"Why did you join Golden Lion Shiki?"
Bonney had already become very familiar with Reddy over the past few days, generously allowing him to collect blood samples from various parts of her body. That day, after Reddy finished drawing her blood, she curiously asked him.
"For power."
Reddy smiled and thought carefully before giving his answer. "My dream is to create a free nation where everyone can live in peace and tranquility. To achieve this dream, I need power."
"My dad is super strong!"
Bonney proudly cheered for her father.
Kuma had been quietly observing Reddy drawing blood from Bonney. Hearing this, he spoke up. "Dr. Reddy, I can give you the power you need."
Over the past few days, he had personally witnessed the cloned bodies with the power of the Float-Float Fruit and was completely convinced of Reddy's abilities.
Aside from the immense power of the Paw-Paw Fruit, the Buccaneer Tribe possessed the bloodline of giants, granting them extraordinary strength. In Kuma's view, he was undoubtedly an excellent sample.
"The Buccaneer Tribe does indeed have remarkable Bloodline Factor traits."
Vegapunk floated over with his hands behind his back and showed Reddy his latest invention. "This is my newest creation. It uses jet propulsion to grant people the ability to fly. All you need to do is press this."
As he spoke, Vegapunk pressed a switch on his long boots and levitated again.
"So cool!"
Bonney's eyes sparkled with admiration.
Reddy could only nod in approval. Of course, he also wanted a pair to play with.
"Dr. Reddy..."
Kuma returned to the earlier topic, sincerely willing to provide his genetic samples to Reddy.
"That's not what I want."
Reddy declined with a smile.
He had greater ambitions.
The three-year agreement was almost over, and he now had a force comparable to half of a Yonko's crew.
With territory secured, he wouldn't just rely on covertly hunting strong individuals for their genes.
Cloning another Kuma would be useful, but it would only be the icing on the cake.
Vegapunk immediately understood and said in surprise, "Dr. Reddy also wants to create a Pacifista army."
Reddy looked at Vegapunk in surprise. "Has the World Government already started the Pacifista Project?"
The Pacifista Project referred to the World Government's plan to mass-produce clones of Kuma, modify them, and enhance the government's military strength.
Kuma fell silent.
This was part of his deal with the World Government.
However, he hadn't expected Reddy to know about this project.
Unlike Vegapunk, who was straightforward in everything except scientific matters, Kuma was far more perceptive than his appearance suggested. He worried that Reddy might be targeted for elimination by the World Government because of this knowledge.
Reddy shrugged. "No one can resist the temptation of using Bloodline Factor technology to create an obedient, powerful army."
Kuma immediately felt relieved.
That made sense.
Vegapunk was one of the discoverers of Bloodline Factor and an authority on the subject.
After the World Government used Bonney's treatment as leverage to gain control over Kuma, they wouldn't just use him as a mere Warlord.
"If you want to realize your ideals, I can help you."
After a moment of silence, Kuma suddenly offered to serve as the prototype for Reddy's clone army, providing his genes indefinitely.
He had already sensed Reddy's intention to defect.
In that case, since Reddy had cured Bonney, there was no need for him to submit to the World Government's blackmail.
He would much rather stay by Bonney's side than become a mindless killing machine devoid of emotions and memories.
"I don't like you anymore, hmph!"
Bonney puffed up her cheeks and glared at Reddy with hostility.
She was far more mature than her age suggested.
Though Kuma and Vegapunk had never mentioned it in front of her, she had pieced together some clues and realized that her ability to come to Egghead Island had come at a great cost to her father.
Now, hearing her father suddenly say he could help Reddy achieve his dreams, Bonney immediately guessed that her father would also have to pay a price.
Thus, her fondness for Reddy vanished instantly.
"Bonney..."
Kuma tried to calm the angry Bonney, but she refused to listen and ran off in a huff.
Vegapunk watched Bonney run away with his hands behind his back, casually remarking, "Even if it's just for Bonney's treatment, you should accept Kuma's offer."
Reddy looked troubled.
Having Kuma's allegiance would undoubtedly be beneficial, as it would provide a stable source of strong genetic samples.
But Kuma was one of the founders of the Revolutionary Army!
Taking Kuma in would mean giving the Revolutionary Army a hidden infiltration route.
Reddy had some sympathy for the Revolutionary Army, but not much.
Especially when it came to Dragon's ideology, which left him utterly speechless.
Overthrowing the Celestial Dragons' rule, trying to persuade kings and nobles to repent, and letting these people continue ruling the world.
Listen to yourself!
It was as if Dragon thought the current boss was no good but believed the middle managers could still be redeemed, so he wanted to overthrow the boss and let the "reformed" managers take over.
How ridiculous!
Kuma might have sensed Reddy's hesitation and said, "I am more valuable if I stay with the World Government."
"I can guarantee Bonney will have a better life."
It was best if Kuma willingly remained a Warlord under the World Government. Reddy smiled again and extended his right hand to Kuma.
Vegapunk witnessed the agreement between Reddy and Kuma and looked at Reddy expectantly.
Reddy pretended not to notice.
Don't ask. The answer was simple: he couldn't afford to support this big shot yet.
...
A month later.
Reddy held Bonney's small hand as they approached Borsalino.
Bonney was still resentful toward Reddy and pouted unhappily.
Today, she would have to part with her beloved father.
"Dr. Reddy, you..."
Borsalino hadn't expected Reddy to voluntarily end this meeting with Vegapunk.
Reddy smiled. "I've achieved all my goals in coming here."
As he spoke, his right hand, tucked in his pocket, tightly gripped a test tube.
Inside the tube was the result of his and Vegapunk's work over the past month, the only specialized medicine to treat Bonney.
This was also the true purpose of his visit to Egghead Island.
Even he had to admit that Vegapunk was a true genius, effortlessly solving the problems he had encountered.
Borsalino glanced suspiciously at Bonney.
Bonney staying on Egghead Island for treatment was no secret to him.
"Dr. Vegapunk believes I am the most suitable candidate."
Reddy had already prepared his response and wasn't surprised by Borsalino's reaction. With this one sentence, he shut down any further questions.
Borsalino scratched his head and didn't press the issue.
After all, Vegapunk's endorsement was enough to reassure the World Government.
Moreover, the premise of the World Government's deal with Kuma was curing Bonney and granting her freedom.
Soon, Borsalino prepared a warship.
The ship slowly departed from the dock.
Vegapunk and Kuma didn't come to see them off at the pier but watched from a distance as the ship sailed away.
"Bonney will be fine. Dr. Reddy is more skilled than I am in the field of Bloodline Factor."
Vegapunk noticed Kuma's continued silence and assumed he was still worried about Bonney's condition. He smiled and reassured Kuma not to overthink it, vouching for Reddy's abilities.
Kuma nodded and walked away.
In a secluded corner, Kuma took out a Den Den Mushi.
The call connected shortly after.
After a moment of silence, Kuma spoke solemnly. "I've reached an agreement with Dr. Reddy..."