"Well, well, this is a rare guest..."
Afternoon.
In the icy wilderness, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and a harsh, frigid wind, a structure carved from a cave stood isolated, far from any town.
A mature woman with dark hair slicked back, dressed in stylish clothes and sunglasses, opened the door, bottle in hand, looking curiously at the unexpected visitors.
When she noticed El, with his black wings and flaming aura behind him, her eyes narrowed slightly, and she greeted them with a sly smile, "My, arriving with such presence—are you here to learn my secret to eternal youth?"
"Ma-ma-ma-ma, we're not interested in your anti-aging secrets, though Nef and Lillian might be!" Linlin replied with a grin.
As a Mythical Zoan Vampire-type user, Linlin wasn't sure if she could truly achieve eternal life, but she could retain her youth and peak physical state. El, with his half-giant heritage and Lunarian blood, likely had a lifespan close to that of a giant. And Gerd, being a full-blooded giant, could easily live over three hundred years.
Compared to them, Tsuru, Nef, and Lillian would likely need such secrets far more. Dr. Kureha looked barely in her thirties, with enviably smooth skin. If El hadn't mentioned she was already over eighty, Linlin wouldn't have believed it.
"You must be Dr. Kureha, the Witch?" El asked, observing the woman who appeared to be in her thirties. He smiled and introduced himself, "Nice to meet you. My name is Kukulkan El, captain of the Fallen Angel Pirates. I'm sure you can guess my lineage, so no need for an introduction there."
"What you all have done has shaken the world," Dr. Kureha said as she gestured for them to enter. "I imagine the World Government is frantic to find you right now." She crossed her legs and settled into a chair, looking at El with a mischievous glint in her eye. "So what brings you to a place like this, looking for a 'modest' lady like me? Surely, it wasn't my beauty that lured you here?"
"Heh, don't flatter yourself, you old hag!"
Before El could respond, Linlin, annoyed at having to wait outside due to her size, glared at Dr. Kureha, her eyes practically shooting flames. "El Oniichan would never be interested in you!"
"Now, now, Linlin, calm down..." Gerd quickly held Linlin back, comforting her fiery-tempered friend. She turned to Dr. Kureha with an apologetic smile, "Apologies for her outburst. She can be a bit impulsive!"
"Hmph, I won't hold it against a young girl..." Dr. Kureha shrugged, then turned to El. "So, why are you here?"
"I'd like to invite you to join the Fallen Angel Pirates," El said, not beating around the bush.
"No thanks," Dr. Kureha replied instantly. "You should look elsewhere. This old body of mine can't keep up with you youngsters."
With their infamous reputation for attacking a Navy fortress, kidnapping World Nobles, and even taking down an admiral, Dr. Kureha could imagine how much trouble the Fallen Angel Pirates had attracted. She preferred a quiet life and intended to live a few more years.
"I'll make it worth your while: a million Berries a year, or if you prefer, I can pay you ten million upfront to join us for a decade. If anything happens to us, you're free to leave."
Dr. Kureha raised her eyebrows, staring at El in disbelief. "Am I hearing this right?"
One million Berries per year? That was a fortune, especially for a pirate crew, let alone an upfront payment of ten million.
"Compared to valuable talent, money is just numbers… I know your medical skills are exceptional, and your anti-aging expertise is unmatched. I'd imagine living past 150 is within your reach," El replied with a smile. "Ten years would hardly be long for someone like you."
In the future, Dr. Kureha was said to live past 140 with more vigor and vitality than most people decades younger. It wouldn't be surprising if she outlived even half-giants.
"Of course, joining the Fallen Angel Pirates comes with risks, but you won't be expected to fight. Your role would be as a support team member..."
"We're planning to establish a new nation in the New World—a place where different races can coexist peacefully without discrimination or slavery, a land called Totto Land."
"To develop the economy and promote public welfare, we'll need several hospitals. We hope you would consider becoming head of our medical department!"
"Hmph, founding a country? Ambitious indeed..."
Dr. Kureha studied El with a sharp gaze, unfiltered in her response. "That won't be easy. The World Government won't sit back and watch you expand."
"There's no need to worry about that. If we didn't have the confidence and capability, we wouldn't be here asking for your help!" Gerd replied with a smile, her voice brimming with confidence.
"I imagine that as a doctor, no matter how little you care for fame or fortune, you might still want to use your skills to help as many people as possible?" El added, addressing Dr. Kureha with a sincere tone. "Whether it's researching new medicines, training medical personnel, or establishing a healthcare system for Totto Land..."
"All of these efforts could make a lasting impact, saving countless lives."
El's gaze softened as he looked at the skilled yet eccentric doctor known as "The Witch." "I may not know what originally inspired your career in medicine, but I believe Totto Land could be the stage for you to fulfill your aspirations, Dr. Kureha."
In El's view, Dr. Kureha's decades of experience and her background in Drum Kingdom, a medical hub, made her an ideal candidate to lead Totto Land's health system—far more suited than Nef, who was still young and had much to learn.
"Hah, you almost have me convinced..." Dr. Kureha looked at El with an amused smirk. "But given that you've openly defied the World Government, I doubt you've even secured a solid foothold, let alone territory for a new nation..."
"Don't think I'm some gullible youngster who can be wooed by big promises."
"Ma-ma-ma-ma, Dr. Kureha, don't underestimate us..."
Linlin, standing at the door, interjected proudly, "The Hell Trading Company operates under the control of the Fallen Angel Pirates. We already hold more islands than we can count!"
"Oh? So the power behind the Hell Trading Company... is you?"
Dr. Kureha's eyes widened, surprised. In Drum Kingdom, where the harsh climate severely limited crops, the Hell Trading Company's affordable food and medicines had become vital. The country was poor, with much of its revenue going toward taxes and the Heavenly Tribute for World Government membership, leaving many citizens hungry or cold.
With the Hell Trading Company providing affordable supplies, the company had essentially saved many in the kingdom from starvation and hardship.
"And you think we can't hold our ground?" Linlin grinned. "Three days ago, we captured the Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights. We nearly took down Admiral Kong as well—he's currently lying in a naval hospital, still unconscious!"
"If their reinforcements hadn't arrived in time, you might have already heard of the second admiral's unfortunate 'passing.' But the World Government has kept this incident under wraps."
"What!?"
Dr. Kureha gasped, shaken. She knew well what the Holy Knights represented—a force composed of the Celestial Dragons' elite warriors, ranking above the Navy and even CP0. Yet even with the might of the Holy Knights and an admiral, they had failed to subdue these pirates.
"So, what do you say, Dr. Kureha? Will you consider my offer?" El asked, smiling, letting his accomplishments speak for themselves.
"Ku-he-he-he, you lot are certainly interesting..."
Dr. Kureha grinned at El, her eyes twinkling. "Kukulkan El, right? I'd like to see just how far this so-called descendant of the Gods can go."
Clearly, she knew something of El's rare lineage.
"Of course, I'll need my full pay up front. Ten million Berries. That way, if you fall apart, I can make my escape with no regrets. Ku-he-he-he..."
"What a crafty old woman!"