Belo Betty was dragging Kuke along.
For a moment, Kuke was caught off guard, unsure how to react.
What was this bold statement? And so direct, so simple?
He hadn't even had a chance to give the speech he prepared to persuade her. Yet here she was, willingly coming along.
"What's the matter? Not interested in me?" Belo Betty turned back, giving Kuke a dissatisfied look.
"Of course not, I'm happy to have you on board," Kuke replied, regaining his composure.
He took a closer look at Belo Betty.
Though he hadn't resisted much, her grip was strong.
Her strength should be beyond that of Hancock's two sisters, nearly catching up to Lily's.
Lily, after all, was a giant, blessed with immense natural strength enhanced by the Mini Mini Fruit.
Belo Betty had grown up in the East Blue, a place devoid of strong fighters, yet she was already this powerful by the time she came of age.
Kuke had every reason to believe she had great potential for growth.
If she exchanged her supportive Pump Pump Fruit for a more offensive Devil Fruit, her strength would surely surpass what it had been in the original story.
"Everyone, I'm leaving now," Belo Betty said, waving enthusiastically at her comrades.
"Dragon, she's actually leaving," Bartholomew Kuma reminded Dragon.
Dragon's mouth twitched.
Just like that?
With an awkward laugh, he said, "Kuke, I hope we meet again on the seas. If you ever need help, the Revolutionary Army will always be your ally."
After that, Dragon could only watch as Belo Betty led Kuke towards the Radiant Eclipse.
Dragon turned away.
He could no longer keep his emotions in check.
His heart ached, tears threatening to fall.
A future high-ranking officer of the Revolutionary Army—gone, just like that.
He had just watched her leave.
The Revolutionary Army's ship departed quickly, disappearing over the horizon.
"Hello everyone, I'm Belo Betty, your new comrade. If anyone's feeling down, come find me. If you're hurt, come find me," Belo Betty said confidently, introducing herself to the women of the Radiant Eclipse.
Her straightforward, unreserved personality quickly won them over.
Kuke watched this scene in disbelief.
Was recruiting this easy?
Too simple.
Dragon hadn't said anything.
What a good guy!
Kuke had to admit, that Dragon was more generous than he could ever be.
If anyone ever tried to steal a crew member from his ship, he would never allow it—no matter who it was.
Now with another new member onboard, Kuke couldn't help but smile.
A pleasant surprise.
He thought about the Revolutionary Army—both Belo Betty and Koala were now members of his crew. He had poached every powerful woman who had appeared in the Revolutionary Army in the original story.
It seemed unlikely he could take more from them for a while.
"If only Kaido and Big Mom were as generous as Dragon," Kuke mused.
Even if they weren't generous, it wouldn't matter. It would just be a bit more troublesome, but Kuke had already set his sights on them.
The tenth official crew member, the ship's doctor: Belo Betty [No Devil Fruit ability; Combat Power: 6,328; Bounty: 0].
...
"We're all women here, no need to be shy," Belo Betty said.
On the ship, Belo Betty undid her clothes, much to the blushing and gasping shock of Makino and the others.
Underneath, she wore nothing—though not completely exposed, it was still bold.
"Finally, I feel free. I've been wanting to dress like this for a while," Belo Betty said, hopping around excitedly. "Why don't you all join me?"
"No way!" Makino said, her face bright red.
She could never do something like this.
"What's there to be shy about? We're all women, nothing to hide," Belo Betty said dismissively, stretching and moving about freely.
"You're forgetting the captain is still around," Stussy reminded her.
"It's fine. Captain, you don't mind, do you?"
All eyes were on Kuke.
Pretending to avert his gaze, Kuke replied, "It's your freedom, just don't do it when we have guests."
"Hahaha, I knew it. The captain is different," Belo Betty laughed, her excitement growing.
Kuke felt a little overwhelmed.
"Gion, come with me. There's something I need to discuss with you."
...
...
The next day.
"Sister, could you help me locate Minion Island?"
"Sure."
Seeing Belo Betty's medical skills reminded Kuke of the Op-Op Fruit.
Kuke recalled the original story; there weren't many Devil Fruits related to healing.
Marco's Mythical Zoan Phoenix Fruit, with its healing flames, had some effect on treating others.
But Marco had already eaten it, so there was no chance of obtaining it now.
There was also the Heal-Heal Fruit possessed by Mansherry, a member of the Tontatta Tribe.
Its healing capabilities were strong.
It might not have been eaten yet.
However, the Heal-Heal Fruit only had healing abilities and lacked offensive power.
It couldn't compare to the Op-Op Fruit.
Besides its famous Immortality Surgery, the spatial abilities of the Op-Op Fruit made it one of the most versatile and powerful Devil Fruits.
"The Op-Op Fruit shouldn't have been eaten yet, right?"
Kuke calculated the timeline.
At this point, the Op-Op Fruit should not have been eaten by Law yet.
A doctor would be able to maximize the Op-Op Fruit's potential, and with Belo Betty's talent and the Op-Op Fruit, she could become an admiral-level powerhouse in the future.
Kuke wouldn't be surprised at all.
The Pump Pump Fruit was decent, especially in large-scale battles, as it could have a tremendous impact.
However, the Sun and Moon Pirates were destined to remain a relatively small crew.
The Pump Pump Fruit wouldn't be able to reach its full potential here, and besides, now that Belo Betty was no longer a member of the Revolutionary Army, it would be difficult for her to obtain it.