The Bloodline Factor is an incredibly mysterious creation, almost a decryption of the Devil Fruit abilities. Due to its unique nature, the Zoan-type became the easiest target to decode. By deciphering Kaidou's Bloodline Factor, Vegapunk replicated an imperfect Fruit Ability.
This imperfection is only noticeable to him; the biggest difference from the original is merely the color, with no other distinctions.
Of course, another reason for Vegapunk's refusal is that he doesn't want to mass-produce Devil Fruits for the World Government. If they found out it was a perfect ability, they would certainly demand mass production.
He's also had some success with Paramecia-type abilities. By obtaining the Bloodline Factor of a Paramecia-type user and merging it with the special blood, known as Green Blood, he can acquire that person's Fruit Ability. However, there is also difficulty in mass production.
As for Logia-types, the research is exceedingly challenging, with few leads.
"How did the guy find a suitable carrier..."
CP0's words, akin to provocation, didn't bother him. Instead, he became curious about Queen. Controlling ordinary Sea Beasts isn't difficult, but these giant beasts wielding Elemental Power are different.
Fruits are not used in this manner. It's not common for someone to feed powerful Logia-types to pets, and the Bloodline Factor is not easily endured. The Green Blood he created has not entered combat phases as normal creatures cannot bear such power.
The Mythical Zoan-type is even more so. Mythical Zoan-types aren't as common as cabbage; apart from Hundred Beasts, it's rare for forces on The Sea to possess even one Mythical Zoan ability, as the ones available are scarce even for humans, let alone animals.
Blackbeard Pirates' horse... is simply an indulgence, given Blackbeard's ability to seize powers from others, making acquiring specific abilities easier.
Unless there's a breakthrough, the limited rare abilities will be allotted to humans, not beasts.
From the information he received, Queen seems to have done incredible modifications to himself. Originally just a Brachiosaurus Fruit, the latest intel suggests he now possesses the ability to control plants.
If that's indeed Queen's research outcome, it could have a broad range of applications.
"Alright, you need to leave now. I'll inform you if there are any research results."
New ideas flashed through Vegapunk's mind. Combining the new knowledge, he felt compelled to commence new research immediately. CP0 didn't delay and soon left Punk Hazard, while another team of CP0 received new orders.
...
In the New World, the CP0 responsible for Hundred Beasts matters received new orders. Over the years, they've been dedicated to the affairs of Hundred Beasts, generally safer than other CP0.
But today, they received a relatively dangerous mission.
"At all costs? Is the higher-up serious?"
"Yes, but it's just an opportunity, not mandatory. Given that guy's recluse nature, there might not be much chance to execute."
"Why would the higher-ups issue such an order? Isn't the Wanted Poster requiring capture alive..."
"The primary objective now is still to capture alive, but there's a new alternative option."
The World Government recruits CP0 based heavily on loyalty. Without sufficient loyalty, no matter how strong, they cannot enter CP0. Their loyalty allows them to disregard their own lives.
For example, risking their lives to interfere in Kaidou's battles or taking photos on Ghost Island. Once the World Government issues an order at all costs, it means their lives are part of the cost too.
The orders given by the World Government were straightforward. If there was a chance, they could bring back Queen. If there was an opportunity, they could even choose to kill him.
They want this item, but if necessary, destroying it isn't off the table.
According to the pirate's relativity, the World Government holds an absolute advantage. While they do not progress, as long as they block the enemy's chances of progress, they can continue to maintain their advantage.
...
In Wano Kuni, Ringo, inside another lab of Queen's, the tip of the braid behind his head suddenly spread out, forming a small umbrella-shaped shield.
The Water Gun from Omastar was completely blocked, and then Haki was added to stop the incoming Spike Cannon.
"Hahaha! You're out of tricks now, right? This is a defense mechanism I've specially studied. Surprised, aren't you?"
After successfully blocking Omastar's attack, a smug smile reappeared on Queen's face, but the next moment, his overly smug face was hit with mud.
"Damn it... Now tell me, what's the latest news?"
"Heh, good news. This time, they didn't increase your bounty."
"Hmm??"
The unchanged bounty made Queen slightly surprised. He was used to being in Wano Kuni while his bounty mysteriously skyrocketed, so not increasing it seemed abnormal.
"Why?"
"No idea, it appears to be the decision of their intelligence department. However, there's also some bad news."
"Bad news? How bad can it be? My bounty didn't even increase this time, seems like my bad luck is finally over."
"They said under special circumstances, they could kill you at all costs. Good luck."
Omastar stated the last sentence word by word, then entered a dormant state, disregarding the cigar dropping from Queen's mouth in shock.
Previously there was no life-threatening danger, but now he seems to be facing something more terrifying.
In his eyes, CP0 are all madmen, brainwashed by the World Government, top killers willing to die for the cause. If they are indeed targeting him, he fears there won't be any days of peace.
"No way, I have to find a way to handle this... This self-defense mechanism should be reinforced, only targeting Omastar is unsuitable, I need to expand the sensing range..."
While researching a combat suit as a toy for Yamato, he rummaged through Ohara's library for technical materials and accidentally discovered this technology, applying it to himself.
Now it seems further refinement is needed. Thinking about it, Queen has no intention of leaving Wano Kuni in the near future. Everything he needs is here, no reason to go out searching for trouble.
After thinking, Queen picked up a piece of paper and began to write a report.
[Suggestion to strengthen the identity registration of Wano Kuni's residents and improve the ID card system...]
This matter had already been popularized within Hundred Beasts, but Queen felt it necessary to further expand the scope to greatly reduce the likelihood of those agents infiltrating.
They are unlikely to attack Ghost Island directly; CP0's nature is not suited for such actions, so he must reduce the probability of potential assassination attempts...