Outside Usopp's House.
The bald man and his group took Usopp several dozen meters away to ensure they wouldn't be overheard, only then stopping.
However, their expressions as they looked at Usopp were somewhat strange and complicated.
"Who would've thought that Boss Sig's type would be this kind, huh?"
"Before, I even thought the Boss and Miss Stussy might have that kind of relationship..."
As the bandits chatted amongst themselves, they were interrupted by the bald man:
"What are you guys saying in front of a kid?"
He then shifted the topic to Usopp:
"This little guy—he's Jesus Burgess's kid."
The bald man sighed and began to talk casually:
"I remember seeing Jesus Burgess back in the tavern at Windmill Village. At the time, I even poured beer on Captain Jesus Burgess..."
"Back then, I never imagined that Jesus Burgess would have such a connection to the Boss."
Meanwhile, inside Usopp's house:
"Ivankov? Jesus Burgess once talked to me about some things on the seas. I feel like I've heard that name before..."
Bedridden, Banchina pondered for a moment.
"Could it be that the doctor Sig mentioned is Ivankov?"
"That's correct. It seems I don't need to say much more."
Sig nodded slightly, though his gaze drifted away from Banchina's face.
He was slowly realizing something was off.
"Could it be the side effects of that card from Cao? Damn this ridiculous system, don't mess with me now."
"I really shouldn't have used that card in the first place!"
At first, Sig had been planning to consider how best to use the remaining charge of his Cao Cao card. But now, those thoughts were gradually fading away.
Luckily, he noticed this early, and any odd emotions in his heart were squashed before they could take hold.
Sig turned his head and focused on the ceiling, forming a plan in his mind.
"Actually, there are two possible treatment plans Ivankov can offer. Madam, you can hear them out and decide for yourself."
"There are two options?" Banchina was slightly surprised.
Sig thought of a certain muscular loli face and spoke with a serious expression:
"Madam, have you ever considered becoming a man?"
Cough! Banchina choked and began coughing violently.
"Ivankov can transform you into a strong, muscular man with incredible immunity."
"While this method doesn't cure the disease outright, it can significantly enhance your immunity and physical health, which could help with other treatment plans."
"Say no more, Sig. Please, just tell me about the second plan."
Banchina's face turned red as she coughed, her gaze toward Sig changing as well. She couldn't help but wonder if she'd been too hasty in trusting this man...
"As for the second plan..."
Sig continued with a serious tone:
"Ivankov has a medicine called Healing Hormones."
"According to legend, Ivankov has cured patients with terminal illnesses multiple times, and it's through this Healing Hormone that it was achieved."
"But this Healing Hormone has significant side effects."
"Using it requires sacrificing ten years of your lifespan, and the success rate of curing terminal illnesses is only about 1-2%."
At this point, Sig glanced toward the door.
He had kept Usopp from eavesdropping precisely because of this.
Even if the treatment succeeded, it would mean Banchina would lose ten years of her life—a cruel reality for a seven-year-old child to comprehend.
If they chose not to treat her, Banchina's fate would be to die of her illness.
Perhaps she could struggle through another year or two, or maybe just a few months, or even just ten days or so.
Compared to dying of illness, sacrificing ten years of life was already a much better option.
Seeing no reaction from outside the door, Sig continued:
"Madam, the decision of whether to proceed with Ivankov's treatment lies with you."
"If you agree, I can contact Ivankov. We just parted ways not long ago, so he shouldn't have gone far."
"But, Madam, there's no need to decide immediately. This is a matter of life and death, so it should be considered carefully..."
After Sig finished speaking, Banchina, lying on her sickbed, did not show the shock he had expected. Instead, she smiled and said:
"In my condition, I probably won't last another ten days or so."
"There's no need to waste time considering. I'll accept the second option. I just don't know about the cost of the treatment..."
Banchina looked troubled.
"There's no need to worry about the cost. When I head to the Grand Line, I'll just ask Jesus Burgess for it."
He was here for the sake of completing a mission anyway. Since he was already here, helping out wasn't a big deal.
If he could actually cure Banchina, the goodwill from both Usopp and Jesus Burgess would likely skyrocket, which would only benefit Sig.
Compared to that, the expense was trivial. Completing the mission and obtaining a new character card was the real reward.
After discussing the treatment plan, Sig opened the door and walked toward the waiting Usopp and the others.
"Boss? You're back so soon?" The bald man was surprised.
"I'm not a real doctor, after all. I just discussed a simple plan. For the actual treatment, we'll need Ivankov to handle it."
He then turned to Usopp and said:
"Your mother agreed to the treatment plan I mentioned. I'll try to contact the doctor I know next."
"But no treatment plan guarantees success, and even the best doctors aren't infallible."
Usopp's expression was a mix of excitement and hesitation.
After some deliberation, Usopp finally said:
"Uncle Sig, this may be asking too much..."
"But, once your doctor friend arrives, could you ask them to also look at another sick person in the village?"
"Her illness isn't as severe as my mother's, but she's often bedridden."
Sig was momentarily stunned, then glanced past Usopp toward a pristine villa in the distance.
This wealthy family had a long-sick daughter: Kaya.
Sig nodded in agreement, but then his brow furrowed slightly.
Unlike Usopp's mother, Kaya's illness wasn't life-threatening.
Over the next ten years, Kaya would frequently fall ill and be too weak to go outside, but that was all. Her condition was entirely different from Banchina's.
Was it really worth sacrificing ten years of life for a health issue that wasn't fatal?
"Maybe the first plan would work better?"
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