"Bloodline... inherited power!?"
Vegapunk's jaw practically hit the floor. In the world of One Piece, there was no such thing as bloodline inheritance of power! At most, people inherited wills and ideals!
How the hell were you supposed to inherit actual power!? Vegapunk realized his knowledge had serious gaps. The restlessness in his chest became impossible to contain.
"I... agree to abandon the World Government!!"
The words seemed to drain every ounce of strength from his body as Vegapunk spoke.
He paused, still not entirely confident, worry creeping into his voice: "However, I need you to shield me from all pressure from the World Government!"
"Naturally." Kai smiled.
Kai had never doubted Vegapunk's choice from the start. Any true scientist couldn't resist the pull of the unknown—it was the instinct of an outstanding researcher. As the world's number one scientist, Vegapunk was no exception.
"Alright then, you should let me study you now, right?"
Vegapunk could barely contain his eagerness. This was the opportunity he'd sacrificed his position with the World Government to obtain—of course he was invested.
"Study me? Sorry, that's not happening."
Seeing the disappointment flash across Vegapunk's eyes, Kai smiled and continued: "However, I'll give you other excellent research subjects."
"Research... subjects!?" Vegapunk looked confused. Could there be others in this world capable of using this energy!?
Without answering Vegapunk's question, Kai's consciousness sank into the depths of his mind as he thought: "System, how many reputation points do I have now?"
"Seven million, eight hundred fifty-three thousand, four hundred eighty-five points!" the system replied coldly.
"Mm... synchronize the Amenominaka Ice Dimension for me now!" Kai commanded mentally.
"Understood, host!"
A moment later, the system's voice returned: "Synchronization complete. The Amenominaka Ice Dimension has been synchronized with the power laws of the One Piece world. Host may use it freely."
Looking at Vegapunk's expectant face, Kai raised his hand and snapped his fingers lightly.
Snap! The sound was crisp.
Several blocks of ice, each over two meters long, suddenly materialized. Inside each block was a frozen person, though their appearance was extremely bizarre—completely pale from head to toe.
If not for the vaguely human shape, you couldn't tell these were people at all!
If any ninja who'd experienced the Fourth Great Ninja War were here, they'd immediately recognize what these were—products of the God Tree. White Zetsu!!
People bound by the God Tree's roots, trapped in eternal dreams. At first, they might retain some consciousness, but after years of dream erosion, that awareness would gradually dissolve, and their bodies would begin to change!
Finally, when consciousness completely vanished, their bodies would be assimilated by the God Tree into White Zetsu!
As for why Kai possessed White Zetsu bodies—after destroying Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, he'd frozen all the White Zetsu from the God Tree in his Amenominaka Ice Dimension.
He'd figured they might prove useful someday.
Who knew that after arriving in the One Piece world, they'd actually come in handy. Though White Zetsu weren't particularly strong—just Chunin level at best.
But they used the most authentic chakra power, and he had as many as needed. Even if Vegapunk killed them all in experiments, Kai wouldn't feel the slightest regret.
"These are all people who can use chakra?"
Vegapunk asked. After seeing Kai nod, fanatical excitement blazed across his face: "Can I dissect them?"
"Of course. And if you need more, just ask anytime," Kai said casually.
"Then Vice Admiral White Dragon, I won't disturb you further. If you need anything, come find me."
His attention had already locked completely onto the White Zetsu, unable to look away for even a moment. Like a pervert encountering a peerless beauty, or a drunk stumbling upon thousand-year-old wine—he couldn't spare attention for anything else. He'd basically just kicked Kai out!
"Uh... alright then." Kai said somewhat helplessly. Though for a scientist in the throes of research fever, Kai couldn't muster even a hint of anger.
Successfully recruiting Vegapunk left Kai extremely satisfied.
Combined with Caesar Clown, who was being cultivated by Doflamingo, the two strongest scientists in the One Piece world were now under his command!
With just these two, Kai possessed scientific research power that surpassed both the World Government and the Revolutionary Army!
Five years passed in the blink of an eye.
Kai had been stationed at G-1 Base for five full years.
With Kai's presence, the New World had seen significantly less conflict. Or rather—too many major pirates had been killed by Kai.
The power structure of the New World had undergone a complete reshuffling!
The Navy's influence now reached every nation in the New World. Pirate territory had been compressed to an unprecedented degree, then compressed again. But pirates could only rage silently—even the "Four Emperors" remained passive about the situation. What could anyone else do?
Over those five years, Kai's reputation points had accumulated to nearly one hundred million. Not only had he fully synchronized all his other abilities, he still had plenty left over.
This time, however, Kai chose not to continue with the lottery.
First, he still hadn't fully mastered Ryūjin Jakka from his last ultimate draw—he'd only just grasped its Bankai and had huge room for improvement.
Second, his experience in the pirate world had taught him a lesson! He needed to keep enough reputation points on hand so that when entering a new world, he could fully synchronize his powers. The feeling of having strength but being unable to use it was absolutely unbearable!
"Vice Admiral White Dragon, Dr. Vegapunk requests your presence." A voice called from outside Kai's office.
Kai's eyebrow lifted as he thought: "Looks like Vegapunk's research has finally made progress."
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