In the New World, in the waters surrounding Egghead Island, more than a dozen ships of the Phoenix Pirates cut through the sea. Before they could draw any closer, massive sea beast weapons rose from the depths, their steel bodies glinting beneath the sun as they formed a blockade around the fleet.
"Captain Marco..." Jinbe surfaced from the water, his expression solemn. "There are numerous sea beast weapons beneath the surface. These must all be creations of Dr. Vegapunk."
Yamato leaned over the railing, eyes sparkling with excitement. "These are incredible. The sea beasts even have mechanical armor."
Ace, however, remained focused. "Marco, are you planning to go straight to Vegapunk?"
Marco nodded, his tone calm yet firm. "Yes. If we can bring him to our side, dealing with the World Government will become far easier. Even if we cannot, we must at least ensure he remains neutral."
He remembered what he knew about Vegapunk. The genius scientist was eccentric, but not malicious. His goal in creating the Mother Flame had been to provide an endless source of energy for humanity and prevent wars. Unfortunately, that power had become fuel for the ancient weapon Uranus.
Marco understood how terrifying Uranus truly was. A single strike was enough to erase an entire nation. That level of destructive force was beyond ordinary warfare.
If Vegapunk completed the Mother Flame and handed it to the World Government, then with Uranus in their grasp, they would become nearly unstoppable.
Marco turned to his crew. "Stay here. If the Marines arrive, you will hold them off."
"Yes."
Black flames erupted from his back, forming magnificent wings. With a powerful beat, Marco rose into the sky and flew toward Egghead Island.
The moment he entered the island's airspace, the Pacifista units detected him.
"Stop, Pacifista."
A large man holding an axe stepped forward. It was Sentomaru, Vegapunk's bodyguard.
He looked up at Marco and called out, "Marco, the Doctor is waiting for you above the dome. You can proceed."
Marco gave a brief nod and flew higher.
A laser defense grid shimmered around the dome. As he approached, the beams shut down automatically. Once he passed through, the defense system reactivated behind him.
Inside, he descended near the main entrance and saw a familiar figure waiting.
"Long time no see, Lord Marco," Stussy said with a graceful smile.
Marco inclined his head slightly. "It has been a while."
"The Doctor is expecting you. Please follow me."
He walked beside her into the laboratory. The space was vast, filled with advanced machinery beyond ordinary comprehension. At its center, Dr. Vegapunk was immersed in his work.
Without looking up, the scientist spoke. "One moment. Let me finish this experiment."
Marco crossed his arms casually. "You are as busy as ever, Dr. Vegapunk."
As he observed the lab, he noticed several others present.
Stussy stepped forward gently. "The one working at the computer is Shaka. Those adjusting the mechanical arms are Edison and Pythagoras. Lilith and Atlas are currently outside, and York has been temporarily confined by the Doctor."
A few minutes later, Vegapunk finally turned around and approached Marco.
The old man's appearance was as peculiar as ever, flushed cheeks, white hair, an apple like structure atop his head, a tongue that hung almost to his abdomen, and unusually long legs. It was difficult to believe that this eccentric figure was the greatest scientist in the World.
"Nice to meet you, Dr. Vegapunk," Marco greeted politely.
Vegapunk stuck out his tongue slightly as he spoke. "I already know why you have come. I am indeed researching the Poneglyphs. If the World Government learns of this, they will not hesitate to execute me. I appreciate your willingness to offer protection."
He studied Marco carefully. "You said before that you would not force me to act against my will. Does that promise still stand?"
"Of course." Marco smiled faintly. "As long as you remain neutral and do not provide the World Government with weapons such as the Seraphim or the Mother Flame, that will be enough."
He was confident in his own strength. He believed he could defeat the World Government when the time came.
However, if Vegapunk openly joined the Phoenix Pirates, it would make him a direct enemy of the Government. In a prolonged war, circumstances might force him into actions he did not wish to take.
Vegapunk's expression turned serious. "Marco, may I ask something of you?"
Marco met his gaze steadily. "You are under my protection. If it is within my ability, I will help."
"Thank you." Vegapunk nodded. "I wish to remain on Egghead Island."
Marco frowned slightly.
"I know it is a difficult request," Vegapunk continued. "But this island holds centuries of accumulated knowledge. Research data and scientific materials from generations past are preserved here. Leaving would mean abandoning an irreplaceable treasure."
Marco exhaled slowly. "That complicates matters. If the Marines and the World Government launch a full assault on Egghead Island, even the Phoenix Pirates will face immense pressure. And they possess Uranus."
"Uranus?" Vegapunk's eyes sharpened.
"Recently, the World Government used it to destroy Wano Country," Marco explained. "According to survivors from Onigashima, it was a massive circular flying vessel. After emitting a white light, Wano was erased."
Vegapunk's expression darkened. "So Uranus truly rests in their hands."
He fell into deep thought. "To operate an ancient weapon requires an enormous amount of energy. The Government's insistence that I perfect the Mother Flame must be because they intend to use it as fuel."
After a long pause, Vegapunk looked at Marco with renewed determination.
"In that case, I have another request. Incorporate Egghead Island into the territory of the Phoenix Pirates."
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