Daren never expected a single cup of coffee to have such a dramatic effect on Vegapunk.
Even his gaze, under the influence of caffeine, seemed sharper—brighter—almost brimming with wisdom.
Noticing the surprise on Daren's face, Vegapunk chuckled.
"Don't underestimate the power of science, Daren-san."
He pointed to a screen nearby, where several red lines pulsed and danced.
At first, Daren assumed it was just another stream of experimental data—those were everywhere in Vegapunk's lab. But when he looked closer, he realized with a jolt that the data on display was measuring the intensity of his own bio-magnetic field.
"Dr. Vegapunk… you can monitor bio-magnetic field strength remotely?"
Daren's brow furrowed slightly in surprise.
Vegapunk smiled.
"The bio-magnetic field is essentially a form of radiant energy."
"Since I've already deconstructed the energy transfer conditions of Borsalino's Pika Pika no Mi, it's only natural I'd also explore magnetic forces… But the deeper I went, the more obstacles I encountered. And with each one, I came to respect this force's complexity even more."
"Electromagnetic force… it seems to be a kind of fundamental energy—mysterious and vast. Even I haven't been able to grasp its true nature."
Daren fell silent.
It was no exaggeration—Vegapunk truly deserved to be called the most brilliant scientist in the world. To think he had reached the point of touching upon "electromagnetic force" through his studies on magnetic fields.
From the standpoint of modern Earth physics, electromagnetism is one of the four fundamental forces of the universe.
If someone could fully understand and master it, they'd wield a near-godlike power.
It wouldn't just be moving metal. It would mean manipulating thought, creating storms, shifting planets, opening wormholes for interstellar travel—a godlike power.
Of course, that was all purely theoretical—impossible to achieve with current science.
But even so, the fact that Vegapunk had reached this level of insight within such a rudimentary scientific framework was nothing short of extraordinary.
"That's a realm I can't enter yet," Vegapunk said with a faint smile, a trace of regret in his tone—but also a carefree acceptance. "It's like I'm missing a critical piece of the puzzle."
"...Thankfully, Devil Fruit research has brought me more than enough joy."
That caught Daren's attention immediately.
He perked up, intrigued.
Across the seas, the top scientists he knew each had their specialties.
Vinsmoke Judge of Germa 66, master of genetic engineering and high-tech weaponry.
Queen, the "Plague" of the Beasts Pirates, who focused on bio-modification and viral research.
And Caesar Clown—the infamous "evil scientist" who once worked under Doflamingo and was known for developing artificial Devil Fruit.
Each had their own strengths and obsessions.
But Vegapunk?
He had mastered all of them—and gone even further, becoming the undisputed authority on Devil Fruit.
No one on this sea knew more about them.
Daren had successfully awakened the Jiki Jiki no Mi, and with Queen's guidance, had begun training through magnetic field manipulation. But he still had unresolved questions—gaps in understanding he couldn't bridge.
If Vegapunk could provide answers, it would save him years of trial and error.
"Dr. Vegapunk, there are some things I'd really like your insight on."
Daren briefly explained the issues he'd been facing and the inconsistencies he couldn't resolve.
Vegapunk listened with calm patience, nodding occasionally as he followed the explanation. Once Daren finished, he paused in thought.
A faint smile slowly spread across his face.
He turned to Daren, speaking with smooth confidence.
"Daren-san, through all these years of studying Devil Fruit, I've come to realize something—something fundamental about their power."
The essence of Devil Fruit?
At those words, Daren and Stussy both snapped to attention, their expressions growing serious.
Borsalino, meanwhile, continued calmly cleaning his nails like nothing was happening.
Vegapunk stood with his hands clasped behind his back, pacing slowly in front of the lab's massive floor-to-ceiling window as he spoke.
"The Devil Fruit... is essentially humanity's pursuit of the possibility of evolution. Zoan-types reflect the potential for humans to adapt into wild animals under harsh environments. Paramecia-types are born from humanity's fantasies of possessing supernatural powers to overcome disasters and threats."
"And Logia-types... represent the human attempt to master the force of nature itself."
"All three classes of Devil Fruits are, at their core, manifestations of mankind's desire to evolve—but this 'evolution' is unnatural."
"And because of that unnaturalness, it's rejected by Mother Nature—by the sea itself. That's why Devil Fruit users cannot swim."
Daren's chest tightened slightly.
As he listened, a thought seemed to flash through his mind—something just beyond reach—only to vanish before he could grasp it.
Stussy furrowed her brows, absorbing the words with a trace of confusion.
But Vegapunk didn't rush. He simply smiled, sipping his coffee with the ease of a man who knew his audience would catch up in time.
"So what you're saying is... Devil Fruits aren't something that naturally exists in the world?"
Daren asked the question abruptly.
Vegapunk's smile deepened, clearly pleased.
He gave Daren an approving nod.
"Exactly, Daren-san. You're as sharp as I've heard. You've identified the heart of the matter."
"You're right. Devil Fruits may not have formed through natural means at all. Perhaps they were born from a unique power... or created by some great being... or maybe even spawned from a special environment under extraordinary conditions..."
"But in truth, the origin doesn't matter. Because from the moment Devil Fruits appeared, they were already destined to be unpredictable."
"And if they embody the idea of human evolution—something inherently uncertain—then it stands to reason that the development of Devil Fruit abilities would also be unpredictable."
"And that means..."
He turned to face Daren fully, voice calm but firm as each word landed with weight.
"Daren-san, the path you've taken in awakening your Devil Fruit is not wrong."
"Because there is no such thing as a 'correct' path when it comes to unlocking a Devil Fruit's potential."
"Rather, any development that helps a living being adapt, that pushes it toward its own form of 'evolution'—that, in itself, is the right path."