"Pregnant?!"
"We're not completely certain yet, but you should come in for another check-up."
At first, it was just a routine physical examination, but the doctors were unsure of the results, so they asked Setsuna to undergo a more detailed examination, and after a series of tests and Audino's auscultation, they finally confirmed it.
"Congratulations, you're indeed pregnant."
"Yes, it's been seven weeks already, and from the results, it looks like twins."
Among the many Pokémon created by Arceus, Zeraora was the most unique.
He was a Pokémon, but his body underwent the most significant changes and was closest to the indigenous inhabitants of the one piece world. Therefore, his children with Setsuna followed Mink's traditional viviparity method rather than Pokémon's oviparity.
Mink's gestation period was slightly shorter than that of ordinary humans, and there weren't as many restrictions. So, the doctors quickly informed her of the results
Looking at the doctor's confirmed report, Setsuna ran out. Unlike humans, Minks don't have the same concerns. Unless, when they are about to give birth, they could pick up weapons and head to the battlefield, not to mention she hadn't been pregnant for long.
She went to find Arceus; this news should have been shared with Zeraora first, however, Zeraora wasn't around, prompting her to seek out Arceus.
Zeraora had told her that Arceus was like a father to him, and she also needed something from Arceus.
"Pregnant?"
"Yes, the doctors have confirmed it. Zeraora is going to be a dad in a few months."
"Be sure to rest well and let me know if you need anything."
Among the Mythical Pokémon he created, except for Genesect, which had the possibility of breeding, almost none of the others could do such a thing. Even Manaphy had little possibility without a Ditto, which he currently didn't have.
As the eldest son, Zeraora's children were also his "grandchildren." So, during this period, Setsuna will naturally receive special care.
"Umm….do you have any methods to prevent illness and keep the body strong and healthy? Although Zeraora said it's a bit difficult, I believe you can do it."
"Who is it for?"
"It's for Hitsugisukan. Senior has always wanted me to return and take over the throne, and the reasons he's coming up with are getting stranger.
Bringing him to Wano Country this time is also to have him thoroughly examined, but being healthy now doesn't mean he won't get sick in the future. So, I want to see if you have any special method."
"In that case...take this back and have him consume it."
Purple, green, and blue lights converged in the sky, forming a peculiar tricolored droplet, combining the life elements of the Splash Plate and Meadow Plate with the special components of the Toxic Plate. Arceus called it the Healing Poison.
While the Toxic Plate seemed to produce only deadly poisons, these poisons weren't necessarily targeted at living beings. For pathogens, medicines that treat the human body was the greatest "poison." Thus, this drop of poison targeted foreign bacteria that could cause illness.
The bodies modified by Arceus were generally robust, and sickness was rare. If it was Setsuna who needed it, he could perform additional modifications. However, for outsiders, this thing was sufficient.
"Thank you; I knew you could do it."
"Go rest, and I'll inform Zeraora to return quickly."
"Don't worry, Minks' bodies are very robust. This is not a big deal."
Pregnancy indeed causes changes in the body but it doesn't equate to becoming extremely fragile, especially for these powerful individuals.
Charlotte Linlin is almost always pregnant while she rules her territory, yet few could harm her. Her sturdy physique was still unmatched on the seas.
Setsuna wasn't on par with Charlotte Linlin, but she was a strong fighter among women. She didn't need to be protected like a fragile object. For Setsuna, this was a double blessing, but for Hitsugisukan, it seemed like a "major disaster" was looming.
When the nurse had called Setsuna, she had quietly informed her of this matter, so Hitsugisukan had no idea what had happened, only seeing Setsuna suddenly leaving the place.
Upon her return, without a word, Setsuna poured herself a glass of water and casually dropped a strange pill into it in front of him.
"What's this?"
"It's your 'medicine,' senior. Go ahead and take it; I have two pieces of news to tell you afterward."
Hitsugisukan didn't suspect anything. Besides the fact that there had never been any attempt on the Duke's life on Zou Island, the current situation was peculiar. It wasn't that Setsuna wanted to ascend to power; rather, it was him who wanted to quickly retire, so Setsuna had no reason to harm him.
"What kind of medicine is this?"
Only after drinking it did Hitsugisukan ask this question.
"It's a special 'vaccine' I got from Lord Arceus. With this, your body won't have any issues for a long time. Also, there's this."
While Hitsugisukan looked somewhat dazed, Setsuna handed him her pregnancy test report.
"Pre…Pregnant? Well, it makes sense. You two have been married for so many years. Congratulations."
"You're welcome, but let me tell you this: your body is definitely fine at the moment, and it will be in the past, present, and future. Do you understand that?"
The medical report ruled out the past, and Arceus' healing poison ruled out the future; Hitsugisukan's health status has been guaranteed by authority.
"..."
"You see, pregnancy and childbirth take time. After that, I'll need to raise the child. I can only consider the matter of Zou Island once the child grows up a bit. So, if you can hold on for seven more years, you can retire. How does that sound?"
"Put it in writing, I want it in writing!"
Due to the absolute authority of Zou Island's monarchy, Hitsugisukan, having relinquished power, couldn't refute Setsuna. Moreover, he wasn't sure if he should thank Setsuna or what. Putting an end to illnesses at his age was undoubtedly a good thing, but it came at the cost of working overtime.
"Oh, don't be so impatient. Seven years will pass by quickly. I'll give it to you in writing."
At Hitsugisukan's request, Setsuna wrote down a guarantee promising to surely take the throne after seven years, as he wished. However, Hitsugisukan overlooked one thing: the guarantee did not have a specific date.
If she plans to take the throne after seven years, a smooth transition can indeed occur. However, if circumstances change, this guarantee could easily become a worthless piece of paper.
Although Hitsugisukan had been Duke for most of his life, he had never left Zou Island. As a ruler who maintained the status quo, his experience in these matters was far less than Setsuna's.
Upon receiving the news, Zeraora quickly resolved matters at hand and began his return journey. Meanwhile, Nereus brought her tribe and arrived near Mandrell's territory...
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