After the God Valley incident, the World Government worked tirelessly to bury it. Though remnants of the Rocks Pirates still roamed the seas, a tacit agreement kept past events unspoken.
Pirates continued to disrupt the oceans, and tales of the heroic Garp circulated among the Marines. Yet, Rocks and God Valley faded from memory, with old newspapers and bounties systematically seized and destroyed.
In an era of sluggish information flow, this erasure proved effective.
But Vegapunk, wielder of the Brain-Brain Fruit, possessed an eidetic memory. With a glance, he identified her and explained to Oran.
"I know—a former member of the Rocks Pirates."
"You know about Rocks?"
Vegapunk avoided mentioning Buckingham's past, deeming it irrelevant, only for Oran to bluntly expose it.
He hadn't expected Oran, from the South Blue, to know such things.
"Everyone has secrets, Punk. That's trivial. I know more than you think. What she wants is the real question."
"You two, I've been waiting out here a long time. Not very gentlemanly to keep a lady waiting."
Seeing the key figures arrive, Buckingham stood. As MADS ventured into the Grand Line, Du Feld leveraged his connections to promote his sponsored "charity" group, making Oran and Vegapunk somewhat known.
Though not widespread, those in the know had heard of them.
"Sneaking onto our ship isn't exactly polite either. We've had no prior dealings—what do you want?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Buckingham Stussy, with an interest in science. I'm here to commission a project.
This isn't the place to talk. Shall we head inside?"
Pointing to the cabin, Buckingham hinted at secrecy amid the deck's researchers.
Seeing her insistence, Vegapunk and Oran exchanged glances and agreed. MADS's safe voyages through the Grand Line weren't solely due to Du Feld's influence.
The Underground World's loan shark king carried weight, but top pirates, mindful of trade in their territories, spared him. Lesser pirates, driven by profit, had no such qualms.
MADS relied on its technological arsenal for safe passage.
Compared to the open deck, the cabin maximized their tech's potential—especially Caesar and Queen's creations, deadly in confined spaces.
"You're both renowned scientists, so I'll be direct. I heard about your Roslin Island experiment—a cloned sheep.
It's a monumental scientific leap. I'm here to ask you to clone a human."
Cloning was a publicized MADS success. Buckingham had similar ambitions but lacked the means, so she sought Oran and his team.
"I know a bit of science. Here's the sample—should be sufficient for cloning."
Compared to MADS, Buckingham's expertise was lacking, but in a sea of uneven education, she surpassed most. She had ideas and preparations.
"Whose sample is this?"
Curious, Vegapunk eyed the item Buckingham produced from a specialized case—what drove her to come here?
"A lady's private matter. It's the DNA of someone I deeply loved, but sadly…"
"Buckingham Stussy, ex-Rocks Pirate. You think we'd buy that? Tell us your real goal, or there's no deal."
Seeing her dodge, Vegapunk exposed her past and activated the cabin's defenses. He wasn't so quick to trust.
Buckingham remained calm. Their willingness to talk meant room for negotiation.
"Since you've come this far, you must be prepared. Without full honesty, cooperation's off the table. Secrets won't earn you favors, Miss Buckingham."
Oran's tone was gentler, though the weapon in his hand undercut the effect.
"Fine. You've likely heard of him. This DNA belongs to Whitebeard—Edward Newgate. You know I was with that crew, so you'd know he was too.
I was his beloved. This DNA is genuine."
After the Rocks Pirates dissolved, Buckingham traveled with Whitebeard briefly, but their paths diverged over irreconcilable differences—she, obsessed with wealth; he, valuing family over treasure.
Whitebeard thrived without Rocks, becoming a new sea emperor. Buckingham lacked such prowess, leading to her desire: a new Whitebeard, obedient to her, matching his strength.
"Oran, what do you think? Human cloning—we'll tackle it eventually. Cloning a powerful pirate's an intriguing challenge."
"No objections, but payment? This'll take time and effort. I don't work for free."
Buckingham hoped the project's novelty would cut costs—her greed was legendary—but she failed.
Even without Oran, Vegapunk wouldn't work gratis. Even Du Feld's wealth couldn't sway them with mere money.
"What do you want?"
"You."
"What?!"
Buckingham flinched at Vegapunk's words, snapping, "I'm Whitebeard's beloved! Try that, and he'll crush you!"
"What're you thinking? I want your blood. Your personality's intriguing—I'd like to clone you too."
Relieved, Buckingham shrugged. Blood was cheap—almost like getting it for free.
But Vegapunk quickly upped the stakes.
"Oran, I'm set. Any price for you?"
"Relax, Miss Buckingham. I'm not after your money either. Just two things: Haki training methods and the DNA of your former crewmate, Charlotte Linlin."
(End of Chapter)
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