Freedom

It's finally time.

The timing is perfect.

Bright couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

He had just consumed all the fruits today, and Jinbe's rescue had already arrived.

To be able to escape immediately after the Bloodline Fusion upgrade was completed, could there be anything better than this?

He looked expectantly at Vegapunk.

So, the next step is to fulfill the final promise, right?

"You're quite cunning, Vice Admiral,"

Vegapunk said with annoyance, "Making me handle such a troublesome matter?"

"Because, Doctor, no matter what decision you make, they won't do anything to you. But it's different for me; I'm just thinking about retiring peacefully and going home to raise my children."

"I can't help it."

Vegapunk said with a reasonable smile, shaking his head, "Alright, Rear Admiral Hag, send this kid back first. I'll discuss this matter with the Vice Admiral."

Hag gritted his teeth inwardly.

What was there to discuss!

He wanted to say something more, but Vice Admiral Okam nodded, "That's right, Hag, you take him back first, and we'll discuss it properly."

Hag choked. The two most powerful people in this base had made a decision together, so he naturally couldn't disobey. He could only walk up to Bright, his voice as cold as ice, "Go back with me."

Although Bright wanted to stay and hear the final outcome, he ultimately chose to leave quietly.

From now on, it was up to Vegapunk.

However, he also needed to be prepared.

If any unfavorable situation arose, he would immediately resort to violent means.

After Bright and Hag left, only Vegapunk and Vice Admiral Okam remained in the laboratory.

The Vice Admiral chuckled, "So, Doctor, what are your thoughts?"

"I'll show you something."

Vegapunk walked to a well-sealed cabinet, opened the door, pulled out a drawer, and took out a vial.

Then he casually tossed it to Vice Admiral Okam.

"Oh, oh, be careful, Doctor."

Mr. Vice Admiral lightly caught the vial and then waved it in front of his eyes. The liquid inside was red, crystal clear, like flowing crystal.

"Doctor, what is this?" He already had a guess in his heart.

"The time is just right."

Vegapunk lazily closed the cabinet door and leaned against it. "Based on that kid's Lineage Factor, I've developed a serum that can allow the user to partially fuse with Fishman bloodlines and enhance their basic abilities."

"Oh?"

The Vice Admiral's eyes lit up, "Has it succeeded already?"

"That kid helped a lot."

Vegapunk said casually, "Honestly, I have a very good impression of him."

"Oh, I see, so Doctor, you mean—"

"He doesn't know what I'm researching, and he probably doesn't know the name or location of this base, so it doesn't matter if I let him go."

"Is that so?"

Vice Admiral Okam nodded, "But won't there be some risks?"

Vegapunk rolled his eyes, "I'll contact Headquarters and tell them this is my decision."

"That's wonderful!"

Mr. Vice Admiral's face instantly broke into a smile.

This way, even if there were any troubles later, they would have nothing to do with him, and he could happily wait for retirement.

On the way back, Bright's mood was a mix of anticipation and unease.

Honestly, even now, he still couldn't figure out that guy Vegapunk.

Would he keep his promise?

He didn't know.

In any case, he had to prepare for the worst.

Hag followed quietly behind Bright, his hand tightly gripping the hilt of his sword.

That damn Vice Admiral!

What is he thinking?

Seeking Vegapunk's opinion?

Hag couldn't even imagine what kind of decision that guy would make.

After all, judging by his previous reaction, he had a very good impression of this fishman scum!

Could it be that this fishman could actually escape?

Hag absolutely could not accept that.

After sending Bright back to the prison, Hag rushed to Vegapunk's laboratory without delay, but the laboratory door was already shut, and Vegapunk had already started his experiment.

Hag then turned and headed for the Base Commander's office.

This time, he successfully met Base Commander Vice Admiral Okam.

"Vice Admiral, what is the Doctor's decision? How does he plan to deal with that fishman?" he asked anxiously.

"You're quite concerned about that fishman, Major General Hag," the Vice Admiral said with some surprise. "The Doctor said he likes that fishman pirate very much, and the experiment is complete, so he's letting him go. He's already reported it to Headquarters, and Mr. Kong has agreed."

"How can this be!" Hag's facial muscles trembled uncontrollably. "That guy—"

The Vice Admiral said kindly, "Don't get agitated, Major General Hag. This is the Doctor's decision, and both Headquarters and I have agreed. You don't need to question it."

"No, Vice Admiral, I can't accept it! Mr. Borsalino told me to keep an eye on him!" Hag blurted out.

"Enough, Major General!" Okam frowned. "Borsalino's opinion is important, but the Doctor's wishes and Headquarters' decision are even more important. Understand your position!"

"You've come at the right time. You can be the one to inform the fishman of this. We'll have someone escort him away in a few days."

"Get out now and close the door."

Hag walked out of the Base Commander's office.

This Vice Admiral seemed to be displeased with him as well.

Damn it, it's all because of that fishman!

He turned and headed for Bright's prison.

Hag's face was ashen.

Bright was exercising in his cell, using physical exertion to suppress his excited emotions.

Then, suddenly, the prison door was pushed open.

Major General Hag, an old acquaintance, walked in.

Bright instinctively turned his head to look at him, his heart filled with apprehension.

Then, upon seeing Major General Hag's face, which was filled with thunderous rage, all of Bright's unease vanished.

He couldn't help but smile.

"Major General Hag, do you have something to tell me?"

"..."

Hag found the fishman's smile in front of him incredibly grating.

His fists were clenched so tightly that his fingernails almost dug into his flesh.

"Your methods worked. Vegapunk has decided to release you."

The smile on Bright's face was irrepressible, a smile that could only be described as radiant. "Is that so? That's wonderful news."

Vegapunk, you're a good friend!

Hag's expression was as dark as water. He took a step forward and lowered his voice, his deep tone like muffled thunder. "Don't get cocky, fishman! Don't think you can always get away with it!!"

Bright didn't even bother to respond, simply continuing his exercises. It was just impotent rage.

This silent contempt made a vein throb on Hag's forehead. He was sure he was powerless now, wasn't he?

He wanted to say more harsh words, but suddenly felt that it would only make him look more like a clown.

Not wanting to see the fishman's smug look anymore, Hag turned and left.

He closed the prison door, too lazy to stand guard outside anymore, and walked with heavy steps towards his quarters.

Let this damned fishman leave just like that?

Let this scum who made him lose face in front of his superiors leave?

What a joke!

Just a mere fishman!

He caused me losses, and he wants to leave just like that? It's not that easy!

The Major General's hand tightly gripped the hilt of his sword.

After days of anticipation, Bright waited quietly.

Freedom should be within reach.

After these days, the eight fruits he had previously eaten also began to gradually take effect.

New abilities were gradually being generated.

Bright was fortunate that his body did not become bizarre as a result, even though these abilities generated many organs within him that were not originally there.

While anticipating the moment of freedom, Bright secretly experienced his new abilities.

Although it was a lineage activated by Devil Fruit abilities, it could still function when not in use.

His body was rapidly changing.

Then, finally, on the morning of one week and four days later, the prison door was pushed open.

Bright, who had just finished breakfast, turned his head almost like lightning.

Unexpectedly, it was Vegapunk who entered.

"Doctor?"

Bright was a little surprised. What was he here for?

"Kid, congratulations, you're free."

Vegapunk said with a smile, "I'm here to send you off."

Bright froze for a moment, then shot up from his seat. "Finally?"

"Yes, finally."

Vegapunk said with a grin, "Now you can finally go and cause chaos at sea!"

"Cause chaos? Forget it."

Bright shook his head. "I'd rather live a more peaceful life."

He would explore this beautiful world after the Straw Hats and their allies overthrew the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, and that mysterious person called Im.

Safety first, no regrets.

"Is that so? That's an unusual statement for a strong person."

Vegapunk was a little surprised. Bright wasn't strong yet, but he would become strong sooner or later.

"But it doesn't matter, do as you please." Vegapunk stretched. "Let's go, kid, I'll take you to the port. It's time to embrace freedom."

"Mm."

Bright nodded heavily.

He had waited half a year for this moment.

Thanks to 'Wang Zhongchen' and '20220223201459953' for their 100-point rewards, and thanks to 'Quantum Blue Man' for his 500-point reward, thank you all!

Today we're on recommendation, so please give us all your data. If you have votes, don't hold back T_T