Chapter 64: 64. Weapon Specialized Scientific Research Troops

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- Punk Hazard was one of the Marine's three major research bases, specializing in the development of weapons of mass destruction under the lead scientist, Caesar Clown. Although Caesar was Vegapunk's second-in-command in the science division, his position was unstable; his work on dangerous weaponry left him expendable by the World Government. Unlike Vegapunk's labs, which were shielded by an Admiral's protection, Punk Hazard lacked such high-level security. Flying over the island, Alex prepared to make his move. Yamato extended her Observation Haki across the entire island, sensing and analyzing the internal layout, personnel, and even their abilities. Satisfied there were no powerful opponents, Alex lost interest in a prolonged attack. He decided to handle the operation himself for a swift, decisive outcome. After instructing his crew to wait on the ship, Alex leapt from the bow, descending through the whistling wind until he landed near Punk Hazard's central research facility. With his powers, it would have been simple to evade Marines and avoid detection from their Den Den Mushi communications, especially with Yamato's Observation Haki blocking all external signals. But Alex wasn't here to sneak around—he intended to make an impression. The moment he landed, Marines surrounded him. "This is World Government property! Trespassing here is a serious offense! Take him down!" one Marine shouted, signaling for the others to raise their weapons. But before they could advance, Alex took control of the earth beneath them with his powers. Boom!! The ground trembled violently, disrupting the Marines' footing. Many lost their balance, collapsing as the island itself seemed to shift under them. "What's going on? An earthquake?" one Marine stammered. Alex smirked, raising his hands slightly. A powerful force coursed through the island, and the ground beneath the Marines began to rise. They soon realized this wasn't an earthquake—it was the island itself breaking free of the sea. "The island... it's flying!" "It's the Float-Float Fruit! He's the Flying Admiral, Alex!!" "Enemy attack! Request backup from Vice Admirals and headquarters!" Marines scrambled in panic, the disciplined ranks breaking down into disarray. Ignoring their panicked cries, Alex flicked his fingers, summoning a wave of earth that rose from the ground like a tsunami. The earthen surge swept over the Marines, engulfing the entire force in seconds. With the guards neutralized, Alex turned his attention to the research facility. Placing his hand on the ground, he channeled his Devil Fruit powers. The soil around the laboratory began to crack and lift, breaking free from Punk Hazard itself. As the ground fractured, an entire section of the research complex rose into the air, drifting under Alex's command. He intended to take the entire facility with him—the scientific personnel, equipment, and instruments all intact—for Wanokuni's use. Satisfied, Alex hovered the floating mass and set course to return with his prize. After the research facility separated from the island, a startled roar echoed from behind. Though only a single Vice Admiral was stationed on Punk Hazard, his swift response was unmistakable. When Alex turned, he saw a figure wearing a Marine cloak, hurtling toward him. Alex was uninterested in the Vice Admiral's anger. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he released his Float-Float Fruit powers from the remaining portion of the island. Crash! The Float-Float ability sustaining the island vanished abruptly. With inertia still propelling it, the island's suspended section faltered mid-air and then plunged toward the sea. "Damn it!!" the Vice Admiral shouted, using Geppo to stabilize himself. Instead of pursuing Alex, he quickly turned to try and steady the crashing island. Whoosh! Boom! The massive island fragment hit the water, sending a colossal wave surging upward. The sea exploded into a hundred-meter-high wave, crashing into the nearby Marine warships. Some ships were overturned, shattered into wreckage, and sank instantly. This display, a fundamental application of the Float-Float Fruit, showcased its destructive potential on a strategic level. With a portion of Punk Hazard now beneath the waves, Alex wasted no time. He directed the research institute to ascend thousands of meters, until it hovered at the same height as his ship. Approaching the research facility, Alex entered through a partially open door. The air inside was tense with fear and panic, and as he stepped in, a group of scientists—about a dozen—huddled together, their apprehensive faces turned toward him. Scientists are not stupid, not to mention Alex's purpose is obvious. Among them, one figure stood out: the leader Alex had been seeking. "It seems that there is no need for explanation. Now tell me, what is your answer?" To emphasize his intent, he let his sword, Akazakura, remain unsheathed, emanating an ominous aura laced with a faint hint of Conqueror's Haki—a chilling pressure similar to Big Mom's soul-inducing spell. The scientists understood: any unsatisfactory answer would not end well for them. In moments, they responded as Alex had expected. "We pledge our allegiance to you," they replied, voices unified by fear. Alex nodded, but without warning, he drew his sword, and in an instant, several slashes cut through the air, taking the lives of eight scientists who were caught off guard. The remaining scientists recoiled in terror, and Caesar, the lead scientist, activated his Gas-Gas Fruit abilities, seemingly ready to escape. But Alex's voice cut through the chaos. "Stay calm. I forgot to mention one thing: I can tell when someone is lying," he said, gesturing to the lifeless bodies of those who'd fallen to his blade. They had perished precisely because of their deceit. Among the dead were spies the World Government had planted to monitor Caesar's work. Alex had no intention of letting the government infiltrate his soon-to-be personal research team. He sheathed Akazakura, turning to address the remaining scientists. "You all have passed the test. I won't harm you further, so calm yourselves. Now, I want each of you to introduce your area of expertise." The scientists, wary but unwilling to test his claim about detecting lies, obediently introduced themselves in turn. As expected, many specialized in mechanical engineering and automation, while others focused on weapons development and ammunition, aligning with Caesar Clown's expertise in mass destruction.