The shocking news that spread like wildfire across the world created an uproar, sending bounty hunters into a frenzy as they scoured the seas for any trace of Edie.
"Who is Edie? Some kind of scientist?"
"Ha! He killed Celestial Dragons in the Sabaody Archipelago—unbelievable!"
"Chenlong and Zishu... What strange names. Are those titles or something?"
"Just for providing a clue, you can earn 100 million beli! Opportunities like this don't come around every day!"
"Brothers, I'm cashing in on this first—you can do whatever you want!"
Conversations like these buzzed among bounty hunters across the globe, each one eager to capitalize on the situation. The world is driven by profit; everyone hustles for their own gain. And with the Marine offering such a tantalizing reward, it was no surprise that countless individuals were willing to take up the challenge.
However, Wanokuni remained a closed-off country, a mysterious land where even news birds rarely ventured. Edie was initially unaware of the chaos his actions had sparked, but an unusual spike in his "scientific research reputation" caught his attention, hinting that something was amiss.
It wasn't long before Edie found out what had happened. When Chenlong returned from his mission, he brought with him newspapers and several bounty notices.
"Heavenly Father, take a look at these," Chenlong said, presenting the papers.
"I see... so that's what this is about," Edie remarked, his expression shifting as he absorbed the news.
The realization dawned on him that simply providing his whereabouts could net someone 100 million beli—similar to the bounty placed on the elusive Lunarian clan.
The idea was so enticing that Edie couldn't help but toy with a rather unorthodox plan.
"I'm tempted to just report myself," he mused aloud, stroking his chin as he considered the absurdity of the situation. "Easy money! I could travel around a bit, have someone report me, and then just collect the bounty—sounds like a win-win."
A thought crossed his mind—what if he partnered with Crocodile?
Edie pondered the possibility with a serious expression. "Last time I saw him, he seemed short on cash. And he's still a Shichibukai—Marine wouldn't dare ignore him. We could split the money. A hundred million per report, done dozens of times... that's billions!"
Chenlong stood silently, processing his leader's words.
"As expected of our Heavenly Father," he thought, "his mind works on a whole different level."
"Ahem, let's keep our focus on the bigger picture. Forget about milking the Marines for now. What's more pressing are these bounty orders."
Edie sifted through the newspaper until he found three bounty notices tucked at the bottom. When he saw the portraits on them, his face twisted into a stunned expression.
Much like Sanji's infamous wanted poster, Edie's portrait was an abstract mess of a drawing. The Marines, unable to capture his handsome features, must have relied on Kizaru's vague description to create a crude drawing. The result was a grotesque caricature that perfectly embodied the stereotype of an "evil scientist."
"Evil Scientist" Edie.
Wanted: Dead or Alive.
Bounty: 1.8 billion Beli!
Edie's expression soured as he compared his own portrait to those of his subordinates. Their images were much more straightforward—no faces, just ghostly masks. Although also drawn, their portraits at least managed to capture the eerie essence of the masks they wore.
Chenlong.
Wanted: Dead or Alive.
Bounty: 1.3 billion Beli.
Zishu.
Wanted: Dead or Alive.
Bounty: 1.5 billion Beli.
"Heavenly Father, how dare the Marines target us! Let me go to Naval Headquarters and wipe them out!" Chenlong suggested, his voice brimming with loyal fervor.
Edie remained silent for a moment. If Chenlong went alone, he might never come back.
"Forget it, let's spare them this time," Edie said, calming Chenlong's fierce loyalty. One day, he thought, I'll clone a few more Earthly Branches and send them to Naval Headquarters to cause some real trouble. Maybe then they'll think twice before sending out such terrifying wanted posters!
"On the bright side, this is actually a good thing," Edie mused. "In no time, my scientific research reputation is nearly maxed out again."
While the bounty orders didn't trouble him much, the newspaper's mention of Chenlong's ability to transform into a blue dragon did. Although Wanokuni was closed off to the outside world, Kaido, as one of the Pirate Emperors of the New World, was certainly not out of the loop.
It was likely that Kaido had already read the news and would soon be asking questions about this second dragon. As Edie pondered this, a few members of the Beasts Pirates arrived at his institute.
"Sir Edie," one of the pirates greeted him with a respectful bow before delivering the message. "Lord Kaido invites you to tonight's banquet to celebrate the complete suppression of the samurai rebellion in Wanokuni."
Seems like I'll need to be prepared for a possible confrontation with Kaido, Edie thought, smiling as he replied, "I understand. I'll be there."
After the pirate left, Chenlong turned to Edie with unwavering determination. "Father, do you want me to kill Kaido?"
"Ah?"
"Kaido must suspect that you've cloned his Devil Fruit ability. He might try something at the banquet. It would be better to strike first!"
"..."
Edie was momentarily speechless. Chenlong's loyalty was certainly unquestionable, but his enthusiasm for destroying Naval Headquarters and murdering Kaido was... intense. Yet, Edie couldn't deny that if they all worked together, they might actually succeed in killing Kaido.
But then, what would be the point? Killing Kaido would bring little benefit and would cut off a reliable source of funding for his research. Still, it wouldn't hurt to put Kaido in his place a bit—after all, who was he to question Edie?
"Chenlong, the world of pirates isn't just about fighting and killing; it's about forging relationships. Go and inform Zishu, and bring Shenhou and Caesar with you."
"Understood."
As Chenlong departed, Edie turned and ascended to the second floor, retrieving a key to unlock Toki's door.
Toki and her daughter, Kozuki Hiyori, lived a quiet life within the institute, undisturbed except for their inability to leave. Toki was gently instructing Hiyori in the art of the shamisen when she noticed Edie entering.
"Mr. Edie," Toki greeted him with a respectful bow, her voice soft and serene.
"Uncle Edie..." Hiyori added, her voice timid, thinking of her brother, Momonosuke, who had been sent away from Wanokuni by Edie due to him being disrespectful. She wondered how he was faring in the world beyond.
"Miss Toki, little sister Hiyori," Edie nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm attending Kaido's dinner tonight. The Beasts Pirates have fully suppressed the Wanokuni samurai rebellion and now control the entire country."
Toki merely shook her head, her concern for Wanokuni's current state absent. "Mr. Edie, I only wish to live a peaceful life with my daughter. Thank you for your protection."
Though Edie had initially forced Toki to remain in the institute, preventing her from fleeing to the future, he had also shielded her and her daughter from harm. Over time, Toki had come to accept her circumstances, knowing that in 19 years, everything would change with the arrival of Joy Boy. Until then, she sought only tranquility.
"Madam Toki, there may be a conflict with Kaido at tonight's dinner. If things take a turn for the worse, I may have to kill him. For that, I need the two swords in your possession. Please, entrust them to me."
Edie's tone was calm, as if discussing something trivial. Toki's long eyelashes trembled slightly as she lowered her gaze, her lips parting in hesitation. Kill... Kaido?
Edie noticed her unease but inwardly dismissed it, finding her reaction typical yet troublesome.
After a brief silence, Toki sighed, knowing she had no place to question him. Rising gracefully, she retrieved two samurai swords from their stand—Enma and Ame no Habakiri, two of the Great Grade Swords once wielded by Kozuki Oden.
As Edie took the swords from her, a wave of emotion washed over him. Kozuki Oden was dead, his wife and daughter confined to Edie's research institute, his son exiled to Kamabakka Kingdom, and now even his weapons were in Edie's hands. Truly, Edie thought, he had earned his title as an "evil scientist," though he consoled himself with the fact that at least no one had died.
"Thank you, Madam," Edie said, taking the swords and leaving the room.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Toki noticed something unusual—it wasn't locked. She could leave the room anytime she wished. The gesture was not one of carelessness on Edie's part; he had done it deliberately. If he were to die in his confrontation with Kaido, it would be easier for Toki and her daughter to escape.
Mr. Edie is such a considerate man, Toki thought, though she couldn't help but recall the strange scientific experiments he sometimes involved her in. But that was another matter. "Hiyori, let's continue your shamisen practice," Toki said, smiling gently as she resumed playing.
Meanwhile, Edie returned to the living room downstairs, where Chenlong, Zishu, Shenhou, and Caesar were waiting.
"What's going on?" Caesar grumbled, impatiently shaking his leg as he sat on the sofa. "My experiment is at a critical stage! I need to monitor the growth of the fruit trees constantly. What's so important that you called me here?"
"I have a female ninja who can accelerate plant growth. It's not guaranteed, but she might help expedite your research on artificial Devil Fruits," Edie replied calmly.
"Really? Why didn't you tell me sooner!" Caesar's demeanor instantly shifted to one of eager compliance. "Dr. Edie, whatever you need, just say the word!"
"Join me at Kaido's banquet tonight," Edie instructed, handing Oden's two swords to Shenhou. "Shenhou, these swords are for you."
"Understood," Shenhou replied, taking Ame no Habakiri and Enma. As he held the swords, an inexplicable sense of familiarity washed over him. As a pure swordsman, he had struggled to fully utilize his skills without the right weapons. But now, with these two swords, his combat power had surged dramatically.
"Use them well. There aren't many swords in the world as fine as these," Edie remarked before moving to make coffee for everyone. "Have a cup before we head to the dinner."
They drank their coffee in a peaceful atmosphere, the time ticking by until it reached 7:30 PM.
"What we do tonight depends on how things unfold," Edie said as he stood up. "Whether the Beasts Pirates remain allies or become enemies is up to Kaido himself."
With a soft smile, he added, "It's time. Let's go."