Minor Conflict

"What in the world is the doctor doing inside?"

Outside the thick metal door, the Rear Admiral held his sword, his expression somewhat grim. "It's already been several minutes!"

For the first time, he felt that having such excellent soundproofing was a bad thing.

What was happening inside?

Could the doctor be in trouble?

Though there was no way that fish-man could actually harm the doctor, but what if?

Any risk was unacceptable. If even a single problem befell that doctor, his own political career would be over, and being thrown straight into Impel Down wouldn't be surprising.

The Rear Admiral's expression shifted. He was tempted to force his way in.

Creak.

Fortunately, at that very moment, the heavy metal door was pulled open. Vegapunk strolled out slowly, hands clasped behind his back.

"Doctor!"

The Rear Admiral's face lit up with relief. He instantly exhaled.

Thankfully, nothing had gone wrong.

Vegapunk nodded in acknowledgment, then looked back over his shoulder. "Kid, come on out. Still shy?"

Bright slowly emerged from the doorway.

He had already retracted his ability, returning to his usual appearance. For now, it was better not to let the government know that the fruit Vegapunk had created hadn't actually failed, and that he had successfully obtained that power.

The Rear Admiral instantly flickered behind Vegapunk, his blade already pressed directly against Bright's neck.

Bright didn't move. He neither dodged nor panicked. But even so, his pupils contracted slightly.

Such speed!

He could barely react in time!

What a terrifying individual.

His earlier decision had been absolutely correct. In a direct confrontation with this man, he would have had no chance of winning.

"Doctor, how should we handle this one?"

The Rear Admiral didn't turn his head, his eyes fixed warily on Bright. Bright was certain that if he made any suspicious move, the man's blade would mercilessly slice through his neck.

"I've already come to an agreement with this kid. He'll behave from now on. Take him back. Same as before, same as after." Vegapunk said casually. "He's a very important experimental subject for me."

"Doctor, are you serious?"

Behind them, a Navy Captain couldn't help but raise his voice. "Because of this man's actions, over ten Navy soldiers have died in battle, and more than a hundred have been wounded!"

Bright vaguely remembered him. Before entering Vegapunk's treasure room, the last opponent he had faced was this man.

Bandages wrapped around his body, his face pale.

It seemed that even using Iron Body, taking that punch from him hadn't been easy to shake off.

"Shut up, Ronald!"

The Rear Admiral barked sharply. "This is the doctor's decision. What you should do is choose to obey."

"... "

The Captain named Ronald's expression was filled with fury. Bright could see the muscles in his face twitching.

Then, finally, he nodded. "Yes, sir."

It seemed that Vegapunk's authority in this base was absurdly high.

But then again, this was the Science Unit.

"Ronald, take this one back."

The Rear Admiral sheathed his sword and gave Bright one last cold glance. "It seems a single pair of cuffs won't hold him. Add a few more."

Bright looked at Captain Ronald, whose expression had suddenly turned eager, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This Rear Admiral wasn't truly indifferent either.

It looked like there would be some minor trouble ahead.

"Yes, sir! Leave it to me, General!"

Ronald nodded excitedly, waved his hand, and led a few Marines over. They immediately pulled out new handcuffs and leg irons—ones that had long been prepared for Bright.

No one thought Bright could escape smoothly. It was only a matter of time before he was captured.

Bright didn't resist. Instead, he proactively extended his hands.

Since he had already decided to stay, this situation was well within his expectations.

The Marines fitted Bright with new handcuffs and leg irons, adding three of each in one go.

Bright didn't mind much. Since the Marines didn't know he was a Devil Fruit User, they wouldn't put Seastone cuffs on him. These restraints meant nothing to him now.

"Remember to bring him over tomorrow. It's time to replenish some experimental materials." Vegapunk said casually.

"Yes, Doctor."

The colonel nodded, then pressed his hand on the sword hilt at his waist, his eyes filled with cold intent. "Time to go back, fishman. Don't tell me I need to put a chain around your neck and drag you along?"

Bright's mouth twitched. "Then lead the way, human."

"Then, Major General Hag, Doctor, I'll take him back first."

Ronald gave a slight bow, then turned and left.

Bright followed, never once making eye contact with Vegapunk the entire time.

"I should get back to sleep too."

Vegapunk stretched lazily.

"Please rest well."

The major general named Hag said respectfully, "I'll handle the remaining cleanup. It won't affect your upcoming research."

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Vegapunk yawned and wobbled away.

As his back turned to the Marines, the corner of his mouth curled up slightly.

Watching Vegapunk leave, Major General Hag called over a Marine. "Send more men to keep an eye on that brat. There can't be a second time for what happened today."

"Yes, sir!"

The major general's eyes were icy. Even though they'd caught the brat, the higher-ups wouldn't just pretend tonight's chaos never happened.

Damn fishman!

Bright began his return journey surrounded by a crowd of Marines. He got to enjoy the treatment of being escorted with a throng around him.

But the Marines walking ahead kept turning back to glare at him with hatred, and the stares from behind were even worse. If looks could kill, Bright figured he'd already been riddled with holes.

Of course, looks couldn't kill—only weapons could.

So the Marines just glared at Bright, while the guns aimed at him didn't fire, and the swords and blades pointed at him didn't strike.

They seemed to be holding back with great difficulty.

Bright thought so. He couldn't even turn his head; blades and muzzles were practically pressed against his face.

This base was really huge. Bright's escape route had covered a lot of ground, so the return trip took a fair amount of time. By the time they reached the familiar cell, it was probably well past midnight.

The cell door was still open, just as Bright had left it.

Bright prepared to go back inside and rest.

But.

"Don't think today's matter is over just like that, fishman."

The Marines didn't move aside; they still surrounded Bright. Colonel Ronald blocked his path. Bright glanced down—this man's hand was gripping his sword hilt tightly.

"Causing so many casualties, and you think you can just go back and sleep peacefully?"

The Marines' faces were full of rage. One order, and they'd likely swarm Bright all at once.

"I'm sorry," Bright replied simply.

Sorry that people had died.

But he didn't think his actions were wrong.

After all, from a standpoint perspective, the Marines were the enemy.

"Sorry?"

Ronald gritted his teeth. He let go of his sword hilt and clenched his fists. "Right, I'm an idiot. What's the use of saying this to a cold-blooded beast like you?"

He yanked at his tie and said coldly, "Let's use a simpler method—one even a fish can learn with its body—to make you understand just how great a crime you've committed!"

Bright's eyelids drooped. "I suggest you don't."

"It's too late to beg for mercy now! No one can save you!"

Ronald roared, "Seize him!!"

The Marines, who had long been itching for action, lunged at Bright in an instant.

Now was the time to make Bright pay the price.

Thanks to 'Cat's Hot Dry Noodles' big shot for the hundred-point tip! Thank you, thank you!