After a full week of taking Bullet in, John finally completed the genetic protein he had been working on.
The formula had taken far more effort than he originally thought, yet the result was exactly what he wanted.
It would not only allow Narberal to hide his wings whenever he chose, it would also begin enhancing the natural abilities that Narberal already possessed.
John predicted that this enhancement would eventually allow Narberal to generate a type of fire similar to what Sanji displayed during the end of the Wano arc, where Sanji's flames turned blue from the combination of his modified physiology and his armament haki.
If Narberal's natural fire production evolved to that point without relying on haki alone, the temperature of his flames would likely surpass even magma-based devil fruits.
The way John intended to trigger these changes involved a process similar to how advanced genetic treatments worked in the real world.
He had created an enzyme modeled after the function of the CRISPR Cas9 system, where a specialized protein cuts DNA at a specific point and allows a guide RNA to introduce new genetic information.
Although John's version was far more refined due to the effects of his Essence, the core concept remained the same. A targeted correction, followed by a guided restructuring of specific traits.
When Narberal saw the syringe in John's hand, with its long needle and narrow frame, he could not help but ask, "What is that?"
John lifted the syringe with a tired expression that carried a mix of pride and relief. "This is the result of everything I have been working on. It will begin your genetic correction. With this, your wings will eventually fold into your body, and your fire will slowly transform into something much stronger due to the mutations that will occur. You will not see the changes overnight. You will need weekly injections until the entire correction is finished. Once the cycle ends, you will be reborn as a new and stronger version of yourself. Someone who can take revenge for your parents if you ever choose to."
Narberal's expression remained calm, neither eager nor disturbed, but when he eventually spoke, his words surprised John. "I do not plan to live for revenge. My parents would not want me to risk my life just to chase that. But I will accept this. Not because I want to harm anyone. I will accept it so that I can grow strong enough to help you reach your own goals. If there is something you want to achieve, I want to stand beside you and make sure you can reach it."
John froze for a moment, since he did not expect such sincerity. He knew he did not have the natural charisma that Luffy possessed. He lacked Luffy's easy charm and effortless ability to gain the loyalty of others.
He believed he was simply someone with ambition and the determination to grow, yet he never realized that over the years, through his admiration of Luffy and his desire to be like him, he had unconsciously developed the same quality that Mihawk once claimed to be more dangerous than a conqueror's haki. John was not trying to inspire loyalty, but it was happening on its own.
Once he recovered, John said, "Alright then. In that case, may I also use what I learned for Bullet? I want him to grow stronger as well, but only if you are comfortable with that."
"Is that really alright? He is only a baby," Narberal asked. He was far more concerned about Bullet's safety than any potential issue with sharing abilities.
"There will be no harm," John replied. "The only thing he will need is an increased amount of nutrition. I have already prepared a special formula that provides everything his body will require." Narberal turned toward the giggling Bullet, who was happily waving his arms while John gently poked his cheek. The scene eased his concerns a little.
After a short moment of preparation, John administered the first dose of the enzyme.
He injected it into their muscles using the tool he had designed, and once he was done, he placed the remaining doses in a secure cabinet that would be used for the rest of the treatment cycle.
Narberal did not feel any immediate effects. However, inside his body, his genetic structure was already being introduced to the programmed RNA.
The targeted information sought out the genes responsible for the formation of his wings and began the gradual replacement process.
Additional traits were also being integrated, traits that John had carefully selected to strengthen Narberal's natural capabilities.
Bullet received a gentler variation of the treatment, incorporating the genetic information that John believed would benefit him the most in the long run.
As the months passed, Narberal began to notice the changes. With each dose, his wings grew slightly smaller.
After the first month, the shrinkage was already visible. His fire grew hotter as well, although the temperature rise was mild at first.
Combined with Narberal's relentless training, the enhancement took effect much faster than John had expected.
By the sixth month, Narberal managed to unlock the use of blue flames, something that stunned both of them, since John originally estimated that this would only happen after eight months of treatment.
John began to suspect that Narberal's DNA was far purer or more responsive than he originally thought, which made the enhancements take effect more easily.
He continued observing every detail, running constant tests, updating charts, and adjusting future treatments whenever he needed to.
Bullet also experienced noticeable changes over time. His appetite increased steadily with each injection. He grew faster, gained muscle density, and displayed far more energy than before.
By the end of the year, Bullet reached the height of a healthy five-year-old child, despite being much younger. His strength had not yet matured, but the potential was clearly taking shape.
John himself was not left behind. Through studying the Lunarian lineage and handling their genetic material, the Essence of Ideal Growth responded by slowly granting him similar traits.
His own fire grew stronger, eventually reaching the level of blue flames as well, although his appeared a month later than Narberal's.
The color of his flames differed noticeably. Narberal's had a lighter tone, while John's flames were dark blue, almost identical to the kind of fire he remembered from Dabi, something that amused him in a quiet and personal way.
----------------------
A full year after the first injection, Narberal no longer had visible wings, and the natural flame on his back had completely disappeared.
He could now pass as a normal person at first glance, with only his dark skin and white hair hinting at something unusual.
Bullet, now able to speak simple words and phrases, often stood at John's side, always eager to hold his hand whenever they walked anywhere.
John's project had reached its end. Unfortunately, so had most of his savings. Since he avoided plundering during the entire year in order to stay hidden and protect Narberal and Bullet, their supplies were thin.
Yet now that Narberal could blend into society and Bullet no longer showed traits that would draw unwanted attention, John finally felt ready to begin his life as a pirate and officially form his crew.
"It is time for the sea to learn our names," John said while looking at Narberal, who nodded with steady confidence.
Bullet also nodded, even though he was not the intended recipient of the declaration, yet he still tried his best to imitate them. Satisfied, John guided the submarine to the surface. This was the moment he would introduce himself to the world.