When Bonney was finally cured, Vegapunk gave her permission to come back and visit him once she was fully recovered.
It was a simple promise.
Something to look forward to.
Something normal.
When it was time to leave, Bonney was placed inside a small barrel again, carefully sealed to keep any sunlight from reaching her.
It wasn't comfortable.
But it was necessary.
And like that—
They returned home.
Back to the church in the Sorbet Kingdom.
The moment they arrived, the entire town gathered.
Kuma's friends.
The villagers.
Everyone.
They were overjoyed.
Not just to see them again—but to hear that Bonney would be completely better soon. That in just one more year, she'd finally be able to go outside freely.
There was laughter.
Relief.
Warmth.
For a moment, everything felt right again.
But Kuma couldn't stay.
Not anymore.
He was a pirate now.
A wanted man.
So he told Bonney he had to leave for a while.
He promised her something instead.
That he would write to her.
And that in one year—
He would come back.
And when he did, they would go out together.
Travel.
See the world.
Chase the endless horizon.
Bonney's eyes lit up instantly.
She couldn't wait.
She believed every word.
Because she trusted him.
But Kuma knew the truth.
That promise—
Was one last lie.
To keep her smiling.
To keep her happy.
And then—
The atmosphere changed.
A woman appeared.
Dressed in a nurse's uniform.
Her name was Alpha, a member of Cipher Pol 8.
She carried herself with a polite, composed demeanor, her voice soft and controlled.
But something about her was wrong.
Unsettling.
She resembled someone from the past—similar to Kalifa from Enies Lobby—but there was a coldness behind her smile that made it hard to ignore.
She spoke sweetly.
Said she would take care of Bonney.
That she would make sure her treatment continued properly.
