The Radiant Eclipse sped through the West Blue.
It was only a day away from reaching Reverse Mountain, the entrance to the Grand Line.
"Caw!"
A clear and high-pitched phoenix cry echoed from the horizon.
"Gion's back," the women aboard the ship exclaimed as they rushed to the deck, waving at the approaching phoenix in the sky.
"The Vice-Captain of the Sun and Moon Pirates has returned." Nico Robin, who had recently joined the crew, also watched curiously, her eyes fixed on the legendary figure of the Sun and Moon Pirates' second-in-command.
The phoenix descended gracefully and landed on the ship.
As it touched down, Gion's human form reappeared, her stunning figure and beautiful features captivating those around her.
"Captain Kuke, I've obtained it," Gion announced as she presented the Ope Ope no Mi—the heart-shaped Devil Fruit.
"So this is the Devil Fruit the World Government was willing to pay 5 billion Berries for?" the women asked, observing it with interest.
"It doesn't look all that special."
"The Ope Ope no Mi… is it really for performing surgeries?" The crew wondered aloud as they studied the fruit.
"It's said to grant the ability to perform the 'Immortality Surgery,'" Stussy explained, familiar with many of the secrets hidden in the depths of the sea.
"Immortality?" Everyone gasped, their mouths slightly agape.
Immortality had been a dream of humanity since ancient times. But no one had ever heard of someone actually achieving it.
"Maybe not true immortality, but it certainly offers a longer life," Kuke confirmed, erasing any doubts.
"Well, Captain, hurry up and eat it," one of the women urged.
"Yes, Captain, you're the most important."
"With you immortal, you'll be able to protect us forever."
"Captain will gain a Devil Fruit ability," they all chimed in, turning their attention to Kuke.
Even with the temptation of immortality, none of them harbored any greed for themselves.
Kuke took the Ope Ope no Mi from their hands, and everyone watched him intently, eagerly anticipating the moment he would consume the legendary fruit.
However, Kuke surprised them by turning around and handing the fruit to Belo Betty. "Here," he said.
"Wha—?" Belo Betty stared in disbelief at the Devil Fruit now so close to her, pointing to herself in confusion. "Me?"
Usually carefree and straightforward, even Belo Betty hesitated, unsure what to do. "Captain, me eating the Ope Ope no Mi would be such a waste."
That was her honest opinion.
5 billion Berries.
The Immortality Surgery.
She didn't feel worthy of such a precious gift—only the captain deserved something like this.
"It was always meant for you," Kuke replied.
"But Captain, I haven't done anything since joining the crew. I haven't even proven myself useful yet. Giving me this Devil Fruit makes me feel guilty," Belo Betty admitted, reluctant to take it.
The fruit was far too valuable.
Everyone watched this scene in awe, especially Nico Robin, who had joined the crew not long ago.
A soft smile spread across her face.
She had made the right choice. The Sun and Moon Pirates were even better than she had imagined, and their captain was the best.
"Eat the fruit so you can fulfill your role. The Ope Ope no Mi, when fully developed, does indeed grant the ability to perform the Immortality Surgery, but it comes at the cost of the user's life. And you can't perform the surgery on yourself," Kuke explained, hoping to alleviate any guilt or pressure Belo Betty might be feeling.
"I see. Don't worry, Captain. I'll master the Ope Ope no Mi, and no matter the cost, I'll use the Immortality Surgery to help you," Belo Betty vowed, pounding her chest.
Kuke quickly looked away.
Her actions were too bold.
He had seen too much.
Suppressing a smirk, Kuke commented, "Who said anything about dying?"
"Don't be modest, Captain! The longer you live, the more trouble it causes the World Government. Your value far exceeds mine, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes." Belo Betty got even closer, pounding her chest louder.
She was standing too close now.
No matter where Kuke tried to look, he couldn't avoid her presence.
Belo Betty was certainly… polite.
Refocusing, Kuke reminded himself not to embarrass himself in front of everyone. "Don't you remember what I told you all before? Now, everyone has the ability to revive once per month. By the time you've mastered the Immortality Surgery, you can just use it on us every month. There's no need for anyone to actually die."
The Ope Ope no Mi and the system were a perfect match.
Others might only be able to trade one life for someone else's immortality.
But for the Sun and Moon Pirates, the combination of the revival ability and the Ope Ope no Mi was an unlimited glitch.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Belo Betty laughed sheepishly.
"So that means we can all be immortal too?" Lily, always impulsive, rushed up to Kuke, her eyes wide with anticipation.
When Kuke nodded, she jumped for joy.
"Lily, why are you so excited? You're a giant. You already live longer than the rest of us," one of the others pointed out.
Lily grinned. "It's because I don't want to lose any of you. I don't want to have to say goodbye to you one by one in the future. I don't want to have to burn offerings for you every year. That would be a hassle."
Everyone, who had been moved just a moment ago, suddenly fell silent, staring at Lily with exasperation.
"Immortality…" Stussy whispered, reaching her hand out as if to touch the sky.
It all seemed too unreal.
"Even without immortality, being here is far better than being with the World Government," Stussy mused as she thought about the possibility of living forever, silently gazing at Kuke.
She was lucky to have been brought into the Sun and Moon Pirates.
There was no way she would have received this kind of treatment from the World Government.
"This means I'll never have to be apart from Kuke again," Hancock murmured, her cheeks flushing red as she cupped her face.
Koala and Guina, still young, couldn't fully grasp the significance of the situation yet.
But seeing everyone else so happy made them smile as well.
Gion, standing quietly beside Kuke as usual, didn't say much. She always remained by his side, a constant, silent presence.
"Immortality? Resurrection?" Robin was the most shocked of all.
Before she had even joined, the Sun and Moon Pirates were already a legendary crew.
But what she was witnessing now was beyond legendary.
It was like something out of a myth.
"Is it really possible?"
Even with all her knowledge of history, Nico Robin couldn't find any historical records that compared to what was happening before her eyes.
"You must be the new crewmate, Nico Robin. Welcome. I apologize on behalf of the Marines for what happened to your homeland," Gion turned and said to Nico Robin, her tone sincere.
Robin was still too surprised to respond.
But when she finally processed Gion's words, she bit her lip, trying to hold back her emotions.
Her homeland had been destroyed, and all she had ever received was malice—hatred from the entire world.
She had never expected anyone to seek revenge for her homeland.
An apology was already the most she could hope for.
Gion was no longer a Marine, but in Robin's eyes, she was the true embodiment of what a Marine should be.
"Vice-Captain Gion…" Robin began.
"Just call me Sister Gion."
"Okay!" Robin nodded.
"What are you two talking about? Why are there tears in your eyes?" Kuke asked, noticing the glistening tears in Nico Robin's eyes. Wasn't Robin known for being strong? Why was she tearing up so often?
"I was just telling her about all the legendary, mysterious things about you, Captain, and warning her not to get too captivated by your charm," Gion replied with a smirk.
"I wasn't… I wasn't!" Robin hurriedly waved her hands, her eyes darting nervously.
...