Kizaru, Research Begins

A man leaned lazily against the wall of the pristine laboratory, a gray top hat spinning on his finger.

He was slightly shorter than Bright, but more slender. Sunglasses covered his forehead, and a relaxed, leisurely smile played on his lips. If not for the justice coat draped over his shoulders, anyone seeing him would have likely mistaken him for a traveler rather than a high-ranking Marine officer.

"Mr. Borsalino! What brings you here?"

The Rear Admiral, who had been cold and stern in front of Bright moments ago, was flustered. "Weren't you already transferred to Base G-5?"

Bright's expression also turned serious.

Of course, he recognized the man before him.

The man's name was Borsalino, a Marine Vice Admiral.

The man who, in the not-too-distant future, would earn the title of Marine Admiral.

And the very reason he was here now.

But as Hag had said, hadn't he already been transferred away?

"I can't help it, I haven't officially stepped down from my duties here yet," Kizaru said with a troubled expression. "I didn't want to come, but with this incident, Mr. Kong is very angry."

"You know, Hag, this concerns Doctor Vegapunk. The higher-ups won't take any chances, so they sent me to take a look."

Rear Admiral Hag's face turned deathly pale.

So, the higher-ups were indeed dissatisfied with him.

It was all because of that damned Fishman!!

Anger and hatred, the two most malicious emotions, surged within him like never before.

"I was too careless, that's how this guy managed to take advantage," Hag said solemnly. "Please rest assured, this will absolutely never happen again!"

"Oh! It's good to have such determination!"

Kizaru placed the hat on his head and walked over, looking gratified as he patted Hag's shoulder. "Keep it up."

"Yes!"

Hag nodded heavily, a sigh of relief escaping him. Vice Admiral Borsalino wasn't here to send him to a court-martial.

Even so, his impression in the eyes of his superiors had definitely taken a hit.

Thinking of this, a shadow fell over the Rear Admiral's heart.

Damn Fishman!

"Anyway, until the new base commander arrives, I'll be staying here temporarily," Kizaru said with a hint of melancholy. "Going around in circles and ending up back here again."

He looked at Bright. "Kid, you really caused quite a stir."

It was as if he were complaining to a friend after work.

Bright pursed his lips.

He would never forget the dazzling lights that filled the sky at that time.

This was an opponent he, in his current state, could never hope to match – a true monster among monsters.

But he was going to return to this base?

Would his deal with Vegapunk be in trouble?

"I've already heard everything from the Doctor. Don't be so mischievous in the future," Kizaru said, hands on his hips, looking earnest. "Otherwise, it will be very dangerous."

His tone was gentle, even kind, and his words were very peaceful.

However, at that moment, Bright felt his hair stand on end.

His heart felt as if it were being squeezed by an invisible hand, as if it had stopped beating.

In an instant, sweat had soaked through Bright's prison uniform.

"Alright, Borsalino, don't scare him. I'm starting the experiment now," another voice rang out.

It was Vegapunk.

The laboratory was spacious, filled with equipment Bright couldn't understand. Vegapunk was currently sitting in front of a computer, typing away.

"I was just chatting with this young man," Kizaru replied with a chuckle.

The pressure on him instantly vanished, and Bright could finally breathe smoothly.

What was that just now?

It wasn't Conqueror's Haki, just... pure pressure from his aura?

What a monster!

"We can chat anytime, but this is my time now."

Vegapunk stood up, shaking his head as he walked over.

"Of course, Doctor, your research is more important,"

Kizaru didn't question it. "Mr. Kong and the government are both looking forward to your results."

"Hag, let's head out first. We shouldn't disturb the Doctor's experiments."

Rear Admiral Hag hesitated. "But Mr. Borsalino, are you really going to leave this kid alone with the Doctor?"

"Don't worry, don't worry, the Doctor will be fine."

Kizaru waved his hand casually. "Besides, I've already specifically warned the young man. He'll be good, won't he?"

He said the last sentence to Bright.

Bright was silent for a moment. "At this point, there's no need for me to cause myself trouble."

"See? Isn't that great?" Kizaru said with a smile. "And don't underestimate the Doctor."

Hag could only nod in understanding.

The two turned and walked towards the door. As they reached the entrance, Kizaru suddenly turned back.

"Oh, right," he said, looking at Bright. "It's been over three months, and your aura has gotten much stronger, hasn't it? You haven't given up training? That's a good habit."

Bright, with his back to Kizaru, tensed up completely.

Is that Observation Haki? Is this guy really that perceptive?

"But remember what I just said."

The sound of the door closing echoed behind him. Kizaru had finally left.

Bright couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

The pressure that guy put on him was just too immense.

This feeling of his life being in someone else's hands was truly unbearable.

"Hahahaha, scared, kid?"

Vegapunk laughed gleefully. He walked over to some equipment and started fiddling with it. "You'll have to be careful from now on, Borsalino isn't simple."

Bright calmed his breathing. Of course, he knew that. Kizaru was undoubtedly one of the top monsters on the sea, battle-hardened, a true powerhouse lacking nothing in strength, will, or experience.

"I don't think I've reached a point where I need to be constantly vigilant against someone like that," Bright said calmly.

Is Kizaru wary of me? Of course, he is. But probably not very. The people he'd truly be wary of would be at least Shichibukai level, right? Kizaru's wariness towards me is probably at most the level of warning someone to watch out for a pit on the ground.

"Hahahaha, you know yourself pretty well, kid?" Vegapunk burst into laughter. "But you don't need to worry too much. Borsalino won't be staying here for long."

"The Fleet Admiral is about to change, and that guy is going to be promoted to Admiral. The government won't let such a huge fighting force be idle here."

"The new base commander should already be on their way."

Are the new three Admirals about to take the stage? Does this mean the Marines are also ushering in a new era?

"Alright, kid, it doesn't matter how much you think. With me here, you'll be fine."

Vegapunk chuckled. "Come on, let me give you a thorough check-up first."

"Okay."

Bright nodded. At this point, I have no choice but to trust him, right?

"Excellent! The first thing we need to do is thoroughly analyze your bloodline, and then we can start selecting suitable Lineage Factors!"

At the same moment, outside the door.

Kizaru yawned. "Honestly, rushing over here so early in the morning. I haven't slept at all."

Rear Admiral Hag, being perceptive, said, "Mr. Borsalino, why don't you go rest? I'll keep watch here."

"Oh! Then I'll leave it to you!"

Kizaru didn't refuse. He smiled and said, "Make sure you keep a good eye on that Fishman kid, Hag."

"Yes."

Hag nodded solemnly. "Leave it to me."

"No, I mean, keep a close eye on him from now on."

Kizaru said leisurely, "Seriously, a Megalodon Fish-Man, is he really that gifted?"

Hag paused for a moment, then.

"I understand. I'll keep him under surveillance until the Doctor's experiment is over!"

"Mm."

Kizaru nodded lightly. That should be enough.

Thank you to 'cthulhuelder' for the 1500-point tip, thank you, thank you!!