Soon after, inside the laboratory on Punk Hazard, Ash met Vegapunk for the first time, along with Admiral Kizaru, the commander of the Science Unit.
To be honest, Ash's impression of both men was average. They were not evil, but neither could they be called truly good.
When Kizaru learned that Ash had been recommended by Fleet Admiral Sengoku, he gave him a slow, careful look and muttered his usual, "How scary, how scary," before quietly reporting Ash's arrival to the Gorosei.
At that time, the New World was engulfed in fierce conflict, drawing nearly all of the Gorosei's attention. Sengoku had already informed them beforehand, so when Kizaru confirmed that Ash had only come to Punk Hazard to treat a relative's incurable illness, they quickly lost interest.
After all, incurable diseases were nothing new. Years ago, in Flevance of the North Blue, countless people had died from Amber Lead Disease. Compared to the chaos unfolding in the New World, such matters were insignificant.
What truly interested the Gorosei was Ash himself.
This rising pirate, known as the Heavenly Emperor of the Dawn Hunters, possessed remarkable strength. Although he had once clashed with a Celestial Dragon at Sabaody Archipelago, it was widely understood that the incident had been caused by Saint Charlos's arrogance.
More importantly, Ash's response had prevented the situation from spiraling completely out of control.
In their eyes, this meant he still respected the authority of the World Government, at least to some degree.
Because of this, their opinion of him was conflicted. They were dissatisfied with the incident, yet also somewhat pleased with how he handled it. Still, they all agreed on one thing, Ash had great potential. If properly guided, he could become a powerful weapon.
Thus, they were willing to take this opportunity to extend a small favor and win him over.
But only to that extent.
To them, maintaining the balance of the seas was far more important, and right now, all eyes were on the escalating war in the New World.
Ash, of course, knew nothing of Kizaru's quiet report or the Gorosei's calculations. Even if he did, he would only sneer.
"What kind of fools think they can win me over from afar?"
When Vegapunk saw Ash expand the necklace around his neck into a small castle, his eyes lit up instantly.
"Is this some new technological method?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
This was not technology at all. It was a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit ability that Ash had created after accumulating enough energy, modeled after the Castle-Castle Fruit.
Bonney's sapphire scale disease made it impossible for her to be exposed to direct sunlight. If he wanted to bring her along, she needed a safe space. Carrying her in a portable castle was simply the most efficient solution.
Leaving her behind in Cathay Village or on the Dawn ship had crossed his mind, but it was far less convenient.
"No, it's a Devil Fruit ability," Ash replied plainly.
Vegapunk's interest only grew stronger.
"Amazing, directly affecting objects like this. The possibilities are endless."
Ash ignored his enthusiasm. He stored the castle, then gestured toward Bonney.
"Please examine her condition, Doctor."
Vegapunk nodded and led them deeper into the laboratory.
After a series of detailed tests and reviewing her physical condition, he finally spoke.
"It can be treated. However, the cost will be extremely high. We will need to create new stem cells for transplantation."
His eyes shifted slightly as he added with a faint smile, "You understand, this kind of procedure is not cheap."
Clang.
Ash dropped over a dozen gold floor tiles onto the ground, cutting him off.
"Begin the first treatment."
Vegapunk's eyes widened at the sight. After a long glance at the gold and then at Ash, he said nothing more and immediately began preparing the procedure.
Ash did not remain on Punk Hazard for long. He also had no intention of leaving Bonney there for extended treatment.
Once he understood the treatment process and how the stem cells were produced, he left behind a large amount of gold, then packed up all the necessary medical equipment and took it with him.
Leaving Bonney behind would only create risk. If Saint Saturn ever discovered her illness and connected it to Kuma, trouble would follow.
Ash had no fear of the Gorosei or the Admirals, but there was no reason to invite unnecessary conflict.
It was always better to avoid trouble than to deal with it.
By the time Vegapunk realized what was happening, his laboratory had already been stripped and replaced with neatly arranged gold tiles.
Ash had left.
Back in Cathay Village, Ash set up the equipment and instructed Vergo and Lanchi to supply wood elements regularly, ensuring the machines maintained high levels of life energy for stem cell production.
After that, he returned to Gourmet Island with Bonney.
Although she could not step into sunlight yet, her appetite was impressive.
Carina claimed she would stay with Ash on Gourmet Island, but in reality, she spent most of her time at Twin Capes, learning music from Brook. That left Ash dining alone most days.
Fortunately, Bonney was there now.
Even if she remained inside the castle, having someone to share meals with made a difference.
Time passed steadily.
Ash and Bonney ate together daily, returning to Cathay Village every few days for treatment, occasionally traveling across islands in the South Blue before returning again to Gourmet Island.
Before long, it was mid-November.
Meanwhile, aboard the Dawn ship, after nearly five months of travel, Nami had finally completed her map of the South Blue. Their next destination was Reverse Mountain.
Traveling between the East Blue and South Blue was relatively simple, but reaching the West Blue or North Blue required crossing the Red Line.
The currents of Reverse Mountain were powerful, but not enough to carry the massive Dawn ship.
When Nami brought this up, Ash paused.
He suddenly realized something.
Thriller Bark, the ship's original form, had been created from an island in the West Blue. Yet it had somehow made its way into Paradise.
That should have been impossible through Reverse Mountain.
Could Gecko Moria have crossed the Calm Belt into the New World, coated the ship there, and then traveled underwater through Fish-Man Island?
The idea was absurd.
Just coating a ship of that size would require multiple craftsmen on the level of Silvers Rayleigh.
The more Ash thought about it, the more unreasonable it seemed.
But this was reality. Somehow, it had happened.
He briefly considered asking Perona, who was still at Twin Capes, but quickly dismissed the idea. It was not his problem to solve.
Sea Calendar 1516, December 15th.
Near Reverse Mountain in the South Blue, the Dawn ship hovered at the edge of the sea.
One-eyed Dicken and Carina, both users of wind abilities, stood ready alongside Pini and Youki.
The four combined their powers.
With a tremendous surge of force, the massive Dawn ship slowly lifted into the air, rising above the sea, crossing over Reverse Mountain, and descending into the West Blue.
A nearby pirate crew that witnessed the event did not survive to spread the tale.
Even so, the sudden appearance of the Dawn ship in the West Blue caused immediate shock across the region.
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