Reunion and Unrecognition

"Cavendish? Are you talking about me?"

Vegapunk tilted his head slightly, a look of surprise on his face.

In reality, Vegapunk's appearance only bears a 70-80% resemblance to Cavendish. Although he primarily uses Cavendish's genes, his physical body has undergone other genetic modifications.

Moreover, even twins can change their appearance over time and with different environments. Vegapunk, in particular, gained the power of Chakra during his growth and development, so his appearance changed even more significantly.

Of course, such a change might be easily noticed in the Ninja World, but in the One Piece world where face blindness is rampant, it is perfectly normal to be mistaken for the same person.

Not to mention that Vegapunk has now undergone Chakra optimization, and his appearance alone surpasses Cavendish's, making it even easier for people to mistake him for someone else.

"What? You don't even remember me? Hmm... your appearance... seems a little off..."

After saying a few words, Kozuki Hiyori realized something was amiss. Although the general environment of One Piece was like this, she wasn't one of the purely comedic characters in the Straw Hat Crew. After taking a closer look, she could see the difference between Vegapunk and Cavendish.

"Who are you? Cavendish's brother? Are you here to avenge him? And release Mr. Hogback!"

Although Vegapunk's physical body is younger than Cavendish's in terms of age, Vegapunk appears much more mature in temperament, which is why Kozuki Hiyori has this question.

As for Hogback... he was now lying on the ground, covered in sweat, with a look of fear on his face.

Although he was a rare talent in the Pirate World and a master of surgery, Vegapunk didn't value his level of medical skills much. So, he was knocked out by Vegapunk's Electromagnetic Pulse as soon as he entered the room.

"You have quite the nerve to say something like that to me, Hiyori!"

Vegapunk wore a strange smile, and the way he looked at Kozuki Hiyori gave her a chilling feeling, as if it had awakened some unpleasant memories from long ago.

"Hey, stop calling me that disgusting, cheesy nickname!"

Kozuki Hiyori and looked coldly at Vegapunk, Vegapunk shrugged, unconcerned.

Don't be fooled by Vegapunk 'Tenten claims that he's a researcher and not good at fighting. Just based on his technological modifications made using the techniques from both the Pirate World and Ninja World, his raw combat power probably surpasses that of the so-called Four Emperors!

If one were to truly engage in a deadly battle with a monster like the Four Emperors, whose experience and fighting spirit are formidable, the outcome might be uncertain. However, against weaker individuals of the next level, it would be an absolute crushing victory. And Kozuki Hiyori is clearly one of those weak individuals.

As for the others around Vegapunk, they went to other parts of the island to cause trouble for Gecko Moria and the others. Hogback was arguably the weakest one on the Ghost Ship, which is why Hancock felt safe separating from Vegapunk.

Of course, Hancock's worries were a bit excessive. With Vegapunk's current strength, even if he were thrown into Marine Headquarters or the Four Emperors's lair, he wouldn't be in any danger. On the contrary, the one who would suffer would be the other way around.

If your combat awareness is lacking, make up for it with technological inventions. Vegapunk's random inventions are enough to make any opponent's scalp tingle.

Seeing Vegapunk's nonchalant attitude, Kozuki Hiyori couldn't suppress her anger for some reason, and even felt a strange sense of apprehension and hatred that she couldn't explain.

It was as if this guy in front of me had some past grudge against me... How strange, this must be the first time I've seen him, right?

However, having already honed her skills on the high seas, Kozuki Hiyori was no weakling from the original story. Since she had decided to take action, she naturally suppressed all her emotions and drew her Black Blade Shusui, without hesitation, slashing out instantly!

"Skyward Flight - Flash!"

The blade flashed out in an instant, incredibly fast, and the powerful Flying Slash reached Vegapunk in the blink of an eye!

However, this speed was no different from an old ox pulling a broken cart when facing Vegapunk, who had undergone neural modification. When Kozuki Hiyori's sword light fell, she realized that she had only hit a phantom.

"Miss Hiyori, watch out!"

The second sword at Kozuki Hiyori's waist, Ame no Habakiri, suddenly spoke and automatically unsheathed itself in an instant, slashing towards Kozuki Hiyori's back.

With a whoosh, the Ame no Habakiri once again slashed past Vegapunk's phantom. Reminded and just turning around, Kozuki Hiyori also instantly felt her Observation Haki frantically alarming. Her expression changed, and she retreated at lightning speed.

However, Kozuki Hiyori was not attacked. After she had taken several steps back, she was shocked to find that Vegapunk was still sitting in his chair, seemingly without moving at all.

Of course, that's impossible. Just by looking at the sword mark behind Vegapunk that split the entire castle in two, you can tell that Vegapunk must have dodged the attack.

However, he was so fast that after dodging the attack, he circled behind Kozuki Hiyori alerted her. Then he returned to his original position and performed a series of movements, making it seem as if he hadn't moved at all.

Kozuki Hiyori clearly understood this principle as well. She gritted her teeth, her gaze cold and resolute, but she showed no intention of admitting defeat.

Compared to the Ninja World where the strong and weak are clearly distinguished and the relationship between combat and psychological factors is not significant, the strong in the Pirate World often have higher requirements for psychological factors when fighting.

Those with stronger mental strength and more determined will can often unleash 200% of their Haki, swordsmanship, and other abilities. Therefore, even if there are some differences in strength between people in this world, it is difficult to say who will win or lose unless they actually fight.

With a serious Kozuki Hiyori gripped both swords tightly this time, assuming a Two-Sword Style stance.

"You're really doing quite well, Hiyori! It seems you've grown a lot over the years!"

Upon hearing this, Kozuki Hiyori's eyes showed even greater confusion. This man in front of her definitely knew her and even knew a lot about her past!

But why have I never seen him before? With such striking good looks, if I had seen him, I would never have forgotten him so easily! Who exactly is he?

"Never mind... let's beat you down first, then we'll talk about other things! Pain Lash!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Vegapunk extended a finger. In an instant, Hiyori Kozuki Hiyori was horrified as dazzling Lightning Flash and invisible fluctuations filled the entire hall!

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!"

Kozuki Hiyori, who was trying to dodge the Lightning Flash bolt, suddenly screamed! She had only moved slightly, and dazzling sparks of electricity immediately appeared all over her body. A strange static field paralyzed her entire body.

Then, while paralyzed, Kozuki Hiyori was directly struck by Lightning Flash. The terrifying current and electromagnetic waves mixed together, paralyzing Kozuki Hiyori's body movements while rushing directly into her brain, releasing intense pain signals.

In an instant, even with Kozuki Hiyori's fairly good willpower, she immediately screamed in pain, her eyes rolled back, her tongue twitched and slurred, saliva dripped down onto the wooden floor, and she almost lost control of her bladder and bowels.

"Tsk, seems to have gone a bit too far... This girl has focused all her Haki on the weapon's binding, leaving her defenses far too weak!"

Smelling the strange odor, Vegapunk withdrew his finger and sighed helplessly. "The stimulation of the brain by the electric current can directly cause a person to lose control of their nervous system. This is not something that willpower can solve."

While Kozuki Hiyori possesses a certain degree of Iron Skin, giving her some resistance to fire, lightning, and ice, this resistance is clearly not very strong, at least far less than Vegapunk's lightning and magnetism.

If she used Armament Haki to protect herself, that would be fine; her superior Haki could completely negate all kinds of elemental damage.

However, as a Great Swordmaster, Kozuki Hiyori's fighting style revolves around Armament Haki and weapon entangling, purely increasing her attack power, naturally making her physical defense extremely fragile.

In general, swordsmen fight by attacking instead of defending, using powerful Flying Slash neutralize the opponent's attacks, or simply using their weapons to block. No swordsman uses their physical body and Haki to withstand attacks purely; that's something pure Taijutsu masters prefer to do.

Unfortunately, the lightning was too fast, and the electromagnetic waves were launched invisibly. After being paralyzed for a moment, Kozuki Hiyori was unable to block or dodge the attack.

At this moment, Hogback, lying on the ground, buried his head even deeper. Kozuki Hiyori was even stronger than Gecko Moria, yet they were both instantly killed by the enemy. Should he consider how to surrender in a cool way?

A few minutes later, Kozuki Hiyori gradually recovered, but feeling the dampness and stench beneath her, she preferred to simply pass out and closed her eyes, trying to play the ostrich.

"Go take a shower as soon as you wake up! Someone's coming back soon, you don't want everyone to see what you look like now, do you?"

Vegapunk had already sensed from Kozuki Hiyori's Brainwave that she was awake, and spoke calmly. Upon hearing Vegapunk's words, Kozuki Hiyori jumped up, her face flushed, and she covered her face and ran away with her legs clamped together.

A dozen minutes later, Kozuki Hiyori gritted her teeth and returned to Hogback's clinic. But as soon as she pushed open the door, she saw a shocking scene.

Gecko Moria collapsed to the ground, dizzy and disoriented. Perona, clutching her teddy bear, huddled in a corner like a timid little girl. A certain invisible figure was having something extracted from his chest by a device placed on his chest.

Beside Vegapunk, Nico Robin and Stussy, two beautiful women, seemed to be chatting and laughing. But the most eye-catching person in the room was Boa Hancock, who had a princess hairstyle and an arrogant expression, standing behind Vegapunk.

After Vegapunk switched bodies, Kozuki Hiyori couldn't be identified. However, Kozuki Hiyori Hancock Nico Robin at Vegapunk's Research Base!

As for Stussy, needless to say, the Artificial Devil Fruit that Kozuki Hiyori ate was stolen from Stussy's Umbrella Corporation!

"You... how did you show up again? Where is Vegapunk? Where is my mother? How is she?"

Kozuki Hiyori looked at Boa Hancock and Nico Robin, and for a moment, she almost lost the ability to think. After a while, she came to her senses and hurriedly stepped forward, excitedly asking.

"What an insolent scoundrel! After committing such a treacherous act, he still has the nerve to come and question us!"

Seeing Hancock directly confront someone, neither Stussy, Nico Robin, nor even Vegapunk remained silent.

It must be admitted that although Hancock is very beautiful, her temperament is indeed very suitable for playing a villain. Or rather, if she were not beautiful, Hancock's performance would definitely make her a villain!

Upon hearing this, Kozuki Hiyori finally realized what was happening, her expression changed instantly, and she looked completely flustered.

Kozuki Hiyori was willing to gamble with her own life, even if it meant certain death. But she knew that her mother was now in the hands of Vegapunk's forces.

Previously, Kozuki Hiyori thought that her mother had been buried with Vegapunk's base, but now it seems that things have taken a different turn, so of course she dares not make any rash moves.

However, in the next moment, a Conqueror's Haki instantly pressed down on her shoulders. Cracks appeared on the floor beneath Kozuki Hiyori's feet, her eyes rolled back, and she was about to kneel down.

At that critical moment, the two Great Grade Swords, Ame no Habakiri and Shusui, suddenly shouted, "Wake up! Hiyori!"

Kozuki Hiyori regained some of her senses in an instant. She gripped the two Great Grade Swords with both hands, using the scabbards as support to steady her swaying body.

The cold sweat on her forehead, her pale face, her trembling lips, her grip on the knife hilt, and the bulging veins on the back of her pale hand all indicated that she had reached her limit.

Slowly raising her head, Kozuki Hiyori looked at Hancock again. However, at this moment, Hancock in her eyes was completely distorted, as if she were a towering figure with a head full of twisted snake hair, like a Medusa who was both incredibly beautiful and extremely dangerous!

"Alright, Hancock, stop showing off!"

Vegapunk shook his head, patted Hancock's shoulder, and after hearing Vegapunk's words, Hancock withdrew her Conqueror's Haki.

The terrifying pressure suddenly disappeared, and the distorted illusion shattered without a trace. Kozuki Hiyori had been struggling, swayed and almost fell to the ground.

After a while, Kozuki Hiyori, who had recovered slightly, raised her head and looked at Vegapunk sitting in the main seat, her eyes filled with surprise and doubt.