Vegapunk took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling scene at the port. He noticed a group of familiar figures waiting for him, their postures tense with anticipation.
With a quick nod, he turned back to the control panel, his fingers flying over the buttons to guide the floating brain-shaped vessel closer to the dock. As he worked, he cast a teasing glance at Dragon, standing stoically by his side.
"Come to think of it, this must be the first time you two have met, right?" Vegapunk remarked with a knowing smile. "How are you feeling? Nervous?"
Dragon, ever the stoic revolutionary, gave him a cold, unimpressed look. "How could a father and son feel nervous when meeting? This is just a simple family reunion," he said in a flat, measured tone, crossing his arms tightly across his chest.
Vegapunk raised an eyebrow at Dragon's rigid stance. His fingers tapped rhythmically against his biceps, betraying his supposed indifference. Suppressing a chuckle, Vegapunk simply smiled and returned to his work.
This guy is as hypocritical as ever, Vegapunk mused silently. No hint of the revolutionary leader he's supposed to be.
With a final press of the controls, the "Punk Record" smoothly docked at the port.
Vegapunk glanced at Dragon again, noticing how his fingers tapped even faster now, yet his feet remained rooted to the deck. With an exaggerated cough, Vegapunk strode forward confidently, stepping off the floating craft.
Sentomaru followed close behind, his burly frame exuding a bodyguard's protective aura. Dragon hesitated a moment before following them, his movements slow and deliberate as though reluctant to disembark.
Today, the "Punk Record" wasn't as massive as the behemoth it would become in the future. For now, it resembled a moderately sized, three-masted sailing ship. At its core was Vegapunk's brain, encased in a protective, eggshell-like barrier. The rest of the ship consisted of a simple operating room, a few storage compartments, and some basic living quarters.
Vegapunk stepped onto the gangplank, his boots clicking against the makeshift ladder crafted from island clouds. As he descended, a familiar figure approached him with a broad grin.
"Dr. Vegapunk!" Luffy called out, extending a hand enthusiastically. "We meet again. Sorry for the sudden invitation. I hope it wasn't too much trouble!"
Vegapunk tilted his head slightly, his keen eyes flicking to the group gathered behind Luffy. Young men and women stood shoulder to shoulder, holding welcome banners of various sizes.
The corners of Vegapunk's mouth twitched. "Luffy-kun, you do realize that I'm likely a wanted man by now, right? Hosting such a grand welcome might not be the most inconspicuous approach."
Luffy laughed, letting go of Vegapunk's hand. "Don't worry, Doctor. These are all trusted comrades—former guerrilla forces and warriors from Amazon Lily. They're loyal and capable. They'll be taking turns ensuring your safety."
Though skeptical, Vegapunk nodded. He decided to trust Luffy for now. After all, if something went wrong, the first person to suffer the consequences wouldn't be him—it'd be the young vice admiral standing confidently before him.
As the two continued their conversation, a young woman with flowing hair approached, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Dr. Vegapunk, it's such an honor to meet you in person!" Olivia exclaimed, holding out a notebook. "I've admired your work in the field of science for so long. Could I get your autograph?"
Vegapunk blinked in surprise but quickly obliged. Pulling a pen from his coat pocket, he signed the notebook with a flourish.
As Olivia beamed at her prize, others rushed forward eagerly. Koala, Nami, and Usopp were among those vying for Vegapunk's attention. Surrounded by his new admirers, Vegapunk couldn't help but feel both flattered and slightly overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, Luffy had already turned his attention to another figure approaching from the ship—Sentomaru.
"Brother Sentomaru! Welcome!" Luffy greeted warmly. "I regret not having dinner together the last time we met. This time, our chef will make sure you eat to your heart's content."
Sentomaru smirked, crossing his arms. "You'd better not disappoint me. I eat a lot, you know. If the food isn't good, I might have to take my anger out on you."
Luffy laughed heartily, clapping him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll love it. I guarantee it!"
The two shook hands firmly, their previous tensions dissolving in an instant.
As the group exchanged pleasantries, another figure lingered in the background. Dragon stood at a distance, his arms still crossed, watching the scene with a complicated expression. He hadn't approached or said a word, simply observing as Luffy interacted effortlessly with everyone.
Just as Dragon was about to cough to announce his presence, Luffy turned suddenly, his eyes locking onto his father's.
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