Unusual Layout
At this moment, at G-1 Base.
Kai noticed something odd.
His office as the base's highest-ranking officer wasn't actually located at the very center of the entire G-1 Base.
Somewhat unconventional.
It also sparked his curiosity.
He called over a nearby Lieutenant Colonel.
Pointed toward the center of the island.
"Lieutenant Colonel, what's that place over there?"
The Lieutenant Colonel froze.
Looked in the direction Kai was pointing.
Then replied:
"Admiral White Dragon, that place is where Marine Headquarters' Science Unit is located."
Vegapunk
Marine Headquarters Science Unit!?
Kai had no interest in the science of the One Piece world.
But he was very interested in one particular person there—
Dr. Vegapunk!!!
Marine Headquarters scientist.
But under World Government control.
Known as the scientist whose intelligence surpassed humanity by five hundred years.
Vegapunk had unlocked the transmission conditions of Devil Fruit abilities.
Allowing objects to possess Devil Fruit powers.
Years ago, he even invented a method using Seastone to let Marine warships cross the Calm Belt.
Enabling the Marines to freely travel to the other four seas.
In the near future, he would develop technology for human body modification.
And methods for replicating Devil Fruit abilities.
Fully demonstrated in the Pacifistas.
Not only could they use the Paw-Paw Fruit's abilities—
But also Kizaru's Glint-Glint Fruit abilities.
Though not yet perfectly.
The fruit abilities copied onto the Pacifistas were significantly inferior compared to actual ability users.
But being able to achieve this level?
Already incredibly precious.
Just imagine:
Facing thousands of ability users who could use the Glint-Glint Fruit and Paw-Paw Fruit.
Even Admiral-level fighters couldn't withstand that.
Relocation Explanation
"Headquarters' Science Unit?"
Kai's voice came curious.
"Why would it be here!?"
The Lieutenant Colonel immediately answered:
"Admiral White Dragon, Marine Headquarters' Science Unit was indeed previously established at Marine Headquarters." Pause. "But three years ago, the Doctor said he wanted to use the New World's strange and complex environment to research Devil Fruit powers."
He continued:
"So with World Government approval, Marine Headquarters' Science Unit temporarily relocated to G-1 Base." His tone came matter-of-fact. "Therefore, Marine Headquarters' Science Unit isn't under our base's jurisdiction."
Without asking further, Kai knew.
The "Doctor" the Lieutenant Colonel mentioned was Dr. Vegapunk.
After all, only he in the entire Marine Science Unit could get the World Government to agree with just one sentence.
Or rather:
Saying Marine Headquarters' Science Unit belonged to Vegapunk alone wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Courtesy Visit
"Is that so?"
Kai's tone came light.
"Even if it's not under our base's jurisdiction, since I'm the base's highest-ranking officer, I should at least pay a courtesy visit, right?"
Pause.
"Let's go."
Kai stood up.
Walked directly toward the Marine Science Unit's location.
Blocked Entry
"HALT!"
A voice rang out.
"This is Marine Headquarters Science Unit territory. No non-Science Unit personnel are allowed entry!"
Just as Kai was about to step through the Science Unit's gates—
A massive axe flew over.
SLAM.
It crashed into the ground right in front of him.
Following the voice, a youth wearing a red bib and with an unusually robust build walked out.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?"
The youth glared at Kai angrily.
Looking somewhat displeased.
"Don't you know the Marine Science Unit is directly under the World Government!?"
Sentomaru
Hearing such questioning, Kai wasn't angry.
He smiled.
"You must be Sentomaru!" His tone came amused. "Known as the man with the world's strongest defense and the world's tightest lips?"
"Ahahaha..."
Sentomaru laughed.
"So you know me!" Pause. "But even so, I won't tell you that Dr. Vegapunk is conducting experiments in Laboratory No. 1!"
Looking at Sentomaru before him, Kai was speechless.
Black lines on his forehead.
With this level of loose lips?
He truly deserved to be called the man with the world's tightest lips.
Credentials
"I'm the highest-ranking officer of Marine G-1 Base."
Kai's voice came light.
"Marine Headquarters Admiral White Dragon Kai Mitarashi." Pause. "I should be qualified to meet Dr. Vegapunk, right?"
Hearing Kai's words, Sentomaru looked somewhat hesitant.
If it were just the identity of G-1 Base's highest-ranking officer, he could ignore that.
But the identity of Marine Admiral?
Couldn't be disregarded by Sentomaru.
Moreover, this fourth Marine Headquarters Admiral White Dragon—
Said to be a powerful existence who had defeated Whitebeard and the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Just days ago, he had crushed the major pirate uprising that attacked G-1 Base in the New World.
After a long moment, Sentomaru said with some internal conflict:
"If you want to see Dr. Vegapunk, it's not impossible." His tone came serious. "But you have to defeat me, Sentomaru, first!"
He held his large axe.
Looked at Kai with a somewhat serious expression.
Challenge Accepted
"Is that so? Defeat you?"
Kai paused.
"Hmm..."
His tone came casual.
"As a Marine Admiral, attacking you would be beneath my dignity." He raised an eyebrow. "How about this—I'll stand here without moving."
Pause.
"If you can make my feet shift even half an inch, I'll consider it my loss." He smiled. "How's that?"
Toward simple guys like Sentomaru, even though his personality was somewhat unpleasant, Kai couldn't generate any ill will.
In his view, they were much better than those with hypocritical smiling faces.
"Are you sure!?"
Sentomaru couldn't quite believe it.
"Of course."
Kai's smile widened.
"Then you won't be seeing the Doctor this time!"
Sentomaru said with full confidence.
If it were a battle of combat strength, Sentomaru naturally didn't think he could defeat Kai.
His earlier words were just giving himself a way out.
But if it were this type of confrontation as Kai suggested?
Sentomaru had sufficient confidence.
After all, his strength had amazed even Admiral Kizaru.
Mighty Push
"Then I'm going to attack!"
Sentomaru took a deep breath.
His entire aura suddenly rose to a peak.
Both hands covered in fierce Haki.
Pushed toward Kai.
"Armament Haki: Mighty Push!!!"
The naturally gifted Sentomaru had extraordinarily great strength.
Especially when enhanced with Haki—
It was exceptionally terrifying.
After all, without certain abilities, one wouldn't be assigned as Vegapunk's bodyguard.
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