This Blitzcrank was not that Blitzcrank.
It shared only the name; it wasn't the same as the one from the continent of Valoran. The identical moniker was merely for convenience.
Blitzcrank's model was originally a mass-produced robot, but its true birth had been an accident.
Viktor had discovered the discarded, heavily damaged machine.
Within its cold shell, Viktor saw potential. Inspiration struck, leading him to conduct a series of experiments, attempting to infuse new elements and elevate it to unprecedented heights.
Hextech crystals made this possible, yet Viktor could never replicate the results—no matter how he tried. It seemed like pure coincidence.
Oran had indeed recreated Blitzcrank, but by drawing on technologies from the Project universe—a potential branch of Valoran's world, a unique parallel dimension where highly advanced AI propelled robotics to new pinnacles.
"Is it an illusion? Why does it feel different from when it first activated?"
Kate stared at the saluting Blitzcrank, an indefinable unease stirring within her.
She awaited Oran's explanation, but it was Blitzcrank who spoke.
"Miss Kate, you're correct. I'm not the same as before."
"Oran, what exactly changed in it?"
"A minor upgrade. Robots vary in definition. The simplest are mere tools—smarter and more efficient, but no different from a hammer or any lifeless object."
Oran rechecked Blitzcrank's components, then sealed its energy core compartment.
"But machines can evolve. Beyond external control, they can self-operate—that's artificial intelligence. The most basic standard is logical response.
Programs follow preset rules to react logically. They're rigid but safe. Blitzcrank, however, is different. It thinks."
Finishing the final inspection, Oran disconnected the various cables from Blitzcrank and led it out of the workshop.
"Think? Can robots think?"
Gazing at the towering machine, Kuma pondered what Oran meant by "thinking."
"Yes, just like you—achieving self-compilation beyond assigned tasks. This grants greater potential for growth. But conditions are limited now; otherwise, it could be a robot endowed with emotions, the highest tier.
We'll upgrade it gradually. For now, this form suffices."
Blitzcrank raised its mechanical arm overhead, observing the butterfly alighting on its palm before gently releasing it.
Lacking flesh's sensation, it nonetheless made its first contact with life.
"Emotions... that sounds almost... unbelievable. So, Oran, is that why you told me the inner soul is what truly matters?"
"Yes. Once it possesses joy, anger, sorrow, delight—though its body remains cold—its core becomes a sentient being.
This sea is too perilous. Whether achieving future goals or simply surviving, we need safeguards.
Bodily strength builds over time, and innate limits cap growth. That's when we need something to shatter those bounds."
During this period, Oran had trained himself as well. Though not combat-oriented, he couldn't lag too far behind—lest powerful weapons prove useless if exploited.
"But per your habits, shouldn't you aim straight for the best?"
Oran was a semi-perfectionist; unless pressed by urgency, he'd never compromise standards—especially for his own creations.
"Constraints of circumstance. To fully harness my abilities, I need refined facilities. Crafting a truly flawless construct rivaling a nation requires hundreds of specialists, thousands of supporting manufacturers, and at least a visionary ruling class.
So far, no kingdom I've seen fits the bill."
"I'm sorry—I've been learning too slowly."
"It's not on you, Kuma. This isn't something one person can fix. The Sorbet Kingdom's environment is inherently limiting; starting here is akin to building from scratch.
Blitzcrank now resembles a newborn infant. Try nurturing its growth—you all. I can't predict its ultimate potential."
In truth, Oran had another experimental project, though currently unfeasible: research into Haki.
Haki's power stemmed from the heart, and it wasn't exclusive to humans—animals could wield it too.
Thus, if steel were granted a soul, could it cultivate Haki? That remained unknown.
For now, such studies were impossible. Oran hadn't yet grasped Haki training methods. While the basics involved enduring beatings amid physical enhancement, it wasn't mere masochism.
Not every beaten soul was Luffy, nor every beater Kaido.
Presently, Oran focused on bodily conditioning.
Environments force maturity. Ginny and the others retained childlike hearts, but Blitzcrank's colossal form sparked immediate fascination—especially upon hearing it needed to "grow."
By night, Kate and the rest slumbered deeply. Blitzcrank stood alone outside, gazing at the stars—now "he," attempting to comprehend friendship.
Oran, too, had entered dreams—though his were distinctly unusual.
Verdant lands shrouded in night, stars twinkling above. Oran sensed a familiar aura as fluffy tails brushed his face.
"What a rare visitor—you coming to me."
The sultry voice seeped into Oran's ears, a tone that could melt ordinary bones—yet it stirred nothing in him.
"Ahri, you know this isn't under my control. And such tricks won't work on me."
Turning, Oran's gaze met violet pupils that faded from purple. A humanoid nine-tailed fox stood behind, her tails teasing—only to be rebuffed mercilessly.
"How utterly boring. You're still the most peculiar man I've encountered. Sometimes I wonder how many intriguing tales hide in your memories."
"Stolen memories are never truly yours."
"I know. So, this time, any fun stories to share? I'm curious about that idol singer version of me you mentioned—how mysterious she must be."
"We'll get to that. First, confirm something: When was our last meeting?"
Calculating the stars' positions, Oran noted discrepancies. Time here hadn't advanced much.
"A week ago. What happened to that prized memory of yours? Forgetting even this."
"A week? But I've been gone for months..."
This book's title will be changed from "One Piece: This Man Comes from Piltover" to "One Piece: My Piltover Tech Leads the Way"
(End of Chapter)