Reddy made an important discovery from Ryuma's clone and turned his attention back to Ryuma's original body.
However, before conducting further research on Ryuma's corpse, he had new experiments to perform.
Creating a clone with the powers of the Shadow-Shadow Fruit.
Reddy took Ryuma's clone back to the laboratory. Without disturbing the research of Beal and the others, he dressed the clone in a white lab coat for decency and began the creation process.
The assistants had seen Reddy's abilities before and assumed this was another clone he had made at some point. They glanced at it briefly before returning to their work.
Reddy extracted Gecko Moria's genetic sample from the gene bank and isolated the specific gene fragments.
Then, he edited and modified Moria's genetic sample.
Moria had once been a powerhouse capable of rivaling Kaido, with a gene rating of LV12. Until a LV13 genetic sample was obtained, this was the most suitable option.
However, the clone's appearance needed alteration, and its individual defenses required reinforcement.
After editing, the genetic sample underwent significant changes.
Reddy specifically embedded gene fragments related to sea kings' physiques to strengthen the clone's endurance, enhancing its ability to sustain the fruit's powers.
With the genetic sample edited, Reddy switched to the clone workshop to begin production.
This step would take some time.
Reddy continued refining his newly conceived hypothesis.
"Strengthening the main body..."
Reddy sighed inwardly.
Marineford... no, the World Government had placed a 3 billion berry bounty on him while deliberately releasing detailed information about him. He roughly guessed the World Government's intentions.
They wanted to lure all the powerhouses interested in the Bloodline Factor technology to hunt him down.
There were three possible outcomes.
First, he would be relentlessly pursued until he was captured and imprisoned for experimentation.
Second, with no way out, he would be forced to rejoin the World Government, completely under their control.
Third, he would dominate everything and remain free.
The third outcome was the most likely, but it didn't solve anything. As long as there were powerhouses coveting the Bloodline Factor technology, they would keep coming like moths to a flame.
This meant he would be stuck in endless battles, leaving no time to develop his clone army.
Reddy admitted the World Government had a clever plan.
However, they severely underestimated his capabilities. Creating clones—especially high-tier combatants—was something he accomplished using his system.
That said, Reddy didn't let his guard down.
After acquiring the Lunarian genes, he had gained some self-preservation abilities, but it wasn't enough to put him at ease.
Originally, Reddy wasn't very interested in the Shadow-Shadow Fruit. At most, he would use it as experimental material.
But after discovering that Ryuma's clone had become a swordsman without any enhancements, he had a bold idea.
While Reddy was organizing his thoughts, the clone was completed.
He temporarily set aside his plans, moved the clone into the modification workshop, and spent 1 million energy units to equip it with ultra-durable exoskeleton armor.
"With strong defenses and specially enhanced endurance, sustaining the ability should be sufficient." Reddy admired his latest masterpiece with satisfaction.
He didn't need this clone for combat. Its sole purpose was self-preservation.
Next, the clone fused with the Shadow-Shadow Fruit ability and was summoned by Reddy.
"Mr. Reddy, what new invention is this?"
The assistants, excluding Beal, saw Reddy summon an unfamiliar clone that seemed important and gathered around curiously.
"A small experiment."
Reddy didn't hide it from them.
He had drawn inspiration from the original storyline.
The Shadow-Shadow Fruit was incredibly versatile. By inserting someone else's shadow into oneself, their techniques could be acquired.
The assistants were amazed. Truly a genius scientist worthy of even Vegapunk's praise. Their interest grew even stronger.
Next, Reddy had the new clone activate its ability, cut out Ryuma's clone's shadow, and inserted it into himself.
"It seems... there's a reaction!"
Reddy carefully sensed the changes in his body, and the corners of his mouth gradually lifted.
It was a subtle feeling, hard to describe in words.
Reddy signaled one of the assistants to fetch a sword.
Soon, the sword was in his hand.
The moment he gripped it, Reddy's eyes brightened further.
If the earlier sensation was indescribable, now it was crystal clear.
A flash of cold light!
The assistants only felt a blur before their eyes. When they looked again, Reddy seemed to have not moved at all.
Reddy's smile was now harder to suppress than an AK. He quickly walked to the experiment table and lightly blew on the microscope.
"Mr. Reddy!"
The assistants watched as Reddy's breath cleanly sliced the microscope in two, the cut surface as smooth as a mirror. They were stunned.
Reddy smiled.
After fusing with King's genes, he had gained the Lunarian's talents. Without activating the flames on his back, he possessed unparalleled speed.
Unparalleled speed, combined with the swordsmanship inherited from Ryuma's clone.
The two together created this lightning-fast slash, too quick for the eye to follow.
Reddy was very satisfied with this experiment.
Ryuma's clone had inherited Ryuma's swordsmanship, and by using the Shadow-Shadow Fruit, he had also acquired that swordsmanship.
So, what if he used the shadow of Ryuma's original body?
Reddy felt a surge of excitement.
If the experiment succeeded, he could practically be considered a great swordsman.
Except for the lack of Haki.
The only issue was that Ryuma was already a corpse. Would his shadow still be usable?
Reddy couldn't be sure and immediately began a new round of experiments.
Everything had a shadow, including corpses.
Moria's clone quickly cut out Ryuma's shadow and inserted it into Reddy.
This time, Reddy felt slightly uncomfortable, as if someone had poked his nostrils with a finger.
"The quality of the soul?"
Reddy pondered the difference between the two experiments but soon gave up.
This wasn't something he could understand.
As long as the result was good, everything was fine.
To achieve the best experimental results, the laboratory wasn't the ideal location.
Reddy left the clone behind and headed outside the research institute.
The assistants were fascinated by Reddy's experiment and eagerly followed.
They arrived outside the institute.
Perona had already regained her sense of superiority by teasing Bonney and left satisfied.
Bonney was sulking when she saw Reddy and the others exiting the institute. Her childish curiosity took over, and she followed.
Reddy stood in the open space and instructed the assistants to set up several targets before motioning for them to step back to a safe distance.
"What are you doing?"
Bonney had no idea what Reddy was up to and couldn't help but ask.
Reddy turned and smiled, resting his right hand on the hilt of Shusui.
Bonney was immediately annoyed.
But the next second, her vision blurred. Reddy had suddenly appeared behind the targets, leaving her mouth agape in shock.
Clink!
As the blade returned to its sheath, the upper halves of the targets slid off.
"Aren't you supposed to be weak?"
Bonney was so shocked she became incoherent, pointing at the targets and exclaiming.
Reddy turned back with a mysterious smile.
Kids really don't know how to talk. I'm a real powerhouse now... well, maybe not yet.
I'll show off properly after mastering the three types of Haki.