"Mm," Stussy nodded, her expression solemn. "There are two pieces of news. The first is an order from the World Government."
She paused briefly before continuing, "They hope you can leave Egghead with your research data as soon as possible. They plan to rebuild a new laboratory for you on Hope Island in the East Blue."
The moment he heard this, Vegapunk's expression darkened. Displeasure was written plainly across his face.
"They say it as if it were that simple," Vegapunk snapped. "Tell them no. Egghead Island contains a century's worth of experimental data and research results accumulated by countless scientists. How could I possibly abandon it so easily? Many of my experiments are rooted here. Leaving Egghead Island is not something that can be solved by merely rebuilding a laboratory elsewhere."
Stussy, despite being a clone created through Vegapunk's own technology, did not truly understand the depth of scientific research. Still, she calmly explained the situation.
"Because of the current Three Emperors Alliance, the Marines and the World Government have suffered another major loss not long ago. Egghead Island sits in the heart of the New World. They are likely worried that you might fall into the hands of the Three Emperors Alliance. If that were to happen, their power would increase even further, and that is something the World Government absolutely does not want to see."
Vegapunk snorted, clearly unconvinced. "Egghead Island's outer perimeter is guarded by a large number of sea beast weapons. They can overturn pirate ships with ease. On top of that, there are fifty Pacifista units and the island's dome defense system. In critical situations, we can even deploy the Seraphim. Even if pirates arrive, they will never break through Egghead Island's defenses."
Stussy raised her hands slightly, conceding the point. She knew exactly how terrifying Egghead Island's defenses were. The sea beast weapons alone could easily overturn not only pirate ships, but even large Marine warships. That level of force was enough to eliminate the vast majority of pirates in the New World.
More importantly, both the Marines and the World Government valued Vegapunk immensely. If pirates truly attempted to invade Egghead Island, the Marines would undoubtedly dispatch an Admiral to protect him, perhaps even more than one.
"However," Stussy continued, her tone growing heavier, "there is a second matter. One that is even more important."
Seeing the seriousness in her eyes, Vegapunk immediately sensed trouble. His posture straightened as he asked, "What is it?"
Stussy spoke carefully. "Emperor Marco sought me out earlier. He already knows my CP0 identity, and he also knows that my true allegiance is to you."
Vegapunk's eyes widened in shock. "How could he possibly know that?"
His connection with Stussy was known to no one. Even the World Government itself was unaware of the truth. For a pirate to uncover such a secret was unthinkable.
Stussy shook her head. "I don't know how he learned it. But he told me to pass on a message to you. The World Government already knows that you are researching the Poneglyphs. He also said that your clone, York, has betrayed you."
Her voice lowered as she delivered the final blow. "According to Marco, once you fully complete the Holy Mother Flame and the Seraphim, the World Government will immediately issue an order to assassinate you."
Vegapunk's pupils shrank violently. He stared at Stussy in disbelief.
He had never told anyone about his research into the Poneglyphs. Not even Stussy knew about it. And York's betrayal was something he himself had not yet confirmed. How could Marco possibly know all of this?
Questions flooded Vegapunk's mind one after another. Even with the greatest brain in the world, he could not piece together the answer. He had never even met Marco. Where could such information have come from?
After forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart, Vegapunk asked in a low voice, "Did Marco say anything else?"
"Yes," Stussy replied. "He said he could provide you with shelter. He also mentioned that he would come to visit you personally after some time."
"What nonsense!" Vegapunk burst out angrily. "A pirate coming to visit me? If the World Government discovered that, the consequences would be unthinkable."
Stussy remained silent, and Vegapunk's expression grew increasingly grim. After a moment, he asked again, "Is that everything?"
"Yes," Stussy nodded.
After hesitating briefly, she asked cautiously, "Doctor… you are not truly researching those things, are you?"
Vegapunk fell silent for a long moment. Then, he nodded slowly. "Mm."
Stussy's eyes widened in shock. She had not expected him to admit it so openly. Researching the Poneglyphs and pursuing forbidden history was a crime the World Government would never tolerate. The fate of twenty years ago was proof enough.
Regaining her composure, Stussy spoke firmly. "In that case, Doctor, we must prepare in advance. Do not grant the authority over the Seraphim. As long as they remain under your control, even if the Gorosei decide to act against you, we will at least have the power to escape."
Vegapunk clenched his fists, frustration clear in his voice. "Where did I expose myself? How did the World Government learn about my research? And how did Marco know? I am just a scientist. I only want to conduct my research in peace."
Seeing his distress, Stussy spoke softly but firmly. "Doctor, now is not the time to dwell on that. We need to think about what to do next."
Vegapunk tried to argue, still unwilling to accept it. "But we have no proof that Marco is telling the truth."
Stussy met his gaze, her eyes steady. "We also have no proof that he is lying. He already knows about your Poneglyph research and York's existence. Even if his words are false, if he reports this to the World Government and they investigate, a single flaw will be enough to condemn you."
She continued, her tone heavy. "And if what he says is true, then once the Holy Mother Flame and the Seraphim are complete, the World Government will silence you without hesitation."
Cold sweat trickled down Vegapunk's back.
As a scientist, mysteries compelled him. No matter the danger, he needed answers.
"Stussy," Vegapunk said decisively, "contact Marco. I want to hear directly from him how he knows these things."
"Yes," Stussy replied without hesitation.
As an intelligence agent, she naturally possessed Marco's contact information. She took out a Den Den Mushi and dialed the number.