When Lilith built her research facility in the basement of the house, she also had a room made for me... a room to be used for light training and physical enhancements. Currently, I was watching Pochi's physical enhancement process.
For ordinary things, there was no need to pay special attention, but this time it was a bit different. The reason being that Pochi's physical enhancement wasn't done through muscle compression like before but was closer to the cellular level changes that I perform.
Until now, no matter how much Pochi endured, she couldn't withstand this kind of enhancement, especially when it came to alterations that could affect the soul. However, now that I had acquired the power of Totmusica and could perceive what could be called the outline of the soul, I could use magic to protect the soul, reducing the burden of cellular-level physical enhancement.
As a result, I gathered the necessary materials and prepared a secret elixir. I also taught Pochi some qi cultivation techniques that I hadn't taught her before, so she could undergo the same physical enhancement as me. As for the materials, I had connections that surpassed my dad, so there were no issues there, and Pochi should be able to endure the enhancement.
However, since I'm not yet used to using magic to protect at the cellular level, I'm concentrating on it to a certain extent. I can't afford to lose her due to some trivial negligence; Pochi is far too valuable for that, so I'm being extremely careful.
After a while, I asked Pochi, who had successfully completed the physical enhancement:
"...How do you feel?"
"It's amazing! I feel like I've gotten closer to being the captain, even if it's just a little... I feel much stronger than before!!"
"I see... It seems there are no issues. Since this enhancement is special, we'll only do it when I'm present."
"Yes!"
Well, the materials for the secret elixir are too rare for her to make it on her own...
However, as expected, the effects of cellular-level physical enhancement are tremendous, and Pochi has clearly moved up to another level compared to before. Pochi's increased abilities will directly benefit me, and using the rare secret elixir is not a waste.
Above all, this cellular-level physical enhancement has a significantly large benefit. It's a kind of pseudo-rejuvenation that renews at the cellular level.
Aging is like a time bomb set in all living beings, and even powerful individuals like Whitebeard couldn't resist aging and weakened with time. However, by renewing the cells, one can maintain a body that is perpetually in its prime.
Since Pochi will continue to be useful to me in the future, this pseudo-immortality is an enormous advantage.
In fact, seeing it now, it's quite evident that Pochi is rejuvenated...
"What's wrong? Captain?"
Come to think of it, this girl... She doesn't seem to have changed in appearance since the first time I met her. Although she originally had a baby face and looked young, she's a year younger than me. She's already in her thirties.
But from before the cellular-level enhancement, she already had the appearance of a teenager, and even if someone said she was in her teens, I would believe it, and she even looks older than Kalifa.
From before the enhancement, I don't recall seeing any wrinkles, and her skin was moist... Is he some kind of user of a perpetual youth type of Devil Fruit?
"??"
I was still silent while peering into her face, and Pochi tilted her head curiously and wagged her tail... I mean, her hair. Well, whatever, Pochi is Pochi...
Thinking that, I smiled wryly and lightly patted Pochi's head.
"It's nothing. Shall we have a meal?"
"Yes!!"
Happy, Pochi followed after me, wagging her tail, and I smiled wryly again.
***
At a bar situated in one corner of Water 7, Frankie, the head of the Frankie Family who leads a group of rough characters, was sitting at the counter with Moz and Kiwi, having a conversation with the bar's owner, Blueno.
"...So, you're really quitting?"
"Hehehe... Yeah, my parents are getting old. I'm planning to go back to my hometown and run a shop there. As for this bar, we've found someone to take over, so I've decided to leave it to them."
"That's a shame."
"We'll miss you."
Frankie and his companions were regulars at this bar, and they had a close relationship with Bruno. Upon hearing Blueno's words while wiping a glass, Moz and Kiwi also murmured with a hint of disappointment.
Smiling gently at the three of them, Blueno then brought Frankie his favorite cola and prepared drinks for Moz and Kiwi, according to their preferences.
"That's why, for you regulars, one drink on the house for each of you."
"You're quite thoughtful... You've been a superb master, indeed. Hey, since there are no other customers, let's have a drink together. It's on me as a thank you for taking care of us."
"Hehehe, well, if you insist... Thank you very much. In that case, I'll gladly accept your offer."
Seeing Frankie giving a thumbs up with gusto, Bluebo poured a small glass of alcohol and raised his glass across the counter, toasting with the three of them.
***
Leaving the office of Galley-La Company, Rob Lucci walked down the corridor with his hands in his pockets when he spotted a familiar face and stopped.
"Popopo... Paulie, is that you?"
"Yeah... I heard you're quitting and going back to your hometown."
"I see. I just finished saying goodbye to Iceburg-sama."
Paulie looked somewhat solemn as he responded to Lucci's ventriloquism. His expression seemed to hide various emotions, and he scratched his head lightly before speaking.
"By the way, you originally said you were going to work temporarily. Is it still related to that?"
"Yes, that's right. Actually, it was supposed to be a shorter period, but I ended up working longer than expected. Krrupoo."
"I see, you used to send letters regularly too..."
After a brief exchange, silence filled the air. Paulie spoke slowly, as if reminiscing.
"You're a strange guy who talks through ventriloquism, and I often couldn't figure out what you were thinking. We had many disagreements and arguments."
"...That's true."
"But your craftsmanship was undeniably top-notch, and you were always willing to join me for drinks outside of work. You listened to all my stupid stories and complaints till the end."
Having said that, Paulie wore a serious expression and extended his hand for a handshake, speaking with sincerity.
"You were undoubtedly a reliable comrade and the best friend I had... Take care of yourself, alright?"
Lucci smiled faintly after hearing Paulie's heartfelt words, but without shaking his hand, he simply walked away.
As they passed each other, Lucci lightly patted Paulie's shoulder, speaking in his own voice instead of ventriloquism.
"...Keep your gambling in check, Paulie."
"Wha!?"
Shocked by Lucci's words, Paulie widened his eyes, his eyes moistening slightly as he responded, looking slightly down.
"...You can talk properly, after all... You jerk."
Despite trembling in his voice, Paulie's lips curled into a small smile, looking somewhat delighted. Lucci had always been someone he couldn't quite read.
However, at least the words he just heard were meant for "him as a friend." He was reassured that the friendship he felt wasn't one-sided, and that made him happy.
Wiping away the tears that threatened to fall, Paulie turned back and shouted to Lucci's departing figure down the corridor.
"Hey, Lucci! If you ever come back to Water 7, give me a call! I'll treat you, and we can go out for a drink together again!"
Lucci didn't turn back, but he waved his hand lightly before walking away.
***
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