The existence of Emboar seemed to have reminded Caesar at the Science Corps that the Ancient Giant Race experiment was not merely about cloning, but rather enlarging humans.
However, during the modification process, most of them lost their sanity. There was always a debate within the Science Corps whether to lean more towards humanoid or beast-like forms, but Vegapunk never gave a definitive answer on such a trivial matter, making it difficult for them to convince each other.
This is why some of the Ancient Giant Race experimental subjects today resemble humans, while others are more like beasts.
Emboar, as a "successful example," explained it all. Caesar carried out his frenzied experiments. While the MADS's experiments were illegal in private, once they were incorporated, everything changed.
Forget about legality, the experimental subjects they needed were all provided by the World Government. However, regular animal experiments not only yielded no results but actually worsened.
Caesar refused to believe his technology was inferior to Queen's, so he was convinced the problem lay with the experimental subjects. Be it boars, monkeys, or combining animals with human bodies, Caesar's experiments made no progress.
Recently, he considered the Fur Race, a rare race he perceived as the perfect combination of humans and animals and thought they might meet his requirements.
Typically, his experimental subjects were provided by the World Government, and whether they were prisoners or slaves, the supply was almost limitless. But the Fur Race was an exception. They were too rare, impossible to find in the outside world.
This was not Caesar's concern, though; he merely put forth his needs. For the success of his experiment, the World Government specifically dispatched a ship to search for Zou.
Though the Fur Race could not be found wandering outside, the Life Card tracing the path to Zou could still be found. These cards had been confiscated from captured Fur Race members in history and didn't disappear easily, so they'd been passed down.
Searching for it wasn't difficult for the World Government itself, but as for why they didn't fly their flag, it's because the World Government's flag has no impact in the New World.
It holds significant deterrent power across the Four Seas, but in the New World, where lawlessness reigns, it's seen not as a deterrent but an opportunity to make a name for oneself, with stealing their ships almost considered a badge of honor.
This is the current state of the New World. For instance, if a World Government ship wants to pass through Whitebeard's territory, the most effective way is not heavy escort but paying Whitebeard a passage fee.
"According to the Life Card, we're not far from there. Be prepared. Our objective is to capture experimental subjects, not wage war with the Fur Race."
"Understood."
"Hmm, reiterate the mission requirements: elders, children, males, females, capture two to three of each suitable sample as much as possible. Boar Fur Race is top priority."
This is all because of Emboar's situation; Caesar believed Queen chose boars for a reason.
"Don't cause a stir. Quick and decisive. If the Fur Race reacts, it will be problematic. Although this time was deliberately chosen, the Fur Race's combat power itself cannot be underestimated.
"Don't worry, captain. We specifically acquired that fruit to target the Fur Race."
"It's always right to be a bit cautious. Everyone, rest. We'll soon be in contact with them."
They estimated reaching Zou on New Year's Day, and that day happened to be a new moon. The Moon Lion under the full moon isn't a secret, and they wouldn't want to seek their own doom, so they purposely chose the new moon day.
There's no evidence if other moon phases affect the Fur Race's combat power, but calculating from the Fur Race's peak strength during the full moon, performing the operation on the new moon was never wrong.
The World Government's ship gradually approached Zou, while Setsuna was in the midst of distributing gifts on Zou. Although it wasn't possible to gift all twenty thousand members, she had prepared things for acquaintances.
For instance, new medical tools for Doctor Miyagi, a wool shear prepared for Hichugiskhan, various household items that revitalized her home, and shaved ice made with the ice maker that already caught everyone's attention, especially Wanda's peers.
She temporarily entrusted her stabilizing salts to Wanda. Alcremie had brought much joy to the Fur Race here.
Granted by Queen, the so-called "sure-win weapon" in Zeraora's backpack was handed to Hatch. He was nowhere to be seen during the day, likely boasting somewhere with a cigar.
A large part of the Fur Race are smokers, and quality tobacco products are always well-received as they're rare items only brought back by individuals returning from outside.
On New Year's Day, fireworks competitions took place on Ghost Island just like previous years, while Zou began its celebration activities after the second blessed rain, igniting a grand bonfire in the center of Clawortu. An ancient style bonfire party was held here.
Setsuna was glaring at those trying to "kalu-chu-ju" with Zeraora, resembling a wolf guarding its food. After nine years outside, her views had significantly changed.
Yet as it's said, domestic thieves are hard to guard against. She kept strangers away but didn't guard against her own mother and younger sister; after all, in traditional Fur Race thinking, it was just a greeting.
Under the giant elephant, dozens of CP agents carrying anesthesia and capture nets were also ready to deploy.
"Commence infiltration, complete silence." Saying this, black clouds began to spread from his feet, enveloping the dozens of subordinates by his side, silently floating upwards.
Although they could use Moonwalk, it emitted a sound akin to a sonic boom when in use, likely alerting targets. That's why he chose to use his ability to take them up.
Logia-type: Cloud-Cloud Fruit. The user could transform into clouds, a remarkably powerful fruit, allowing him to come this far.
Additionally, with a newly prepared ability user arranged by the World Government among his subordinates, their chance of success was high.
However, being cautious in picking a new moon day to act, and with it being New Year's Day too, they'd think the opposing side's vigilance would be significantly lower.
Even during pirate celebrations, they'd leave a few sober guards, but the Fur Race didn't. The elephant lord's back was simply safer than Fishman Island. They weren't noticed until they neared the gate of Fluffy Kingdom.
The roasted sea fish and beasts at the bonfire masked the scent for the Fur Race. An induce anesthesia gas stealthily released, quickly spreading with the wind. The Thousand-Year Dragon who was originally resting first noticed the gas.
"Roar!" This roar drew many people's attention, but the anesthesia began taking effect, and many Fur Race members stumbled and fell to the ground.