"Sea King?"
Vegapunk's eyes suddenly lit up, and his tone grew visibly excited. "Are you telling the truth?"
The three ancient weapons—Pluto, Uranus, and Sea King.
Vegapunk was, of course, aware of the rumors surrounding them. Each one was said to possess catastrophic destructive power, but even soone as brilliant as him lacked concrete knowledge of their specific natures.
"From what you said, Sea King... one of the ancient weapons... is a living creature?" he asked, curiosity brimming in his voice.
"As far as I know," Mio replied calmly, "Pluto is a ship. Sea King is a living being. As for Uranus—well, that one's unclear. It's likely in the hands of the World Governnt, which makes acquiring information about it nearly impossible."
Vegapunk nodded slowly, processing this newfound intel. A gleam of scientific wonder danced in his eyes. "Fascinating... If that's true, then I truly hope you'll bring a sample of the Sea King's blood in the future. I'd be ecstatic to study such a unique genetic structure. And if there's ever a chance to see Uranus as well..."
As a scientist, the re thought of analyzing ancient, living weapons sent excitent coursing through his veins. But Vegapunk also understood that the opportunity might not co for a long ti—after all, even the World Governnt had yet to fully control the three ancient weapons.
Mio gave a small shake of his head and turned to Erica. "Erica."
"Erica understands, Master," she replied with a nod.
Understanding her master's intentions, Erica drew the blade from her waist and gently sliced a shallow cut on her index finger. Drops of blood began to bead from the wound.
Surprisingly, though the blood was crimson, a subtle silver shimr swirled within it.
"Incredible... silver mixed in the red!" Vegapunk's voice trembled with excitent. He hurriedly rummaged through nearby shelves, producing a small potion vial, which he handed to Erica with shaking hands. "Just a few drops will suffice!"
Erica complied, squeezing a few silver-tinged droplets into the vial and handing it over. Vegapunk imdiately sealed it, cradling the vial like a priceless treasure. His eyes burned with anticipation, itching to begin his analysis.
Fortunately, he managed to restrain himself, understanding that now was not the ti. Carefully placing the vial away, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi and offered it to Mio.
"Take this," Vegapunk said. "I assu you're about to leave, so use this for future contact. I've modified it—it works like a telegraph machine as well. You can write ssages, and they'll be transmitted in text form."
"It was just a small side project," he added with a chuckle. "I never imagined it'd actually co in handy."
"Not a bad gadget," Mio said, accepting the Den Den Mushi. It was different from the usual ones, marked with a distinct water droplet symbol on its forehead—an unmistakable sign of Vegapunk's craftsmanship.
After placing it in his trouser pocket, Mio nodded and spoke. "Then, Mr. Vegapunk, as you guessed, I am indeed preparing to leave. I'll reach out to you again when the opportunity arises. And, naturally, I'd like to ask for your help with a few projects."
"Of course. Just tell what you need."
"I'd like you to help research so specialized insects and animals," Mio replied.
Vegapunk's eyes lit up again, but this ti with understanding. "Ah, I see. Is it related to your ability?"
"Exactly." Mio smiled. "Power is essential in this world. If the World Governnt finds out I've contacted you, I won't survive unless I'm strong enough to protect myself."
"That's a fair point." Vegapunk nodded. "I'll help you. In fact, aiding your research is also helping myself. The beings you've created through your powers are invaluable for studying bloodline factors. As for our transaction—rest assured, I'll say nothing to the World Governnt."
"Then, until we et again." Mio offered a light nod before turning away.
Erica followed silently behind him.
The two of them soon vanished from the basent, their business concluded for now.
Back inside, Vegapunk stood for a mont, gazing at the vial of blood. His expression softened with anticipation.
"I wonder what secrets you hold," he murmured, tucking the vial safely away.
Then, after a pause, he reached into his pocket and pulled out another Den Den Mushi. He dialed.
The line connected.
"I'm Vegapunk," he said flatly.
A voice imdiately burst from the receiver, full of excitent. "Mr. Vegapunk! Have you finally made your decision? Please, tell us your current location! CP0 will arrive imdiately to escort you to Marijoa! I assure you, the World Governnt will grant you everything you need for your research!"
The World Governnt had been aware of Vegapunk's existence for quite so ti. They had pursued him persistently, hoping to bring him under their wing. But until now, he had evaded them, unwilling to be shackled.
However, Vegapunk had finally co to terms with reality.
To refuse the World Governnt was to invite destruction.
At present, they were still patient—but he knew that would not last forever. When that patience ran dry, so would his options.
And truthfully, joining them would provide access to resources he could never obtain alone.
"I'm on Mowak Island, capital of the Kingdom of g," he reported before ending the call.
He packed his docunts and left the basent behind.
As for the agreent with the king of g?
Vegapunk had never taken it seriously. He hadn't developed a single weapon, and all the money granted by the king had gone into researching bloodline factors.
Now that he was joining the World Governnt, he no longer had to pretend.
Elsewhere, in the Holy Land of Marijoa—the seat of the world's highest authority.
Within an expansive, lavish chamber, five elderly n sat in silence on a grand sofa.
One of them slowly lowered the Den Den Mushi after ending the call.
"Vegapunk has finally agreed to join us. Send CP0 imdiately. His knowledge is far too valuable. No accidents must occur."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Then it's settled."
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