Above Egghead Island, aside from the Marine garrison troops, the largest number of people present were undoubtedly the scientists.
Although Vegapunk was the smartest man in the world, even he couldn't possibly do everything himself.
Over the many years on Egghead, apart from creating six of his own satellites, he had also cultivated a massive team of scientists.
These scientists, while not as universally talented as Vegapunk himself, were all top-tier experts specializing in their own fields.
For instance, those assisting Vegapunk on the Seraphim Project were researchers who specialized in lineage factors, cloning, gigantification, and Green Blood.
Other projects—such as artificial organs or stem cell transplants—were handled by scientists dedicated to medical technologies.
Every one of these scientists was loyal to Vegapunk, viewing him as both their lifelong idol and the faith they followed.
Of course, that wasn't surprising.
If Einstein were alive in the twenty-first century, there would also be legions of scientists who idolized him.
And Vegapunk's genius far surpassed even Einstein's.
"By the way, your scientists here don't seem surprised at all to see us revolutionaries."
"Ahahaha, that's because to them, scientific research is what truly matters. As long as you don't try to harm them or steal their work... they don't care whether you're revolutionaries, Marines, or from the World Government," Vegapunk explained, standing beside Michael.
"That's what pure scientists are like. But as people, of course, they still have their preferences... Luckily, half of the scientists here come from the Four Seas, and they generally have a positive impression of the Revolutionary Army."
"That's exactly what we're striving for," Michael nodded. "But next, let's have them pause their work for now. If my guess is right, the World Government should be preparing to take action soon."
"That's something you needn't worry about," Vegapunk chuckled. "We may be scientists, but we're not just bookworms who only know how to run experiments..."
"Still, make sure to protect them. Their intellect is a priceless treasure of the entire sea."
With Vegapunk accompanying him, Michael took a full tour of Egghead's structure and basic layout.
He also managed to learn how much technology Vegapunk had already handed over to the World Government.
"Wow... I've got to say, this might be the most practical thing you've ever invented," Michael remarked.
Both men held cups of coffee as they walked down the corridor.
"Vega Coffee," as Vegapunk called it, was "the dream of mankind."
Its essence was simple yet astounding — with just one drop of water, it could instantly brew a steaming cup of coffee.
"Every scientist here stays awake at night thanks to this stuff," Vegapunk said with a smile.
The two returned to the Seraphim research area.
Compared to earlier, the place was now packed with scientists.
They surrounded the Seraphim, collecting and measuring new data.
After all, the current Seraphim had undergone drastic changes compared to before.
It was clear that the scientists working on the Seraphim and those handling the Mother Flame Project would be the busiest groups on Egghead for quite some time.
"Dr. Vegapunk! You're here!" one scientist, who had just finished compiling data, called out excitedly. He hurried over with his notes in hand. "Look at this! The Seraphim's data changes are... incredible!"
"Strength, speed, and agility have all improved significantly. And we've even observed growth potential — something the Seraphim have never shown before!"
"As for their new abilities... my God, that white flame is unbelievably powerful! It retains the Lunarian flame's traits but with far greater potency! And now they can emit a white radiance that slowly heals injuries and ailments! This is a major discovery!"
Vegapunk quickly raised a hand to interrupt the excited scientist.
"Hey! Hey! No need to get so worked up. This may be a small step in the Seraphim's evolution, but it's a giant leap for our scientific progress... Keep gathering data and expand the sample pool!"
"Yes, sir! Right away!"
The scientist nodded vigorously and immediately began issuing orders to the rest of the research team.
Watching the bustling laboratory, Michael couldn't help but chuckle.
"Looks like my power really is something strange... it's got them all fired up."
"Can you blame them? Even for me, this is the first time seeing a Devil Fruit ability that can both kill and heal. Theoretically, that shouldn't even be possible."
"Careful there... sounds like you've forgotten about the Op-Op Fruit, haven't you?"
"The Op-Op Fruit... Honestly, aside from the so-called Immortality Surgery, it's nothing compared to your Holy Light."
"Well then, I'll take that as a compliment."
Smiling, Vegapunk and Michael walked over to the massive soft bed where York was still sound asleep.
Looking at the peacefully sleeping girl, Michael's lips curved into a cold smirk.
Judging by appearance alone, York looked like a lazy, gluttonous beauty.
But...
Once a traitor, always a traitor.
"Hey, Miss York, time to wake up..." Michael said softly, amusement flickering in his tone. "I just saw your Den Den Mushi feed, you know... Keeping up the act won't help anymore."
Seeing no response from York, Michael continued, "Or are you waiting for me to do it myself?"
At those words, York finally moved.
Stretching lazily, she sat up on the enormous bed and turned her gaze toward Michael.
In those languid eyes burned an endless, insatiable desire — as if she meant to devour everything in sight.
"You really are cautious, aren't you, former Chief Inspector of the Marines, Chief of Staff of the Revolutionary Army, Michael," York said, sitting cross-legged on the bed and leaning forward toward him. With her voluptuous figure and cute face, she looked nothing like someone about to betray everyone.
"You must've realized it the moment you saw me, didn't you? So why only expose me now?"
Her words plunged Vegapunk's other five satellites into stunned silence.
None of them could have imagined that among their own, a traitor existed.
"Come on now," Michael said with an easy smile, spreading his hands. "What can I say... my specialty is entrapment operations."
"The people you've sided with have to make their move first — only then can I catch them all in one sweep, right?"
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