With Dr. Hogback finally on board, Krieg coordinated with Tesoro to safeguard the Goru Goru no Mi before heading to Red Port.
Crossing into the New World, they boarded the Charlotte Angie and set course for Faus Island.
Leaving the Seagull Marine Squad to handle maintenance and supplies at the base, Krieg headed for the Medical Center with Gin and Hogback.
He decided to prioritize introductions: getting the "Genius Surgeon" acquainted with Dr. Indigo, Dr. Trafalgar, and Mishiieru (Alchemi) Asier.
The research lab was a hive of activity. The current treatment protocol for the patients—stalling the disease with Pure Gold, physical reinforcement via I.Q., and using new alloys to concentrate the Amber Lead into specific organs—was proceeding steadily.
However, Dr. Trafalgar was the only one capable of performing the delicate extractions, meaning only a handful of patients had reached full recovery.
Krieg stepped into the lab and presented his new recruit. Asier, having been isolated for so long, didn't recognize the name, but the others did.
"I am Asier, the metallurgist. I handle the refining of the medical alloys used here."
"Oh! You're the one... no, if you're joining us, this is incredibly reassuring!" Dr. Trafalgar (Luc) said, his eyes bright with hope. "I am the chief physician, Trafalgar Luc. It's an honor."
"Pi-ro-pi-ro-pi-ro! So you're the famous Dr. Hogback! You won't outshine me, but you're quite the celebrity in the medical world! I am the greatest genius scientist, Dr. Indigo!!"
"Fos-fos-fos-fos! Indeed, I am the genius surgeon, Dr. Hogback! I've come to lend my hands to this project under a contract with this man!"
Man, the egos and the laughs in this room are reaching critical mass, Krieg thought, leaving the four geniuses to bicker and bond over their shared brilliance.
As he walked through the facility, a familiar voice called out.
"Oh! Krieg-san, you're back?"
A young girl with long, light green hair approached, clutching a stack of patient files.
"Hey, Monet. I brought a new doctor. How have you been?"
"Very well, thank you. Sugar and Olga-chan are doing great too. They're probably with the Sister right now, finishing their lessons. Want to see them?"
"No, let them finish their studies. Are you helping out with the clinic today?"
"Yes," Monet smiled. "Dr. Trafalgar has been teaching me medicine. He says I have a real knack for it! I'm actually thinking about becoming a doctor myself."
"That's perfect timing. The man I just brought, Dr. Hogback, is a world-renowned surgeon. Being close to a 'genius' like him will be the best education you could ask for. He's a bit... eccentric, but don't let that stop you from learning everything he knows."
"I won't! I want to make the most of this chance."
"Keep at it. Once you're ready, maybe you can gain some field experience on other islands."
"Does that mean I could join your ship, Krieg-san?"
"If you finish your studies properly, I'll consider it. More importantly, are you still keeping up with your training?"
"Every day. Sugar, Olga, and I all follow the menu you gave us. We don't even get out of breath anymore!"
"Good to hear. Since you've all been working so hard, I think a reward is in order. I'll handle dinner tonight."
"That's a wonderful idea! They'll be so happy!"
Krieg watched Monet head off with her charts, then turned toward the kitchen. He had a reputation to uphold—not just as a Marine or a strategist, but as a man who could whip up a legendary omelet rice.
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