Setting Sail and Two and a Half Years

A shining gem now rested on Kate's chest, a crystal shaped like a cross emitting a faint blue light – it was her new heart.

This seemingly unremarkable crystal bore the heavy responsibility of circulating blood throughout her entire body. Stimulated by both Glimmer and the Hex Crystal, Kate's physical recovery speed was incredibly fast; the heart had integrated perfectly into her body.

She moved her arm, feeling as if every cell was filled with new strength.

"Move around a bit. Your body will still need time to fully adapt to the enhancements this new heart provides. Moving more will help you adjust better."

"Come this way. The ship has a dedicated testing ground."

Vegapunk was even more excited than the two involved, more curious than Oran about what kind of changes this heart could bring about.

Led by Vegapunk, they quickly arrived at the ship's lower deck, where numerous testing instruments were set up. Some targets were riddled with bullet holes, and experimenters who had just finished their work were cleaning up nearby.

Upon seeing Vegapunk, they silently nodded in greeting and cleared the area.

"Come on, whether it's speed or strength, the equipment here can provide accurate data. Data doesn't lie. It's a shame there's no standard for comparison, otherwise, we could see the effects more clearly."

"Such minor things aren't important. Kate, this is now a part of your body. Feel it, then control this power. It's inside you now, just like breathing or emotions – a mere thought away."

Oran instructed Kate on how to use this power, while Vegapunk had already activated the equipment.

The Hextech Heart didn't beat with the same rhythm as a flesh-and-blood heart, but Kate could feel the pulse of energy within it.

Zzzzt

Sparks flickered across her fur. Unlike ordinary static electricity, these sparks gradually condensed into dancing silver snakes. The current circled her skin, stimulating her body's cells.

Looking at the speed testing equipment before her, Kate exerted force with her legs, her body blurring into a streak of white lightning as she flashed past the device. Her own surprised expression showed that she hadn't expected to be able to run that fast.

The sudden increase in speed made her uneasy, and for a moment, she couldn't control her body, crashing into a nearby wall.

"Director Vegapunk, it seems your equipment needs improvement. This device's resistance to electrical current is a bit lacking."

"I think it's a problem with the intensity of her current. The Minks I know of can't achieve this level."

The speed testing device was emitting black smoke. The stray current from Kate's run seemed to have damaged a component, but neither Oran nor Vegapunk seemed concerned about the minor issue of damaged equipment.

Compared to the results, such things were utterly unimportant.

"Alright, Mr. Siderial, here is your access card. I've enabled all ship equipment permissions for you. I showed you around yesterday, so please feel free to explore on your own.

If you have any questions, ask the other researchers. I need to continue my own research. Time is truly never enough; if only I had a few more of myself."

Having seen what he wanted to see, Vegapunk wasted no more time and handed Oran the pre-made access card.

The activation of this card meant Oran had become a core member of MADS, able to direct ordinary researchers to assist his research, just like Vegapunk and the others.

"Time is inherently limited. Pursuing infinite knowledge within a finite timeframe is precisely where the enjoyment lies. Sometimes, getting the answer directly can make things feel dull."

"Infinite knowledge indeed. Siderial, I'm looking forward to our future collaborations."

Based on the current situation, Vegapunk felt Oran was a more suitable research partner than Queen and the others, but he hadn't made any definitive conclusions. No one could say for sure what the future held.

After Vegapunk left, Kate began testing her limits. Sweat seeped from her fur, but she relished the feeling. It was the first time she had run with such abandon; her heart was no longer a burden but a more stable power source.

"Are you experiencing any discomfort?"

"No, I just feel a little unaccustomed to the enhancement. Once I adapt a bit more, it'll be fine."

Stretching her body, Kate felt her condition was surprisingly good.

"Oh, Oran, could you crouch down for a moment?"

"What is it?"

"There was one step missing before, and now it's time to make up for it. Oran, you know the Mink Tribe very well, right? Then you should know this. Karuchu~"

There was a considerable height difference between them now. As Oran crouched down, Kate grabbed his shoulders and nuzzled her cheek against his.

This was the traditional greeting among the Mink Tribe. Rubbing cheeks was equivalent to a handshake and saying hello for ordinary people.

After leaving Zou and being captured, Kate had basically stopped using this greeting. Even after escaping, she hadn't used it again, believing it was a greeting reserved for family.

But today marked her rebirth, a new beginning. The benefactor who had changed her destiny was, in her eyes, as important as family.

The MADS ship remained docked in the Kingdom of Sorbet for a few more days. During this time, Oran made arrangements for subsequent matters and embarked on a new journey.

Although Queen and the others had opinions on the allocation of funds, they had been unable to complete Vegapunk's wager due to their inability to elect a leader.

At first, they hadn't felt it was a significant problem, but later, the three of them increasingly regretted not stopping this matter beforehand. Unbeknownst to them, another person had been added to the hierarchy above them.

MADS's voyage continued. As time passed, they entered the Grand Line, beginning to explore new unknowns. Time had also unknowingly advanced to the year 1487.

Two years had passed since Oran joined MADS, and he had been on this sea for two and a half years. Today, he was experimenting with a new device alongside Vegapunk.

"Punk, are you ready?"

"Ready. I hope this time it's successful."

Vegapunk stood inside a large glass enclosure, wearing an oxygen mask.

As he pressed a switch on his suit and signaled he was ready, Oran pulled a nearby lever, and a large amount of seawater instantly surged in, submerging Vegapunk.

A moment later, the water automatically drained, but Vegapunk's expression was dejected.

"Oran, it's still no good. This doesn't prevent seawater from affecting Devil Fruit users; that feeling of powerlessness still occurs. The composition of PYROBROIN particles is still too peculiar."

"Dr. Vegapunk! Dr. Siderial, a woman suddenly appeared on deck, saying she wants to join us!"

As Oran and Vegapunk discussed their research results, the laboratory's broadcast suddenly crackled to life, indicating an unexpected situation.