Among the many creations recorded in the Creation Illustrated Book, equipment capable of providing healing abilities was extremely rare.
Most of them required highly specific materials, often involving healing-type Devil Fruits, which made them impractical for Ornn at his current stage. Under normal circumstances, they were not something he would consider attempting.
The Lion King, however, was an exception.
It required only an animal-type Devil Fruit while offering a stable regenerative effect, making it far more valuable than a simple increase in physical strength. Given that he had just escaped Wano and could encounter danger at any moment, this type of ability was far more useful to him.
Ornn did not hesitate.
He tore the page from the illustrated book, watching as it dissolved into faint particles of light that merged into his mind. Immediately afterward, the knowledge of its construction surfaced with complete clarity, as if it had always been there.
Compared to Sake Heart Steel, the forging process for the Lion King was relatively simple. It did not require repeated refinement or complex adjustments. At its core, it was merely a hexagonal buckle that served as the foundation of the entire equipment.
As long as the core component was forged correctly, the rest would follow naturally.
Even so, Ornn remained cautious.
He lifted his gaze toward the sea before beginning.
Although the water appeared calm, he had already learned not to trust appearances. A single mistake while navigating could easily result in losing control of the ship, and under such conditions, he could not afford to divide his attention carelessly.
Using the forge inside the cabin was not an option.
Fortunately, it was unnecessary.
His ability, Living Forge, allowed him to work without relying on conventional tools.
Dragging the spare anvil from the stern to a position near the rudder, Ornn began forging while simultaneously maintaining control of the sailboat. Magma spread across the ingot in his hand, heating it evenly as he shaped it with steady, controlled strikes.
Throughout the process, he continuously adjusted his stance and movements, occasionally shifting his foot to correct the rudder or glancing toward the horizon to confirm their direction. Although the method was inefficient, it allowed him to manage both tasks without losing control.
Even so, the limitation was obvious.
He would need a navigator sooner rather than later.
Over the next three days, the sea remained unexpectedly calm.
There were no storms, no pursuing ships, and no sudden disturbances. Even when rain fell on the second night, it remained light enough not to interfere with their course.
With the help of Oden's sailing journal, Ornn was able to maintain a steady direction. The notes within the journal were practical and detailed, covering currents, routes, and subtle environmental changes. Although he had not expected much from it at first, it had proven to be far more useful than anticipated.
By the end of the third day, the Lion King was complete.
Due to the lack of suitable materials, Ornn used strips of cloth as a temporary substitute for a proper belt, securing the hexagonal buckle around his waist in a crude but functional manner. While the appearance left much to be desired, the effect remained intact.
He tested it immediately.
Using a kitchen knife, he made a shallow cut across his forearm. The wound closed within seconds, leaving no trace behind. A deeper cut required slightly more time, but it still healed completely within a minute.
This level of regeneration was sufficient for his current needs.
More severe injuries would have to be tested in actual combat rather than through deliberate self-inflicted damage.
What interested Ornn more was the control he possessed over his creations.
When he removed the Lion King and placed it on Yamato, the regenerative effect functioned normally, easing her condition slightly. However, when he willed it, the effect ceased instantly despite the equipment remaining in place.
Further testing confirmed his understanding.
With a single thought, the Lion King could be recalled, disappearing immediately and returning to his possession. Likewise, he could determine whether its effects would function on others.
This discovery significantly reduced one of his concerns.
No matter who used his creations, their effectiveness remained under his control. Even if an enemy managed to seize them, they would not gain any advantage unless he allowed it.
After three days at sea, Ornn entered the cabin carrying a tray of food.
The atmosphere inside was quiet, and Yamato lay half-reclined on the bed, her usual energy still absent. Even simple movements appeared to require effort.
He placed the tray beside her and pulled a chair closer.
"How are you feeling today?"
Yamato slowly raised her head and took a sip of water before answering.
"A little better. At least I am not constantly throwing up anymore."
Although her voice remained hoarse, the improvement was evident.
Ornn nodded slightly.
Compared to before, this was already a significant change.
"You should get some rest," she added. "You have not slept properly these past few days."
"I will rest after we dock," Ornn replied calmly. "There is an island nearby. We should reach it in a few hours."
Although his total sleep had been limited, his physical condition remained stable due to his enhanced endurance and the temporary stimulation provided by forging.
Hearing this, Yamato hesitated briefly before nodding.
"Then hold on a little longer."
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden disturbance outside.
A sharp sound echoed across the water, followed by a noticeable tremor as the ship shifted slightly.
Yamato instinctively steadied herself, while Ornn rose to his feet immediately.
"What was that?"
Ornn did not respond directly.
Instead, he raised his hand slightly, signaling her to remain where she was.
"Stay here."
Without waiting for her reply, he turned and stepped out onto the deck.
The moment he emerged, he sensed the change.
It was not the wind or the movement of the sea, but something less tangible. The atmosphere itself felt heavier, carrying a pressure that had not been present moments earlier.
Ornn's gaze sharpened as he looked upward.
A shadow passed overhead.
In the next instant, a figure descended from the sky and landed on the deck with controlled force, causing the wooden planks beneath to creak.
Ornn observed him carefully.
The black attire, the large wings extending from his back, and the oppressive presence that surrounded him left little room for doubt.
There was no need to guess.
Standing before him was one of the Three Calamities of the Beasts Pirates.
"Flame Calamity" King.
The sea remained calm, but the situation had already changed completely.