"Tsunade's powers? I think I can use most of them with my current physique," Arton replied. "I won't be as skilled as Tsunade, though. To reach her level, I'll need to practice more."
Arton formed hand signs for transformation, creating a burst of white smoke. When the smoke cleared, Arton had transformed into Usopp's likeness.
"Transformation jutsu works pretty well," Arton said, examining his new form in a mirror.
Kaya, through Arton's eyes, was equally impressed with Tsunade's powers, realizing how much Arton had learned in such a short time.
"Tsunade's template is truly incredible," Kaya remarked. "Good thing you can use it by fusing with me. Otherwise, I'd waste its potential. I doubt I'd reach Tsunade's level."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Kaya," Arton replied. "While this fusion mainly relies on my stamina..."
"But it also drains your energy," Arton continued, "If you get too weak, the fusion will end."
Arton pointed out that Kaya, inheriting Tsunade's template, should have access to many of her skills.
"Don't you want to be a doctor like Tsunade?" he asked.
Kaya clenched her fists and, after a few seconds, nodded vigorously. "You're right, Arton-san. I want to become a skilled medical ninja like Tsunade. That way, no illness will be beyond my reach."
Arton smiled slightly and continued walking. "Of course!"
Kaya took a deep breath, her gaze growing resolute. She had always dreamed of becoming a doctor, inspired by her own health struggles. Now, with the potential to learn from Tsunade's template, she was determined to train and become strong.
"To be like Tsunade, I'll need more experience points to activate the super-learning mode and master medical ninjutsu," she thought, "and I'll also need more points to enter the super-training mode."
"Diary points… it's okay, as long as I can draw closer to Tsunade's level. Even if it means posing for some embarrassing pictures." Kaya bent down, hugging her knees, convincing herself she could handle it.
Just then, Arton's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Who's there?"
Arton spun toward the bushes, armed with his slingshot, ready for anything. Kaya followed his gaze and saw a tall woman with black-framed glasses, mature features, and soaked clothing walking toward them.
It was the Navy Admiral candidate, Momousagi Gion, who had recently arrived at Syrup Village.
"Don't shoot, I just had an accident and fell into the water," the woman said. "My name is Alice. My ship was attacked by pirates, and I escaped using a lifeboat. But the lifeboat started taking on water, and I had to cling to driftwood to reach this island."
Arton, in his Usopp form, relaxed slightly at her explanation.
"Oh, you ran into trouble with pirates," he said, lowering his weapon. "Lucky you, the great Captain Usopp is here to save the day."
"Alice, right? You look drenched," Arton said. "Follow me. I'll take you to my house and make you some hot tea."
He put away his slingshot, inviting the woman who called herself Alice with a warm smile.
"Thank you so much," she replied, walking closer to Arton.
As they drew near, Arton realized he was only as tall as her midriff.
"It's no problem," he said. "The great Captain Usopp always helps those in need. Follow me. My house isn't far from here."
Arton gestured for the woman to follow and led the way to Usopp's house. He already knew where it was, and with Usopp at the other side of the island, he wasn't worried about running into him.
"You're a good person. Thanks," the woman said, smiling as she caught up to Arton.
Inside Arton, Kaya, who was observing the interaction, tilted her head in confusion. She asked through their mind link, "Arton-san, why are you pretending to be Usopp and taking this person to Usopp's house? If you want to help, you can do it in a different way, right?"
Arton, responding through the same mental link, replied, "Kaya, there's something suspicious about this woman."
"In my memory, there aren't many women who stand about three meters tall. If I recall correctly, the Navy Admiral candidate, Momousagi Gion, is about that height."
"So even though she calls herself Alice, I have my doubts," he continued. "Carina and Uta might've told you we met the marine hero, Garp, before we came to Syrup Village. He invited us to join the Navy. He probably told Fleet Admiral Sengoku about us after he failed to recruit us because there aren't many people who can use Conqueror's Haki in the East Blue."
"I know Momousagi Gion often uses her charm to trick pirates. I suspect the woman with us might be her. She could be here on a mission. If Sengoku informed her about us, she could have come looking for us."
***
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