"Before setting sail, Sengoku mentioned you, but I didn't expect us to meet so soon," Zephyr said, looking at Nicholas.
His unique voice momentarily made Nicholas feel nostalgic, as if he were back to watching Naruto.
Seeing Nicholas somewhat lost in thought, Zephyr didn't make any rash moves, but his eyes remained cautious.
He knew very well that if Nicholas intended to do anything to their team, it would be more troublesome than dealing with that guy who looked like Whitebeard but called himself the second coming of Golden Lion.
Nicholas, once a division captain of the Rocks Pirates, had fought nearly all the top-tier powerhouses on the sea, holding his own or even gaining the upper hand, and had attacked the Holy Land Mariejois multiple times... Such a man was extremely dangerous.
However, his actions had always been strange and unpredictable.
Unlike typical pirates who fought for territory or pursued their ambitions, this guy seemed to have his own goals.
While Zephyr was deep in thought, Nicholas spoke.
"It seems Sengoku has finally made a decision. I didn't expect it to be you; I thought it would be Garp."
Hearing Nicholas's words, Zephyr's forehead broke out in black lines. If Garp betrayed the navy, the world would be in an uproar.
A public defection by the Navy Hero would signal the end of the World Government. The World Government would go crazy.
Moreover, with Garp's big mouth, he wouldn't last a few days at sea before the Five Elders summoned Sengoku for a talk in Mariejois.
"As far as I know, you seem to have been very interested in the navy's movements?"
Zephyr asked in a deep voice.
"I'm just trying to gather some strength," Nicholas replied calmly.
"Gather strength?" Zephyr was stunned, then quickly understood. His expression changed as he seemed to grasp something.
His frown deepened. He couldn't understand what kind of power the World Government had that made Nicholas seek to gather all the strength he could—Roger, Whitebeard, the Revolutionary Army, the navy, and other forces.
As a former admiral, he had seen the true master of the Celestial Dragons in Mariejois. He admitted that the master was strong, so strong that he doubted he could oppose them. However, if Nicholas gathered so many powerful individuals, it might be worth a try.
"Don't underestimate the one who has been lurking in Mariejois," Nicholas continued, making Zephyr's face change.
"That being's power is continuously recovering. Imagine what it would mean if such a terrifying being could freely roam the seas in a decade or two."
Although Nicholas didn't believe in destiny, it was clear that when Luffy and the Nika Fruit reached Joy Boy's level, Imu's power might also fully recover, no longer confined to Pangaea Castle.
After saying this, Nicholas's figure began to float off the deck, preparing to leave. After all, Judge in the North Sea was still waiting for his support.
"So put aside your 'no-kill' idea. When the seas truly become turbulent, those scum you disregard could easily bring ruin to countless families..."
Leaving this remark, Nicholas soared into the sky, disappearing in an instant.
Watching Nicholas leave, Zephyr frowned and fell into deep thought.
...
Inside a high-security research facility of the Navy Science Unit.
This was a fully equipped laboratory, specially prepared by the World Government for Vegapunk. Whatever Vegapunk needed, the World Government would find a way to get it.
At this moment, Vegapunk was looking with great interest at a peculiar Devil Fruit in front of him.
"It's truly an incredible creation. I never thought Nicholas would understand this fruit so well. If he were to get hold of it, this world would probably be close to destruction. Ancient weapons? Compared to what's in that guy's mind, they're just children's toys. But now is not the time to consume it."
As he spoke, Vegapunk pressed a button, and with the sound of machinery, the specially preserved Devil Fruit slowly descended into the floor of the laboratory.
For Vegapunk, he had another special research project proposed by Nicholas.
This project was about the theoretical feasibility and practical possibility of studying alien forms.
This project had received special support from the World Government. If this research on the mysteries of the human body and Devil Fruits could make a breakthrough, it would significantly enhance the World Government's power in a short time.
To support Vegapunk's research, his material room was stocked with over fifty Devil Fruits.
If Vegapunk's research on Xenomorphs succeeded, it would break the rule that one person cannot consume two Devil Fruits, making the idea of dual-fruit users a reality. If paired well, even two not-so-strong Devil Fruits could instantly rival top-tier Devil Fruits.
In the laboratory, Vegapunk, wearing a lab coat, hummed a tune as he busied himself with various precision instruments. Making breakthroughs in research always delighted him, but it would be even better if he didn't have to be constrained by the World Government.
He wondered how things were in Karakuri now. However, with the things he left behind, everyone should be living well.
While Vegapunk was immersed in his scientific world, Caesar was pacing incessantly in his own laboratory. It felt like a million ants were crawling all over him.
"Ah! I can't take it anymore!" Caesar raised his hands, looking frantic. In the past, he could easily find out Vegapunk's research topics, but this time, it was as if Vegapunk had cast some spell on the World Government. Not only could he not find out Vegapunk's research topics, but he also couldn't even enter Vegapunk's research area.
This drove Caesar, who always wanted to surpass Vegapunk and prove himself, completely insane.
But—
"Is going crazy any use?" Caesar collapsed powerlessly onto the lab bench, covering his face as he wept.
…
On Cake Island, a large table filled with rich dishes was quickly devoured by the Charlotte family.
After dinner, Katakuri, completely unconcerned about digestion issues, immediately threw himself into high-intensity training.
Ever since returning from G1, this had become his daily routine. Clearly, the war at Mariejois had severely shaken Katakuri.
Once again, he clearly realized his own weakness and the terrifying power of the strong in the New World.
Not enough, not enough…
A voice echoed in his mind every time he trained to his limit.
Although Big Mom, now her true self, still had terrifying power, she couldn't fully unleash it anymore. So, Katakuri continuously pushed his limits, wanting to have enough strength to protect his family.
"Brother Katakuri."
A figure hid in the distance, watching Katakuri train hard, whispering softly.