Because he possessed the most powerful brain, not only could he comprehend advanced technology, but he also saw through worldly affairs and interest-driven relationships with perfect clarity.
Even so, he still had to admit the power of money was truly difficult to resist.
Especially when it came from someone strong.
Even Vegapunk himself—hadn't he been controlled by the World Government through the very same means?
Of course,
Vegapunk's suspicions weren't unfounded either.
If the funding for the Revolutionary Army were to fall under the control of Orin, the king of the underworld, and their own strength was insufficient to challenge Orin…
Then things would get very interesting.
Would this "Revolutionary Army" still belong to Dragon?
Or had it already become Orin's army?
The key point was that Orin and the World Government currently maintained friendly relations. He was even the heir to the throne of a World Government-affiliated kingdom.
A shadowy manipulator uninterested in world domination—choosing to bet on both sides.
Would the old guard World Government crush the upstarts?
Or would the newborn power overthrow a decaying regime?
So hard to say...
But either way, it probably wouldn't be a loss.
After resolving the issue with Dragon, Orin turned his attention to Vegapunk beside him.
"Well then… Dr. Vegapunk, do you need financial support?"
"This…"
Vegapunk hesitated. Mainly because, while Orin's smile appeared gentle, it gave him a deeply unsettling feeling.
As if he were making a deal with the devil.
In fact, the sense of unease surpassed even what he felt dealing with the World Government.
"You should think carefully. Unlimited funding, you know—just let me make use of some research results in return. Don't worry, the World Government won't find out~"
Orin spoke persuasively, because he understood— what unlimited funding meant to a scientist.
To put it bluntly… it was like throwing a 30-year-old virgin into a red-light district with everything free for a limited time.
Once the condition was met, it was impossible not to wear oneself out completely.
As expected, after a brief moment of hesitation, Vegapunk once again gave in to the temptation.
He even considered, if only for a second, betraying the World Government and throwing in with Orin instead.
After all, the Heavenly Tribute collected by the World Government mostly went to the Celestial Dragons and Marine military budgets. While there was research funding, it wasn't unlimited.
But Orin was different—wealthy beyond belief, treating money like trash. In fact, his methods of raking in cash across the seas were even more ruthless than those of the World Government.
He was simply the dream patron of every scientific researcher.
And the first task Orin entrusted to Vegapunk— was to upgrade the black gun on his person.
"No need to turn it into a laser weapon. Just make it feel better to handle, give it longer range, and of course, don't worry about recoil."
No joke—there probably wasn't a gun in existence that Orin couldn't control. In fact, if it didn't look so ridiculous, even lugging around a ship cannon, his monstrous strength could easily suppress the recoil.
As for Vegapunk's future funding, Orin would have people deliver it at irregular intervals.
With such massive financial backing, if any breakthrough tech came out of it, Vegapunk promised Orin would be one of the first users—on par with the World Government.
For instance…
"Orin-san, there's a research project I'm wondering if you might be interested in."
"Hm?" Orin looked over as Vegapunk took the gun from him.
Hearing that sudden question, he couldn't help being curious.
"This is just a preliminary concept… a small breakthrough related to cloning technology."
Ever since Stussy was created, Vegapunk had continued to pursue a more perfect cloning process.
For example, inheriting the power of the original subject, adding certain unique racial traits, and perhaps even incorporating the early-stage results of Devil Fruit research...
"If you're willing, the being created from your blood might become the pinnacle of this technology!"
Upon hearing this,
Orin immediately understood everything. His expression turned strange.
A Seraphim "Orin"?
Inheriting Orin's current talents and Devil Fruit abilities, and then adding the genetic advantages of the Lunarian race?
With Orin's innate gifts, combined with the Lunarians' terrifying regeneration and defense, he'd be practically flawless.
A ten-year-old with the power to rival an Admiral?
Might even surpass him someday…
Forget it. He didn't like the idea of someone parading around the seas with his handsome face,
way too awkward.
"Let's talk about that later. Show me successful results first."
And so, Orin decided to put it off for now.
Vegapunk also understood. After all, it was natural to be skeptical about a project with no proven results yet.
Everything was progressing even more smoothly than Orin had expected.
Maybe it was because he'd thrown in too much money, or because the power gap was too large.
Everything felt harmonious.
Watching Dragon and Vegapunk's team tally up the Belly,
Mihawk showed no interest. Instead, he asked Orin directly:
"Well then… where are we going next?"
"Next, huh…"
Orin thought for a moment, pulled a Den Den Mushi out of his coat, and made a call.
"That depends on whether Morgans has disappointed me, his new boss."
Click.
"How's that matter I asked you to handle going, Morgans?"
"Orin-sama! Are you referring to those other underworld figures, or…?"
"All of them."
"Right… quite a few underworld giants agreed to submit—Umit, for example…
But there were also some who refused. They said Orin is nothing! That there were major interests involved with truly big players, and they didn't dare offend those people."
"Oh?" Orin raised an eyebrow with interest and asked slowly,
"Big players, huh? Who exactly?"
When Morgans heard Orin ask that, he instantly perked up. His bird face lit up with a wicked grin.
Finally, he asked~
Hahahahaha~
Just remembering how, when he made those calls, people mocked him for becoming Orin's lapdog, saying he'd gone soft— he'd been furious.
But as angry as he was back then, he was just as smug now.
Those country bumpkins could never compete with someone like him who dealt in intelligence.
They had no idea how terrifying Orin truly was—not like those rats who only knew how to hide in their dens.
Of course, Morgans and his people could deal with the minor ones themselves. But there were still many they couldn't touch:
"There are quite a few, Orin-sama… The most frequently mentioned name— is someone who seems to be rising as a new hegemon in the New World... Former captain of the Rocks Pirates— Charlotte Linlin!!!"