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The island where Vegapunk was currently located was called Kinete Island. It was a relatively small island, barely more than a speck on the map.
Because it served as the research facility for the World Government's chief scientist, its importance couldn't be overstated. A number of Navy warships patrolled the island's perimeter, ready to handle any potential threats.
Upon receiving orders from the Gorosei, the officers aboard these ships respectfully waved their arms, signaling the Endless Dream to pass.
To the average Navy officer, the name of the Shichibukai was as fearsome as that of the Four Emperors. Moreover, with direct orders from the Gorosei, there was no room for negligence.
The Endless Dream sailed unimpeded and docked slowly at Kinete Island's sole port. Waiting there were CP agents tasked with receiving them.
Even though the agents were dressed in white suits and masks, Zyhark immediately recognized the perfectly shaped figures of the two agents as the ones who had delivered the Sea Prism Stone handcuffs to him at Mary Geoise.
"Mr. Zyhark, Lord Saturn and Dr. Vegapunk have been expecting you. Please follow us."
The two female agents also recognized Zyhark, a flicker of surprise flashing in their otherwise cold eyes. Having witnessed firsthand how arrogant and brash the man before them could be, their nerves tightened, their attention fully fixed on him. They barely registered Meowth standing beside him.
It wasn't a question of their professionalism; the impact of Zyhark's presence on them was just too overwhelming.
Zyhark nodded slightly, following the two agents into the unfamiliar island that had never appeared in the original story.
The outer area resembled much of the New World's terrain, covered in dense jungle vegetation. Occasionally, half-mechanical, half-flesh monstrous beasts emerged, baring their teeth from the shadows.
Even if ordinary pirates managed to evade detection by the warships, navigating this natural barrier without a guide would be nearly impossible.
After passing through the dense forest, they arrived at a small research facility in the island's center, covering only about a thousand square meters. The setup bore a striking resemblance to Caesar's SAD Laboratory on Punk Hazard.
After all, both Caesar and Vegapunk had been members of the top scientific organization "MADS," so they shared many technological methods.
Of course, this small research facility couldn't compare to the soon-to-be-constructed "Elbaf," a future island of technology that the Gorosei had only just begun planning.
The CP agents entered a passcode, and the heavy, solid steel door slowly creaked open.
Before them lay an array of high-tech equipment and machines, with researchers in lab coats bustling about, conducting various experiments in an orderly manner.
As a fellow scientist, Meowth curiously examined the surroundings. His impression of the One Piece world had been of an era relying on sailing ships, and seeing such a sophisticated research environment sparked his interest.
"Who would've thought a place like this existed in this world? The technological disparity is quite remarkable, meow!" Meowth remarked softly.
In contrast, Zyhark remained calm, using his Kenbunshoku Haki to subtly probe the research facility. Soon, he had a detailed understanding of the place.
There were workstations dedicated to gigantification research, cyborg technology, and Sea Prism Stone processing, among other things.
Hm?
As he attempted to expand his exploration, he found his probing waves blocked from accessing the deeper underground levels of the facility.
Specially shielded against electronic signals? Or was there some other anti-detection technology in place?
Zyhark mused, raising an eyebrow.
It was obvious that the underground levels housed Vegapunk's classified projects.
As for what those might entail, the likely suspects were the Lineage Factor and the Holy Mother Flame, both of which were devastating weapons!
This was likely why Saturn felt confident in choosing this location for their meeting. Ordinary secrets held no value before the cutting-edge technology of the Endless Dream.
But the critical projects wouldn't be easily exposed!
"Wait a minute, is that... the Endless Dream?!"
Meowth's exclamation pulled Zyhark from his thoughts.
Glancing through a transparent partition, they saw a group of researchers gathered around a model warship. The unique design and familiar structural features unmistakably mirrored those of the Endless Dream.
Judging by the time, it had been nearly a month since Saturn had obtained the plans for the Endless Dream.
With the blueprints and the reports on Tom's modifications, it wouldn't be particularly difficult for Vegapunk, as a top-tier scientist, to recreate the Endless Dream in its entirety.
In fact, Tom's shipyard might already be underway, building brand-new naval warships under the pressure and temptation of the World Government.
Given the epoch-making nature of such a ship, there was no way someone like Saturn, the technocratic war god, would let this opportunity slip by!
Imagining the sight of dozens of massive warships descending from the sky was impressive, even for Zyhark, who was on the opposing side. It would be even more crucial for the World Government to solidify its dominant position!
However, despite foreseeing this possibility, Zyhark remained unfazed.
Given budget constraints, any new warships Saturn managed to replicate would likely lack the full Adam Wood construction of the Endless Dream, reducing their durability and adaptability in harsh environments.
Moreover, they had the enormous advantage of infinite energy!
Sustaining such a sea-air-land capable vessel would hinge on the energy supply. You couldn't just haul crates of cola into the engine room!
The energy issue was a dream that even Vegapunk had struggled with his entire life.
Therefore, even if the World Government could build new warships at this stage, they would only be youthful versions of the Endless Dream, and there was no immediate need to worry about this particular threat.
"Mr. Zyhark, and... um, talking pet cat, please follow us."
The CP agent gestured respectfully towards the end of the hallway, where the reception room awaited. As guides, they didn't have the authority to enter and would wait outside.
Zyhark nodded slightly, stepping forward.
To his mild surprise, Meowth showed little reaction to once again being called a "pet cat."
Perhaps it was the allure of the technological marvels around him, or maybe he was simply aware of the formidable presence they would soon face.
Most likely, it was a combination of both.
In this regard, Meowth's reliability was incomparable to Aqua's.
If the bumbling goddess had heard such remarks, it would be considered fortunate if she didn't roll up her sleeves and start a brawl on the spot!
Pushing open the door, Zyhark and Meowth entered the reception room, where Saturn and Vegapunk were seated on a sofa, facing each other.
Upon seeing Zyhark and Meowth, both men turned to look at them.
Vegapunk had a head larger than his entire body, with sparse hair forming a heart shape around it. His overly long tongue lolled out of his mouth, and his somewhat comical face bore a light-hearted expression.
As a Brain-Brain Fruit user, he possessed infinite brain capacity, capable of storing unlimited information.
The drawback was that the more data he absorbed, the larger his head became!
"Say what you need to and leave. I have important matters to attend to," Saturn said, standing with his cane, his tone still exuding arrogance.
Centuries of being in a high position had led him to view other humans as mere ants.
Even though Zyhark's performance was impressive, he was still just a big ant of some utility, no different from other pirates.
"I've heard a lot about you, Zyhark the Extreme Evil. I understand you've been looking for me?"
Vegapunk's attitude was relatively amicable, though his brows were furrowed with curiosity and wariness.
When he first heard that Zyhark and his crew wanted to meet him, he was a bit puzzled.
After all, there had been no contact between the two sides before, and their knowledge of each other was limited to knowing they existed.
As far as Vegapunk was concerned, that was the extent of it.
"To be precise, it's our ship's scientist, Meowth, who's looking for you."
Zyhark stopped a few meters away from the two, maintaining a reasonable distance.
It wasn't that he feared Saturn might suddenly turn hostile; he simply didn't want to get too close to the old man.
At the same time, he needed to present the image of being unfamiliar with Vegapunk.
"Meowth? The one who designed the legendary ship?"
Vegapunk's lazy eyes sparkled with interest as he turned to the unassuming Meowth. "I've carefully studied those blueprints."
"The novel concepts and power principles are astonishing and have benefited me greatly!"
Speaking about science seemed to light a fire within Vegapunk, and his excitement visibly grew.
After all, the Endless Dream featured technological advances that had never been recorded, even in the accumulated knowledge of the past 800 years!
"And you're the one they say is centuries ahead of this world's technology, Vegapunk, meow?"
Meowth clearly enjoyed being referred to as "the man."
Before coming here, Zyhark had briefed him about Vegapunk's character and his desire for world peace, so Meowth harbored no ill feelings.
Using "science" as a bridge, the two scientists, meeting for the first time, quickly found common ground.
Their conversation naturally revolved around specialized topics like physical laws and energy concepts.
Saturn, who also came from a scientific background, watched silently, his eyes narrowed, carefully monitoring their interaction.
Whenever Vegapunk seemed to touch upon core secrets, Saturn interrupted with a pointed cough.
Simultaneously, he wanted to understand Zyhark's true intentions in seeking out Vegapunk.
In this regard, the experienced Meowth played the part of a "science enthusiast" perfectly, merely asking Vegapunk about the basic physical laws of the One Piece world without revealing any inclination towards collaboration.
The two scientists conversed for nearly an hour before Saturn, his face etched with impatience, interrupted.
"You truly are a remarkable scientist, Mr. Meowth," Vegapunk acknowledged, extending his hand.
"You too, meow."
Meowth extended his paw, shaking Vegapunk's hand lightly, then pulled out a specially designed gun from behind his back.
"As a token of our meeting, please accept this, my first invention."
Given Zyhark's nature as a Logia user, inherently dangerous, Saturn hadn't insisted the CP agents confiscate their weapons upon entry.
Doing so would have been futile anyway.
"Wait."
Saturn slowly stood, walking between Meowth and Vegapunk to take the gun.
Click.
He disengaged the safety, pointing the cold black muzzle at Meowth's head.
Without a word, Saturn pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The gun fired, but no smoke or bullet appeared; instead, a faint fragrance wafted through the air.
A vibrant flower bloomed from the gun's barrel, starkly contrasting Saturn's sinister expression.
A toy gun? Was this really just a gesture of goodwill?
Saturn's brow furrowed as he inspected the gun carefully, finding nothing suspicious, and then handed it to Vegapunk.
Vegapunk took the gun in disbelief, his mind still reeling from the blooming flower.
These two... were they expressing their goodwill in this manner?!
If the advanced technology Meowth had previously displayed had astonished him, then this toy gun had truly shaken him to his core.
Finding an infinite energy source that could make the world free of plunder and conflict, transforming firearms and cannons into harmless, beautiful objects, was precisely his lifelong dream!
Could it be that this notorious crew of the Endless Dream shared similar aspirations?
As Vegapunk processed the underlying message, he turned a much softer gaze towards Zyhark and Meowth.
And that was one of Zyhark's goals for this visit.
At this stage, Vegapunk was tightly monitored by the World Government, making private collaboration impossible.
Therefore, building rapport with him in this manner would facilitate future opportunities, eliminating unnecessary suspicion and obstacles.
It would also ensure the modifications to Rita were as perfect as possible.
"Vegapunk, there's one more thing I'd like to ask before we leave."
Zyhark unshouldered the golden axe he carried, briefly explaining his desire to add certain features.
Vegapunk pondered for a moment, about to respond, but Saturn raised a hand to stop him.
"Vegapunk is the World Government's chief scientist. Such requests are not part of our initial agreement!"
After a brief pause, Saturn continued, "However, considering the collaborative relationship between the Shichibukai and the World Government, I might consider it."
So it's a matter of paying a price.
Zyhark silently cursed the old man's cunning, outwardly calm as he asked, "What would you like me to provide?"
"Your blood." Saturn dropped all pretenses, laying his cards on the table.
The Gorosei's original plan had been to obtain Zyhark's lineage factor covertly when the time was right.
But capturing the Golden Lion had made them realize the young man's growth rate was beyond ordinary, heightening their desire to uncover his body's secrets.
So, waiting was no longer an option; they might as well seize the opportunity!
As expected...
Already anticipating this, Zyhark shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "No problem."
As he had reasoned before, without the Wishing Pool, he was an ordinary man. Even if the World Government managed to clone him, it wouldn't be of any use.
The Rumble-Rumble Fruit was of even less concern.
Replicating Logia Devil Fruits was immensely difficult; even Vegapunk ten years later could only barely create a Mythical Zoan Fish-Fish Fruit.
Worst-case scenario, if his presence had altered the timeline enough to advance Vegapunk's research, there was nothing he could do to stop it.
After all, the Navy had easier access to the Glint-Glint, Ice-Ice, and Magma-Magma Fruits, all of which were on par with the Rumble-Rumble Fruit!
(End of Chapter)