Chapter 129

Kizaru glanced at Kuma again and said, "I'm not going alone this time, Kuma is with me. Vegapunk heard about Kuma's ability and wanted his help to solve his fatigue problem so that he could devote more time to scientific research. Well! I really can't understand that kind of thinking!"

Carl was taken aback for a moment and asked Kuma, "Kuma, why didn't you tell me about this this afternoon?"

Kuma scratched his head and said, "I was so happy at the time that I didn't even think about the mission..."

Carl frowned slightly. Normally, without the incident with Bonney, Kuma would not have had any further contact with Vegapunk. Yet, he didn't expect that Kuma would now be involved in the research of the Pacifista project.

However, the World Government wouldn't persecute Kuma again. Saturn, the mastermind in the original story, was now on Carl's side. Even if there were still a Warcury, with Garling around, he wouldn't dare to have any crooked thoughts.

Carl just wondered if this new Pacifista would act the same as Kuma this time. Thinking of this, Carl shook his head. Perhaps this version might be based on Borsalino. That kind of elegant demeanor really didn't match a war machine!

After dinner, at Ginny's suggestion, the six of them went to the training grounds of the Naval Academy for a walk.

Ginny led the way, animatedly telling Ivankov about the past happenings at the Naval Academy, making Ivankov laugh heartily.

Just as Carl thought the evening would pass peacefully, Ivankov suddenly turned around and said to Borsalino with a sly smile,

"Borsalino, I just realized you're the only one who doesn't know I have a Devil Fruit power, right?"

Borsalino, having had a bit too much to drink, his face flushed, asked curiously,

"Oh? Ivankov, are you also a Devil Fruit user? Can you tell me what your power is?"

"Of course! We're friends now, right? I'd be happy to show my power to a friend. My ability can make people become extraordinarily beautiful! Hee-ha!"

Borsalino was intrigued. "That sounds like a Paramecia type. Paramecia powers are always fascinating. Can you show me?"

Ivankov's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she walked toward Borsalino with feline grace. She gently tapped his chest with a finger and said,

"Sure, but I'll need your cooperation."

Borsalino, now excited, replied eagerly, "Just tell me what I need to do."

"You just need to relax, close your eyes, and leave the rest to me! Haha!"

Trusting Ivankov, Borsalino shut his eyes without hesitation. Everyone present was a comrade, so he didn't feel the need to be on guard. Little did he know, Carl and the others had already stepped back with anticipation in their eyes.

Ivankov took a deep breath, then swiftly moved her hands to either side of Borsalino's waist and shouted,

"Emporio Female Hormone!"

"Nani?! Female—oh, oh, oh!" Borsalino was shocked, but before he could finish his sentence, Ivankov's ability had fully activated. Under the influence of the hormones, Borsalino's body began to twist unnaturally.

Under the watchful gaze of Carl and the others, Borsalino's hair grew longer, spilling out from under his hat until it covered his ears. His habitual stance with spread legs tightened, and his chest swelled dramatically. Even the two women present, Lucia and Ginny, looked away, somewhat embarrassed by the display.

The most striking transformation, however, was Borsalino's face. His skin became impossibly smooth and pale, and his distinctive features softened into a rather striking royal sister-like face.

Borsalino looked down in confusion, only to realize his towering chest blocked his view of his own feet. His once perfectly fitted suit now hung loosely, and as he took a tentative step, the evening breeze slipped through his pants, sending a chill through his now unfamiliar body.

Instinctively, Borsalino moved his hands to cover his lower half. Normally, such a gesture from him would appear comical, but in his current form, it carried a strange shyness. He glared at Ivankov and growled, "This is your Devil Fruit power?!"

Ivankov chuckled, admiring her handiwork. "Isn't it wonderful? You're even more beautiful than I expected!"

Borsalino's forehead creased with a large vein of irritation, and golden light flickered in his eyes. Grabbing Ivankov's shoulders, he shook her at light-speed and shouted,

"Turn me back right now!"

The shaking was so fast that Ivankov's eyes spun into spirals, nearly knocking her out.

At that moment, Carl raised a hand and said, "Borsalino! Have you forgotten what Admiral Zephyr taught you? Use Haki!"

Borsalino paused, releasing Ivankov, who collapsed to the ground. He hadn't forgotten about Haki, but the strange effects of Ivankov's hormone fruit had caught him off guard. With Carl's reminder, Borsalino regained his composure and activated his Haki.

As Haki lightning coursed through Borsalino's body the effects of the hormone fruit began to dissipate. Slowly but surely, Borsalino returned to his original form.

Standing there panting, he tentatively reached down, confirming his masculinity had returned. Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, he thought to himself,

"Thank goodness Sakazuki didn't see this…"

Not far away, Carl nudged Ginny and whispered, "Ginny, don't forget to develop those pictures. It's a shame Sakazuki missed this scene…"

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