Chapter 36 – Plans in Motion
Arthur was in the hotel room with Black Maria when he finally decided it was time to put his plans into motion. Without hesitation, he created several clones, each identical and ready to embark on the critical mission: to scour the world for the fruits.
He stood for a moment, observing the clones' confident faces before addressing them with a firm voice:
— You all know exactly what you have to do, right?
The first clone stepped forward, voice steady and assured:
— Of course, main body. We've got the plan down: search for the fruits to build our planet, locate Nico Robin and Nami, protect them at all costs, and if Robin is already out there wandering, bring her safely back here. That's right, isn't it?
Arthur nodded, feeling a surge of satisfaction. His plan was clear, but there were still important details to clarify.
— Exactly. But before you head out, just one more thing... — he furrowed his brow thoughtfully. — How much power can each of you tap into?
One clone took a moment, carefully considering the question, then responded:
— Normally, we operate using about 30% of your strength, the main body. We can push ourselves to 100% if necessary, but since we're clones, we dissipate approximately an hour after reaching full output.
Arthur nodded thoughtfully, weighing the pros and cons.
— That's not too bad. Still gives you enough time to get some blood from powerful beings like Akainu before fading away.
One of the clones muttered under his breath, half complaining:
— Man… if only we had reincarnated as an Eternal or a god — like Zeus or Lucifer — we wouldn't have to deal with this weakness and time limit.
Arthur let out a deep sigh but responded firmly:
— It's better than being powerless. Better than dying helplessly amidst the shockwaves of battles between heroes and villains… just like the majority of civilians in DC. When the real monsters from that universe start to appear, those without power will stand no chance.
The room fell silent for a moment. None of the clones could deny the truth in his words—it was a harsh reality they all had to face.
— If no one else has anything to add — Arthur continued — then you're free to begin your search for the fruits.
Suddenly, Clone 3 raised a hand, eager to speak.
— Wait, main body! You're forgetting one crucial ability. If we get it, it will make our search much easier.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
— What ability is that?
— Teleportation. If we can obtain that, we could cover a much larger area in significantly less time.
Arthur pondered for a moment, realizing the clone had a point.
— And do you have a target in mind?
— Yes. The guy from the movie Jumper we watched recently! His teleportation power is strong, but physically he's quite weak. If we surprise him, taking his ability shouldn't be difficult.
Arthur nodded slowly, remembering the universe from the film.
— True... It really is easier to obtain powers in that universe. What was the protagonist's name again...? Ah, yes — David Rice.
He turned his attention back to the other clones.
— Any other ideas?
Clone 2 stepped forward, clearly annoyed at being overlooked.
— Main body, you airhead! You forgot about the Pure Gold from the Lantern Fish!
Arthur's eyes widened in recognition.
— Pure Gold! Of course! How could I have forgotten?
Maria, who had been quietly listening, furrowed her brow.
— What's this Pure Gold? Why does it make you react like that?
Arthur fixed her with a serious gaze.
— Pure Gold is said to grant immortality to whoever uses it.
Maria's eyes grew wide with shock. She had never imagined such a treasure could exist in this world — something capable of bestowing eternal life.
Arthur turned back to the clones with renewed determination.
— Add Pure Gold to your list of targets. But first, we're going after Jumper's power.
Without hesitation, he opened a dimensional portal, linking directly to David Rice's universe — precisely at the moment the protagonist was about to awaken his power for the first time, struggling as he nearly drowned in a lake.
Arthur glanced at the clones, his voice firm.
— So, who's going?
Immediately, a lively debate erupted among the clones, each one eager for the opportunity.
Suddenly, one clone sprinted toward the portal with reckless enthusiasm, leaping through it while shouting with a mischievous grin:
— Goodbye, idiots! I'm off for an adventure!
Clone 1 shouted back indignantly:
— You bastard! I wanted to go too! I might have even stopped by a strip club before returning!
Clone 3 chuckled heartily.
— Haha! That guy's definitely going to have a good time before he's back…
Arthur watched the chaotic scene, exhaling a weary sigh.
— This must be some kind of punishment… I used to laugh at Naruto when his clones teased him… and now I'm the one going through it.
Behind him, Black Maria couldn't contain her laughter, joining in the amusement at the playful banter between Arthur and his clones.
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