"Sashiburidana (Long time no see.)," Kojin said with a light smile.
"Meeting you here is truly an unexpected and welcome surprise," Vegapunk replied with a smile.
Then, his gaze shifted toward the Marines salvaging books in front of them, and a trace of regret and sorrow appeared on his face.
"It's just a pity that such a reunion happened amid a disaster like this."
Hearing this, Kojin smiled faintly as well and looked toward the Marines ahead.
They were members of the G-18 Fortress Squad. Under the command of Evans Squad, they were quickly salvaging the books and transporting them back to the base.
"A reunion is a pleasant thing, and it is also the beginning of our story," Kojin said softly.
"Civilization and knowledge are the accumulation of generation after generation of humans, built through hardship and suffering. Fortunately, there are still people who understand the value of these books. It's just a pity... that they're Marines," Vegapunk sighed.
When he heard that Ohara had been destroyed, the shock and regret in his heart were beyond imagination. Countless treasures of humanity had been buried beneath cannonfire.
This was a disaster for all of humanity!
"They are all my people. The scholars of Ohara did not die. I saved them," Kojin said with a smile.
"What?!" Vegapunk's face instantly filled with shock and excitement. "You mean Dr. Clover isn't dead? You saved him?"
After saying that, his expression changed again.
"No wonder Marine Headquarters has been acting strangely lately. There are even rumors in the West Blue that a powerful Marine opposed Headquarters and the world itself, and a great battle broke out."
"Was that person you?"
Kojin smiled lightly and nodded.
"Right now, I am already an enemy of the world!"
After a short pause, he stared straight into Vegapunk's eyes.
"So, Vegapunk, your friend needs your help."
Vegapunk's body trembled, and hesitation appeared on his face.
"If we join our strengths, we can change this world!" Kojin shifted his gaze forward. "You have the world's strongest intellect!"
"And I..."
"I possess power that surpasses everything!"
"This is an alliance of the strongest!"
With a soft laugh, Kojin looked back at Vegapunk.
"If we join hands, the road ahead will be smooth... and unstoppable!"
He took a deep breath, felt the wind blow through the air, and spoke again.
"What kind of ideal country... what kind of ideal world do you imagine?"
"One where children laugh happily and citizens live and work in peace. All races living equally and amicably together. No more slavery. No more tragedies. No more suffering. No more Celestial Dragons. No more nobles. The so-called 'people above others' should only exist to uphold justice and regulate the world."
"If a prince breaks the law, he is just as guilty as a commoner!"
"Is a world like that possible?"
With each sentence, Vegapunk's expression shifted, and light began to shine in his eyes. When the last sentence ended, the big-headed man's gaze became dazed for a moment, as if he had fallen into a dream.
"Does such an ideal country really exist?"
Kojin smiled before replying. "It just doesn't exist right now, but if you and I work together to create one... Then, naturally, it will exist!"
Vegapunk's face flickered with conflicting emotions, his eyes darting back and forth. After a long moment, he let out a deep sigh.
"My research requires an enormous amount of funding. I also need a quiet place where no one can disturb me."
"After thinking about it… only the World Government has such resources."
Kojin burst into loud laughter. With a wave of his right hand, an intense Haki aura surged out.
"You don't need to worry about money, resources, or experimental bases. I'll take care of everything for you!"
Vegapunk raised his head, confusion in his eyes.
"Can you really do that?"
Kojin grinned and gave a reason that made it impossible for the great scientist to refuse.
"I can even let you study my Lineage Factor."
Vegapunk's pupils shrank. He knew some things about Kojin and understood that his bloodline was extremely abnormal.
No one could be immortal!
Even extremely powerful gifted races, like the Lunarians, could be killed. But Kojin had displayed a terrifying reality beyond imagination: no method could kill him; instead, it would only make him stronger.
A Lineage Factor like that...
Those who desired it most were not the World Government. It was Vegapunk himself, a scientist obsessed with research and the pursuit of truth.
He had the world's strongest intellect. In his eyes, everything could be broken down to its essence. Even Devil Fruits, those supernatural objects, gradually had their mysterious veil stripped away.
Nevertheless, the "immortality factor" within Kojin held an irresistible allure.
"You... are serious?" Vegapunk suddenly raised his head and spoke in a trembling voice.
"I am. But I can't guarantee you'll be able to research anything useful." Kojin chuckled, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
He had some understanding of this bloodline within him. It had little to do with lineage factors and was merely his own unique "cheat ability." Allowing Vegapunk to research it would be nothing more than using fancy terminology to fool him.
"Fine! I agree to join you!" Vegapunk said without hesitation.
But at that moment, the wind around them suddenly grew stronger.
"Don't rush into agreeing with him yet... Vegapunk!" A deep voice echoed as a cloaked figure materialized, twisting in the wind.
Kojin smiled lightly and looked at the newcomer, not at all surprised.
It was Dragon.
"Dragon?" Vegapunk revealed a puzzled expression.
Clearly, he knew Dragon, too.
"I want to build an army that will overturn the world and usher in a new era. Vegapunk, join me!" Dragon lifted his hood and smiled as he extended the invitation.
However, his sharp gaze was firmly locked on Kojin.
At that moment, it was clear that the relationship between the two had become one of opposition. They each had their own intentions, and Vegapunk's importance was self-evident.
"W-What?!" Vegapunk was stunned.
Soon, his expression turned helpless.
"I'm sorry, Dragon, but I've already agreed to Kojin. He gave me a reason I simply can't refuse!"
Dragon shuddered, a flicker of anger rising in his eyes as he looked at Kojin, but it quickly subsided.
"What he has done so far is indeed admirable. Opposing the World Government, surpassing the combined might of two Admirals, and rescuing the innocent people of Ohara from the Buster Call... Choosing him isn't a problem."
"However..."
At this point, Dragon's voice turned cold.
"This guy's ambition is beyond what you can imagine, Vegapunk!"
"Be careful. In the future, he may bring unimaginable turmoil to the world."
After saying that, Dragon's figure twisted and vanished into the wind.
"Kojin." Vegapunk turned around and looked at Kojin.
"Ignore him. Dragon is just jealous. He can't have what he wants, so he says it's no good!" Kojin laughed.
"Mm." Vegapunk nodded, then spoke again. "By the way, I want to read every one of these books left behind by Ohara. They will be extremely useful to me. Perhaps they'll push my research to an even higher level."
"No problem! I plan to find a place, rebuild the Tree of Knowledge, construct an experimental base for you, and recruit a group of outstanding scientists."
Kojin agreed without hesitation.
Upon hearing this, Vegapunk nodded in satisfaction.
The two of them then quietly watched the Marines transfer the books. Kojin appeared relaxed, but deep down, he felt immense pressure.
Money, resources, territory... Supporting a genius scientist like Vegapunk would be extremely difficult. That was exactly why, despite knowing the World Government had ill intentions, Vegapunk still chose to join them, because of the enormous convenience of resources, which would allow him to conduct all kinds of experiments without worry.
Now, however, that pressure had fallen onto Kojin, giving him a headache.
However, Kojin quickly dispelled those thoughts.
He had already made his decision and was determined to see it through.
"There seems to still be a batch of gold up in Skypiea."
"As for territory..."
At that moment, inspiration struck Kojin, and he smiled.
"Doctor Vegapunk. We may need a ship capable of traveling smoothly between Skypiea and the sea."
Vegapunk froze, then answered without hesitation.
"If the energy problem can be solved and it has sufficient power, that would be a very simple matter."
Kojin smiled and stretched out his hands.
"Crack!"
Lightning flashed, and blue electric arcs appeared between his palms.
"You're actually a user of the Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder-Thunder Fruit)."
"Then that's perfect!"
Vegapunk said in astonishment.
A short while later, Saul and the others arrived with more people, all of whom joined in on moving the books.
About two hours later, three battleships were loaded with the heavy books.
Vegapunk stood at the bow and looked at Saul on the battleship beside them.
"Your crew actually includes a giant."
Kojin smiled.
"He's my friend, Saul. We share the same ideals."
Vegapunk nodded, then asked again. "Have you already defected from the Marines?"
Kojin only grinned. "Who knows?"
"Then it seems your background is even more complicated than it seems. The World Government is probably thinking about how to deal with your involvement in the Ohara Incident," Vegapunk said.
Kojin froze, then quickly nodded in understanding.
"Just wait. I believe someone will contact you soon." Vegapunk said casually.
"From now on, your relationship with the Marines and the World Government may become... subtle and ambiguous."
"Is Dr. Clover also at your base?"
Kojin nodded.
"That's great news. I have many things I want to discuss with him." Vegapunk said happily.
Then, he suddenly raised his head and looked at Kojin.
"You're a very smart guy. You're able to recognize what holds the greatest value."
Kojin gave a helpless smile.
"Honestly, I can't tell if you're praising or mocking me."
"It's praise," Vegapunk said.
"Thanks, I guess."
After that, the two fell into silence.
Kojin gazed at the rolling sea ahead, his eyes growing serious. Recent events flashed through his mind rapidly, making him sigh.
"I'm still too weak..."
Not only in strength, but also in influence.
The great battle seven days ago might have involved some restraint, but facing two Admirals together had indeed been stressful.
Thinking of this, he added the points on his status panel to the Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder-Thunder Fruit), instantly maxing it out. The next moment, the information feeding back from his body caused his pupils to shrink sharply.
"This is...?"
"Logia Awakening?"
(End of Chapter)
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