Chapter 65: 65. SAD, Artificial Devil Fruit

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- It's no surprise that an extreme scientific research team was established in a dangerous region like the New World, likely to mitigate the risks associated with large-scale weapons development. After the explosion of these scientific weapons, the entire island was reduced to an uninhabited wasteland. Naturally, the World Government could exploit the New World's unique isolation to block certain information from spreading. They could easily place the blame on Caesar and bury their own intentions from the public eye. After hearing the reports from all the scientists, Alex nodded thoughtfully, then began outlining his vision for them. "Very well. From this moment forward, you will serve my nation. You may continue your research and experiments within this institute, but the development of weapons of mass destruction must be restricted," he declared. "Beyond that, you needn't worry about funding. The only thing to remember is that your allegiance will shift from the World Government to me." The scientists exchanged uncertain glances, until one of them hesitantly asked, "M-May I ask which country our lord represents?" They weren't fools; whoever could boldly assault a World Government stronghold and speak so dismissively of them had to be either immensely powerful or astonishingly confident. "Wanokuni," Alex replied smoothly, "and I am the current Shogun of Wanokuni." At his response, the scientists gasped in surprise. "So it's that infamous nation known for its swordsmen and warriors!" "Yes, I've heard Wanokuni is a formidable and renowned power in the New World!" The group murmured among themselves, weighing their options. They understood that if they were forcibly taken, the World Government would likely hunt them down, and the consequences could be severe. But if their new backer was a well-established power, the Government's approach would likely shift. "Very well, Shogun of Wanokuni! We will devote our lives and skills to serve you and your country." Seeing Alex's formidable display of strength, Caesar Clown—who was already half-tempted to surrender—rushed forward, eager to pledge his loyalty after hearing Alex's identity and background. "Caesar Clown, I know you," Alex said with a sly smile. "In fact, the reason for this visit was you. For that reason alone, I spared your life." Caesar's face went pale, and a tremor of fear washed over him. 'Does he know I lied earlier?' he thought, panic flickering in his eyes. Trying to recover, he quickly folded his hands and gave a forced smile, bowing deeply before Alex. "Thank you, Shogun, for your mercy," Caesar stammered. "It is my great fortune to be acknowledged by you. Weapons, medicine...whatever you desire, I can research it!" These two areas—weaponry and medical research—were Caesar's specialties. "SAD is fine, too," Alex stated directly. "Of course, no problem," Caesar replied reflexively, then froze as he processed what Alex had just said. "S-SAD?!" he stammered in shock. 'How does he know about that?!' A whirlwind of thoughts bombarded Caesar's mind. 'Should I fool him? No! If he really can tell when I'm lying, then my life is as good as over!' After weighing his options, Caesar pointed cautiously toward the research institute. "My lord, why don't we step inside to discuss the matter of SAD?" he suggested, his eyes darting around. Clearly, he had never planned on sharing any details of this project, nor did he have any desire to do so now. Seeing Caesar's unease, Alex responded indifferently, "What are you so nervous about? It's just the technology left behind by Vegapunk. I intend for the scientists here to assist in the development, and I'll handle any personnel with ties to the World Government." Caesar, visibly relieved yet annoyed, scoffed and threw up his hands in protest. "That Vegapunk didn't leave any technology! At most, he left behind the basic idea..." His voice trailed off, and then he puffed out his chest, pointing his thumb at himself with a cocky grin. "And with just that idea, combined with my genius intellect, I was able to do extensive research on SAD!" He let out a self-satisfied laugh. "Shurororo... Oh, forgive me! I got carried away!" Caesar immediately bowed deeply to Alex, a full ninety degrees, in a comically exaggerated show of humility. Though known for his cowardice and unsavory traits, Caesar was infamous among pirates for his antics. His jealousy of Vegapunk—a position he could never quite attain in the scientific hierarchy—was a source of frustration. Alex, observing this, offered a measured compliment. "I appreciate genius 'though you're still no Vegapunk'. After all, you're a prominent figure in the World Government's Science Division, and you've even managed to replicate the process for making artificial Devil Fruits." The praise, despite its backhanded nature, held truth. Alex knew that in less than two decades, Caesar would achieve some mastery over SAD technology, even at his current age of twenty-one. "Artificial Devil Fruits?!" gasped one of the scientists, his eyes widening. "Can such a thing really be done?!" The more challenging the research, the more it hinted at Caesar's skill. "That's right! The SAD I developed is the crucial component needed to produce [Artificial Devil Fruits]!" Caesar proclaimed proudly, hands on his hips. "So, Caesar, does that mean you've successfully developed an artificial fruit?" asked one of the scientists, excitement flashing in his eyes. Such a breakthrough in science was rare, and they were eager to witness it. "If I had a finished product, the World Government would've hauled me off ages ago," Caesar scoffed. "Do you think I'd still be hidden away on a dangerous island in the New World? Besides, creating artificial Devil Fruits requires a specialized processing plant, which doesn't exist here." Casting a quick glance at Alex, Caesar added hastily, "But, with the right facilities, I'm confident I could achieve a 50% success rate with [Artificial Devil Fruits] within a few years." Fifty percent was indeed an impressive probability for such a complex creation. Alex, of course, understood the unstated drawback of Caesar's work: the significant side effect of artificial Devil Fruits, which stripped failed users of all emotions except for the ability to smile. But this was not a concern for him. After all, the main buyer would be Kaido, and any potential side effects would be the Beasts Pirates' problem to manage. Beyond supplying Kaido, Alex had additional plans for the artificial Devil Fruits, intending to use them as "seeds" for unique, hidden traps of his own making. With the scientists secured under his command, Alex used the power of the Float-Float Fruit to lift the entire research institute. Effortlessly, he maneuvered it across the sea, floating alongside his ship as they headed straight for Wanokuni over the course of several days.