In the Scientific Force Base Underground, Rowen stared at Vegapunk in bewilderment.
The grand concept of a "Dragonforged Soul" had been transformed into a scientific achievement?!
Then what about the Dragonforged Sword?!
"Legends aren't necessarily false, but they're far from guaranteed truths… You have to approach them with known methods, exhausting all possibilities, before you can put even a small amount of trust in them."
"After all, when you eliminate all impossibilities, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth."
Ignoring the frustration on Rowen's face, Vegapunk explained to himself.
"For example, the Dragonforged Sword, Thunder Cloud…"
"I don't know why it was broken by its previous wielder, but its ability to produce the roar of a Dragon cannot be fabricated… It seems the legendary Smiths on Iron Island didn't notice this. They simply reforged it as a regular weapon, preserving its sharpness but losing this inherent ability."
"This time, when Thunder Cloud was broken, I discovered its secrets. When the patterns align seamlessly, it produces an effect that I cannot explain. But the good news is… through these patterns, I've found the secret of why Thunder Cloud won't melt under the heat of lightning."
Vegapunk handed the small box to Rowen and said, "Try it with your electric current… Oh, but don't use maximum power. It can't handle high voltages."
Rowen held the box in a daze and released his electric current as instructed.
As expected!
With the influx of current, that familiar Dragon's roar resounded once more. He could feel his lightning coursing through the metal inside the box, sketching out patterns similar to those on the Thunder Cloud's blade.
A familiar invisible barrier suddenly rose, blocking the high temperature generated by the current, preventing it from harming the box in the slightest.
Rowen slightly increased the current, and the barrier instantly disintegrated, while the metal casing began to heat up and melt.
Zi Zi…
Quickly stopping the release, Rowen held the metal box, now toasted to bright orange, and exclaimed, "No mistake, this is the Thunder Cloud Sword!"
He had experienced this sensation countless times before, identical to every time he wielded the Thunder Cloud Sword!
"So, something verifiable from the legends has been confirmed…"
Vegapunk cautiously reached out, feeling the high temperature emanating from the box. He turned and put on a pair of special gloves before accepting it.
"First, the Dragonforged Sword is indeed related to Dragons, but contrary to various legendary versions, it's only because its forger either intentionally or unintentionally left these patterns."
"Second, the truth behind why Thunder Cloud Sword won't be destroyed by thunder lies in these patterns. As long as it doesn't exceed its limits, the current won't generate enough heat to melt the sword."
"Third, the origin of the Thunder Gemstone is unknown, but it absorbs currents that exceed its capacity, preventing overload. This complements the second point."
"With these three points, replicating a weapon is only a matter of time…"
"Now, tell me, Vice Admiral Rowen, what kind of weapon do you want!"
Vegapunk sat on the experimental platform, crossing his legs, resting his left hand on his knee, and spreading his right hand out. His eyes held a smiling yet confident look.
That compelling aura was called the Study Tyrant's halo!!
Rowen stared in shock at the slender middle-aged man sitting even though the experimental platform was over a meter high, and even with his wild, exploded hair, he only reached Rowen's chest.
In front of him, for a brief moment, Rowen realized just how small he was!
…
Stepping out of the Scientific Force building, Rowen felt a bit lightheaded from the sun. But soon, he burst into laughter, clenching his fists.
"New Weapon, huh!"
"I'm looking forward to it!"
He wasn't just a pure swordsman, nor a martial artist like Garp who trusted only in his fists. For Rowen, a weapon equaled strength, and strength knew no bounds.
After Thunder Cloud Sword broke, Rowen even prepared for the possibility that the situation couldn't be salvaged, and he would have to follow the path of fists and kicks like Aokiji and others.
It was all the same to him, just different methods. But having a weapon and not having one were two extremes in terms of convenience. Vegapunk's timely help, telling him that forging a new weapon was only a matter of time…
What more was there to say?
He immediately told Vegapunk what kind of weapon he wanted, and then he was promptly kicked out.
The secrets of Thunder Cloud Sword had been thoroughly researched, but the mystery of the enigmatic patterns was just beginning. Plus, wanting to forge a weapon as formidable as a Saijō Ō Wazamono was equally complex in terms of materials and the forging process…
If it weren't for giving face to the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars), Vegapunk would currently be in Mary Geoise, researching Lineage Factor. Why would he stay in Marine Headquarters?
"New Weapon manufacturing will take three months to complete. The Scientific Forging Method? What on earth is that?!"
Standing in the sunlight, Rowen suddenly realized he had some free time.
But he only lazed around for a little over ten minutes. Then, he raised an eyebrow, thinking about what he needed to do next.
…
Marine Headquarters, Fortress Thirteenth Floor.
This was a solemn and dignified floor within the fortress. The Vice Admirals who held independent positions in Marineford's Headquarters were stationed here, making it the true heart of the fortress.
Despite the tight security, this place was usually the quietest part of the sprawling fortress, second only to the Underground Warehouse Area!
At quitting time, it was even quieter than the warehouse area. After all, there was always someone on duty there, while here, not even a ghost could be seen!
To be honest, Rowen had always thought that the system of deputy aides for Marine leaders was born out of this situation.
Being a Third Grade officer, they not only had partial authority, but they could also handle important documents on behalf of their superiors. With a deputy aide, the superior only needed to nod or shake their head, making everything easy and comfortable.
Fortunately, the person he was looking for was one of the few reliable Vice Admirals in the Marine Headquarters. At this time, they were bound to be handling official affairs in their office.
As he approached the gate, just as the guards were about to salute, a voice filled with anger suddenly came from inside.
"The Ficks Pirates? Excellent! Contact Rear Admiral Fransis to block them at Whiskey Peak!"
"…Whether they're Pirate Hunters or not, if they have any objections, we'll go to war! Does Marine have to consider a group of bounty hounds?!"
"If you can't complete the mission, don't bother coming back. I don't have a subordinate as useless as you!"
After finishing her words, the receiver was slammed down with a heavy "bang." Just by imagining it, one could see the pained expression on the face of the Den Den Mushi.
Admiral Candidate Momousagi, no matter how friendly and elegant she appeared on ordinary days, once angered, she became a woman who could be called "Master Momo"!
In fact, it seemed that female officers related to Tsuru were all like this. Their violent tendencies weren't apparent in their usual demeanor, but once they were provoked, even Sengoku had to give them a wide berth.
Hah, women!
Rowen gestured to the guard with his eyes to stay quiet… then decisively turned and walked towards Chaton's office.
Better not provoke her!
However, at this moment, a timid voice spoke up.
"Rowen-San, are you here to see Elder Sister Momousagi?"
Kā Chā!
Rowen stiffened, then awkwardly turned his head. He looked at the small girl, who opened a slit in the door, a playful smile on her lips, and clenched his fist.
"Hehe, yes! Dora, what are you doing here?"
The little girl was none other than the former Baroque Works member, Miss Goldenweek. However, after being adopted by Tsuru, she had a new name, Dora.
Dora, a wicked and devilish little girl!
"I'm here to bring lunch to Elder Sister Momousagi. Grandma Tsuru said Elder Sister hasn't eaten anything today!"
Dora's face displayed a triumphant smile of revenge. She briskly opened the door, revealing a large beautiful woman behind the office desk. She had her left wrist resting on the hilt of her sword, her right hand supporting her chin, her face still showing traces of anger— Momousagi.
"Oh, it's Rowen!"
"What's the matter? Are you itching for a fight already? This is a good time for me!"
With that, Momousagi, tall and standing at nearly 1.8 meters, got up, rubbing her wrist.
"I've been bothered by pirates recently, so this is a good opportunity for some action!"
Rowen: "…"
Dora, you wait for me!!
(End of this chapter)
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