Chapter 129

**Chapter 129**

Kizaru glanced at Kuma again and said, "I'm not going alone this time—Kuma is coming with me. Vegapunk heard about Kuma's ability and wanted his help to solve his fatigue problem so 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 turned to Kuma. "Kuma, why didn't you mention this earlier?"

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

Carl frowned slightly. Under normal circumstances, without the incident involving Bonney, Kuma wouldn't have had much interaction with Vegapunk. Yet now, he was about to be involved in the Pacifista project.

However, the World Government wouldn't dare persecute Kuma again. Saturn, the mastermind behind it in the original timeline, was now on Carl's side. Even if Warcury had any ideas, he wouldn't act rashly with Garling around.

Still, Carl wondered whether this version of the Pacifista would resemble Kuma in function. Then again, with Borsalino involved, perhaps it would be based on him instead. The thought of a Pacifista with Borsalino's lazy yet flashy demeanor made Carl shake his head. It was hard to picture a war machine moving with such elegance.

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

Ginny led the way, animatedly telling Ivankov about the past happenings at the academy. Ivankov laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the stories.

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

"Borsalino, I just realized you're the only one here who doesn't know about my Devil Fruit ability, right?"

Borsalino, having had a bit too much to drink, his face slightly flushed, blinked 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 extraordinarily beautiful! Hee-ha!"

Borsalino rubbed his chin. "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 intrigued, nodded. "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. After all, everyone present was a comrade—there was no reason to be on guard.

Little did he know, Carl and the others had already taken a few steps back, anticipation shining 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!"

Before Borsalino could even finish his sentence, Ivankov's ability had fully activated. Under the watchful gaze of Carl and the others, Borsalino's body began to shift and transform.

His hair grew longer, spilling out from under his hat until it draped over his ears. His signature wide-legged stance subtly changed, and—most dramatically—his chest swelled into a curvaceous form.

Lucia and Ginny looked away, somewhat embarrassed by the transformation. Even Carl, who had seen plenty, couldn't help but clear his throat awkwardly.

The most striking change, however, was Borsalino's face. His skin became unnaturally smooth and fair, his sharp features softening into an elegant, mature beauty.

Borsalino looked down in confusion, only to realize his now-massive chest blocked his view of his own feet. His once perfectly fitted suit hung loosely around his altered frame. As he took a tentative step, the evening breeze slipped through his now ill-fitting pants, sending a strange chill up his spine.

Instinctively, Borsalino moved his hands to cover his lower half. Normally, such a gesture from him would look comical, but in his current form, it carried an oddly delicate air.

He glared at Ivankov, golden light flickering in his eyes.

"This is your Devil Fruit power?!"

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

A large vein popped on Borsalino's forehead as his irritation grew. In a blur of golden light, he grabbed Ivankov's shoulders and shook her at high speed.

"**Turn me back right now!**"

Ivankov's eyes spun into spirals from the rapid shaking, her entire body rattling like a maraca.

At that moment, Carl raised a hand and said,

"Borsalino! Have you forgotten what Admiral Zephyr taught you? Use Haki!"

Borsalino paused, dropping Ivankov, who collapsed to the ground in a daze. He hadn't considered using Haki, caught off guard by the ridiculousness of the situation. But with Carl's reminder, he quickly regained his composure.

Activating his Haki, black lightning crackled around his body. Slowly but surely, the effects of the hormone fruit began to wear off. His hair shortened, his chest flattened, and his features returned to their usual sharpness.

Standing there panting, he tentatively reached down, confirming his masculinity had returned. Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, he muttered under his breath,

"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…"