In the end, Adam did get milk.
The source wasn't Stussy, but Atlas's snack stash.
To this, Stussy herself felt both relieved and a bit disappointed.
On one hand, she was glad she didn't need to breastfeed personally… something she honestly had no experience with.
On the other hand, she felt a sense of loss that she lacked that ability.
Of course, these complex emotions were all set aside upon seeing Adam's cute appearance as he quietly drank his milk.
At the moment, nothing could command Stussy's attention more than Adam.
Nearby, Dr. Vegapunk was still rubbing his forehead, muttering in disbelief.
"This shouldn't be..."
"Adam has fused with Mother Flame. In theory, he should possess limitless energy within his body. How could he get hungry from not eating?"
'Typical researcher mindset.' Stussy didn't comment, continuing to feed Adam.
Adam's appetite wasn't as terrifying as one might imagine… he was full quite quickly.
Then, his eyelids grew heavy, soon closing again as even breathing resumed.
Seeing this, everyone lowered their voices.
"But... Stussy, do you know how to change a baby's diaper?"
Lilith suddenly thought of something, asking a question that made Stussy somewhat embarrassed.
How to take care of a child?
She's asked the right person.
Stussy was knowledgeable about the world, well-versed in both literature and martial arts, understood human hearts—
But just didn't know how to take care of a baby.
This was a lack of experience, unrelated to personal ability.
Seeing Stussy hesitate to speak, Lilith already knew the answer.
"In that case..."
Saying so, she pulled out a thick stack of books from who-knows-where.
Everyone's gaze focused on them.
[A Babysitting Guide Even a Monkey Could Follow], [Teach You to Change a Diaper in 30 Seconds]...
Their expressions shifted from surprise to confusion, then the focus moved from the books to Lilith's face.
'Why do you have books like these?'
Although unspoken, the question was written on everyone's faces.
"Don't get the wrong idea! This old man 'confiscated' these from intruder ships."
"Oh... huh?"
Everyone nodded first, then looked up again.
That didn't add up either.
"Ah, don't worry about the details. Hurry up and see if these books are helpful."
Stussy held the child with one hand, flipped through a few pages of a book with the other, then covered her mouth with a light chuckle.
"Thank you, Lilith. These are very helpful."
This wasn't entirely out of politeness.
Though it was unclear why the intruders carried such books, the content was indeed concise and to the point, even with illustrated explanations.
It was genuinely helpful for Stussy.
"Ehehe..."
Hearing Stussy's thanks, Lilith scratched her head, showing a shy smile.
The other Vegapunk clones exchanged glances.
"There's still some time before midnight. Let's take this chance to move the baby supplies from the ship to the submarine first."
Thus, a lively 'moving' process began here.
...
Amazon Lily.
"I say... Hancock..."
Looking at Hancock, who seemed intent on emptying the warehouse for him, Naruto's mouth twitched unconsciously.
"I'm just going out to bring someone back. I probably don't need this much stuff..."
Saying so, he picked up a toy for a child, shaking it somewhat puzzledly.
Upon learning Naruto had the ability to store items in special scrolls, Hancock launched a massive preparation campaign.
The Great Hero's question only earned him a dismissive glance.
Hancock didn't even look up, continuing to direct the attendants to bring things over.
"These aren't for you."
"You know why Stussy went out this time."
"You said it yourself… she likely went to that Dr. Vegapunk to create her own child. Then these things will be needed sooner or later."
It could be said that enemies know each other best.
As a rival in love, Hancock could keenly sense Stussy's anxiety about something.
This anxiety peaked after she confirmed her own pregnancy.
Stussy thought Hancock didn't know about her little gestures and small purchases.
But she was the Empress of Kuja. How could the happenings here escape her notice?
Those merchant ships from the New World delivering goods to Stussy… she turned a blind eye to them.
Plus, her own considerable Observation Haki.
Honestly, if it weren't for that night... when she expended too much energy and accidentally fell asleep, Stussy wouldn't have been able to leave without saying goodbye.
Thinking about a certain night's events, Hancock's face inexplicably reddened again, then she punched Naruto, who was still studying the toy, in the face.
"Huh? Wh-why hit me?"
Standing up while holding his face, Naruto was utterly innocent, but he didn't dare talk back.
The pregnant lady was in charge now… he'd just take it.
After a noisy commotion, under the somewhat incredulous gazes of Hancock and the two princesses, Naruto stored the mountain of items into the sealing scrolls on his skin.
"Truly amazing..."
Sandersonia voiced the thoughts of the other two, while Konohamaru was already used to it.
"Alright, I'm ready to set off."
Saying so, Naruto prepared to leap into the air.
But before he could jump, Hancock directly pulled him over, kissing his lips quite domineeringly.
"YOHU—"
"Wow!"
This elicited different exclamations from the three onlookers.
After a deep kiss, Hancock, still holding Naruto's collar in a 'commanding' tone, instructed,
"You must safely bring Stussy back... and that possibly existing child."
"I thought you would..."
"What did you think? If I'm going to defeat her, it has to be fair and square!"
'Truly an empress… even competing for a man, she didn't want to take advantage.'
Naruto smiled and nodded, then heard Hancock add softly,
"You come back early too. She and I are both waiting for you."
Saying so, she gently placed Naruto's hand on her abdomen.
"I will."
Naruto smiled, kissing Hancock's forehead, then looked at the three around them who were grinning so wide their gums showed.
"Until I return, I'm counting on you here."
"Don't worry, Naruto-nii!"
"We'll take care of Nee-san!"
"Leave it to me, Naruto Aniki!"
Konohamaru patted his chest. Inside his clothes, there was a notebook recording Sage Mode training methods, given to him by Naruto for 'preview'.
Though he only partially understood it now, Konohamaru was confident he could master it.
He was a once-in-ten-thousand-years genius Ninja!
Naruto took one last look at them, then lifted off the ground, reaching a hundred meters in the air in the blink of an eye.
"Now then..."
His skin gradually changed color, and pointed horns grew on both sides of his head.
This was Naruto preparing to enter his full-power state.
The next moment, those on the ground saw a mushroom-shaped sonic boom appear in the sky. Then Naruto, smaller than an ant, transformed into a streak of light, swiftly streaking across the horizon.