were about to comfort the sensible little girl, promise her a special banquet once she was well...
But then Dante, who had just handed the signed contract to Robin, looked up and gazed out at the sea, a knowing smile on his face. "As for the banquet," he said, "let's hold off on that for now. How about we have the doctor take a look at Bonney first?"
As Dante finished speaking, everyone looked at him, confused. Kuma, still caught in his emotional moment, hadn't even reacted yet, unable to say a word.
Then, suddenly, a colossal whale call echoed, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.
Out on the previously calm sea, with a mighty *WHOOSH*, a massive whale breached the surface.
==========
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