At the headquarters of the Revolutionary Army in Baltigo, Vegapunk had only just arrived after escaping Egghead Island. Given the situation, he had initially believed that if the Three Emperors Alliance were defeated by the World Governnt, then the Revolutionary Army would be the only force capable of offering him protection.
Even so, survival ca first. Only by staying alive could he continue his research.
Inside one of the base's rooms, Vegapunk looked around with visible dissatisfaction. "I knew your Revolutionary Army wasn't wealthy, but I didn't expect things to be this bad."
Sabo, who was hosting him, laughed awkwardly. "Doctor, there's not much we can do about that. Since our founding, we've always struggled financially."
He continued, trying to explain. "We support impoverished nations and oppressed people. Even when we overthrow corrupt rulers, most of the wealth goes back into rebuilding those countries. Very little ends up in our hands. On top of that, we maintain bases and intelligence networks all over the world, so our funds are always stretched thin."
Then Sabo looked at Vegapunk with clear anticipation. "But with you here, we believe things can change."
Vegapunk imdiately raised his voice. "Who said I was joining you? And what would I gain from that? Can you even afford my research expenses?"
His blunt response left both Sabo and Koala montarily speechless. The reality was obvious. The Revolutionary Army simply did not have the financial strength to support soone like Vegapunk.
At that mont, Monkey D. Dragon entered the room, holding a stack of newspapers. "Vegapunk, these just arrived. It seems the war between the Three Emperors Alliance and the Marines ended with both sides taking heavy losses."
Vegapunk quickly took the paper and began scanning it carefully. As he read, he muttered his analysis. "The World Governnt clearly suffered significant damage as well. There's no ntion of the God's Knights or the Gorosei, but at least Marco and the others are still alive."
Dragon then pulled out a wanted poster and handed it over. "There's sothing else. You're now a wanted man."
Vegapunk glanced at it, and his expression imdiately changed.
The most dangerous scientist in history, Dr. Vegapunk. Bounty: 3 billion Berries. Dead or alive.
"Three billion?" Vegapunk's hair stood on end. "Is this a joke? I'm just a scientist. Why would they place such a massive bounty on ?"
Dragon gave a faint smile. "Your strength lies in your technology. Even a single Pacifista unit like S Bear is already formidable, and you created multiple versions, along with countless other inventions. From their perspective, that level of threat justifies the bounty."
Standing nearby, Sentomaru spoke with firm confidence. "Don't worry, Doctor. No matter who cos, I will protect you."
Stussy gave a playful smile. "And I will as well."
Their reassurance eased Vegapunk slightly. anwhile, Dragon added, "A starting bounty of 3 billion Berries shows just how seriously the World Governnt views you."
Vegapunk lowered the poster and returned his attention to the newspaper. "In any case, thank you for your hospitality. I'll be contacting Marco soon so he can arrange for soone to pick up."
Dragon imdiately frowned. "You intend to beco a pirate?"
Vegapunk rolled his eyes. "What other choice do I have? I'm already being hunted by the World Governnt. Right now, the only group capable of protecting is the Emperors Alliance."
Dragon's tone grew serious. "The Revolutionary Army can also offer you protection. We operate in secrecy. The World Governnt would have a much harder ti finding you here."
But Vegapunk shook his head without hesitation. "I don't doubt your ability to hide , but you cannot fund my research. I've already agreed to join the Phoenix Pirates. Unlike your organization, the Three Emperors Alliance controls stable industries. They have far more resources."
He paused briefly before continuing. "There is still too much I need to study. Based on my research, many of the world's greatest secrets are hidden in the New World. As its rulers, the Emperors must know more than anyone else. From Marco, I've already learned that each mber of their alliance possesses a Road Poneglyph. That alone is reason enough for my interest."
Hearing this, Dragon understood that persuading Vegapunk was impossible. After a mont of silence, he spoke again. "In that case, arrange a eting for ."
Vegapunk looked slightly surprised. "You want to cooperate with them?"
Dragon nodded. "If what you've said is accurate, then during the Egghead incident, the Three Emperors Alliance endured an assault from thirty thousand Marines, two Admirals, the God's Knights, the Gorosei, and even Imu. That level of strength cannot be ignored."
His gaze sharpened as he continued. "Furthermore, Kaido and Marco are now considered greater threats than even Whitebeard and Roger. That alone proves their standing as the strongest pirates of this era."
"If their goal is also to bring down the World Governnt, then cooperation is not impossible, at least for now."
Dragon did not voice the rest of his thoughts aloud.
Once the World Governnt fell, conflict among pirates would be inevitable. At that point, the Revolutionary Army would step in to reshape the world.
Vegapunk gave a slight nod. "I can introduce you, but you should be prepared. Marco is reasonable, but Kaido and Big Mom are far more difficult to deal with."
"I understand," Dragon replied.
At that mont, Sabo, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward. "Leader, allow to make contact with the Phoenix Pirates first."
Dragon raised an eyebrow slightly, and Sabo continued.
"The Second Division Commander of the Phoenix Pirates is my sworn brother. Back on Mount Corvo, Luffy, Ace, and I made a vow together."
His expression grew more serious. "I lost my mory after being attacked by the Celestial Dragons, but during the Marineford War, seeing the news about Ace and Luffy brought everything back."
Dragon nodded after hearing this. "Very well. Since you have a connection with Fire Fist Ace, you will go and establish contact first."
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