Nighttime.
In the living room of the temporary log cabin villa, Rob and the others gathered after their meal.
"Is Oni-chan making another plan?" Robin asked with a knowing smile, her eyes reflecting growing intelligence as she looked at Rob.
Both Uta and Makino turned their attention to Rob, waiting for his answer.
Rob nodded, not denying his idea, and went straight to the point:
"You know about the genius scientist of the World Government, Vegapunk, right? Next, I plan to study under the most genius scientist in the World Government for a while!"
"In Vegapunk's hands, there are two technological advancements I want to master: artificial Devil Fruit technology and Seraphim weapon technology!"
Hearing Rob's words, Uta and Makino, who didn't know much about intelligence information, recognized the name Vegapunk only from previous conversations between Rob and Robin. They didn't speak up.
Robin, knowing much more about Vegapunk, still had questions but chose to let Rob finish speaking.
Since Rob had already started explaining his plan, there was no need to interrupt with questions.
"First, artificial Devil Fruit technology!" Rob said, his eyes serious and intense.
"It's well known that Devil Fruits are unique. Their abilities can only be similar but never identical. However, this iron law can be broken by artificial Devil Fruits!"
"The strength gained from a truly mature artificial Devil Fruit technology is almost the same as a normal Devil Fruit. But with my abilities, even artificial Devil Fruits can be transformed into something stronger than the original, with no side effects!"
Robin, Uta, and Makino's eyes lit up with understanding. They realized that mastering artificial Devil Fruit technology would provide incredible support, especially with Robin's fifth talent - extreme sublimation.
"And not only that," Rob continued.
"The Devil Fruit ability can also be transferred to items. For example, my Rumble-Rumble Fruit ability can be transferred to a sword, making the sword a Rumble-Rumble Sword!"
"If we acquire artificial Devil Fruit technology and combine it with my ability optimization, I can create weapons for you that contain fruit abilities!"
"We can also use this method to make our ship, Xiaobai, a capable user. Our abilities will be greatly enhanced, and Xiaobai's power will increase significantly too!"
As Rob described the possibilities of obtaining artificial Devil Fruit technology, Robin, Uta, and Makino were mesmerized.
If Rob's vision becomes a reality—
The three of them could rely on Rob's ability to grant them Devil Fruit powers, wholesale various weapons with abilities, and reach the peak level of combat power Rob mentioned!
Similarly—
If Xiaobai becomes a Devil Fruit user, with its original terrifying firepower, it could become the apex of non-biological sea creatures!
Robin gasped.
She spoke up:
"If we can achieve what Oni-chan said, our future won't just be 'immortality'!"
"We could also grow stronger endlessly, until one day we become like gods who lose interest in everything and truly have no desires!"
Robin shivered.
She spoke again:
"Oni-chan! I don't want to be like that!"
After hearing Robin, Uta and Makino nodded seriously, looking at Rob with concern.
Power is good.
But once they have eternal life and the power for endless growth, there's a risk of losing their humanity and emotions, becoming real gods!
They worried not only about themselves but also that Rob might become like that!
Rob knocked on their heads, creating big lumps on top of them.
He couldn't help but say:
"Do you really think I'm that untrustworthy? Don't worry! There's no way I'd want to become a god who ignores everything and has no feelings!"
"I don't want to be like that either!"
"Not to mention, we haven't even acquired the technology to create Devil Fruits yet. Even if we did, that day won't come! I won't become a god without desires, and neither will you!"
"I can't say much else, but I can assure you of this—I love you very much, and I will always love you. This relationship will never fade or be forgotten with time!"
After hearing Rob's sincere words, the three girls, rubbing their heads where he had knocked, were taken aback for a moment before their faces lit up with happy smiles.
Robin and Makino, who were already Rob's women, exchanged glances, their faces flushed, and then they smiled foolishly.
Uta's response was more direct!
She dove into Rob's arms, rubbed her face against his, and kissed him.
She declared loudly:
"Oni-chan, Uta will always love you too!"
Holding Uta, who had gradually grown into a young woman, Rob smiled softly and affectionately, ruffling her hair.
He then continued:
"I don't need to say more about the importance of artificial Devil Fruit technology!"
"Next, there's the technology of the cyborgs! This is akin to building robots, allowing us to have a special force with strong combat effectiveness that absolutely follows our orders!"
"You all know about Germa 66, right? We'll have soldiers similar to Germa 66, but much stronger!"
He paused for a moment.
Rob then said:
"We will eventually face off against the World Government! The Marines will attack us sooner or later! Instead of recruiting other pirate groups as subordinates, I trust the cyborgs I create more!"
"So, we must obtain the technology to create Seraphim! This power can protect us in the future. With Seraphim technology, we won't need to rely on other pirates as subordinates."
Seraphim Manufacturing Technology.
To be precise, it should be the technology for creating pacifists, but compared to ordinary pacifists, Seraphim technology is much more powerful and perfected.
Rob wasn't entirely sure if Vegapunk had developed the current Seraphim technology or even fully mature pacifist technology, but he knew one thing for certain—
Vegapunk must have finished the invention of rudimentary pacifist technology!
The only difference was how mature it was!
Rob didn't care if the technology was mature. As long as Vegapunk could get him started, he could rely on his sixth talent, A Second Feels Like a Year, in that practice space, to perfect it!
Give him some time, and he would definitely come up with perfect Seraphim manufacturing technology!
The same applies to artificial Devil Fruit technology!
These two kinds of science and technology that Rob wants to acquire only require an introduction or a deeper understanding. After that, Rob can develop and invent by himself!
With his second talent in learning and knowing, combined with his sixth talent, A Second Feels Like a Year, he can completely transform into a god-level scientist!
After hearing Rob's explanation, Robin, Uta, and Makino all nodded once again. They had no objections to this plan. Compared to the potential threat of man-made Devil Fruit technology, creating fully trustworthy cyborgs was more acceptable.
"So next—"
With a smile, Rob looked at Robin, Uta, and Makino.
He asked:
"I plan to study with this genius scientist for a while! What do you think? Should we continue our current journey, or follow my plan?"
The three women agreed that Rob should decide.
After agreeing to Rob's plan, Robin asked:
"However, how will Oni-chan get in touch with Vegapunk? He's a key target of the World Government, right? And more importantly, with our current identities, if we get close to Vegapunk, we'll be wanted!"
Rob's idea was good, but implementing it was a problem!
Facing Robin's question, Rob smiled slightly:
"I already have a solution! Just leave it to me!"
His method involved contacting Stussy, who had multiple identities. This clone beauty, who had always been connected to Vegapunk, would definitely serve as a bridge between him and Vegapunk!
Hearing such confident words from Rob, Robin stopped worrying.
Soon, the plan to learn from Vegapunk was decided by the four of them. Then, their conversation shifted back to daily life.
Among the four of them, this plan, which could be a top priority for other forces, was just another decision and didn't occupy a very important part of their lives.
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