With Vegapunk's confirmation, Kaos narrowed his eyes slightly.
He hadn't expected Rika Minami's personality to change so drastically—and it really was due to the Teigu.
At that moment, Vegapunk added, "Teigu can cause emotional fluctuations in its user. These changes don't come out of nowhere—they simply awaken and amplify desires that already exist deep within the heart. In essence, they act as emotional catalysts."
"However, as a person's strength increases, these effects weaken. If the user is only of average strength, the high-grade Teigu will have a more noticeable influence."
"That said, I believe Your Highness Kaos will only entrust these advanced Teigu to strong individuals, which is why I didn't bring it up earlier."
"I suppose that was an oversight on my part."
Vegapunk shook his head helplessly. Even with all his knowledge, he couldn't account for everything.
But Kaos didn't mind. As long as the Teigu didn't significantly affect him, it was fine.
The people around him, having overheard the conversation, all breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
At first, even Rika Minami had felt uneasy.
But the final result reassured her. She hadn't realized that her sudden desire to fight came from the Teigu—triggering a fighting spirit that had long been buried within her.
And strangely enough, she didn't dislike it.
On the contrary, she was starting to enjoy the feeling and even looked forward to testing her strength in battle.
With that, Kaos brought Rika Minami and Stussy back to the cruise ship.
As they returned aboard, Kaos took out his transponder snail and contacted Marine Headquarters.
At Marine HQ, Sengoku had already returned ahead of the others. He had official duties to handle and couldn't stay in World One indefinitely.
Now seated in the Marshal's office, Sengoku reviewed documents detailing the current state of the Marines—their improved strength and the progress of newly recruited soldiers.
This wave of global conscription had full backing from the World Government, resulting in a massive influx of recruits.
Among them were individuals of exceptional strength.
Right now, Sengoku held two files—both belonging to new recruits whose strength had already reached Admiral level.
All across the world, even in the New World, powerful individuals had come forward, many drawn in by this world conscription effort.
Just as Sengoku was sorting through the reports, the transponder snail beside him rang.
He answered immediately. It was a private line used specifically for communication with Kaos—and only a select few had one.
No matter how busy he was, Kaos's call always took precedence.
"What are Your Highness Kaos's orders?" Sengoku asked respectfully.
"I want a new warship prepared for me. It needs to be the most advanced model using our latest technology."
The request was clearly for Esdeath.
Sengoku didn't hesitate. Everything the Marines had was thanks to Kaos, and he wouldn't delay for a second.
"Understood, Your Highness. I'll have the newly constructed battleship delivered to you immediately. Where are you currently located?"
After confirming Kaos's location, Sengoku ordered the shipbuilders to fully equip the vessel with the most advanced weapons available.
The shipyard workers didn't dare slack off after receiving the order. They worked around the clock.
Days passed quickly—five in total.
The battleship wasn't completely painted yet and still bore the World Government's standard color scheme, but it was already outfitted with an array of new weapons:
Close-in weapon systems, torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles, and more.
The ship was armed to the teeth—one of the most powerful battleships the Marines had ever fielded.
At that moment, Sengoku personally led a team aboard this cutting-edge warship, heading toward Kaos's current location at full speed.
Thanks to the new engine developed by Vegapunk, the ship was twice as fast as the standard battleships in World One.
It raced across the seas at an astonishing pace.
After traveling for about a day and a night, the battleship finally reached the area where Kaos was located.
Radar soon detected the exact coordinates of Kaos's cruise ship.
Inside the ship, Kaos sat in his room with Stussy lying in his arms.
Beside him, Esdeath, her eyes full of affection, plucked an apple and gently placed it into his mouth.
Kaos slowly savored the fruit's sweetness when a knock sounded at the door.
Using his Observation Haki, Kaos immediately sensed that Rika Minami was standing outside.
"Come in," he said softly.
Rika Minami opened the door and stepped inside.
She paused for a moment, eyes falling on Kaos's bare chest, and her cheeks flushed pink.
"Your Highness Kaos, Sengoku from Marine Headquarters has brought the new warship. It's currently docked just outside the cruise ship."
Kaos didn't show much reaction and replied casually, "Let him wait outside for now. By the way, the outfit you're wearing today looks really nice."
His gaze settled on Rika Minami. Ever since their last battle, she'd developed a fascination with roses.
She'd even commissioned a custom dress made entirely of roses. It had a unique charm and looked great on her.
Hearing Kaos's compliment, Rika Minami couldn't contain her excitement. She gripped the hem of her dress with both hands and gave a graceful curtsey.
"Thank you for the praise, Your Highness Kaos."
"I don't just want to praise you…" A meaningful smile tugged at the corner of Kaos's lips.