In response to Kozuki Toki's request, Vegapunk simply scratched his head.
"Well... to be honest, I don't know where your daughter is right now."
In the past, Kozuki Hiyori had indeed been under Vegapunk's command, even serving as a member of his secret faction, the Umbrella Corporation.
However, because their relationship wasn't great and Vegapunk had captured Kozuki Toki, Hiyori had only worked for him out of concern for her mother's safety; she was never part of the inner circle.
While she had received some enhancements from Vegapunk, she was essentially an external hire, more like a mercenary performing espionage-like tasks. She wasn't even aware that the Umbrella Corporation was controlled by Vegapunk, believing they were merely in a partnership.
As someone outside the core, Kozuki Hiyori naturally didn't know Vegapunk's movements and likely assumed he had died back on Egghead Island.
By the same token, Vegapunk had no way to contact her directly. Therefore, he truly couldn't say where Kozuki Hiyori was or what she was doing now.
Perhaps Stella, who controlled Vegapunk's secret underground forces, might know Hiyori's whereabouts, but even that wasn't a certainty.
"I... I see. Is Hiyori gone?"
A look of sorrow appeared on Kozuki Toki's face as she slowly lowered her head.
"I understand, Lord Vegapunk... Thank you for your trouble."
"What do you understand?"
Seeing Kozuki Toki's cautious and grief-stricken expression, Vegapunk rolled his eyes.
"I really just don't know where your daughter is; she isn't dead!"
"Some issues cropped up a while back, and I've been out of touch with my subordinates. Besides, you've seen my change in appearance, right? I'm currently in a state of having faked my death to escape!"
Hearing Vegapunk's explanation, Kozuki Toki, who had been overthinking things, finally felt relieved and quickly apologized to him.
Vegapunk didn't mind. Kozuki Toki had no combat power and no other special talents. As long as she focused on developing her Devil Fruit ability, Vegapunk had no other expectations of her.
Although Kozuki Toki was born 800 years ago, she didn't know much about the technology or political landscape of that era, so she couldn't answer many of Vegapunk's questions.
Thus, her only utility was her Devil Fruit ability. The Time-Time Fruit had incredible potential; while it seemed useless now since it could only travel to the future, Vegapunk didn't know what it could achieve once awakened.
Regardless, anything related to time was considered a top-tier ability. This was why Vegapunk valued her, even going so far as to trade a replica Azure Dragon Fruit for her.
"Alright, next, it's time to give the Dream Star some enhancements. I also need to contact Stella... I wonder how the Umbrella Corporation is faring now?"
...New World, Totto Land, Cake Island.
Under a parasol, two women were leisurely enjoying afternoon tea.
One had blonde hair, sea-blue eyes, milk-white skin, a curvaceous figure, and wore a pair of rather enticing white silk stockings.
Currently, this charming beauty sat in her chair, enjoying tea and snacks while conversing with the woman opposite her.
A ringing sound suddenly echoed in her ear. Stella, who was chatting with the woman with exceptionally long legs, had a slight change in expression, a flash of joy appearing in her azure eyes.
"Smoothie, I'm sorry, I'm feeling a bit unwell. I'll have to take my leave early!"
The Longleg Tribe woman in front of Stella was none other than the only female among the Sweet Three Generals of the Charlotte Family, Charlotte Smoothie.
Upon hearing Stella's words, Smoothie slightly raised her hand, gesturing with the glass in her hand.
"No problem, Miss Stella. Should I call some doctors to check on you?"
Despite being a pillar of a Four Emperors Pirate Crew, Charlotte Smoothie showed no arrogance toward Stella, instead displaying a hint of respect.
Besides Stella being sophisticated, socially adept, and on excellent terms with the Captain of the Big Mom Pirates, Charlotte Linlin, Stella's own strength and influence were absolutely formidable.
As Vegapunk's subordinate and the first clone he ever created, Stella had always been highly favored and had received numerous enhancements and modifications.
For instance, she had received superior versions of the Vinsmoke Family's modifications, such as the exoskeleton, strength enhancement, and endurance enhancement. While her natural talent might not match the monsters of the sea, she was definitely a top-tier figure just below them.
Furthermore, the advanced training machines provided by Umbrella, the scientific training from the World Government's CP organization, and the replica Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit Vegapunk had custom-made for her had pushed this seemingly delicate beauty's strength and potential to the limit.
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