As Vegapunk stormed off, his anger evident in his brisk steps, Dragon couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. He paid no mind to the scientist's temper and followed him silently.
Sentomaru watched the two figures disappear down the corridor. With a heavy sigh, he murmured, "Sorry, Uncle Kizaru," before turning to head toward his quarters. The weight of his decision sat heavily on his shoulders.
Walking through the labyrinthine halls of the laboratory, Vegapunk spoke abruptly.
"Listen to me, you bastard Dragon. You can leave everything else behind, but my brain—the Punk Records—has to come with us."
Dragon nodded, acknowledging the importance of Vegapunk's demand. He couldn't claim to fully grasp the mechanics behind the Punk Records, but he understood enough to know that without it, recruiting Vegapunk would be meaningless.
"I just hope your brain hasn't grown too large," Dragon quipped to himself, "or transporting it will be a nightmare."
As if reading his thoughts, Vegapunk smirked and led Dragon into a large chamber.
"Dangdangdang~~! Behold my latest invention, the integration of my brain with the Punk Records! Isn't it magnificent?"
Dragon stopped in his tracks, his jaw nearly dropping at the sight before him. A colossal head, submerged in nutrient solution and connected by a maze of pipes and instruments, dominated the room. The sheer size of it rivaled that of a giant's skull.
Even Dragon, a man not easily shaken, couldn't suppress his awe.
"Vegapunk, you truly are in a league of your own. This is… incredible," he muttered, swallowing hard.
Hearing the compliment, Vegapunk's earlier irritation faded, replaced with pride. However, Dragon's practical mind quickly turned to logistics.
"How are we supposed to transport something so massive without damaging it?"
Vegapunk, already anticipating the question, chuckled.
"Ah, I've prepared for this eventuality. Although I didn't expect it to happen so soon, I designed a custom setup to transport the Punk Records in case I ever needed to relocate. Step aside, and I'll show you."
He trotted over to a computer-like console and began typing commands with practiced ease. Dragon stepped back, realizing this task was beyond his expertise. He pulled out his Den Den Mushi to contact his companions.
"Karasu, Betty, the mission here is complete. How's your situation? If everything's clear, prepare to rendezvous and look at the map for our escape route."
Karasu's calm voice responded. "Understood."
Betty's tone was laced with amusement. "You actually convinced Dr. Vegapunk that easily? You really live up to your reputation as our leader."
Dragon smiled faintly. Only Karasu and Betty had accompanied him on this operation, and the earlier disturbances on the island had been orchestrated by them to create a diversion. With the mission nearing its conclusion, it was time to retreat.
However, fate had other plans.
A mocking voice, dripping with sarcasm, suddenly echoed from above.
"My, my… What a headache. I step away for just a little while, and I receive an urgent distress call from Punk Hazard. I rush back, only to find two Revolutionary Army commanders causing trouble. It's enough to make me want to raise my hands and surrender right now~~!"
The air seemed to shimmer with light as a figure descended, clad in a yellow-striped suit and exuding an air of nonchalance.
"Kizaru!" Betty and Karasu exclaimed in unison, their faces hardening at the sight of the Marine admiral.
Despite his casual demeanor, Kizaru wasted no time. He raised a finger, firing a laser beam at Betty with blinding speed.
Betty barely managed to dodge, but the laser grazed her shoulder, leaving a minor burn. Gritting her teeth, she steadied herself, while Karasu transformed into a swarm of black birds that flapped toward Kizaru.
"Karasusu!" Karasu shouted, his ability creating a barrage of explosive crows that swarmed Kizaru, engulfing him in smoke and flames.
For a moment, the air was filled with the sound of explosions, and Kizaru's figure was obscured. But Karasu remained on high alert, his Haki senses heightened to their limit.
Suddenly, a beam of light streaked behind him. Karasu reacted instantly, turning to launch another attack, but Kizaru was faster.
"Speed is power," Kizaru remarked with a smirk, his voice calm as ever. "Have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?"
Before Karasu could respond, Kizaru's leg, wrapped in Armament Haki, struck with devastating force. The blow sent Karasu hurtling hundreds of meters, crashing through the walls of the research institute.
Satisfied with his attack, Kizaru turned his attention toward Betty. She glared at him, her Revolutionary Army banner clutched tightly in her hands. But before she could make a move, Kizaru transformed into a beam of light and shot toward the laboratory.
His mission was clear: protect Vegapunk at all costs. If the Revolutionary Army succeeded in taking him, the consequences would be catastrophic. Even as a Marine admiral, Kizaru knew the higher-ups would not tolerate such a failure.
...
==============================================
Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.
=============================================