"Pregnant?!"
"We're not entirely sure yet, but you can come in for another check-up."
It all started as a regular medical examination, and the doctors weren't sure of the results, so they asked Setsuna to undergo a more detailed examination. After a series of tests and a check-up by Audino, they finally confirmed the result.
"Congratulations, you are indeed pregnant."
"Really? It's already seven weeks along, and it appears to be twins."
Among the many Pokemon created by Arceus, Zeraora is the most unique.
He's a Pokemon, but his body structure is the most altered, closely resembling the natives of the Pirate World. Thus, his and Setsuna's offspring follow the Fur Race's tradition of live birth, rather than the Pokemon's egg-laying.
The Fur Race has a shorter gestation period than ordinary humans, and there aren't many restrictions here, so the doctors quickly delivered the news to her.
Looking at the confirmed report from the doctor, Setsuna ran out immediately. The Fur Race doesn't have the same reservations as humans, unless it's near delivery time. Otherwise, they can still pick up weapons and head to the battlefield, let alone the fact she had just gotten pregnant.
She was off to find Arceus, as this news ought to be told to Zeraora immediately. However, since Zeraora wasn't there at the moment, she went to find Arceus.
Zeraora had mentioned to her that Arceus is like a father to him, and she wanted to ask Arceus for something.
"Pregnant?"
"Yes, the doctors have confirmed it. Zeraora will be a father in a few months."
"Take care of yourself and let me know if you need anything."
Among the many mythical creatures he created, only Genesect has the potential to reproduce offspring, while other mythical creatures essentially cannot do this. Even Manaphy has little possibility, and there's no Ditto available for assistance now.
As the eldest son of Zeraora, these two children are likewise the 'eldest grandchildren,' so naturally, during this time, Setsuna would receive special care.
"Hmm... Do you have any methods to prevent illness and keep the body strong? Zeraora said it might be difficult, but I think you can manage it."
"Who are you asking this for?"
"It's for Hichugiskhan. He's always wanted me to return to take the throne, and his reasons are getting stranger and stranger.
I brought him to Wano Kuni for a proper check-up, but not having an illness now doesn't mean he won't in the future. So I was wondering if you had any special methods."
"If that's the case...take this back and let him ingest it."
Purple, green, and blue lights gathered in the sky, finally forming a peculiar tricolored drop of water, combining the Life Elements of the Splash Plate and Meadow Plate with special components of the Toxic Plate, which Arceus called the Cure Poison.
The Toxic Plate may seem to only produce toxins, but toxins aren't necessarily harmful to life. For pathogens, medicines that treat the human body are the greatest "toxins," so this drop of venom specifically targets external pathogens that might cause illness.
People whose bodies have been modified by Arceus' abilities are generally very robust, and illness rarely occurs. If Setsuna needed it, he could consider another special modification, but for outsiders, this stuff is sufficient.
"Thank you, I knew you could do it."
"Go rest; I'll inform Zeraora to return as soon as possible."
"No worries, the Fur Race has very robust bodies, so this is really no big deal."
Pregnancy certainly causes bodily changes, but it doesn't mean becoming frail, especially for these strong individuals.
When Charlotte Linlin was carving out territories, she was almost constantly pregnant, yet hardly anyone could harm her, with her formidable physique still unmatched on the sea.
While Setsuna doesn't quite match Charlotte Linlin, within the ranks of women, she's also a strong fighter, not needing to protect herself as if she were fragile. For Setsuna, this was a double blessing, but for Hichugiskhan, it seemed like "disaster was looming."
After Setsuna was called away by the nurse, the nurse quietly told her about this matter. Hichugiskhan was unaware of what happened, only noticing that Setsuna had left suddenly.
When she returned, she poured herself a glass of water without saying a word and dropped a peculiar pill into it right in front of him.
"What's this..."
"It's your 'medicine,' eat it first, senior. I have two pieces of news for you afterward."
Hichugiskhan didn't suspect anything. For one, there's never been an incident of plotting against the Duke in Zou, and the current situation is rather absurd. It's not that Setsuna wants to inherit the position, but that he's eager to retire, with Setsuna having no reason to harm him.
"What kind of medicine is this?"
After consuming it, Hichugiskhan finally asked this question.
"It's a special 'vaccine' I requested from Lord Arceus. With this, your body will be problem-free for a long time. Plus, there's this."
With Hichugiskhan's gaze somewhat stunned, Setsuna handed him her maternity check-up report.
"Preg... pregnant? Well, you've been married for years. Congratulations."
"You're welcome, but let me run some numbers with you. Your body is certainly fine now, whether in the past, present, or future. Do you understand this?"
The check-up report ruled out the past, and Arceus' cure poison eliminated future concerns, ensuring Hichugiskhan's body condition has an authoritative guarantee.
"....."
"You see, pregnancy and childbirth require time, and afterward, I need to raise the kids. I can only consider the matter of Zou once the kids are a bit older. Thus, persevere for seven more years, and you'll be able to retire. How about that?"
"Write it down, give me a written statement!"
Due to the absolute nature of Zou's royal power, Hichugiskhan, having transferred his authority, couldn't refute the other party. Moreover, he didn't know whether to thank Setsuna or not, and this age-free from disease is certainly a good thing, but it comes at the cost of more work.
"Oh, don't be so anxious; seven years will pass quickly. I'll give you a written guarantee, no problem."
At Hichugiskhan's request, Setsuna wrote down a guarantee of complete inheritance in seven years, just as he wished. However, Hichugiskhan overlooked one issue; the guarantee didn't have a date.
If she plans to take over in seven years, the normal transition can occur. But if circumstances change, this guarantee might turn into an empty promise.
Although Hichugiskhan had been a Duke for most of his life, he'd never left Zou. As a ruler maintaining order, his experience in this area couldn't compare to Setsuna's.
Upon receiving the message, Zeraora quickly wrapped up his affairs and began the journey home, while near Mandfeish's territories, Nereus also approached with his tribe...