To make things more reasonable, Kaito Sakamoto had no choice but to attribute the situation to his Devil Fruit ability as he explained to Dragon.
"My Devil Fruit power allows me to replicate someone else's ability, but only once."
"I've already used it to duplicate a prophet's divination ability."
"Tonight, an organization will emerge that will stir up great waves in the sea."
With a surge of courage, Kaito locked eyes with Dragon. Not daring to look too long, he turned his gaze to Sabo after three seconds.
"Sabo, you're the perfect fit to follow this uncle."
"I foresee your future."
"After tonight, you'll be utterly disillusioned with this kingdom. You'll steal a fishing boat to set out to sea, only to encounter the Celestial Dragons and come under cannon fire. You'll nearly die, but it'll be this uncle's friend who saves you. However, you'll suffer from amnesia and forget about us. That's not good; I don't want that to happen."
"You're too young and too weak right now. Even a small kingdom in the East Blue could take your life. Going out to sea alone is a foolish decision."
"You don't want to stay, and it's too dangerous to venture out alone. Following this uncle is the best decision."
Sabo thought it over and realized this truly was the best choice. If he stayed, even in Corvo Mountain, his father would still come looking for him. But if he left, facing the sea and pirates alone with his current strength would be a recipe for disaster.
"Go, Sabo. We'll miss you! When we meet again, it will be at the peak!"
Sabo could find no words; tears streamed down his face as he nodded weakly, completely drained. After running so much, he finally succumbed to fatigue and fainted.
"Uncle..."
Kaito looked up at Dragon, his intent clear—he wanted Dragon to take Sabo with him. Dragon hesitated; what he was about to do would attract the world's strongest opposition.
"What I'm going to do next is extremely dangerous. Following me may not guarantee your safety."
"An overly comfortable environment isn't conducive to growth."
Kaito replied with a smile. Dragon was taken aback, a smile breaking through; this was truly an unusual boy. Just as he was about to speak, Ivankov and Bartholomew Kuma arrived.
"Dragon, everything is ready!"
"Hmm? Who are these two boys?"
"Ah! This long-haired boy has a high fever!"
As he looked at Ivankov, Kaito found himself fond of this character. Meanwhile, he felt a deep respect for Kuma, who had willingly transformed himself into a robot for the sake of infiltration.
"I'm Kaito Sakamoto."
"Ha ha, I'm Emporio Ivankov."
"This big guy is Bartholomew Kuma."
Kaito nodded. "I know, so could you help me get rid of this fever? I can barely stand."
Kaito knew that Ivankov's Hormone Fruit had a healing ability. It was this same technique that had brought Luffy back from the brink in Impel Down. This method drained life force to heal the body, so it was best used sparingly. However, Kaito's fever wouldn't cost too much life force, but he had to find Luffy soon, so it was necessary.
Ivankov was taken aback; this boy seemed familiar with him, especially since he had hardly appeared in public since teaming up with Dragon. Seeing Dragon nod, Ivankov stepped closer.
Up close, his face was indeed large.
"Okama King—Healing Hormone!"
Ivankov stretched out his hand, and his five fingernails rapidly grew, thrusting into Kaito's side. Kaito felt his body tense instantaneously, as if every cell within him accelerated. A warm current flowed through him, and the dizzy sensation that had almost knocked him out vanished.
"Whew... I feel much better. Thank you, Ivankov."
"Ha ha!"
"No need to thank me, Kaito boy. You're really adorable! Would you like me to give you another injection of female hormones? You could join our new human family."
Ivankov twirled playfully. Kaito quickly waved his hand. "Let's skip that; being a boy is just fine."
Kaito then turned to Kuma, whose serious expression was even more pronounced beneath his cloak.
"...."
"...."
"If I ever travel, I'd like to visit the Amazon Lily."
Kaito took the initiative to speak. This made Kuma's icy demeanor shift slightly.
"You know quite a bit about us."
Dragon spoke up.
"Besides the abilities and identities, I don't know anything else. It was just this once; my divination ability has already worn off."
Kaito nodded in agreement. Dragon appeared somewhat speechless; what else did Kaito want to know?
"I can take this boy named Sabo with me."
"But, Kaito, you must come with me too."
"You and I think alike; this kingdom is a microcosm of the world, and someone needs to step up to make a change."
"In that regard, you're a genius!"
Kaito shook his head. "No, no, I just have a script to follow."
"And you know so much about us; I can't let you roam free."
Dragon smiled, but it had a hint of insistence, as if saying he would forcibly take Kaito if necessary.
Kaito walked over to Kuma and patted him, wondering if Kuma would be upset by this gesture.
"What are you doing?"
Among the three, Kaito had already replicated Dragon's and Ivankov's abilities; Kuma couldn't be left out. After this, Kaito shook his head.
"In this aspect, Sabo's talent isn't any less than mine."
"And I've already promised to set sail with Luffy as his companion."
"So, I must decline. There should always be someone with Luffy, not between you and me."
Hearing Luffy's name, Dragon's smile stiffened, his eyes filled with guilt and longing.
"Fortunately, you're not our enemy. You have far too much leverage over us."
"Ha ha ha, to hear you say that at my age is truly an honor."
"Luffy, Ace, and I—Sabo has already shared the bond of brotherhood with us."
"We are brothers. No matter where we are or what we do, that bond will never change."
"I need something to stay in contact with you."
"I won't disturb you constantly."
Dragon smiled widely, clearly pleased; he hadn't expected that the person who understood him the most would be a young boy.
"Thank you, I'll take good care of this."
Kaito accepted the Transponder Snail and carefully placed it in his clothes, taking one last look at the unconscious Sabo on the ground.
"Then, we'll meet again."
"Uncle Dragon, Ivankov, Uncle Kuma."
With that, Kaito soared into the air, flying towards the bay.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!!! Isn't that your ability, Dragon?"
Ivankov's eyes widened in shock, his makeup emphasizing his surprise at Kaito flying away.
Dragon nodded calmly. "It seems this kid wasn't lying."
He then scooped up Sabo.
"Let's go take the first step to change this world."