"It's really troublesome."
Reddy flipped through the experimental records and sighed sincerely.
The biggest problem troubling him was Sugar's special physique.
He had analyzed Sugar's genetic samples and confirmed that her system rating of lv11 was entirely due to the boost of the Hobi Hobi no Mi ability.
This fake loli's physique was actually very similar to his own in the past, both at the lv1 level.
If that were all, it would be easy to make Sugar lose consciousness and undo her fruit ability.
Anesthesia!
Physical sleep aid!
There were many methods to make Sugar lose consciousness.
The difficulty lay in controlling the dosage, in every sense.
If the dosage was too high, it could potentially kill Sugar, directly resulting in the loss of an infinite Hobi Hobi no Mi ability donor.
If the dosage was insufficient, Sugar wouldn't lose consciousness.
For this reason, Reddy specifically returned to the East Blue, brought the researchers from the Punk Hazard research facility to Dressrosa, and assigned them to conduct experiments to determine Sugar's tolerance limits.
This was a massive project.
Reddy took it upon himself to provide them with a large batch of lv1 test subjects based on Sugar's genes.
No enhancements, no modifications, and no additional functional modules were needed.
The cost of these lv1 test subjects was almost negligible.
"This is the plan formulated based on the experimental data."
Beal took the experimental records from Reddy and handed him a document in return.
The document listed several alternative plans, covering feasible countermeasures such as anesthesia, physical sleep aids, and more.
"Apply all of them to her."
Reddy glanced at the alternative plans and handed the document back.
Originally, he should have personally decided on the plan, but Beal had submitted an answer before him.
The implication was clear.
Beal and the other researchers wanted him to acknowledge their efforts, rather than leaving them to their own devices indefinitely.
Reddy understood the researchers represented by Beal.
After all, they were all researchers carefully selected by the World Government, and it was natural for Beal and the others to have their own ambitions.
However, Reddy had always allowed them to research projects of interest within the boundaries he set, with almost no restrictions.
This had placed immense pressure on Beal and the others.
Hence, this list of alternative plans.
Beal and the other researchers used this list to prove they would adhere to the boundaries Reddy had set for them.
"Yes, Director!"
Beal, having received Reddy's approval, felt his unease vanish instantly, and his voice became noticeably brighter.
"Why is he so happy?"
Viola approached and, seeing Beal humming as he walked away, curiously asked Reddy.
Reddy thought for a moment and smiled. "Perhaps it's because I haven't paid them enough attention, which made them feel pressured."
Viola nodded subconsciously.
Standing next to you really is incredibly stressful!
"Is something the matter?"
Reddy didn't want to continue this topic.
Viola hesitated for a moment before looking at Reddy nervously. "My father wants to visit you."
After overthrowing the Donquixote Family, Reddy didn't stay at the King's Plateau. Instead, he set up camp in a quiet corner by the sea.
First, for peace and quiet. Second, to test Sugar's tolerance limits.
Reddy hesitated.
He really didn't want to interact with King Riku.
This time, helping King Riku reclaim the throne was solely based on Viola's request.
In exchange, he obtained Viola's genetic samples.
The Giro Giro no Mi, a purely supportive ability, didn't need many users. One was enough to serve as an observer.
"My father has something important to discuss with you."
Seeing Reddy hesitate, Viola quickly added another bargaining chip. "From what I gathered, my father seems to want to join your faction."
Reddy was stunned.
At that moment, King Riku approached from a distance, apologizing as he walked. "Please forgive my rudeness, Dr. Reddy."
"You want me to lift Dressrosa into the sky?"
Reddy looked at King Riku with an amused expression, curious why this king, who held considerable prestige in Dressrosa, would abandon his status as a World Government-affiliated nation to side with him.
After all, no matter how special Doflamingo's identity was, he was still a pirate.
King Riku reclaiming the throne and retaking control of Dressrosa was good news for the World Government.
Allowing a pirate to seize an affiliated nation was a disgrace to the World Government and could potentially unsettle other member nations.
This was detrimental to governance.
Having endured this ordeal, King Riku was no longer so naive. He looked at Reddy seriously. "I hope Dressrosa can be like Loguetown."
Reddy suddenly understood.
With King Riku's reminder, he realized the importance of Dressrosa.
It was the first kingdom upon entering the New World, with an exceptionally advantageous geographical location. In some ways, it was even better than Loguetown.
However, precisely because of its overly advantageous location, the fall of Doflamingo would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of many pirates.
Unless King Riku invited the Marines to establish a base in Dressrosa.
But this was something King Riku would never agree to.
Once a Marine base was established, Dressrosa would lose its independence. Over time, it would inevitably become a puppet of the World Government.
King Riku had already been badly burned by Doflamingo and didn't want to repeat the same mistake. Thus, he hoped to use Reddy's power to ensure the kingdom's stability.
If this were before, King Riku wouldn't have known how to broach the subject.
But now, with Loguetown as a precedent, Dressrosa could simply follow suit.
Thinking this, Reddy also spoke frankly.
"I'm no one's babysitter. If Dressrosa wants to be like Loguetown, that's fine. But can you guarantee my flag will deter pirates from their greed?"
"This..."
King Riku was at a loss for words and looked to his daughter Viola for help, hoping she could persuade Reddy to leave a clone on the island as a deterrent.
Viola remained silent.
Doing so would benefit Dressrosa, but it offered no advantage to Reddy. On the contrary, it would unnecessarily place him in opposition to the pirate factions of the New World.
How could she even bring this up?
Reddy smiled. "What if I said I'd agree to your request on the condition that the noble system is abolished?"
King Riku and Viola stared at Reddy in shock.
Neither had expected Reddy to propose such a condition.
Reddy shrugged.
"Loguetown and Dressrosa are different. There, the noble system doesn't restrict the people. As long as they work hard and don't cross the boundaries I've set, they can live good lives."
"And Dressrosa?"
"No matter how hard the people work, they're still laboring for your royal family."
"Of course, you'd say you treat the commoners well."
"But I don't believe it."
"Nobles are just parasites sucking the blood of the common people."
"You want me to protect Dressrosa... Then what about your responsibilities as king?"
"Just collecting wealth from the people to fund your royal family's luxuries?"
Reddy gestured with a smile.
"So... choose. Let me see if you're truly willing to pay any price for the people."
"Father..."
Viola looked at King Riku worriedly.
King Riku lowered his head, his mood somber.
Reddy's words had deeply stung him.
There was nothing wrong with what he said.
Inviting Reddy to protect Dressrosa would, of course, be good for both the royal family and the people.
But as king, he had the duty and responsibility to protect the people.
If the duty and responsibility were handed to Reddy, what use was there for him as king?
Could he really enjoy the wealth extracted from the people with a clear conscience?
"I promised Viola I'd find a way to restore all the toys."
Reddy didn't want to continue this discussion with King Riku and reiterated his commitment before turning to walk toward the temporarily constructed laboratory.
This concerned his promise. Sugar absolutely could not be allowed to die.
King Riku raised his head and declared solemnly to Reddy's retreating figure.
"If you're willing to protect Dressrosa, I agree to your conditions."
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