"Why, you don't even believe me?"
Caelan raised an eyebrow and asked.
Judging from his usual reputation of succeeding at everything, he thought at least some of them would believe him.
"It's not that I don't believe you, it's just that what you said is too shocking," Robin replied softly, shaking her head. "The legendary Ope Ope no Mi that is said to grant immortality has always been just that, a legend. In the past eight hundred years, no one has ever heard of anyone achieving eternal life with it."
"Eternal life runs completely contrary to common sense. It would be strange if we accepted it so easily," Gion said helplessly.
Vivi, Nami, and the others nodded in agreement. Even those who had followed him the longest couldn't quite believe it.
"It's true that empty words are hard to trust, but you will soon see the results. All of you will become immortal Heroic Spirits, just like me."
Caelan didn't mind their doubts.
Skepticism was normal. He just needed to show them proof.
Since he had spoken, it meant he already had a plan.
He would transform them into Heroic Spirits, record their existence within Valhalla, and ensure that even if something happened, they would remain safe.
"Let us all become immortal Heroic Spirits?"
The women exclaimed in unison, staring at him in shock.
They could accept that Caelan himself had achieved immortality. After all, he was the strongest man standing at the top of the world, with countless impossible feats behind him.
But to extend that immortality to them—so many people at once—was something beyond imagination.
The Ope Ope no Mi's rumored "immortality operation" required the user to sacrifice their own life to grant another eternal youth.
The price of granting immortality to all of them would be unimaginable.
"The immortal body of a Heroic Spirit sounds nice. But I don't seek eternal life. If you want to give me something, let it be Berries instead."
Nami brushed her hair back with a sweet smile.
Even if his words were true, everything in this world came with a price.
Eternal life was indeed beautiful, something countless people pursued.
But at what cost?
She would never allow Caelan to pay such a price again.
"If possible, I'd rather trade the chance at immortality for more Poneglyphs," Robin added with a gentle, mature smile.
Since traveling with Caelan, she had already seen through his nature.
This was a man endlessly kind to his companions, yet merciless to his enemies.
So if he offered immortality, it was surely sincere. Still, like Nami, she didn't want him to pay a heavy price for it.
"Really? All of you are turning down immortality so casually?" Gion teased lightly, though her true attitude was clear.
She had once been tricked by Caelan, but now she was fully convinced. Their relationship was no longer one of distrust, but that of a couple.
"I don't care about living forever. I just want to stay with you for the rest of my life."
Hancock looked straight into Caelan's eyes, her affection undisguised.
This man had just promised her eternal life.
Didn't that mean he wanted to be with her forever?
That feeling alone was enough. Nothing else mattered.
"Just stay with me more, and listen to me sing."
Uta twirled her hair shyly.
"I've run into a lot of trouble with swordsmanship lately. I hope you can give me some guidance."
Tashigi held Shigure tightly, speaking with sincere resolve.
"Alabasta wants to join the Illuminati. I expect you to take this seriously, Caelan."
Vivi stood with her hands on her hips, giving a firm command.
One after another, Perona, Violet, Kalifa, and the others voiced their own requests. Yet not one of them asked for eternal life.
What countless others pursued desperately, they tossed aside.
What a wonderful group of women, Caelan thought.
With his skill [Discernment of the Poor], he could see through people's hearts and read their true intentions.
If he hadn't reincarnated, finding even one such person would have been worth treasuring forever.
But now, to gather all of them around him was the greatest blessing.
"I'm truly touched by your words," Caelan smiled. "But I want you all to live forever with me. And this costs me nothing."
His tone carried no room for doubt.
To transform them into Heroic Spirits required only magic power. And for someone with infinite reserves of it, that price was meaningless.
"Nami, you go first."
Caelan didn't wait for further discussion. He simply chose.
"Eh? Me?"
Nami pointed at herself in disbelief.
But before she could refuse, Caelan pulled her to his side.
There was no time for hesitation.
It was time to join the glorious evolution together.
(To be continued.)