Chapter 243: Chapter 243: Vegapunk
"Boss, bad news! Our MADS research facility has been sealed off by the World Government's CP, claiming it poses a global threat. They've arrested all the researchers inside!"
A subordinate in a suit ran up to Du Feld, reporting the situation in a panic.
"What?! Damn the World Government! Always swooping in to steal the benefits!"
The Loan Shark King, Du Feld, was smoking a cigar when the news caused him to cough violently, puffing smoke out through his nose in irritation.
He had been planning to use the scientists at MADS to develop exclusive technologies—just like the Infinity Pirates—selling them globally and making a fortune.
But now, the World Government had ruined everything!
"Boss, should we retaliate?"
The subordinate, seeing his boss so furious, timidly suggested an idea.
"Retaliate? How? How do you think we can retaliate? That's the World Government, you idiot! If you want to die, don't drag me down with you. No, wait—go die right now!"
Du Feld's anger exploded as he pulled out a Desert Eagle with a gleaming red crystal handle and aimed it at the clueless subordinate.
"Boss, boss, I was just thinking of helping you!"
The subordinate immediately fell to his knees, begging for his life.
Bang!
Du Feld showed no mercy, pulling the trigger without hesitation and shooting the insolent subordinate dead.
"Does that idiot think I can just mess with the World Government? What a fool!"
After firing, Du Feld cursed loudly, kicking the subordinate's lifeless body a few times to vent his frustration.
---
"Welcome, everyone, to the Infinity Pirates. Your compensation will depend on your technical expertise. Currently, the top earners are Vinsmoke Judge and Caesar Clown," declared Li Yuan, addressing the thirty scientists before him.
"To start, I'll give each of you three months' salary upfront. Moreover, you'll have the next seven days to relax here in Wano Country. No work. Afterward, report to the lab to begin your assignments."
Hearing this, Judge and Caesar puffed out their chests with pride. Their confidence stemmed from their unmatched expertise, which had earned them top-tier treatment.
"Captain Li Yuan, I have family outside. Could you arrange for them to be brought here?" asked a timid scientist, Abraham Muniz, his voice hesitant.
Recognizing Li Yuan's authority, he had long since abandoned any thoughts of resistance. Now, he simply wanted his family to be safe and by his side.
"Of course. If anyone else has family or friends they wish to bring here, provide their detailed addresses. I'll send someone to ensure their safe arrival so you can reunite with them often."
Li Yuan readily agreed, understanding that scientists with attachments to their families would work more diligently for the Infinity Pirates.
Sure enough, many scientists eagerly provided details for their loved ones. Compared to the instability of their time with MADS, the Infinity Pirates offered a much more reliable shelter.
After addressing the group, Li Yuan left the area, delegating his subordinates to escort the scientists around Wano to enjoy themselves.
---
"Shurorororo! I've heard Wano closed itself off for 800 years, cutting ties with the world. Who would've thought it would develop so well—even having flower houses!"
Caesar's eyes lit up as he spotted beautifully dressed women enticing customers from the balconies of the flower houses.
"Judge, let's go check out what Wano's famous flower houses are like!"
Despite Judge's initial reluctance, Caesar's overwhelming enthusiasm—and the allure of the women—ultimately dragged him inside.
---
Meanwhile, Li Yuan, accompanied by Yadina, entered Shaki's Mirror Space, where Vegapunk was being held. At the moment, the renowned scientist was unconscious.
"Wake up, Vegapunk."
Li Yuan's voice resonated as ultrasonic waves surged into Vegapunk's mind, breaking the hypnosis that kept him asleep.
"You?! Captain Li Yuan of the Infinity Pirates!"
As Vegapunk regained consciousness and recognized his captor, his anger was palpable.
"That's right. I rescued you from the World Government. I want you to work for me. Yet, it seems you're not pleased to see me," Li Yuan observed, sensing Vegapunk's hostility through his advanced Observation Haki.
"Work for you? Never! I refuse to collaborate with someone like you!" Vegapunk's voice was filled with rage.
"Oh? Care to explain why?"
Li Yuan's tone was calm, but Yadina and Shaki, knowing him well, could tell he was genuinely displeased.
"The Infinity Pirates are arms dealers responsible for global conflicts! Your weapons have caused countless wars and deaths. Even some of my closest friends died because of your weapons! I will never work for a person who brings only disaster to the world!"
Vegapunk's voice trembled with righteous fury as he accused Li Yuan.
"I see," Li Yuan murmured, finally understanding Vegapunk's reasoning. The scientist's deepest wish was world peace, and in his eyes, the Infinity Pirates represented chaos and destruction.
"Do you not fear death for defying me?"
Li Yuan's tone turned icy as his Conqueror's Haki crushed down on Vegapunk, forcing the scientist to his knees.
"I have never feared death," Vegapunk replied, blood vessels bursting in his eyes as he struggled under the pressure.
Humph!
Seeing Vegapunk's continued resistance, Li Yuan snorted coldly and once again used ultrasonic waves to hypnotize him.
"Write down all your research from MADS," Li Yuan commanded as he handed Vegapunk a pen and paper.
Though Vegapunk refused to work for him, that didn't mean Li Yuan couldn't extract his knowledge. If he had a way to harvest the Brain-Brain Fruit, he wouldn't hesitate to take it and give it to a loyal scientist instead.
---
"Yadina, can your powers transfer consciousness between two people?" Li Yuan asked, referencing her Mindfruit abilities.
"Not yet. But I believe with a few more years of development, it should be possible," Yadina responded.
"Good. When you've mastered it, we'll transfer Vegapunk's consciousness into another body, replacing him with a loyal scientist. If he won't serve me, then his body will," Li Yuan said coldly.
"Why put so much effort into Vegapunk?" Shaki asked, puzzled.
"Because of his Brain-Brain Fruit. It grants him unparalleled intelligence, capable of creating technology 500 years ahead of this world. With him, the Infinity Pirates could save decades of development."
Li Yuan explained how Vegapunk's research was crucial for advancing their technological capabilities and exploring ancient weapons like Pluton, which lay hidden beneath Wano.
"Understood," Shaki nodded, now realizing Vegapunk's unparalleled value.
---
"Shaki, call Lazuli over to perform treatment on Vegapunk, ensuring his health. Yadina, reinforce psychological suggestions to prevent him from attempting suicide. We'll hypnotize him together for added security," Li Yuan ordered.
Both women quickly set to work, fully aware of Vegapunk's importance.
As Vegapunk furiously scribbled his research onto paper, Li Yuan smirked. His plans for the scientist—and the future of the Infinity Pirates—were falling perfectly into place.
-Support me on Ko-Fi for 35+ advance chapters there.
https://ko-fi.com/zxc1015
Thanks!