The era of the Celestial Dragons' rule, after more than eight hundred years, has finally met its challengers. This time is known by later generations as the most brutal and chaotic period in history, where countless legendary heroes emerged, making their names resound across the seas.
Many events recorded in the history books of humans and various races were occurring all over the world at this time. The heroes who would become famous in the future were about to plunge into a massive war against the World Government.
In early Sea Calendar Year 1518, the year later generations would call the one that completely changed world history.
In the New World, within the secret laboratory of the Nicholas Pirates in Wano Country, the lights in the base were bright, and armed soldiers guarded each checkpoint. Anyone trying to enter had to pass numerous security checks and identity confirmations before reaching the deepest part of the base.
In the base's deepest part, where the ancient weapon Pluton was located, a few people stood in the ship's cabin. Among them was a man with a black cloak and a stern face, a long sword at his waist, and beside him stood a woman with cold, delicate features and violet, gem-like eyes. These two were Nicholas, the captain of the Nicholas Pirates and the man deemed by the World Government as the most dangerous criminal in history, and his wife, June, who also headed the intelligence agency of the Nicholas Pirates.
In front of them stood three men: the scientist Vegapunk, Queen, the former second-in-command of the Beast Pirates, and Judge, the Supreme Commander of Germa 66.
These individuals had gathered today to wait for Vegapunk to decode the system of Pluton.
Vegapunk sat in the captain's seat of Pluton's control room, resting his chin on his hand as if deep in thought. The computer screen in front of him flickered, almost as if it had malfunctioned.
Since Nicholas hadn't spoken, neither Queen nor Judge dared to interrupt Vegapunk's contemplation.
Finally, Vegapunk snapped out of his thoughts, but no one asked any questions. With a genius like Vegapunk, it was best to just watch him work. When he wanted to explain, he would; otherwise, asking would be pointless since they wouldn't understand anyway.
Vegapunk's eyes focused on the flashing screen, and then his fingers began typing rapidly on the keyboard. A stream of complex characters that no one else could comprehend filled the screen at an incredible speed.
Vegapunk concentrated intensely as he operated, though the others couldn't make sense of the characters. Even Judge and Queen, who were quite knowledgeable in science and had spent some time with Vegapunk, were completely baffled.
But Nicholas was shocked. Even though he didn't understand the characters, it was clear that Vegapunk was in the process of decrypting Pluton's system.
"Although this system is very sophisticated, it seems there is a slight flaw in its design, making it not too difficult to decode. If it were running on an artificial intelligence, it would have been nearly impossible for us to hack," Vegapunk remarked, somewhat astonished. "It's unimaginable that someone mastered this level of technology eight hundred years ago."
Vegapunk's colleagues in the room were taken aback. Judge, who knew Vegapunk's disdain for the power of Devil Fruits, asked in surprise, "Vegapunk, did you eat a Devil Fruit?"
"What's so shocking about that? As the times advance and technology evolves, so must people. If a Devil Fruit can aid my research, why shouldn't I eat one?" Vegapunk replied with a chuckle, his eyes flashing with data.
"No need to worry. It will take some time to fully decode Pluton's system, as it's not of this world, but fortunately, I've encountered similar technology before."
Judge was stunned by Vegapunk's words. "Not of this world? What do you mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like," Nicholas answered before Vegapunk could. "This world isn't the only one with life."
"Indeed, in the vastness of the stars, there are countless intelligent species. Some can travel between planets, while others are still confined to their homeworld. While your intelligence is among the highest on this planet, compared to those who can travel between worlds, you're like children," Vegapunk explained.
Meanwhile, in the Pangaea Castle, within the Room of Authority, the Five Elders sat with stern expressions.
"Still no sign of Vegapunk?" one asked coldly.
"No, it's as if he vanished into thin air."
"We should have kept a stricter watch on him after he repaired that Celestial Dragon treasure."
"Wasn't it a joint decision back then? His technology is crucial, even for us. And that important figure has always kept an eye on him."
"But the priority now is to find and eliminate Vegapunk. He's too dangerous!"
"By the way, it seems the Nefertari family of Alabasta is becoming restless," one of the Five Elders with a scarred head mentioned.
"No matter. We've confirmed over the years that they don't have Pluton. If they did, Cobra would've used it when Crocodile nearly destroyed their country," replied the blond Elder coldly.
"Nevertheless, to be safe, instruct the CP agents in Alabasta to eliminate the Nefertari family," said the tall, thin Elder with a long mustache.
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
Back in the lab, Vegapunk suddenly exclaimed, "It's done!"