"Young Master, you really must give this some thought… our Donquixote Family needs to decide where to head next."
Inside Dressrosa, after Doflamingo hung up the phone, the veins on his forehead bulged furiously.
"Young Master… something like this, I still can't bring myself to believe it."
"Young Master, are you alright?"
Trebol and Pica asked anxiously.
"For something this monumental, Vergo wouldn't be mistaken."
"You two, leave me. I need some time alone." Doflamingo rubbed his forehead, speaking wearily.
Once they were gone, his expression twisted into something utterly hideous.
"Damn it! Because of that brat Natsuha, the new era has arrived ahead of schedule…"
"The Seven Warlords of the Sea system no longer has any reason to continue existing!"
"I have to make plans—now…"
At Marine Headquarters, once Sengoku had finished his official duties, he made his way to Natsuha's laboratory that afternoon.
This time, the Navy would need to deploy the Seraphim to complete a mission, and it was best to inform Natsuha beforehand.
Besides, Sengoku had just received word from the Five Elders—an astronomical sum of 100 billion Berries had been approved as research funding. He could hardly wait to share this good news with Natsuha!
Upon hearing that Dr. Natsuha was still working, Sengoku motioned for the Vice Admirals on duty not to disturb him.
If Natsuha's research were delayed, Sengoku himself couldn't bear the responsibility…
It wasn't until night fell, long past mealtime, that Natsuha finally emerged from the lab, drenched in sweat.
His body looked exhausted, but his mood was clearly buoyant.
"Hahaha!"
"The Admiral-class Seraphim—this line of research is progressing smoothly. Just give me two more days, and it'll be complete!" Natsuha announced gleefully.
Hm?
Hearing this, Sengoku nearly broke into a dance from joy.
This truly was good news upon good news!
Though there was no need to rush, the earlier the Admiral-class Seraphim was born, the sooner the Navy would completely dominate the seas!
"Perfect timing, little Natsuha. I also have great news for you."
"My discussions with the Five Elders went very well. They've agreed to pay out 100 billion Berries as your research budget!"
"Within a week, counting the Seraphim you've already mass-produced, all you need to do is create twenty Warlord-class Seraphim, plus one Admiral-class Seraphim!"
"Do you think the timeframe is manageable?"
Sengoku asked plainly.
As Fleet Admiral, he would never even consider pocketing a subordinate's research funds.
If he ever delayed Natsuha's progress, he might go down in history as the Navy's greatest sinner.
"That's wonderful news, Uncle Sengoku!"
"Don't worry, I'll definitely complete it. In fact, those extra ten Warlord-class Seraphim? They'll be ready tonight!"
Natsuha's childish voice rang out, brimming with excitement.
With 100 billion in funding, he could now unlock entirely new technologies…
Sengoku looked on with fatherly satisfaction. At this rate of production, the Navy's future was secure.
After their conversation, Sengoku turned toward Vice Admiral Comil.
"Vice Admiral Comil, I have something for you to handle."
"Recently, a man calling himself Blackbeard has appeared on the seas…"
"That man has captured Ace, and now he dares to demand we exchange Ace for a seat among the Warlords!"
"The time is the day after tomorrow, the place—Banaro Island in the Grand Line." Sengoku muttered.
Comil's eyes widened in shock.
Since when had such a figure emerged, one brazen enough to capture Ace?
He clearly remembered—back when Ace was still a rookie, he had flatly refused the Warlord title.
"Ace… the bloodline of the Pirate King, Roger. If we execute him, it will shake the world!"
"It will teach every aspiring pirate what fate awaits those who dream of becoming Pirate King!"
"Ace's parentage—this must not be revealed to outsiders."
At these words, Comil's pupils shrank in disbelief. He hadn't expected Ace's bloodline to be so astonishing!
"Understood. I'll see that the exchange succeeds." Comil saluted solemnly.
"Exchange?"
Sengoku gave a cold laugh.
"There will be no exchange. The Warlord system has already outlived its purpose. How could we possibly raise another Warlord?"
"Besides, I've heard Blackbeard and Ace both served under Whitebeard. A man willing to betray his own comrade—if we accepted him, he'd only betray us in turn."
"Just bring Ace back. If Blackbeard resists, use the Seraphim to cut him down!" Sengoku said icily.
At this, Vice Admirals Comil, Burning Mountain (Natsuha), Lacroix, and Bastille all started in surprise.
But soon they understood.
Now that the Navy had Natsuha—the ultimate weapon—his inventions could replace the combat strength of the Warlords entirely!
And once the Admiral-class Seraphim was complete, even the Four Emperors would become obsolete.
Of course, as seasoned Headquarters officers, they had the discipline never to let such secrets slip.
"Yes, sir!"
Comil gave a firm salute.
[Ding!]
[Detected: hated target Blackbeard. Mission triggered!]
[Lead your Seraphim to slay Blackbeard. Reward: the Cosmic Tree!]
The Cosmic Tree?
Natsuha unconsciously licked his lips.
That was a piece of high-tier tech worth a full 50 billion Berries!
According to its description, the tree would periodically bear unique fruits.
When eaten, these fruits would grant extraordinary powers!
It sounded similar to the Devil Fruit Tree, yet was far more terrifying.
First, the Devil Fruit Tree scattered its fruits uncontrollably across the world. The Cosmic Tree's fruits, however, would remain fully under his control.
Second, the Devil Fruit Tree could only produce fruits native to this world. The Cosmic Tree, on the other hand…
Besides Devil Fruits, it might yield fruits containing abilities that didn't even belong to this dimension!
Though the exact powers weren't detailed, Natsuha understood—this could very well mean abilities from entirely different worlds.
Such a tree… was utterly monstrous!
No wonder it cost 50 billion to acquire—top-tier technology indeed.
Faced with such temptation, Natsuha couldn't resist.
"Uncle Sengoku, take me along as well…"
That childish voice again—it was Natsuha speaking.
"Hm?"
Everyone turned, startled. Natsuha wanted to join the mission himself?
"But you have your research, don't you? Even if you finish the Warlord-class Seraphim tonight, don't forget—the Admiral-class Seraphim is still far more important…"
"If you come with us, your progress might be delayed, little Natsuha," Sengoku said with concern.
He couldn't help but sigh.
No matter how brilliant, Natsuha was still a child at heart.
The entire World Government was waiting for news of his research breakthrough.
They couldn't risk him being distracted by such a small mission.
"Uncle Sengoku, you don't understand. The Admiral-class Seraphim—in a sense, I've already cracked it." Natsuha said with a quiet smile.
"What?? Already cracked it?!"