Since Reddy returned to Punk Hazard, the number of marines stationed there had doubled.
Originally, Borsalino would occasionally carry out missions from Marineford, but now he hardly ever left the island.
Reddy didn't pay it any mind, and the other researchers weren't interested either.
But Caesar, watching from the sidelines, seethed with anger.
"That damn bastard!"
Caesar sat in his own laboratory, flipping through the latest experiment records while muttering curses under his breath.
A month ago, Reddy's laboratory had developed the Artificial Devil Fruit serum, achieving outstanding results and earning Reddy even more admiration from his peers.
But Caesar could see the flaws in the serum.
Unwilling to admit defeat, he worked tirelessly to further improve SAD.
However, the results were far from encouraging.
Progress on refining SAD was slow, and the actual success rate still struggled to exceed twenty percent.
The serum developed by Reddy's lab might have its flaws, but no one could deny that it boasted a one hundred percent success rate.
"Damn it!"
Caesar angrily threw the experiment records on the ground and crossed his arms, plotting something devious.
After thinking for a long time, he picked up the Den Den Mushi.
Soon, the call connected.
Caesar grinned maliciously. "Shurororororo… Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I'm reporting that Dr. Reddy is hiding the perfected Artificial Devil Fruit formula."
…
Marineford.
Sengoku's expression was grave as he stared at the Den Den Mushi on his desk, deep in thought.
The Science Unit was under the Marines' jurisdiction.
However, the World Government was gradually taking control of the Science Unit, and Marineford couldn't openly oppose it, so they had no choice but to pretend nothing was happening.
But the recent communication from Caesar, the second-in-command of the Punk Hazard Research Institute, had put him in a difficult position.
A perfected Artificial Devil Fruit!
This was a crucial asset the Marines desperately needed right now.
Some time ago, reports from Punk Hazard revealed that Dr. Reddy, who had only joined the institute a year ago, had successfully developed the Artificial Devil Fruit serum, which had lifted a huge weight off Sengoku's shoulders.
However, the report about the serum's flaws also landed on his desk.
(Caesar: Shurororororo… That's right, I was the one who reported it.)
Sengoku had been disappointed at first, but he soon placed even greater hopes on Reddy to refine the serum as soon as possible.
In his opinion, if Reddy could develop it, he could surely improve it to a practical level.
Caesar's report left him conflicted.
Was it true or not?
Sengoku remained silent for a long time before summoning Tsuru.
After hearing Sengoku's concerns, Tsuru said in surprise, "Dr. Reddy is hiding the perfected Artificial Devil Fruit… serum?"
Sengoku shook his head. "I can't confirm whether this information is true or not."
Tsuru nodded.
This was indeed hard to verify.
The serum was Reddy's creation. Other than him, who could say for sure whether a perfected version existed?
"Perhaps this is an opportunity."
After a moment of silence, Tsuru suddenly proposed a bold idea. "Marineford should consider establishing its own dedicated science division."
Sengoku paused, then fell into thought.
He understood what Tsuru meant.
Currently, the Science Unit was slowly being taken over by the World Government.
The fact that Vegapunk had been transferred to Egghead, a facility directly under the World Government, was clear evidence.
In the past, Marineford could only swallow its anger and stay silent.
But now, they had Reddy, a genius scientist on par with Vegapunk.
Unlike Vegapunk, who was a polymath with outstanding achievements in various fields, Reddy clearly specialized in the Bloodline Factor domain.
Did Marineford need all those flashy inventions?
Of course not!
The more Sengoku thought about it, the more excited he became. "You're right. Dr. Reddy is exactly the kind of talent Marineford needs."
Tsuru smiled faintly. "Marineford shouldn't get directly involved. Matters like this are better handled by the CP organizations directly under the World Government."
…
Punk Hazard Marine Base.
Borsalino had his legs propped up on his desk, holding a Den Den Mushi in silence.
Just moments ago, the World Government had contacted him, informing him that CP5 would soon be dispatched to the research institute for a routine inspection to prevent Dr. Reddy's research from being leaked.
"Ara ara, seems like Dr. Reddy has gotten himself into trouble."
Borsalino scratched his head and quickly brushed the matter aside, not bothering with it further.
CP5 arrived swiftly.
Just one day later, a marine warship docked at the port.
The news quickly spread throughout the institute.
"Shurororororo!"
Caesar laughed smugly, abandoning his current research and rushing to the port to greet them. The moment he saw the CP5 agents, he eagerly started making accusations.
"Such an important invention like the Artificial Devil Fruit technology, and he just hands it over to a few assistants to complete."
"I swear on my honor as a scientist!"
"That guy definitely has the perfected serum formula in his hands!"
The leader of the CP5 team's eyes lit up. He coughed lightly and said tactfully, "We're only here for a routine inspection to prevent pirates or the Revolutionary Army from stealing important inventions… Since you're so familiar with the institute, we hope you can assist us in our work. The World Government won't forget its loyal servants."
Caesar understood the implication and grinned obsequiously, nodding vigorously.
The CP5 agents exchanged satisfied glances and politely followed Caesar into the institute.
Most of the institute's staff didn't resist CP5's arrival.
The Punk Hazard Research Institute had once been a key base for the Science Unit, and routine inspections were standard procedure to prevent important research from leaking and causing global upheaval.
During the day, CP5 carried out their inspections. At night, they secretly sought out Caesar.
"Shurororororo!"
Caesar immediately presented the "evidence" he had fabricated, sneering. "This is the conclusion I've drawn based on the honor of a genius scientist."
The CP5 leader took it and began reading.
First, Caesar elaborated on the significance of a major invention, emphasizing that the Artificial Devil Fruit technology represented the highest honor for a scientist.
Yet Reddy treated it as nothing special, delegating all development work to assistants like Beal.
This was highly suspicious!
Second, Caesar explained the principles behind Reddy's Artificial Devil Fruit serum in his "evidence," highlighting the technology's potential.
At the same time, he stated that such a world-changing invention shouldn't be shelved without reason.
This was hindering scientific progress!
Third, Caesar pointed out that Reddy was actually a petty man who envied talent, deliberately suppressing a top-tier scientist like himself. He subtly hinted that if he became the institute's director, he could bring immense benefits to the World Government.
But Reddy wouldn't!
Caesar also claimed in his "evidence" that Reddy and Vegapunk were cut from the same cloth, stressing that the World Government must keep him under tight control.
Here, Caesar specifically mentioned the clones Reddy had created, arguing that their existence posed a major threat to the World Government. He proposed installing control chips to ensure the primary authority remained in the World Government's hands.
"Dr. Caesar, on behalf of the World Government, I thank you."
The CP5 leader was extremely satisfied with this "evidence" and solemnly promised that his report would recommend entrusting such an important research institute to a certain "honest and reliable young man."
"Shurororororo… I won't let the World Government down."
Caesar grinned obsequiously and made his pledge.
Both parties were pleased.
Caesar secured a promise to become the next director, while CP5 obtained the most crucial "evidence."
Especially Caesar's suggestion to install control chips in Reddy's clones—this struck a chord with the intelligence officers.
Whether the evidence was real or not, they chose to believe it.