"I see, I have underestimated the technology of Cyberpunk 2077. So it's not that tech can't be integrated with the extraordinary!"
Sebastian Xiao touched his chin, considering that he might install an operating system for himself in the future. After all, with the Munch-Munch Fruit, he didn't need to modify his body. Still, equipment that could exponentially increase his speed and reaction was worth the effort.
Having now studied the working principle of Sandevistan in detail, Sebastian Xiao's attention returned to the tech itself. Many Cyberpunk 2077 technologies were not limited to mortals—they could enhance anyone, even the extraordinary.
However, Wapol Shaw's technological bonuses were, to Sebastian Xiao, just that—enhancements. How Wapol Shaw's reaction speed was increased by Sandevistan still depended on his own physical base. His current power did not exceed expectations; everything was within predicted limits.
The main reason Sebastian Xiao did not confront Wapol Shaw directly was that Shaw's true trump card remained hidden. What had been revealed so far was the cyber-enhanced Shaw he had defeated before.
After activating the spine on his back, Shaw not only increased his reaction speed but also his strength. It was obvious he had installed at least two operating systems simultaneously—maybe even three.
The operating system of a netrunner was specialized for Cyberpunk 2077's world. Outside a networked environment, it was nearly useless. Wapol Shaw likely had multiple prosthetics as well, including fusion-capable MODs that could combine functionalities to adapt to any combat scenario.
Shaw's sudden acceleration in midair suggested something more than mere technology—it was a golden finger, a cheat of sorts. But for Sebastian Xiao, this was not a serious threat. Ordinary technology had long ceased to matter; unless Shaw acquired a weapon like the nuclear bomb that destroyed the Wasteland Tower, Cyberpunk 2077 tech could not harm him.
Now, the only true golden finger left was Wapol Shaw himself. Only by uncovering this hidden advantage could Sebastian Xiao dare to engage fully.
He suspected Shaw's power might stem from an overwhelmingly domineering aura, or a golden finger akin to a Devil Fruit that defied the sea. Through the omniscient abilities of the Daluo fragments, Sebastian Xiao had already concealed many secrets from Daluo Daoguo.
For example, the golden finger granted by Daluo was never overwhelmingly powerful; it was auxiliary. Its awakening depended on luck, tailored by what the world was willing to give. It had to follow the rules of the world—no external system powers allowed.
Just like Sebastian Xiao, who had no surface-level golden finger, all his strength came from awakened superpowers. Daluo Dao Fruit's role was simply to help him unlock greater potential. Without this fragment, he might have awakened a different superpower—or even reincarnated as an ordinary person.
This fragment allowed Xiao to secure numerous luck positions, earning him the status of a "monkey version" of the Black Emperor in the world of Black Robe Pickets.
Xiao's Dimension Farm in the Siheyuan, always called a "big bug in a small world," existed purely due to luck. Normally, such a creation would be impossible, but Xiao's time travel coincided with an era full of tragedy. At that moment, humanity's faith for survival was immense, unchallenged by other gods. This faith was consumed by the Daluo Dao Fruit, generating miraculous power.
If Wapol Shaw were as lucky as Siheyuan Xiao and awakened a golden finger like Blackbeard's—capable of consuming multiple Devil Fruits—Sebastian Xiao would not dare confront him directly.
In the original One Piece narrative, after Blackbeard obtained the Dark Fruit and betrayed the Whitebeard Pirates, his first target was the Drum Kingdom—now Wapol Shaw's territory. The Munch-Munch Fruit had the ability to merge multiple people into one. Internet speculation suggested Blackbeard went there to seize the Munch-Munch Fruit and hide its secret.
Sebastian Xiao knew that Wapol Shaw must also be aware of this. He did not believe Shaw had ignored the possibility of body fusion.
The questions remained: how many Devil Fruits had Wapol Shaw eaten, and what hidden abilities did he possess? Sebastian Xiao needed these answers before a final battle.
It wasn't timidity that made him cautious—it was prudence. Wapol Shaw's age and experience, combined with the bizarre and unpredictable nature of One Piece Devil Fruits, made head-on confrontation dangerously uncertain.
In One Piece, the most powerful Devil Fruits are conceptual "Superman-type" abilities, not natural or beast types. They can manipulate luck, turn humans into immortal dolls, control beasts, or even curse someone to be another's scapegoat. The effects are unavoidable and often deadly without warning.
Sebastian Xiao didn't know if his abilities could counter such conceptual powers. Better to play it safe than risk dying from an unseen touch on the street.
⭐ Enjoying the story?
You can read ahead and support the translations by joining my Patreon! Your support helps me update faster and take on more projects. Thank you for reading!
Read up to 50 chapters ahead!
patreon.com/AminaSims