The Felynes summoned from the map, weapon, and monster card pools didn't count—but if a Felyne was summoned from the Devil Fruit card pool, it should be the one most suited to eat that specific Fruit.
However, before that, Sherwin had to consider the opinions of the Felynes he was closest to, like Huamei Meow and Sanji Meow.
So even though he guessed that the Logia-type Fruits would probably appear as full cards—just like when he summoned Klee Meow—he still held back and didn't take out the Hunter Manual.
Even so, Sherwin reminded the others once again:
"If nothing unexpected happens, when we find another Logia Fruit in the future, it'll probably come with a full summoning card. When that time comes, are you all still planning to give it up to someone else?"
Huamei Meow hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Since the new companion will be the one most suited for those Logia Fruits, we should let them have it, meow.
Besides, aren't there those so-called pseudo-Logia Paramecia Fruits too? We can just find a few of those later, meow."
"I have no objections, meow."
"Hmph~ Once Purah Meow and I finish studying the bloodline Factor, we'll be able to get whatever power we want, meow! Who needs those Logia Fruits anyway, meow!"
"Sherwin, hurry up and summon our new partner already! I've been looking forward to this moment for so long, meow~ Check it!"
(ゝω)~☆
Seeing that none of the Felynes who wanted to eat the Devil Fruits had changed their minds, Sherwin finally picked up the Lightning-type summoning card and silently chanted in his heart—
Felyne, Summon!
Crackle!
The card in his hand immediately burst into dazzling arcs of lightning, as if struggling to break free.
Startled, Sherwin quickly let go. The card—now completely engulfed in electric light—shot up toward the sky and vanished in the blink of an eye.
Moments later, thunder rumbled above their heads. Then, with a blinding flash, a bolt of lightning struck straight down—landing on the cloud before Sherwin.
As the lightning faded, a curled-up Felyne appeared before everyone eyes. Beside it lay a shoulder-mounted keyboard, perfectly sized for a Felyne to use.
Although Sherwin had only ever seen guitar-shaped Hunting Horns—and Felyne weapons usually appeared as string instruments—those details were just trivial.
The Felyne before him was most likely a percussion type, and clearly one skilled in music.
However…
A musically talented Felyne summoned from the Rumble-Rumble Fruit… shouldn't its instrument be a drum?
A musician associated with thunder and lightning—who could that be?
With that question in mind, Sherwin took a few steps forward to take a closer look.
It was a long-haired Felyne, its fur a mix of reddish-brown and white.
There weren't any distinct features visible at first glance, and since it was curled up tightly with its paws covering its head, Sherwin couldn't even determine its breed.
From the pink outfit, though, it was clearly a female Felyne.
"Are you alright?"
Recalling the time when Haibara Meow had appeared in a similar state, Sherwin spoke softly as he gently patted the newly summoned Felyne.
The little one only hugged herself tighter, letting out a pitiful "mew… mew…" sound that tugged at his heart.
Sensing with Observation Haki, Sherwin found her aura weak but stable—no visible injuries or abnormalities—so he carefully lifted her into his arms and softly called again, "Wake up, it okay now. You're safe here."
"Mew…"
The small cat in his arms let out another soft whimper, wriggled a little, and finally loosened her paws from around her head.
Still dazed from her awakening, she blinked her big round eyes blankly at Sherwin, as if she hadn't quite figured out what was happening.
Sherwin took the chance to examine her closely—
From appearance alone, she did resemble Klee Meow a bit, though clearly an adult cat.
Her fur was longer than that of the little ragdoll Felyne, especially around the neck and cheeks—if Klee Meow looked like she was wearing a scarf, then this Felyne seemed to have on a small bib instead.
The fur inside her ears was also thicker than Klee Meow.
Additionally, the striped pattern on her coat was one a ragdoll cat could never have..
Norwegian Forest Cat?
Based on what he knew about cat breeds, Sherwin quickly identified it.
Unfortunately, that still didn't help him figure out who this Felyne original form was modeled after.
So he shifted his gaze to the cat clothing—
And in that instant, he recognized her.
A pink, wide-collared short jacket paired with a matching mini skirt, underneath a dark blouse with a deliberate cut at the chest.
Sherwin knew this outfit all too well.
The keyboardist of the band C.Y.S., one of the Eight Heads of the Orochi Clan, one of the Four Heavenly Kings,
and the most voluptuous female fighter in The King of Fighters—officially crowned KOF No.1 Beauty, the "Frenzied Lightning" herself—Shermie.
According to KOF lore, Shermie wasn't just a band member but also a fashion designer, and this very outfit—modest yet irresistibly alluring—was her own creation.
Now that it adorned a Felyne… it somehow remained just as seductive.
The best proof of that wasn't only Sanji Meow, whose eyes had already glazed over and whose drool was practically dripping, but also Seijuro Meow and Link Meow, who were both sneaking glances her way.
"H-Hunter…?" Shermie finally came to her senses after spacing out for a while, still dazed and mumbling,
"Didn't… didn't I get eaten by the Thunder Serpent, meow?"
No wonder she had looked like that upon arrival.
Sherwin instantly understood. He gently patted her back to comfort her while softly explaining,
"Don't worry. There no Thunder Serpent here. This is a completely different world…"
After briefly and clearly explaining how she'd been summoned, Sherwin didn't rush to introduce her to the new world or the members of the Research Commission.
Instead, he continued patting her back and advised gently, "Anyway, you're safe now. I'll explain everything in detail later—right now, you should rest and take it easy."
"You're such a gentle Hunter~ My name is Shermie, a support-type Felyne who loves music. Please take good care of me from now on, meow~"
After hearing Sherwin explanation, Shermie clearly relaxed. She introduced herself with a playful wink, then stuck out her tongue to lick his chin softly before purring, "You'll always be this gentle with me, right, meow?"
"Of course," Sherwin replied firmly, scratching her under the chin.
"Heehee~"
(=ω=)
Shermie closed her eyes in satisfaction, rubbing her head against Sherwin chest before shifting into a more comfortable position.
A low, rhythmic purr rumbled from her throat as if she'd truly fallen asleep.
Sherwin blinked, raised a finger to his lips, and gestured for silence to everyone around.
Then he bent down to pick up the shoulder keyboard, holding it securely while carrying Shermie toward the Dodo Advance, intending to let her rest in the cabin.
But he hadn't taken more than two steps when Shermie opened her eyes again.
She lifted herself by grabbing Sherwin collar, leaned close, and brushed her damp little nose against his cheek.
"I'm all rested up, meow~"
