This Blitzcrank is not that Blitzcrank.
It merely shares the same name and is not the same as the Blitzcrank from the Valoran continent. The identical name is just for convenience.
Blitzcrank's model was originally a mass-produced robot, but its creation was an accident.
Viktor discovered a discarded robot, heavily damaged.
Within the robot's cold shell, Viktor saw potential. Inspiration struck, and he began a series of experiments, attempting to introduce new elements to enhance the robot, pushing it to new heights.
The Hextech Crystal made this possible, but Viktor could never replicate the experiment's success. It seemed to be a fluke.
Oran did recreate Blitzcrank, but he used technology from the Project Universe, a possible reality within Valoran's world—a unique parallel timeline where highly advanced artificial intelligence elevated robots to new levels.
"Is it an illusion? Why does it feel different from when it first started?"
Kate stared at the saluting Blitzcrank, a strange, indescribable feeling stirring within her.
She wanted Oran to address her question, but it was Blitzcrank who spoke.
"Miss Kate, you're correct. I am no longer the same as before."
"Oran, what… exactly changed in it?"
"A small upgrade. Robots may share the same label, but their definitions vary. The most basic robots are tools—smarter and more convenient, but no different from inanimate objects like hammers."
Oran rechecked Blitzcrank's components, then sealed the energy core compartment.
"But machines can be upgraded. Beyond being controlled, they can operate autonomously. That's artificial intelligence. The most basic AI standard is logical response.
A program follows preset logical rules to produce logical reactions. Such programs are rigid but safe. Blitzcrank, however, is different—it can think."
After the final inspection, Oran disconnected the various cables attached to Blitzcrank and led it out of the workshop.
"Think? Can robots think too?"
Looking at the robot towering over him, Kuma began pondering what Oran meant by "thinking."
"Exactly. It's like how you think—capable of self-compiling beyond its programmed tasks. This gives it greater potential for growth. Current conditions are limited, or it could be a robot endowed with emotions, the highest tier.
We'll upgrade it gradually. For now, it's sufficient."
Blitzcrank raised its mechanical arm overhead, observing a butterfly on its palm before gently releasing it.
Lacking the tactile sense of flesh, it nonetheless made its first contact with life.
"Emotions… It sounds… kind of unbelievable. So, Oran, is this why you told me that the inner soul is what matters?"
"Yes. When it gains joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, though its body remains cold, its essence becomes a sentient life.
This sea is too dangerous. Whether for future goals or survival, we need safeguards.
Physical strength takes time to build, and talent caps one's growth. That's when you need something to break those limits."
During this time, Oran had been training himself. Though not a combat type, he couldn't lag too far behind, or even with powerful weapons, others could exploit his weaknesses.
"But per your habits, Oran, shouldn't you aim for the best right away?"
Oran was something of a perfectionist. Unless pressed for time, he never lowered his crafting standards, especially for things he used himself.
"It's a matter of conditions. My abilities require proper facilities to shine. To create a truly perfect construct capable of rivaling a nation, I'd need hundreds of specialists, thousands of supporting manufacturers, and at least a visionary ruling class.
So far, I haven't seen a single nation capable of this."
"Sorry, I'm learning too slowly…"
"It's not about you, Kuma. This isn't something one person can solve. The Sorbet Kingdom's environment is inherently limited. Starting here is no different from starting from scratch.
Blitzcrank's current state is like a newborn. You can try nurturing its growth. I can't predict how far it'll go."
Oran had another experimental project he couldn't yet pursue: a study on Haki.
Haki's power stemmed from the heart, and it wasn't exclusive to humans—animals could use it too.
So, if steel were given a soul, could it cultivate Haki? That was an unknown.
For now, such research was infeasible. Oran hadn't mastered Haki training himself. Though the basics involved getting beaten while building physical strength, it wasn't just about taking hits.
Not every beaten person was Luffy, nor was every beater Kaido.
For now, Oran focused on physical training.
The environment forced maturity, but Ginny and the others were still children at heart. Blitzcrank's creation sparked their curiosity, especially when Oran said it needed to grow.
At night, while Kate and the others slept soundly, Blitzcrank stood outside, gazing at the stars, trying to understand what friendship was.
Oran, too, had entered a dream, though his was rather unique.
Lush green land was cloaked in night, the sky twinkling with stars. Oran sensed a familiar presence as several fluffy tails brushed past his face.
"What a rare guest. You actually came to me."
A sultry voice reached Oran's ears, capable of melting most men, yet it stirred no emotion in him.
"Ahri, you know this isn't something I can control. And these tricks don't work on me."
Turning, Oran's gaze met a pair of violet eyes, which faded as a humanoid nine-tailed fox stood behind him, playfully teasing with her tails, only to be rebuffed.
"How dull. You're still the most peculiar man I've met. Sometimes I wonder how many fascinating stories lie in your memories."
"Stolen memories are never yours."
"I know. So, this time, got any interesting tales to share? I'm curious about that idol singer version of me you mentioned before."
"We'll get to that later. First, let me confirm something. When was the last time we met?"
Calculating the stars' positions, Oran noticed something off. Time here seemed to have barely passed.
"A week ago. What happened to that memory you're so proud of? Forgetting even this?"
"A week? But I've been gone for months…"