Beltz was not yet prepared to become a warmonger, nor did he plan to level up by absorbing others' life force. Consequently, he maintained a cautious attitude toward this powerful future Devil Fruit. Of course, much depended on Vegapunk's technical prowess. Perhaps the scientist could fix those inherent flaws.
Half a day later, Vegapunk successfully finished what Beltz had requested: two miniature Den Den Mushi, roughly the size of a fingernail.
"These two Den Den Mushi can only be used to contact one another," Vegapunk explained. "I actually drew inspiration from the 'Monitoring Bugs' in the data you provided. You can implant it directly into your body, making it virtually undetectable."
He was referring to the research data on Kurotsuchi Mayuri that Beltz had copied. Among the many bio-modification studies was a special organism called 'Monitoring Bacteria,' which could be quietly implanted into others, allowing Mayuri to monitor their every move.
"To use it, you simply apply slight pressure to the area. However, they aren't permanent; they'll expire after about a year. You don't need to worry about them remaining in your body after they stop working; they will be expelled through natural metabolism."
Beltz took them, nodding. "I understand. I won't disturb you further. If you need anything, call me at any time."
"I won't be polite," Vegapunk said bluntly. "Half of the laboratory's funds are already gone. Do you have more money?"
Beltz clicked his tongue. Scientific research was truly a money-burning pit. He had provided a portion of his private treasury and a massive amount of gold from Skypiea—estimated at over 100 billion Berries—yet most of it was gone already?
If Vegapunk weren't a research fanatic, Beltz might have suspected embezzlement. But it made sense given the scope of current projects. Before, there was only one Vegapunk; now, with five clones, the work efficiency—and spending—had quintupled. He was tackling groundbreaking problems: the power source for Pluton, Beltz's two clones, the replication of the Azure Dragon Fruit, the lineage research on Blackbeard and Aaroniero, and the Devil Power within Yhwach's blood.
Each of these was a challenge that would take outside scientists decades to solve. It was only natural they were expensive. Fortunately, Beltz had the Shandora Gold Treasury on Skypiea, or he truly wouldn't be able to keep up with Vegapunk's burn rate. It was no wonder Vegapunk eventually stayed with the World Government; they were likely the only entity capable of funding him.
"Fine. Next time I come, I'll bring enough funds."
Beltz didn't care much for money and left the laboratory. He departed Onigashima to head for Skypiea to collect more gold and to find Liltotto to hand over the communication bug.
However, only a day after setting out, a news headline caught his eye.
"The Southern Region of the Sorbet Kingdom has been destroyed?!"
Beltz stared at the newspaper, doubting his eyes. What plot point was this? He remembered that while the Sorbet Kingdom eventually faced trouble in the original story, it was years away and involved internal policy shifts that polarized the rich and poor. That issue was eventually settled by the Freedom Fighters (the precursor to the Revolutionary Army) led by Dragon. It shouldn't be happening now, and certainly not a total annihilation of the south.
The Sorbet Kingdom was essentially one city: the north was the urban area, while the south consisted of forests and rural villages. Kuma's family lived in a cathedral near the center of the southern region. Had he and Ginny been caught in this?
The paper claimed a group of pirates had pillaged the kingdom, slaughtering every civilian in the south. Beltz didn't believe Kuma would be taken down so easily. He immediately changed course. Instead of the Grand Line, he raced toward the West Blue.
He didn't go to the South Blue because the report of the destruction meant going there was pointless. If Kuma survived, there was only one place he would likely go outside of Sorbet: the small island where the God Valley survivors were located.
Moving at full speed, he soon reached the island. In the four years since the incident, the once-deserted island had become inhabited, with houses built from felled timber. When the massive Azure Dragon broke through the clouds, the people below knelt in pious prayer. They knew their lives were thanks to Beltz.
Kuma was indeed there. Seeing Beltz, the pain and despair on his face vanished, replaced by hope. "Big Brother! How did you know I'd be here?!"
Reverting to human form, Beltz checked Kuma over. "I saw the news and knew you'd come here. What happened? Why would pirates attack you? Where's Ginny? Why are you alone?"
Kuma's face contorted with a rare rage. "Those weren't pirates! Those were people from the World Government!"
"The World Government?"
"Yes," Kuma said. "Members of the Knights of God. They claimed we kidnapped the children of their commander and demanded we hand them over, or they would kill us and wipe out the villagers!"
Kuma clenched his fists. "Those guys have immortal bodies. No matter how hard I fought or what damage I did, they just recovered."
Beltz realized what had happened and felt a pang of regret. "The news about Shanks and the others being at your place must have leaked. This is my fault; I should have taken them away sooner."
"Shanks?" Kuma was confused. He only knew Shanks and Shamrock were infants rescued from God Valley; he had no idea they were the sons of Saint Figarland Garling of the Knights of God.
Beltz realized Garling hadn't given up on his children. He had assumed the "Red-Haired brothers" were safe in Kuma's secluded cathedral, but villagers must have mentioned the two children, and the word reached the Government.
"How many casualties?" Beltz asked.
"The villagers are safe; I sent them here. But Ginny..." Kuma's veins bulged with fury. "Ginny was taken by them! They said they want to trade her for Shanks and Shamrock!"
"I see." Beltz's voice went cold. "Then there's nothing more to say. Kuma, use your ability to send me directly to Mary Geoise!"
Kuma looked at him in shock. "Big Brother, you mean...?"
"I won't let them get away with this. Even a Celestial Dragon won't be allowed to hurt those close to me." Beltz released a powerful aura. "I am not the same person I was four years ago. There's no need to avoid their gaze. Trust me, just send me there!"
"I'm going with you!" Kuma declared.
"No. I will save Ginny. You aren't strong enough yet. You don't realize that overwhelming Haki can nullify abilities. Don't think the Paw Paw Fruit makes you safe in any dangerous place. I'm enough."
"But... it's too dangerous!"
"There's no time to waste!" Beltz barked. "Do you want to see Ginny tortured?!"
Kuma snapped to his senses. Seeing Beltz's resolve, he felt a surge of hatred for his own weakness. He vowed to become stronger. "Big Brother, please be careful!"
"Of course. Those maggots of the World Government are nothing to me. Use your ability!"
Boom!
Kuma slapped him with his palm. Beltz vanished instantly, hurtling toward Mary Geoise at a speed far exceeding normal flight.
Invading Mary Geoise alone... it might be a bit early, but I'm not afraid.
The only top-tier threat was Imu. The Five Elders mostly spent their time posing inside Pangea Castle, and the rest were a rabble. It was time for the Celestial Dragons to pay for their sins. And since he was going to attack, he might as well make it perfect: let the Great Kingdom return!
Boom!
Beltz fell from the sky like a meteorite. The massive impact echoed through Mary Geoise, causing Celestial Dragons on their slaves and patrolling guards to whip their heads toward the source of the noise. Before they could grasp what was happening, destruction arrived.
"Kotodama: Black Sun!"
Beltz unleashed the same move that had killed the Fleet Admiral ten days ago.
Boom!
The wind direction for twenty miles shifted, howling toward Beltz. Celestial Dragons were sucked toward the center by the gale, and alarms blared across the city.
"Enemy attack!" "Stop him!" "Protect the Celestial Dragons!" "Guards! What are you doing?! How did someone breach Mary Geoise?!"
Guards and Navy officers rushed forward with guns and blades. Beltz had landed in the heart of the most prosperous district. Looking at the terrified "Gods" and panicked soldiers, he ignited the gathered winds!
In his Hybrid Form, flames erupted from his back. The forming plasma was instantly ignited, transforming into a black "void"!
Rumble!
With a thunderous explosion, the surrounding area ignited. The black flames behind him acted like a black hole, pulling in people, buildings, and trees, incinerating them in mid-air.
The arriving guards didn't even have time to fire. Their weapons and bodies were dragged into the abyss. This time, in the heart of Mary Geoise, Beltz was going to...
Commit a total massacre!