Thou Shall Not Die

After healing Bonney, she immediately went out to explore the island of Shimotsuki Village. When the sun rose, she didn't feel any pain on her skin or in her body—indicating that she was truly healed. This caused both Bonney and Kuma to celebrate. Kuma accompanied Bonney as she ventured to different places on the island, places she had always dreamed of seeing. She mentioned her desire to visit the Sky Island, believing it was closer to the sun, and that it might be where she would find Nika—the one her father always spoke of in stories.

"Daddy, does this mean I can go sailing with you now? We can look for the Sky Island and see Nika!" Bonney asked enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with hope.

Kuma smiled gently.

"You still can't come with Daddy. You're still too young. But tell you what—if you grow up strong and healthy, we'll sail the entire sea together and search for Nika."

"Really? Is that a promise?" Bonney asked, looking up at him with wide, eager eyes.

Kuma nodded.

"Yes. That's a promise."

They began heading back to the dojo to thank Taiyo once again and prepare to return to the Sorbet Kingdom. But before they could go, Bonney stopped walking.

"What's the matter, Bonney?" Kuma asked with concern, thinking she might have fallen ill again.

"I don't want to go back. Can't I stay here?" Bonney asked. She had enjoyed her time in Shimotsuki Village. The scenery was beautiful, and no one bullied her here. The people were kind.

"Why? Won't you miss Granny and Grandpa? And your uncles?" Kuma asked, trying to understand her feelings. After all, those were the people who cared for her while he was away on Revolutionary duties.

"I will miss them," Bonney admitted, "but I want to have friends here. Back home, I was always teased and called names like 'vampire.' Please, Daddy."

She looked up at him, pleading.

"We should ask the nice uncle first before you're allowed to live here. And if Daddy isn't around, you must listen to them, alright?" Kuma said gently.

As he spoke, a realization dawned on him—he would soon return to his duties as a Revolutionary. That meant Bonney would be at risk, especially if she stayed in a kingdom associated with the World Government. In contrast, Shimotsuki Village was remote and unaffiliated with the World Government, making it an ideal safe haven for her.

Kuma also trusted Koushirou's capabilities. He was confident that under Koushirou's guidance, Bonney would not only be protected but could also grow stronger.

"Yes, Daddy," Bonney replied, delighted that Kuma had agreed. The two then returned to the dojo, where Taiyo was sitting in the front yard examining the Devil Fruits Kuma had given him. He only kept the three that Kuma officially offered as payment and planned to return the remaining two.

Kuma went directly to speak with Koushirou about arrangements for his daughter, while Bonney stayed behind under Taiyo's care.

"Big Brother, thank you for healing me! Now I can play wherever I want!" Bonney said cheerfully, expressing her gratitude once again. Taiyo simply smiled at her, which made Bonney smile even more.

"Do you want to learn a dance?" Taiyo asked, tilting his head slightly.

"What dance? Is it like the Sun God dance?" Bonney asked excitedly, recalling the stories and movements Kuma had taught her—the dance of Nika, full of rhythm and joy.

"Yes, it's like that dance… but different," Taiyo replied as he slowly demonstrated the moves.

Bonney watched closely, intrigued, and after a moment began mimicking Taiyo's slowed-down movements. The two danced together joyfully under the morning light.

Time passed as they continued their routine until Kuina woke up and stepped outside. She stopped upon seeing Taiyo dancing with a little girl she didn't recognize.

"Brother, who's that girl?" Kuina asked as she walked over, curious about the cheerful child still following the flowing movements of the Hinokami Kagura, the sun dance Taiyo brought from the world of Demon Slayers.

"She's the daughter of a friend of my father. It seems she'll be staying here for a while," Taiyo explained calmly, choosing not to reveal the full details of Bonney's situation just yet

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After a little while, Kuma and Koushirou stepped out of the dojo, with Kuma walking toward Bonney.

"Bonney, we're going back to our home one last time, alright? Just to say goodbye to your uncles, grandma, and grandpas. Then you'll come live here," Kuma said gently.

"Yes, Daddy!" Bonney replied enthusiastically, her face lit up with excitement.

Kuma then turned to Taiyo, who stood off to the side with Kuina.

"Thank you once again. This is a debt I'll never forget," Kuma said sincerely.

"You've already paid your debt. You can take the extras—I don't go back on my word," Taiyo replied as he returned the two additional Devil Fruits Kuma had brought. Kuma initially tried to refuse, but Taiyo insisted.

"Give them to the cause you're fighting for. Consider it my contribution to the world's freedom," Taiyo added, prompting Kuma to finally accept the Devil Fruits with gratitude.

With their final words exchanged, Kuma and Bonney bid their farewells as they headed off to wrap up their affairs before settling in Shimotsuki Village.

"Bye-bye, Big Brother! I'll see you again soon!" Bonney said cheerfully as Kuma picked her up. Both of them waved before Kuma repelled himself and Bonney toward the Sorbet Kingdom.

Kuina's eyes widened in shock, watching them disappear in an instant—it was her first time witnessing a Devil Fruit power in action.

"Brother… what was that?" she asked, bewildered.

"That's called a Devil Fruit. Some of them grant extraordinary abilities, making the user stronger," Taiyo explained.

"So that's what those fruits are," Kuina said, glancing at the three open treasure chests filled with the strange-looking fruits.

"Yes," Taiyo simply replied.

Kuina fell silent, clearly deep in thought as she continued to stare at the mysterious fruits.