The voice from the submarine was arrogant and full of deterrence.
Blake calmly looked at the submarine, as if appreciating an interesting exhibit.
"Dr. Fran? Never heard that name before."
"However, at this time, driving a special ship to this sea area, it's really hard to say it's a pure coincidence..."
Although he thought so, Blake had no intention of stopping.
When did the World Government ever fear? Of course, he had to bring the ship closer!
Was the other party also looking for pure gold?
Isn't that perfect?
After all, Blake only knew one coordinate, and it was even a coordinate from a week ago. Who knew where that Anglerfish had gone now?
And the submarine opposite most likely didn't have gang members spread across the West Blue as informants.
So, the question arose again.
How did this guy find this sea area?
The only reasonable explanation Blake could think of was that this guy, who called himself Dr. Fran, could, to some extent, pinpoint the location of the pure gold by analyzing legends combined with some technological means.
As Blake pondered, the loudspeaker on the submarine blared again, its tone even more aggressive:
"This is a private scientific research area!"
"You have thirty seconds to take action!"
"Failure to turn will be considered a hostile act!"
A sneer hung on Blake's lips.
Among those he encountered on the sea, only the Hyena Pirates, whom he met in the North Blue back then, not only didn't run but dared to charge at him.
This Dr. Fran in front of him was the second.
He had to admit, he was truly brave.
Blake's Observation Haki had penetrated the submarine's hull, revealing a middle-aged man with fluffy green hair standing in front of the control panel.
Seeing no reaction from Blake, the Slaves on the sanctuary naturally dared not stop their actions.
The sanctuary's massive hull continued forward without hesitation, responding to the other party's warning with the most direct action.
This action completely enraged Dr. Fran in the submarine:
"A bunch of idiots!"
"Initiate signal jamming! I'll make them deaf and blind!"
Accompanying his angry shout, all the transponder snail on the sanctuary instantly fell silent.
Even the white transponder snail in Blake's arms hung its head, looking completely burnt out.
"Scavenger program initiated!"
As Dr. Fran gave another order, three robots equipped with rotating blades emerged from the submarine, cutting through the water and rushing towards the sanctuary.
Blake chuckled and muttered:
"Making it seem like a big deal."
At the same time the robots were deployed, Dr. Fran seemed to confirm something through high-magnification observation equipment.
His furious voice suddenly calmed down, turning into a mocking tone filled with interest:
"So it's a World Government ship, no wonder they're so bold."
He snorted coldly:
"Don't think that just because you're from the World Government, I'll let you off!"
"My technology is invincible!"
Good heavens, there's such a big World Government logo on the sail, and you didn't even recognize it just now?
Blake was a bit speechless; he had thought this guy was a hidden big shot.
Looking at that gaze, he was most likely someone with a limited worldview.
But no matter who Dr. Fran was, Blake didn't care, as long as the other party had a way to find the pure gold.
"Your Highness! Let me!"
Marigold, who had just gained her ability, came to Blake's side, looking eager to try.
Blake replied indifferently:
"Alright, then I'll leave it to you."
"Yes! Your Highness!"
Marigold faced the sea and took a deep breath:
"Fire Snake!"
She waved her fists, and slender fire snakes flew from her fists.
They transformed into scorching pillars of fire in the air, roaring as they lunged towards the three robots.
A pound sign appeared on Blake's forehead.
What's up? Are you just fixated on snakes, huh?
He was glad he had given Marigold the Mera Mera no Mi in time, otherwise, she might have returned to the original storyline someday.
However, the moment the attack landed, a light blue energy barrier appeared out of nowhere from the submarine, blocking all the incoming flames.
"Eh? This doctor has some tricks..."
"Ugh hahahaha..."
Seeing Marigold's attack blocked, Dr. Fran couldn't help but burst into laughter:
"It's useless!"
His laughter was fanatical, filled with the pleasure of controlling the situation:
"Did you see that?"
"Your Devil Fruit, which you are so proud of, is nothing in the face of my technology."
His barrier completely blocked the attack, which allowed Dr. Fran to thoroughly prove his theory —
His technological power could fully contend with, and even suppress, the top powers of this world.
He firmly believed this.
Since this level of power couldn't break through his defense, then there would be no one in this world who could threaten him.
That's right!
Before this, the strongest person Dr. Fran had ever seen was only about as strong as Marigold is now.
Due to the limitations of his knowledge, he simply didn't realize what kind of destructive power the top powerhouses of this world possessed.
In Dr. Fran's view, these people from the World Government were nothing but a bunch of wastes.
And his wisdom was enough to bury them all in this unknown sea area.
Beep... beep... beep... A continuous alarm suddenly sounded in the submarine.
On the control panel in front of Dr. Fran, the most prominent position held a red light, noticeably larger, which was now flashing at an unprecedented frequency.
Almost at the same moment, a tremendously strong signal source was clearly locked on the screen.
"Ugh haha... hahahaha..."
Dr. Fran was first stunned, then let out a low laugh, which then turned into uncontrollable mad laughter.
He slammed the control panel:
"It worked! My detector finally worked!"
The immense ecstasy, coupled with his self-proclaimed certainty of victory, made him completely ignore the current environment:
"You idiots! You almost ruined my big plan!"
He roared into the microphone, his voice distorted with excitement:
"Twenty whole years! Do you know how I spent these twenty years?!"
The alarm from the control panel mingled with his excited voice.
Dr. Fran stared intently at the signal, as if proclaiming his victory to the entire sea:
"When I found Axie's manuscript in that old pirate's dilapidated warehouse back then, you guys were still playing in the mud!"
"From those incomplete legends to the energy map I drew myself..."
"Do you know what this means?"
His voice trembled with excitement, yet carried an undeniable authority:
"pure gold!"
"pure gold that can stop time!"
"Everyone said I was crazy! But now?!"
"Now it's even more so..."
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Rexlent
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"