Rolan looked up at the newcomer and saw Robin walking toward him with a piece of paper in hand.
She stopped in front of him and held it out.
Instead of taking it, Rolan pulled her into his arms. His hand moved without hesitation, making Robin's body tense instantly.
Her face flushed as she lowered her voice.
"What are you doing? The door is not even locked."
Rolan let out a low chuckle.
"You forgot what I can do?"
He snapped his fingers, and an electromagnetic barrier instantly formed around the room, sealing off everything outside.
Robin reacted quickly, trying to step away, but before she could fully break free, she pushed the paper into his hand.
"Read this first."
Rolan glanced at her, amused by her reaction, then shifted his attention to the message.
The moment he read it, his expression changed.
The contents were simple.
Seed successfully developed.
Rolan did not question its authenticity.
Over the years, Peach Garden had expanded not only in strength but also in intelligence. Their agents had already infiltrated the World Government. Information like this would not be wrong.
Based on what he knew about the World Government and Vegapunk, this development was right on schedule.
That meant Uranus was now complete.
The balance of power had shifted again.
This was not good news.
For years, the relationship between Peach Garden and the World Government had remained in a fragile balance. Neither side moved first without certainty of victory.
Now that the Seed was complete, the World Government might no longer hesitate.
If they decided to strike first, things would escalate quickly.
Several of Rolan's plans would have to move forward ahead of time.
Robin watched his expression carefully.
"Do we call everyone back?"
Rolan shook his head.
"No rush. There is something else to deal with first."
Robin frowned slightly.
"What is it?"
Rolan did not answer. In the next moment, he appeared right in front of her and lifted her into his arms.
Realization hit instantly, and her face turned even redder.
"Ro... Rolan, wait..."
He ignored her protest and carried her into the inner room.
Before long, her voice echoed through the room, unable to stay quiet.
Their time together stretched into the afternoon, only ending when Robin could no longer keep up.
By the time it was over, she lay completely drained, while Rolan looked like he had barely started.
Afterward, he left and knocked on the doors of Vivi, Shirahoshi, and Hancock one after another.
...
Mary Geoise, Pangea Castle.
At the center of power, the Gorosei gathered to discuss Vegapunk.
Saint Mars spoke first.
"Although Vegapunk is researching the Void Century, his scientific results remain valuable."
Saint Saturn tapped his cane lightly.
"He is a mad scientist, but as long as he is controlled, he remains useful."
Saint Nusjuro narrowed his eyes.
"You are underestimating him. We do not know how far his research has gone, nor where his loyalty stands."
Saint Warcury's tone grew heavier.
"All his creations must be treated with caution. If he placed a higher authority within his inventions, it would be disastrous. Especially the Seed, it is directly tied to the foundation of the World Government."
He did not finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.
If Vegapunk tampered with it, the consequences would be severe.
The room fell into a brief silence.
Since joining the World Government, Vegapunk had created countless weapons. If he had planned something from the beginning, every one of those weapons could become a threat.
Saint Saturn stood, leaning on his cane.
"As long as he values his life, he will not act recklessly. We still control his six bodies."
Saint Nusjuro slowly drew his blade, the cold edge reflecting light.
"Then we eliminate him first."
Saint Saturn shook his head.
"There is no need for panic. Imu has already made preparations. Even if every humanoid weapon turns against us, the foundation of the World Government will not be shaken."
The Gorosei understood this better than anyone.
Vegapunk's work was only an enhancement.
The true strength of the World Government did not lie in technology.
Still, betrayal could not be tolerated.
Their authority had to remain absolute.
In their eyes, they were the gods of this world, and all who lived beneath them were meant to submit.
Yet opposition had been growing.
Especially after Rolan's words at Marineford, more people had begun to question their rule.
Vegapunk, with his research into the Void Century, was among those who could not be trusted.
Saint Nusjuro sheathed his sword.
"No matter what, Vegapunk cannot leave Mary Geoise alive."
Saint Warcury spoke immediately after.
"I propose immediate execution."
"Rejected."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Rejected."
The decision was made.
"Three votes to two. Proceed with the execution."
...
Inside the massive laboratory built for Vegapunk, a circular device spanning hundreds of meters stood at the center.
Vegapunk stared at it with excitement, his eyes filled with obsession.
The way he looked at it was almost like a father looking at his child.
"Incredible… this energy… this is the greatest power in the world."
He moved around it, unable to stay still.
Although this project came from the World Government, he understood its significance from the very beginning.
Completing it would push his research to an entirely new level.
Now, it was finished.
At the same time, his understanding of energy itself had deepened.
Outside the lab, several agents in black uniforms watched through the glass.
One of them frowned.
"Is that old man losing his mind?"
Another tilted his head.
"What is he even doing?"
A third agent hesitated.
"Should we report this?"
===
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