Grand Line, the White Earth Island of Baltigo.
After being brought here for more than a week, Vegapunk's face had long lost its usual smile.
On the barren land, he watched a group of young people who seemed to possess endless energy. Among them were several Paramecia-type Devil Fruit users, all working together to construct the research institute he required.
With the assistance of ability users, construction progressed rapidly. However, this was not what Vegapunk truly wanted.
"Kuma!!!"
Bartholomew Kuma, who was transporting materials with the powers of the Paw-Paw Fruit, stiffened instantly. He pretended not to notice and tried to move away quietly.
But although the big-headed Vegapunk could not catch up with him, he pointed accusingly and shouted, "Run again! If you run again, I'll go on strike. I refuse to work!"
With no choice, Kuma stopped and walked over, scratching his head.
"Well… Doctor, what instructions do you have? Have you been sleeping well these days?"
Vegapunk glared at him. "Sleeping well? How could I possibly sleep well? When I arrived, you promised that this would be available and that would be guaranteed. And now?"
"A scanning electron microscope, a spectrometer, a high-temperature factor testing machine, a synchronous analyzer…"
A long string of professional instrument names nearly caused Kuma's mind to shut down.
Heaven knew how he had memorized them all.
After hearing them dozens of times each day, even the most complicated terms had become familiar. Unfortunately, it also meant that every time Vegapunk mentioned them, Kuma felt an overwhelming urge to hide, just like Dragon did.
Why did he have to eat the Paw-Paw Fruit? Why couldn't its ability be to produce faster meat instead of sending objects flying?
After nearly ten minutes of listing equipment, Vegapunk glared with narrowed eyes.
"Without these instruments, I cannot begin my work! And where are the books from Ohara? I want that knowledge immediately. At once!"
Kuma replied helplessly, "The books from Ohara are all here. But you know those scholars. Until they finish organizing them, they won't allow anyone else inside. There's nothing we can do."
Vegapunk panted with his hands on his hips.
To him, time was the most precious resource. Yet he had nothing he needed and could only waste his days recording inspirations.
Even worse, those scholars were as stubborn as blocks of wood. They would not even allow him to enter alone.
"It seems you're having a pleasant conversation."
Dragon's voice rang out, and Kuma instantly felt the pressure shift away from him.
Before Vegapunk could begin another tirade, Dragon quickly spoke.
"Doctor, the equipment you requested has already been arranged. It will arrive tomorrow. No, the day after tomorrow. It will be delivered directly here."
Vegapunk looked at Dragon suspiciously, clearly unconvinced.
"Really?"
"Of course. Mr. Spark has already handled the arrangements. However, the equipment is highly specialized and must be transported separately. The World Government will undoubtedly investigate your disappearance, so we cannot allow them to trace it back to us."
Vegapunk frowned, still displeased.
"That is your problem. I will focus solely on my research. That was the agreement."
Dragon nodded solemnly.
Then he added, "Doctor, you must also be curious about the Revolutionary Army, aren't you?"
Vegapunk shook his head stubbornly. "I'm not curious."
Dragon continued, "From now on, all your research will be utilized by the Revolutionary Army. As someone who has dedicated himself to providing abundant energy for the entire world, shouldn't you witness our ideals for yourself?"
"Our ideals…"
Vegapunk fell silent.
Were the words of the masked man known as Mr. Spark, whom Dragon had mentioned before, truly accurate?
Perhaps he should see for himself.
Vegapunk turned once more to observe the enthusiastic young revolutionaries. During this past week, everything he had witnessed seemed completely out of place in this world.
Yet strangely, it felt right.
Humans did not fear or discriminate against Fish-Men, nor did Fish-Men, who were born with strength ten times greater than that of humans, look down upon them.
Despite their racial differences, society had not fractured into isolated groups, nor had it given rise to hatred or prejudice.
Everyone here seemed vastly different from those in the outside world.
Perhaps he truly should learn more. Only then could he pursue his research with peace of mind.
"Vegapunk must be brought over. This has been the most important part of my plan from the very beginning. His significance to the Revolutionary Army is immeasurable."
"I understand the drawbacks of forcing a scientist to join. The simplest response is passive resistance. In the short term, we would have no way to deal with that."
"There have been many users of the Brain-Brain Fruit over the centuries, but there is only one Vegapunk. I am well aware of that."
"Do you know, Dragon? In my eyes, the people of this world have always been naive. Vegapunk is no exception. The support granted by joining the World Government is overwhelming, so overwhelming that the common people have no power to resist."
"Why force him?" Dragon asked.
"Because I believe that once he truly understands the Revolutionary Army, he will devote himself to helping us. That is why I need you to let him see, listen, and understand what our name truly means."
"His stance is the same as ours. Even most members of the Marines share our ideals. That is precisely why I have remained within the Marines."
After the disagreement at Ohara, Dragon and Rowan had engaged in a long conversation.
They believed in the will of the Revolutionary Army. They believed their ideals would help him recognize the injustices of the world. They believed that once Vegapunk truly understood, he would join them of his own accord.
Dragon stepped forward and stood beside Vegapunk, looking toward a Fish-Man who was channeling fresh water into the construction site.
"His name is Kyra. His parents were purchased from a slave market by the same individual and dismembered, merely to study the differences between Fish-Man and human anatomy. When that person attempted to buy him for the third time, he was saved by the Sir."
"And the one mixing cement is Swell, a human. His homeland was a non-affiliated nation. Their neighboring country invaded them in order to pay the Heavenly Tribute. His father died in battle. He inherited his mother's golden hair. Beautiful, isn't it?"
"But it was because of that beauty that his mother was violated and took her own life. When we arrived, he had already remained beside her corpse for an entire day and night."
"The girl with the long arms belongs to the Longarm Tribe. Because she was different, her fate was even more tragic. Her people were hunted like prey. She wandered alone as a survivor, yet her uniqueness made everyone want to sell her. The last time she was captured, a Marine major from a New World branch still chose to sell her."
"When we rescued her, she tried to cut off her own arms with a knife."
Vegapunk suddenly turned around. After meeting Dragon's gaze for a moment, he looked back again.
How many times must a young girl suffer such horrors before preferring to sever her own limbs rather than endure any more?
"So this is what you wanted me to see?" Vegapunk asked.
Dragon shook his head slightly. "No. Because no matter who comes here, they all carry their own stories. There are simply too many. So many that this world feels like hell itself."
Vegapunk stood frozen.
A world where living was worse than dying?
Dragon continued, "Not only them. Mr. Spark, Kuma, Ginny, and Ivankov all have their own stories."
At that moment, Vegapunk finally understood why there was no discrimination or conflict here, and why everyone worked with such passion.
Though they were not of the same race, they shared the same experiences. They had all endured oppression that made it difficult to breathe.
They had lived through despair where existence itself felt worse than death.
The Revolutionary Army had given them a new life and a purpose worth living for.
To overturn this world.
"I will attend tonight's ideological class," Vegapunk said before turning to leave.
Dragon remained standing where he was, a gentle smile on his face.
Enies Lobby, a Private Bar Atop the Tower
Soft music drifted through the air as two figures sat at the counter, sipping their drinks.
"The items on the list are almost ready," Spandine said. "But the demand for these instruments is quite low, isn't it? Who in the New World would want such things?"
Rowan gently swirled the wine in his glass. "Rarity makes them valuable. These prohibited items are the most expensive. Don't assume pirates are all brutes. Sometimes they understand the power of technology better than anyone."
Spandine frowned thoughtfully before slapping the table.
"Forget it. As long as it's in your hands, it turns into money. Moving these goods isn't difficult for us. But you know how it works. Smuggling banned items requires bribes at every level."
Without changing his expression, Rowan handed over another slip of paper. "This crate is extra."
Spandine accepted it and tucked it away before continuing.
"Recently, the head of the Scientific Unit went missing, so inspections on these items have become stricter. That man is extremely important. Even CP9 has been deployed everywhere to search for him."
Seeing Rowan remain unfazed, Spandine narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"It wasn't you, was it?"
Rowan calmly poured himself another drink. "We cooperate to make money. If I gave away my capital to a friend, I might not even be able to afford a drink afterward."
"Uh…"
Spandine laughed awkwardly and waved his hand.
"Just a joke. We're friends. A loyal man like me would never let a friend go thirsty. Come here often. Drinks are on me."
The subject shifted, and neither mentioned money again. The two resumed their casual conversation.
"Something major happened recently at the Sabaody Archipelago. The news has been sealed by higher authorities. Only someone like me knows a little about it. On the Marine side, only vice admirals and above are probably aware."
Spandine glanced at Rowan's rank and patted him familiarly.
"Don't worry. With me around, it won't be long before you're promoted."
Rowan smiled in return. "A higher rank makes earning money easier, doesn't it? We all get rich together. Power and wealth in hand. What is the Pirate King compared to that?"
"Hahaha! Exactly!"
Spandine was delighted. He appreciated the attitude of this young Marine Headquarters Rear Admiral.
Taking a little less this time was acceptable. It could be considered repayment for Rowan's warning during the Ohara incident. Fortunately, the blame had ultimately been shifted to the Marines. Otherwise, he would be the one taking the heat.
After a moment's thought, Spandine spoke again.
"In the bounty issued by the Marines, there's a cloaked man. That fellow possesses the power of a teleportation Devil Fruit. He brutally killed two Celestial Dragons at the Sabaody Archipelago and escaped unscathed."
"If you ever encounter someone capable of contending with an Admiral and escaping safely, run immediately. Don't let a bounty worth billions cloud your judgment."
"The higher-ups already have a plan. It won't be long before he's captured."
Rowan feigned interest. "With teleportation abilities and the strength to fight an Admiral, capturing him won't be easy."
"Heh…"
Spandine drained his glass in one gulp.
"Devil Fruit users are restrained by seawater and Seastone. Those things may not stop ordinary people, but they won't hinder the authorities. Someone from CP0 has already gone to Wano. Once that man loses his teleportation ability, he'll be nothing."
After receiving a Den Den Mushi notification that Kuzan had completed his report and would soon set sail again, Rowan departed Enies Lobby and headed for Marine Headquarters.
However, he failed to obtain specific details regarding the Celestial Dragons' plans against him.
That loudmouthed Spandine had held his tongue at a critical moment and refused to elaborate.
Nevertheless, the mention of Wano pointed clearly to Seastone technology.
The mysterious substance within Seastone countered Devil Fruit abilities. Yet Rowan's Flying Thunder God required physical stamina rather than a Devil Fruit, meaning it would not be restrained in the same way.
With the trap set, bait would be required.
Were they planning to offer him another Celestial Dragon?
Standing on the deck, Rowan closed his eyes to rest. If another Celestial Dragon appeared, he might be able to open two Diamond Treasure Chests within a year.
With a bit of luck, he might even march straight into the Chamber of Flowers and overthrow Imu.
Time passed swiftly.
Four days later, Rowan and Kuzan arrived in the latter half of the Grand Line, the New World.
A member nation of the World Government had been invaded by pirates. The local Marine branch, designated with the letter "G," had been completely defeated. Under such circumstances, Marine Headquarters dispatched Kuzan and Rowan to handle the situation.
In the Grand Line, Marine bases all bore the "G" designation. Their commanding officers were typically Vice Admirals, equivalent in status to those at Headquarters. Their strength was vastly different from that of the Marine branches stationed in the Four Seas.
Since even a Vice Admiral had failed to suppress the threat, only an Admiral candidate could resolve the crisis. Borsalino was currently stationed at the Sabaody Archipelago, and Sakazuki remained engaged in operations elsewhere. Thus, Kuzan was the only one available.
"You're as lazy as ever."
Rowan, lying on the deck and basking in the sun, suddenly found his view darkened.
Lifting his eye mask, he yawned. "Vice Admiral Kuzan, aren't you the same? With weather like this, not sunbathing would be a waste."
Kuzan gazed at the horizon. "We'll arrive in another day. Ever since Roger ushered in the Great Age of Pirates, more and more pirates have poured into the seas."
Rowan frowned slightly. Kuzan turned to look at him.
After a moment, Rowan clapped his hands earnestly.
"Come to think of it, this is the golden age for bounty hunters. If I resigned and became one, wouldn't I make a fortune?"
→_→
Kuzan was rendered speechless.
If he had not personally witnessed Nomi's transformation, he would not have wanted to say another word to this newly promoted Rear Admiral.
This was absurd.
What exactly was this man's sense of justice? Wealth and treasure?
A day passed quickly. However, when Kuzan and Rowan disembarked, they were greeted only by corpses and drifting smoke.
"We're too late," Kuzan said with a frown.
Scanning the harbor, he saw no survivors. Among the dead were royal guards and ordinary civilians. The sight of young women's bodies stirred the deepest fury.
Yet such atrocities reflected the true nature of most pirates in this world.
Plunder and slaughter were their reality.
"It seems Vice Admiral Kuzan has witnessed many scenes like this," Rowan remarked. "Those new recruits over there are vomiting."
Kuzan glanced at him. "And you? Why didn't you?"
Rowan raised his chin. "There was plenty of this in the West Blue as well. But judging from the scene, it looks like the royal guards retreated and left these peripheral civilians behind as sacrifices."
As he spoke, Rowan approached the body of a teenage girl. After a moment's hesitation, he removed his Marine justice cloak and gently covered her.
"Such a tragic sight."
The group continued toward the island's center. After passing through multiple checkpoints, they arrived at the royal palace.
The palace was magnificent, but the overweight king burst into tears the moment he saw Kuzan, acting as though he had met a long-lost savior.
After a prolonged display of false grief, he requested permission to delay the payment of Heavenly Tribute.
However, Kuzan could not alter the World Government's regulations and made no promises.
"Is that so? What a pity," the king muttered. "It seems those wretches in the slums cannot even create the greatest value in death."
These words made Kuzan lift his gaze and look at him coldly.
The pirates had already left. Kuzan and Rowan remained for several days, hoping the enemy might return.
That night, Kuzan found Rowan and sat beside him.
"Did today leave an impression on you?"
Rowan pondered for a moment.
"Thanks to your status as a Marine Vice Admiral, I never imagined that a king on the verge of failing to pay Heavenly Tribute could produce such lavish meals. The food was excellent."
Kuzan froze.
The king remained unaffected. Even the island's inner districts had escaped damage. As for the poor, they were nothing more than expendable wretches in his eyes.
The upper class continued to indulge in luxury. The lower class lived in terror of pirate attacks. Meanwhile, those residing in the central districts remained indifferent.
Layer by layer, the burden fell downward.
In the end, only the lowest class paid with their lives so that the middle and upper classes could continue to enjoy their comfort.
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