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Chapter 39 Punk Hazard
The extermination of the country was still underway, and the key figure in the incident, Kaido, had already reclaimed his own daughter. After more than 30 years, he returned to this scientific island, Punk Hazard. Over thirty years ago, the Marines captured him and sent him here for Vegapunk's experiments.
It was here that he met his current deputy, Ember, the sole surviving member of the Lunaria clan and another experimental subject. He managed to escape with Ember, formed his own pirate crew, and embarked on a global adventure. A decade later, his fame had spread across the seas, and he invaded Wanokuni after being discovered by the Kurozumi serpent.
Thinking back on those days brought a hint of nostalgia to Kaido's eyes, but Punk Hazard had undergone drastic changes since then. Caesar had foolishly released gas on the island a few years earlier, turning it into a desolate wasteland abandoned by the research team. Additionally, the island was the chosen battleground for the Fleet Admiral duel between Akainu and Aokiji just over a year ago. Their intense confrontation between two top Logia users altered the island's environment: one side became a boiling volcano, the other an icy, frostbitten terrain. The central lake was split between scalding heat and freezing cold, creating a natural phenomenon.
Kaido, flying over the institute with Yamato, noticed her amazement at the sight she had never encountered before. Her scant memory made her especially eager for new experiences. She caught a glimpse of a fat, fire-breathing dragon in the middle of the volcano, different from Kaido, and a snowman amidst the ice. Excited, she turned to her father and asked, "Daddy! Can I go explore on my own?"
Kaido, puzzled, replied, "Huh? OK." He didn't obstruct her curiosity.
After letting Yamato descend, she bolted towards the volcanic area, bursting with excitement. Kaido caught sight of the winged red lizard and decided to let her have her adventure. He continued to the institute's pinnacle, bellowing in a voice that resonated throughout the facility, "Caesar! Come out and face me!"
Inside, Caesar was busy concocting a new poisonous gas, chuckling eerily with each "Boom~." Kaido's booming voice startled him, causing a sudden reaction. The reagent he held ignited with a pop, making him scream, "Ah!!!!" His eyes bulged, and his tongue lolled out in a panic. Yet, nothing else ensued. Dripping with sweat, Caesar caught his breath, momentarily frightened and then vexed by the interruption, "Who! Who dares to disturb Uncle Ben now!"
Hitting the remote, the monitor displayed the exterior of the institute. "Nothing? Did I mishear?" he wondered, scratching his head. The screen revealed the usual desolate white landscape. "Could it be Law's prank?"
But that wasn't right. The voice he'd heard was familiar but definitely not Law's. Caesar had to validate his sanity, and then it struck him.
"No, it can't be!" he gasped in disbelief, pressing the remote again.
The screen changed, revealing the image above the institute – a mighty green dragon soaring through the sky. It was Kaido!
"It's really him!!!" Caesar shouted, his hands thrown up and eyes protruding once more.
"Get out! Go out and meet him! This man is no joke! No matter how important the research is, it pales before his presence!" Gas billowed under Caesar's feet as he shot out like a rocket. The door flew open, startling the escort centaur patrols in the corridor. They saw pink gas trailing behind as the boss, Caesar, sped off.
Tea Beard scratched his head in confusion. "So, the voice earlier was actually true?"
Amidst Caesar's racing heart, he charged through the institute's doors. "Too slow, Caesar," Kaido said with a dismissive tone as his green dragon form shrank and he landed on the ground, already in his human shape. "Yes... I'm sorry, Kaido-sama," Caesar stuttered, only a few meters away from Kaido. He attempted to smile, though it looked strained and awkward with raised eyebrows forming multiple arches, squinted eyes, an open mouth edged into inverted triangles, cheeks bunched into folds, and a hint of redness.
"It's too ugly. If you don't want to smile, then don't," Kaido advised with a raised eyebrow, turning away, so he wouldn't be repulsed by the sight.
Caesar stood there awkwardly. "So, what would you like me to do?" he asked, face still twisted, eyes desperately trying to make contact with Kaido.
"Is Vegapunk's artificial Devil Fruit here?" Kaido inquired. "Yes! I haven't lost it," Caesar blurted out, worried that Kaido might suspect his research was subpar.
Kaido thought briefly, his gaze inadvertently falling on Caesar. He suddenly had an idea. Caesar had a technique to make inanimate objects "eat" Zoan fruits and come to life. Kaido considered his mace. It was already formidable, known as the "Black Blade," capable of rivalling Mihawk's "Black Sword Night." But perhaps it could be further enhanced.
So Kaido presented the mace to Caesar. "Use your technique and give it Vegapunk's fruit."
"Huh?" Caesar was startled initially, but recognizing Kaido's serious tone, he hastily agreed. "I'll do it right away! Just a moment!"
He floated to the lab, hauling Kaido's heavy iron rod, filled with doubts. Vegapunk had deemed the fruit to be a failure. Why then did Kaido want it fused with his weapon? Could he be blamed if this experiment failed?