Punk Hazard Laboratory had always been a top-secret facility, even inaccessible to most Marines. However, there were a few exceptions.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the head of the Science Division and his direct "escort," Admiral "Kizaru" Borsalino, as well as Wright, who held an authorization order personally signed by Sengoku.
While the jurisdiction of Punk Hazard fell under the World Government, the Marines, as the primary security force, still retained access rights for these three individuals, despite lacking decision-making power.
Notably, some time ago, Kizaru had been strictly ordered by Sengoku to assist Dr. Vegapunk in his research. Though reluctant, he ended up staying at Punk Hazard for several months…
Officially, he was there for security. In reality, he was "being studied." Frustrated by the ordeal, Kizaru returned to Marineford and immediately headed to the Sabaody Archipelago, where he single-handedly captured this year's entire wave of so-called "Supernova" pirates and threw them all into Impel Down, finally venting his frustration.
It was a sight to make onlookers weep and witnesses shudder—an Admiral personally hunting rookies? This generation of newcomers suffered immensely!
Sengoku, realizing the extent of the damage, had to grant Kizaru a month-long paid leave to stop the rampage—because Kizaru had originally planned to completely wipe out the Sabaody Archipelago of pirates!
"Better let Junior Brother Wright handle this~ Vegapunk is just~ too terrifying!"
This was the condition Kizaru set to agree to stop filling up Impel Down. Left with no choice, Sengoku accepted.
After all, if Kizaru truly emptied Sabaody, the Celestial Dragons would undoubtedly be furious. Their illicit businesses thrived under the cover of pirates, and the Marines could never exert full force in that area!
"Damn it… One day…"
Sengoku, suppressing his frustration, informed Wright that he would henceforth be responsible for direct communication with Vegapunk, while Kizaru would only be receiving reports.
Wright was more than happy with this arrangement.
"Senior Brother is so considerate. Taking such good care of me—I'm truly overwhelmed!"
Upon meeting Vegapunk, Wright sincerely expressed his gratitude towards Kizaru, causing the scientist to scratch his head awkwardly.
"Uh… well, Admiral Borsalino's case was indeed a rare opportunity, so I conducted a rather 'thorough' study. But it was all worthwhile! Both the Marines and I have gained more leverage as a result."
Vegapunk placed a suitcase on the table and gestured for Wright to open it.
Inside was a meticulously crafted Lightforged Beacon component—more complex than the fourth-generation model.
Alongside it was a thick stack of blueprints.
"This is?"
Wright's eyes lit up. Truthfully, he hadn't expected any breakthroughs on the beacon project during this visit—progress alone would have been satisfying. But now…
"This is the fifth-generation Lightforged Beacon, equipped with a far more powerful function—teleportation of large objects!"
Vegapunk could barely contain his excitement. "Now is the time for the beacon to truly demonstrate its value! Tactical reinforcements, supply deliveries—sometimes, these factors alone can determine the outcome of a war!"
"Granted, it does consume a significant amount of Lightforged Crystals… but it's well worth it!"
"Using a single Lightforged Crystal as the base cost for one cubic meter of volume, the maximum transportable volume in a single use is one hundred cubic meters!"
Wright nodded repeatedly in admiration. "With this scale of teleportation, most logistical challenges can be resolved!"
It was as if a pillow had arrived just as he was feeling sleepy—this would simplify many things!
Wright then took out several platinum-colored objects:
"Dr. Vegapunk, these are Lightforged Sigils crafted from Germa's latest research into Radiant Alloy. With these, the Lightforged Beacon can be linked directly to my power source, ensuring an endless flow of Holy Light!"
"This way, the Lightforged Crystals can remain in a continuous state of recharge. Would it be possible to use a standard Lightforged Crystal as a 'key' to activate the beacon's energy reserve for teleportation?"
"That way, the standard Lightforged Crystals wouldn't be consumed after each use, allowing them to be reused!"
"!"
For once, Vegapunk looked genuinely surprised. "Judge really… outdid himself this time! Even pulled out his stockpile of shape-memory alloys!"
After analyzing the properties of the Radiant Alloy, Vegapunk's eyes sparkled with excitement. "What an incredible metal! With this, many of my theories can finally be realized!"
"Though… it's still too soon. Further refinement is needed… Hmm, yes, that's right…"
Vegapunk muttered to himself for a while before snapping back to the main point—materials were one thing, but the sigils were the true key.
"Vice Admiral Wright, what you propose is entirely feasible, and it won't even require significant modifications!"
Rubbing his hands together, Vegapunk added, "Give me an hour, and I'll have the redesign ready!"
"Ah, but Doctor, there's something important I need to discuss first."
Wright glanced around. Vegapunk understood immediately, pulling out a small button-like device and pressing it.
"There. Now, no one can eavesdrop on our conversation!"
"…As expected of you!"
After ensuring no unwanted listeners, Wright continued, "I recently encountered an interesting individual…"
He proceeded to brief Vegapunk about Enel, the Ark "Maxim," and "Vearth."
As expected, Vegapunk fell into deep thought upon hearing the information.
Vegapunk had a significant connection to "Vearth."
After a long silence, he finally raised his head, his eyes filled with emotion.
"I never imagined… Vearth…"
"I'm extremely interested. Leave the airship's design to me. I had no idea such an energy system existed!"
"The Rumble-Rumble Fruit? Truly fate… Heh!"
Vegapunk took the blueprints Wright handed him, examined them carefully, then nodded.
"No issues. I'll refine the design as soon as possible, but for construction, you'll have to rely on Germa—I simply don't have the facilities here."
"No problem, Doctor. Enel's original design required nearly an entire city's worth of gold—an outrageous waste."
"Hmph! Amateurish analysis. I'd love to examine the original power system firsthand, but alas…"
Vegapunk clicked his tongue. "A small amount of gold is sufficient for key components; the rest is unnecessary. There are even superior materials to use instead. Leave it to me."
"One condition—if you discover anything in 'Vearth,' you must inform me!"
For once, Vegapunk was completely serious. "If circumstances allow, I'd even like to go there personally!"
"Of course. That's only fair."
Wright agreed without hesitation.
Vegapunk grinned. "Then I appreciate it, Vice Admiral Wright…"
"Oh, right—thank you for the dragon horn you brought last time. I initially thought getting some blood would be the best I could manage, but with such a large sample, my research has progressed significantly!"
Vegapunk winked playfully. "This time, the artificial Devil Fruit might actually succeed!"
"…"
Wright's mouth twitched. This… this was that fruit, wasn't it?
"Ahem… Doctor, let's set that aside for now. How about taking a look at the sigils first? I'm waiting on you!"
"Oh! Right, that's the main task!"
Vegapunk pulled open a drawer from beneath the table, taking out paper, pens, and an assortment of strange tools, immediately diving into his work.
"…Is the reception room also a research lab?"
"Dr. Vegapunk is truly terrifying~"
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