"Doctor, may I take a stroll around here?"
After completing their measurements, Machima and the others returned to the Black Order. Strictly speaking, Pandora Island is an institution directly affiliated with the World Government, but it's simply closer to the Black Order.
An was supposed to return to Navy Headquarters, but after receiving Roger's message, she decided to see if she could uncover any clues on Pandora Island.
"Hmm... Well, Marshal Machima used to oversee Pandora Island, but it should be fine for you to have a look around, as long as you avoid the specially marked areas," Vegapunk replied after some consideration.
"Okay, I'll just take a leisurely walk."
An agreed. Though she was curious about Pandora Island, her rank didn't warrant snooping around. As a regular soldier, she could see everything through proper channels sooner or later if she followed the rules. There was no need to risk sneaking around like a pirate.
That's what pirates do, but Wuming could sneak Roger onto Pandora Island. However, the island's guards were formidable, and it was too close to the Black Order. If caught, it would spell trouble.
Nameless teleportation did make things easier, but An doubted Machima didn't have countermeasures. After all, such abilities seemed common among demons. If demon hunters didn't have countermeasures, their mobility would be severely hampered in confrontations.
With that in mind, she bid farewell to Vegapunk and set out to casually wander Pandora Island.
While Rayleigh had only briefly perused some books there, including the Dead Sea Document, it suggested that Machima didn't attach much significance to it.
However, there were several possibilities.
Machima might have initially ignored the Dead Sea Documents but later decided to implement its plan.
Or, she might have deliberately allowed Rayleigh to glimpse the Dead Sea Documents as part of her scheme.
Regardless, An needed to investigate first.
Pandora Island was a facility harnessing a vast amount of the World Government's scientific research power. Apart from research on demons, it delved into other areas like mechanical skeletons, robots, and enhanced individuals.
However, these weren't her main focus. She sought places where books were stored. Rayleigh had been held in a secret room, so she aimed for areas where people were detained.
Indeed, such an area existed on Pandora Island, marked dark red on the map, signifying high danger. Yet, it wasn't strictly off-limits like the central Pandora Room.
She wasn't afraid of danger, especially now with her enhanced Shadow Kiri. She felt there weren't many who could pose a threat to her in the world.
Had she returned to Wano now, facing the likes of Kozuki Oden and Toguru wouldn't have seemed as daunting.
Approaching the detention area, she encountered two guards, distinguishable as Black Order personnel by their black coats.
"It's very dangerous here. No unauthorized entry," one guard warned.
"I'm an admiral. The danger you speak of is for you, not me," An replied with a soft smile.
"Admiral?" The guard was puzzled but lowered his hand, albeit with caution. "This is a core area of Pandora Island. You need approval from the Marshal or the Five Old Stars to enter."
An frowned. Entering such a prison-like place was more troublesome than expected.
As expected, treatment for generals and admirals was inferior to that for marshals. Only at the marshal level could one access many of the World Government's secrets.
She didn't press the matter, merely testing the waters. Finding it would be delightful, but if she didn't...
No matter.
Just as she was about to leave, a violent roar emanated from inside!
Roar!
The laboratory seemed to shake violently, and one of the guards exclaimed, "Oh no, he's trying to escape again!"
"It's fine, it'll be over in two minutes," the other guard reassured, seemingly unperturbed by the incident.
An sensed a powerful Haki from the roar, surprising her. How could such a powerful person be imprisoned here?
Who was it?
Had the Black Order captured someone else?
Unaware of Barrett's existence, An considered the captive a demon due to being guarded by Black Order personnel.
Machima breeding a powerful demon on Pandora?
Retreating, An felt a somber atmosphere engulf Pandora Island. It no longer seemed inhabited by humans but rather...
A Devil's Island.
She contemplated visiting the central Pandora Room but ultimately decided to leave Pandora Island.
Opportunities would arise in the future. As long as she remained a navy admiral, she'd have chances to return.
So, she headed back to Navy Headquarters.
Though the world appeared calm on the surface, dark currents churned beneath.
In the blink of an eye, another year passed.
During this time, An dutifully served as an admiral.
Roger, after learning of his curse, intensified his search for historical texts, preparing for the Final Island. The Dead Sea Document seemed forgotten.
In Wano, after over a year, Kozuki Oden's transformation continued.
Enhanced by the Super Soldier Serum, the darkness within him intensified. Now...
It was time for the next stage.