The latter half of Sea Calendar 1517.
Alucard had committed two major consecutive acts: first, the slaying of the Revolutionary Army leader, Dragon; and second, the kidnapping of the genius scientist prized above all else by the World Government, Dr. Vegapunk.
However, the latter incident was currently being kept under wraps.
"Tell everyone to come and see. Our new member has arrived."
After Alucard returned to his stronghold on Arderay, he notified everyone remaining on the island.
Under Alucard's orders, everyone gathered at the Science and Research Department. Dr. Indigo, a scientist himself, rushed out with particular impatience. To him, Dr. Vegapunk was both a target to surpass and an idol-like figure.
Soon, Dr. Vegapunk was surrounded three layers deep by members of the Immortal Pirates. Gasps of "Oh, so this is what Vegapunk looks like!" echoed through the crowd.
Vegapunk didn't seem to mind being stared at like a circus animal. He simply said to Alucard, "You should be well aware of the primary reason I am here."
"Indigo."
At Alucard's call, Dr. Indigo immediately approached with his signature walk. "I am Indigo, the head of research here."
"Oh, I know. I've seen you on a wanted poster," Dr. Vegapunk replied flatly.
Just as Alucard had initially thought: Dr. Vegapunk was talented, but Alucard had plenty of capable people under his command. Dr. Vegapunk wouldn't be treated as someone exceptionally special; Alucard needed him to understand exactly who was the superior and who was the subordinate.
"Vegapunk, come see me when you've settled in," Alucard left those words behind and walked back toward the castle.
Under Dr. Indigo's guidance, Dr. Vegapunk headed toward the island's laboratories.
Seeing that the spectacle was over, the others dispersed, though they continued to discuss Dr. Vegapunk. Many shared Benn Beckman's concern, feeling that the Government would never let this go and would try every possible means to reclaim the doctor.
Outside a sealed chamber in the laboratory, Dr. Vegapunk and Dr. Indigo stood side by side, observing the Blacklight-infected beasts through a reinforced glass panel. Inside were humans, animals, and biological chimeras.
Though their visages were hideous, it was interesting to note that while they were ferocious, they did not prey on one another.
"This isn't exactly a new concept; I started working on things like this twenty years ago," Dr. Vegapunk said calmly.
The incident where Blacklight-infected individuals were used for a sneak attack, with Garp acting as the second line of offense, causing the Roger Pirates to lose nearly a third of their strength, had been engineered by Dr. Vegapunk.
"And? Have you discovered anything better?" Dr. Vegapunk asked.
"Sigh... these infected cannot enter the sea. Much like Alucard-sama, they share a trait of 'disliking' the ocean. While they don't lose their strength entirely like Devil Fruit users, they are rendered almost unable to fight. Even infected birds cannot traverse the vast distances of the sea," Dr. Indigo explained.
Dr. Vegapunk narrowed his eyes. "Because your Captain brought me here, one of my crucial experiments was halted. This is an issue that needs to be addressed."
Dr. Indigo reminded him, "He's not just our Captain; he is your Captain now, too."
"Tch." Dr. Vegapunk clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction. "My loyalty is to science."
After discussing further research matters with Dr. Indigo, Dr. Vegapunk left the lab and entered the castle's inner hall. In the dim light, Alucard sat upon his throne with a wine glass in hand, having waited for some time.
"Should I call you 'Captain'?" Dr. Vegapunk asked with a faint, enigmatic smile.
"Boring."
Alucard set his glass down and tilted his head. "Kidnapping you means I'm destined to face great risks. The Government and the Navy might launch a joint assault. Tell me... what should I do?"
"You don't look particularly afraid," Dr. Vegapunk countered mockingly, but he quickly followed up with a serious answer. "For the time being, you needn't worry. The Government and the Navy won't deploy their own forces."
"Oh?" Alucard looked intrigued, gesturing for him to continue.
Dr. Vegapunk's analysis was thorough. "The rift between the Navy and the Government is widening. Many believe the former Fleet Admiral Kong simply retired, but in reality, he was promoted to Commander-in-Chief."
"Commander-in-Chief?" Alucard crossed his legs. "Meaning he oversees more than just the Navy?"
"Yes..." Dr. Vegapunk explained. "Those of you who don't follow internal Marine politics haven't noticed that when Kong passed the mantle to Sengoku and went to Mariejois, he took several high-ranking officers with him, people like Momousagi, Shirokitsune, Yako, and Chaton. They were used to organize a new force, and they are now the main pillars of the Government's military."
"Don't deviate from the topic," Alucard said. "I want your prediction on how to deal with the Government."
Dr. Vegapunk shrugged helplessly. "It's simple. Neither the Navy nor the Government wants to exhaust their own strength to provoke you. Therefore, they will rely on external means."
"Two years ago, I completed the Dyna Stones. They are the perfect tool for dealing with you. I used a special biochemical liquid to seal them; once the container breaks and contacts oxygen, the Dyna Stone explodes with enough force to wipe out an island in an instant."
"Heh... not a bad trick," Alucard laughed. "But that's only if they can even set foot on the island."
"As for getting onto the island... there is one perfect candidate," Dr. Vegapunk said, playing a bit of a guessing game. "'If you were to go on a trip... where would you like to go?'"
At those words, a brief silence hung in the hall before both men burst into loud laughter.
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