From the very beginning, his goal had been the man they called the world's greatest scientist: Dr. Vegapunk, user of the Paramecia Brain-Brain Fruit. Everything Dante had done, every move he had made, was in preparation for this moment.
Since the creation of the Mother Flame, the scientist, whose technology was said to be five hundred years ahead of the present day, had become a figure capable of shifting the global balance of power. His research in biology, physics, medicine, weaponry, and even Devil Fruits far exceeded the world's current understanding. He was a true polymath, and Dante coveted the potential he represented.
If he could recruit Vegapunk, he would have everything.
'But it won't be that simple,' Dante thought. 'He's already under the World Government's thumb. Getting to him will be difficult.'
He never could have anticipated that the Clear-Clear Fruit and the Calm-Calm Fruit would fall into his hands. With these, a bold new plan began to form. He would go and quietly recruit Dr. Vegapunk himself. Whether the doctor would accept was another matter entirely. Securing him was the priority, convincing him to cooperate could come later.
The technological development in this world was strangely unbalanced. Some islands were still in the steam age, while others had already invented submarines. Legend even spoke of an ancient, hyper-advanced kingdom that had vanished for reasons unknown, a civilization that even Vegapunk himself regarded with the highest praise. Like the one's that created Emet.
Recruiting the scientist would be a monumental challenge. The World Nobles on Mary Geoise might still be using manual elevators, but the World Government placed immense value on technological superiority. Their surveillance of Vegapunk would be relentless. They would sooner see the doctor dead than allow another power to take him. To spirit him away from under their noses would require the perfect opportunity.
And this was it. His only chance. He had to act before Vegapunk settled into Egghead, before the island was fully transformed into his fortress of science. And he would create Punk Records by extracting his brain and create 6 satellites.
They had to steal the man away while no one was paying attention.
Dante was certain the World Government would never expect someone to be so audacious. Who would dare to kidnap their most valuable asset right under the nose of the Marines? That was precisely why he had sent Mock-Kuro-Kuma to Egghead in advance, to lie in wait for the perfect moment to strike. Admiral Kizaru wouldn't be guarding Vegapunk every second of the day, and the doctor had secrets of his own he wouldn't want the Marines observing.
To ensure they left no trace, Dante had also instructed Mock-Kuro-Kuma to wear a pair of ill-fitting shoes, either slightly too large or too small. It was a minor detail meant to alter his gait and obscure his identity, closing any possible loophole that might lead back to them.
Dante stood on a desolate island he had prepared long ago, located right next to the Marine 16th Branch. On the surface, it was nothing but rock and sand, but the ground beneath had been completely hollowed out. Every piece of Seastone he had collected over the years had been used to fortify the hidden base.
He looked up at the sky and muttered to himself, "I wonder if this will work."
Everything was ready. All that was left was to bring the guest of honor.
--**--**
Just as Dante had anticipated, the explosion at Punk Hazard forced the World Government to relocate Dr. Vegapunk's research base. With the help of the Marines, he was moved to the island of Egghead.
At that moment, on Egghead's snow-covered shore, a Den Den Mushi was ringing.
"Dr. Vegapunk, I have fulfilled your request," a voice said through the receiver. "This island is yours to use from this day forward. But do not forget the promises you made to the World Government. Your last attempt at creating artificial Devil Fruits was a failure, and they have yet to hold you accountable for it."
"I know, I know," said an old man with a massive, lolling tongue that hung down to his abdomen. He had a shock of white hair, slender legs, and a giant lightbulb-shaped head. A white lab coat with "SSG" printed on the back was draped over his floral shirt. He looked down at the Den Den Mushi, his tongue sticking out. "That was a failure, and it troubles me greatly! But please rest assured, I will resume my research as soon as possible."
"See that you do."
*click* The call ended, and the Den Den Mushi went to sleep.
Vegapunk put the snail away and sighed. 'What a headache. That was a rather dangerous invention. I just wanted to create something that could change the world for the better.'
He pushed the thought aside and looked up at the snowy island before him. Egghead was still a world of ice and wind, desolate and empty. But as Vegapunk gazed upon it, a light gleamed in his eyes. He saw not a frozen wasteland, but an island brimming with futuristic technology and scientific marvels. This island was his canvas, and the World Government had promised him a degree of freedom so long as he produced results. He would still be under surveillance, but it was a price he was willing to pay. After all, only an organization with the wealth and power of the World Government could fund his dreams.
Just as Vegapunk was pondering how to begin the island's transformation, a lazy voice cut through the air.
"Phew, it's really cold here. A world away from Punk Hazard." A tall, thin man with curly black hair and a bit of stubble adjusted his sunglasses. He wore a yellow-and-white-striped suit and spoke in a leisurely drawl. "Seriously, Doctor, why did you choose this place? You aren't planning to secretly collaborate with pirates in this remote area, are you? Please spare me from such troublesome matters~"
"Shut up, Borsalino," Vegapunk said, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "I intend to honor my agreement with the World Government. I have far too many troublesome ideas swirling around in this head of mine to get myself erased before I can bring them to life. Besides..."
His eyes lit up as he gestured to the vast, empty landscape.
"I am going to completely transform this place. Soon, I will showcase the future of humanity right here."
"Oh, is that so?" Kizaru slowly stood up, his hands shoved in his pockets. "Well, I'll be sure to check every corner when the time comes." He adjusted his hat and started walking back toward his warship. "I suppose I should be going, then. I'll leave one vessel of Marines here for you. If anything happens, let them know. And if you need me, you can call. Of course, do try to keep the trouble to a minimum."
Though he commanded the Marine Science Unit, an admiral couldn't be expected to remain here permanently. But if an accident did occur, his Devil Fruit powers would allow him to return in an instant.
He tipped his hat, his voice flat. "Be careful."
Without waiting for a reply, he continued toward his ship.
"That's precisely what makes you so annoying," Vegapunk grumbled at Kizaru's back.
He quickly forgot the admiral and turned his excited gaze back to Egghead. 'Where should I begin? Never mind. I'll just look around for today.'
He paid no mind to the Marines stationed behind him. As long as he behaved, he knew they wouldn't interfere.
As he walked, Vegapunk began to mutter to himself, a happy, distracted monologue. "*Ah-choo!* It's indeed quite a bit chilly. The temperature will need to be adjusted to something more comfortable for habitation. And this island is quite large... transportation will need to be well-designed."
A stream of incredible inventions flowed from his mouth as he wandered deeper into the island. After some time had passed and he was a good distance from the pier, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a smile curved his lips.
'Oh, right,' he thought, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. 'And then there's history... a highly advanced ancient kingdom. How exciting. I must be careful. The World Government must never find out about this.'
Suddenly, the world went silent.
The wind stopped. The crunch of snow under his feet vanished. It was as if sound itself had been cut away from him.
"Don't worry," a dull, strangely earnest voice said from behind. "I'm just here to help you change employers."
'Someone's here? Change employers?' Vegapunk was startled. Before he could process what was happening, a sharp pain erupted across his enormous head as something struck him hard. A wave of dizziness washed over him, and his vision swam.
The moment his eyes closed, only one thought remained.
'Who... who in the world would dare to strike the planet's greatest mind?'
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