'Golden Lion' Shiki led Kuro into the laboratory, where Kuro beheld the creatures that even Shiki—a legendary pirate once considered equal to Pirate King Roger—regarded as his ultimate weapons.
On the surveillance monitor, a colossal mantis engaged in fierce combat with a peculiar giant bear.
The bear possessed extraordinarily elongated arms, enabling it to swing through the jungle canopy with simian agility. The massive mantis pursued relentlessly, effortlessly cleaving through towering trees that obstructed its path, projecting an aura of overwhelming ferocity.
In a moment of inattention, however, the mantis found itself ambushed by the long-armed bear, which had strategically positioned itself in concealment among the upper branches.
What happened next left Kuro genuinely astonished. The bear executed a perfect bridge suplex with the precision of a master wrestler, slamming the previously unstoppable mantis violently to the ground.
Before the bear could savor its victory, several powerfully-built men emerged from the undergrowth, some carrying bows while others managed surveillance Den Den Mushi.
One particularly muscular archer drew his bow. Kuro observed that the arrow was specially modified, its shaft fitted with a small vial of liquid at the tail.
With the target so massive and the other men successfully distracting the bear, the archer needed only a moment to aim before loosing his arrow. The projectile—infused with extract derived from IQ—struck the bear's flank with perfect precision.
Inside the laboratory, Dr. Indigo, who had been observing the surveillance footage, nodded continuously in evident satisfaction.
When Shiki finally turned away from the screen to face him, Indigo launched into a series of wild gesticulations while maintaining complete silence.
Kuro, recovering from his astonishment at the battle he'd just witnessed, regarded Dr. Indigo with cool assessment. The man, costumed like a circus performer, wore such heavy makeup that his age remained indiscernible, resembling a professional clown far more than a scientific researcher. Only his chaotic, nest-like blue hair conveyed any suggestion of the stereotypical mad scientist.
The researcher with whom Kuro was most familiar was Dampier, whose arrogance regarding his intellectual prowess and scientific achievements had left an indelible impression. To Kuro, Dr. Indigo appeared cut from similar cloth—an individual who derived immense pride from his intellect and research accomplishments, viewing himself as instrumental to global progress while regarding those around him as intellectual inferiors.
Before speaking, Dr. Indigo invariably performed elaborate pantomimes reminiscent of a silent film actor. This wasn't due to any deficit in verbal ability or need to organize his thoughts; rather, he simply delighted in manipulating others. He took perverse pleasure in watching what he considered "simpletons" struggle to interpret his intentions.
While the others anxiously attempted to decipher Indigo's theatrical gestures, Kuro seized the opportunity to examine the laboratory more thoroughly.
Beyond numerous chemical instruments that Kuro couldn't identify, the most striking feature was the massive monitor before him. Through specialized Den Den Mushi eyes, captured images were projected onto the screen with remarkable clarity.
During his time on the island, Kuro had noticed its abundance of Den Den Mushi, many representing species entirely unknown in the East Blue. These snails possessed unique capabilities that left Kuro wondering whether they represented cutting-edge technology from distant seas or novel species engineered by Shiki's research team using IQ.
Before the screen, white-coated researchers meticulously recorded data, operated sophisticated equipment, and directed frontline operatives, issuing precise commands based on real-time feedback.
Surveying this laboratory—replete with advanced technology and elite scientific talent—Kuro could readily understand why Shiki had been persuaded to redirect his attention toward the East Blue.
Achieving Shiki's grandiose ambitions required resources and personnel far beyond his current capacity. For years, Shiki had resorted to abducting populations and appropriating entire islands, but continuing this approach indefinitely risked attracting unwanted Marine attention and exposing his ultimate objectives. By contrast, William's methodical development in the East Blue, as Kuro had described, demonstrated the advantages of establishing operations in that neglected region. The East Blue offered abundant resources and a low-profile environment—ideal conditions for Shiki's research to flourish undisturbed.
Meanwhile, Shiki concluded his discussion with Dr. Indigo. From what Kuro had observed during his brief time with the Golden Lion, Shiki's brutal nature was unmistakable. If Dr. Indigo weren't both a veteran member of Shiki's inner circle and the irreplaceable genius behind IQ development, Shiki would likely have executed the self-amused scientist long ago for his irritating antics.
"You may retire now," Shiki instructed, having provided Kuro with a calculated glimpse of his scientific capabilities—just enough to inspire appropriate fear. Believing he had sufficiently intimidated his new recruit, Shiki dismissed him and proceeded with Dr. Indigo toward an adjacent chamber.
It was evident that Shiki and Indigo shared secrets not yet meant for Kuro's ears. Though intensely curious, Kuro betrayed no outward interest, departing without hesitation upon receiving Shiki's command.
Elsewhere, Shiki and Dr. Indigo entered a room permeated with the antiseptic scent of medical alcohol.
Shiki removed his ornate coat and reclined on the examination bed. Dr. Indigo, with a mischievous grin, plucked the cigar from between Shiki's lips.
"Are you genuinely considering this young man Kuro's suggestion to establish operations in the East Blue?" Indigo inquired while methodically examining Shiki's physical condition with various medical instruments.
"Kuro mentioned that upstart William's strategic doctrine—'strengthen foundations, recruit talent, delay claiming the crown.' It's rather intriguing," Shiki remarked with a contemplative smirk. "Whether the East Blue harbors individuals worthy of my consideration remains questionable, but its abundant resources and inconspicuous environment make it ideal for our research endeavors. And besides..."
Shiki's expression transformed into something simultaneously sinister and calculating. "Once our research reaches completion, we can obliterate the East Blue entirely. With the advantage of intimate regional familiarity developed over years of operation, we could even bait the Marines into a trap, inflicting significant casualties upon them while systematically destroying the East Blue."
"What becomes of the East Blue natives who've pledged themselves to your banner?" Indigo asked, unsurprised by Shiki's callous betrayal. He understood all too well how profoundly Shiki's defeat at Roger's hands continued to fester within him.
As the years passed, Shiki's bitterness regarding that historic loss had only intensified rather than diminished. Perhaps this escalating resentment stemmed from his growing awareness of his own mortality—his body deteriorating despite his efforts, and though his strategic intellect remained sharp, his emotional composure had begun to fray with increasing urgency.
Shiki harbored a profound fear: that should he perish before achieving his grand ambitions, history would remember him merely as the defeated rival of Pirate King Roger rather than as the conqueror of the five seas and the man who brought the world to its knees.
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