"The only thing I've done is pass along the orders from above! Even if you kill me, it's useless!" The leader's calm words caused Aokiji's momentum to diminish significantly.
The meaning was very simple: if you have objections, go to the Five Elders. I'm just a messenger; talking to me is completely useless.
"Hmph! You government folks, better stay low-profile. Didn't we just lose two high-ranking CP0 members in one go?" Aokiji sneered coldly, while the leader secretly chuckled inside—there were actually three.
But this is the enemy's main base, and as Aokiji said, it's better to keep a low profile here.
Soon, Aokiji's pass was issued, allowing CP0 to meet Vegapunk.
Marine Headquarters, Scientific Research Division. Vegapunk was currently working with his team of scientists on research related to Sea Prism Stone.
"Mr., we've discovered that this substance called [Sea Prism Stone] absorbs the power of the sea and condenses into a solid form. Like the sea, it has the effect of making ability users lose their combat effectiveness. Anyone who touches this substance will become weak all over their body!"
"Hmm…"
Vegapunk nodded thoughtfully. Even with an idea, he said, "If we turn this into a weapon, wouldn't it be the bane of ability users?"
"Mr., that's absolutely impossible. Not only is it far harder than steel—several times more resistant—but the development cost alone is an unimaginable number. Rather than spending so much to develop Sea Prism Stone weapons, the Navy and the government would probably prefer to spend their money elsewhere!"
At this moment, another researcher in a white coat hurried over and quietly reported to Vegapunk, "Mr., CP0's people are here to see you!"
"Oh? After losing to the Pirate Hunter, they still have the face to come see me?" Vegapunk's expression darkened. He already knew the news of CP0's failure to capture Grimm, and he was very dissatisfied with this matter.
"Let him in," Vegapunk said. After all, the other party represented the World Government.
Soon, the door to the research facility was opened, and a man dressed in a white suit, wearing a cloak and mask, walked in from outside.
Just as he entered, he said, "Except Vegapunk, everyone else, if you don't want to die, get out. The things I'm about to say are not for you to hear!"
The status of CP0 was well known, and upon hearing such words, over twenty top-level Navy researchers immediately exited the research room.
"Why is Lord CP0 coming to see me? Or is there something the government needs?" Vegapunk was unfazed. Although his current rank was not high, his importance was not much lower than CP0.
Moreover, the highly significant "Sea Prism Stone Design Plan" was now fully under his control, and his status had risen accordingly.
"First time meeting, genius scientist Vegapunk! May the Holy Light bless you!" the leader of CP0 suddenly said.
"What? Haven't we met several times before? …Holy Light? Hmm?" Vegapunk's face suddenly changed. "No, wait—you have a different aura from before. You're not part of CP0. Who are you?"
"Who I am isn't important. What matters is that I can infiltrate as a CP0 agent. With your brain, you should be able to imagine—I can do much more than just that!" he said calmly, even with a mask on, Vegapunk could feel the smile behind it, so he remained composed.
"You came to see me, so you're definitely not here to kill me. You must have something else for me to do!" Vegapunk said.
"Talking with intelligent people is convenient, but also quite annoying!" the leader of CP0 chuckled.
"I want you to give me the manufacturing method for Sea Prism Stone bullets," he demanded.
Vegapunk's expression sharply changed. He had just had the idea of creating Sea Prism Stone weapons, and before he could even speak, someone arrived.
"If I don't agree, will you take my life here?" Vegapunk asked.
"This is a deal. I allow you to state your conditions," the leader of CP0 said coldly.
"Grimm!" Vegapunk said without hesitation. "Tirion D. Grimm. I need his blood, and those monsters he created for research."
Compared to artificial Sea Prism Stone, Vegapunk was undoubtedly more interested in the "Holy Light" and the monsters that appeared afterward, created by Grimm.
They were unknown entities. If research succeeded, they could bring revolutionary changes to the world—possibly breaking the structure of the biological chain all at once.
Vegapunk was eager to study them—very eager.
The face behind the mask of CP0's leader curled into a slight smile.
This guy still doesn't understand the key to the Holy Light and the Blood Plague. Let's not talk about the Holy Light for now—only those who believe in Grimm as the Great Lord of the Holy Light can wield it.
As for the Blood Plague, it isn't 100% contagious. It can produce infected hosts, but it doesn't necessarily transmit directly.
In other words, it's impossible for it to spread worldwide like in a zombie outbreak.
But the "Persuasion" skill used to create zombies seems to have this function.
They don't mind researching these things; after all, they are controllable and a very cost-effective deal.
In the end, Grimm and Vegapunk reached an agreement—at least, an exchange of money for goods.
Bainbridge Island was once used as Vegapunk's laboratory before he was recruited by the World Government to work at the Marine Research Institute.
After completing the Sea Prism Stone bullets, he planned to place the items here, and Grimm prepared the necessary items for the deal.
Bainbridge Island is located in the New World. It was once a territory of a powerful clan, taken over by the Navy a few years ago. Because it has many rare animals, it was temporarily used as a Navy training base, occasionally used for combat exercises, but now it's abandoned.
"When will you finish the research on the things I want?" Grimm, still maintaining his CP0 persona, asked.
"Well, turning Sea Prism Stone into weapons like swords and knives already requires endless effort. The higher the development difficulty, the more refined the bullets need to be, and it's impossible to do that in a short time. But when the Navy announces the Sea Prism Stone news, I'll give you a signal—you can come and get it," Vegapunk replied.
"Deal!"
"So, what are the specifications for the bullets?" Vegapunk asked.
Grimm turned and left. "Any kind of bullets will do. May the Holy Light bless you!" Grimm only used Sea Prism Stone bullets to activate the ammunition system—other than that, he didn't care.
"Got it. Safe travels!" Vegapunk waved.
After bidding farewell to Vegapunk, Grimm exited the laboratory, disguised as a CP0 agent, and entered Marineford's residential streets. This area is home to the families of upper-level Navy personnel. Because they are so famous, many of them have made enemies, so most Navy families live on the Marine Headquarters side, behind the main building.
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off