Chop, of course, was my head!

Discussions regarding the Neo Marine Headquarters have temporarily come to an end.

Zephyr seems to disagree with the "Neo Marine Headquarters construction strategy" of "seizing the G1 Branch".

But Storm had already made up his mind.

He's got his eye on the G1 Branch, and neither Sengoku nor Zephyr could stop him—it's his decision!

Immediately afterwards, the "Fleet Admiral Candidate" and "Admiral" surrounded their "Fleet Admiral" and entered Laboratory Number One on Punk Hazard Island to find Vegapunk.

After not seeing him for a while, Storm felt that Vegapunk's head seemed to have gotten even bigger.

"Dr. Vegapunk"

Storm looked at Vegapunk's "super-sized head" and his "slender body" with a subtle expression.

"I think you should probably move your previous 'beheading plan' forward a bit?"

With Vegapunk's physical abilities, having such a huge head...

Storm was genuinely worried that this "World's Greatest Genius" might accidentally break his neck.

"Ah, that's true!"

Vegapunk stuck out his tongue and gently stroked the back of his neck a few times.

"But cutting off the head carries significant surgical risks..."

Everyone listened to the conversation between Storm and Vegapunk, their faces filled with confusion.

"Beheading", "brain removal"...

Isn't this topic a bit too crazy?

"Vegapunk".

Kizaru cut straight to the point, speaking with a serious expression.

"Whose head is Storm referring to when he says 'beheading'? It's not Big Mom, is it?"

"Of course it's not Big Mom! But Big Mom's body is definitely here with me..."

As Vegapunk continued speaking, he was again distracted by his research, but eventually returned to his focus under Kizaru's watchful gaze.

"Actually, I cut off my own head!"

As soon as Vegapunk finished speaking, Zephyr and the others looked shocked.

"What!?"

"Oh, this!"

"This is absolutely insane!"

"Will I die?"

Upon hearing the last sentence, Vegapunk waved his hands repeatedly.

"I won't die, and I won't start the surgery now..."

"Actually, if Dr. Vegapunk doesn't mind, I can recommend a very professional surgeon to you."

Despite the strange looks from the group of naval leaders, Storm calmly spoke.

"He is also my subordinate, Trafalgar Law, Devil Fruit User the Paramecia Op- Op-Op Fruit."

"I brought Luo from the North Blue to the New World, and he is now on the floating island in the sky—I call it the 'Sky Garden'."

[Paramecia Devil Fruit - Op-Op Fruit]?

The name of this famous Devil Fruit had just appeared.

This caused a minor ripple within the laboratory.

Of everyone present, only Yi Xiao was a "free spirit".

The others— Zephyr, Kizaru, Aokiji, and Vegapunk— all possessed a wealth of classified information.

This naturally includes [the Op-Op Fruit].

The "battle for the Op-Op Fruit" that took place in North Blue a few years ago was kept under a high level of secrecy.

Zephyr and the others were not involved in that transaction, nor did they know the exact whereabouts of the [Op-Op Fruit].

But they at least knew one thing—

According to legend, the Devil Fruit User of the [Op-Op Fruit] can perform an "Immortality Surgery," granting the recipient eternal life!

Throughout history.

"Immortality" is something that countless ambitious people dream of.

Now, that Devil Fruit User of the [Op-Op Fruit] has actually been recruited by Storm...

A faint ripple stirred in the hearts of Zephyr and several other New Marines leaders.

Is Storm seeking immortality?

Vegapunk didn't have such complicated thoughts; he gently rubbed the back of his neck, a look of delight on his face.

"I've studied the <Devil Fruit Encyclopedia> and have some understanding of the [Op-Op Fruit]'s abilities... That [Op-Op Fruit] should be able to perform cuts without causing injury, right?"

That's true.

Storm nodded calmly.

He stretched out his right hand and gestured a few times on his forehead.

"Luo could cut off your head, Doctor, without shedding a drop of blood or causing you any harm—"

"To be precise, it shouldn't have any negative effects on you; it will only help reduce the stress on your body."

This is indeed the power of the [Op-Op Fruit].

Otherwise, why would so many people call it the "ultimate Devil Fruit"?

If it weren't for Storm's lack of understanding of Law's progress in developing his [Op-Op Fruit].

He could even suggest something like "changing Vegapunk's soul" at this point.

Exchange consciousness, exchange souls, exchange bodies...

The [Op-Op Fruit] can do the same thing!

Extracting Vegapunk's soul separately would also be a good approach.

"Hahaha!"

Vegapunk laughed happily.

"This is indeed very good news!"

"My head is definitely getting bigger, and the pressure on my neck and spine is also increasing..."

"Storm, thank you. Please arrange a meeting with that Mr. 'Lo' for me later!"

"No problem!"

Storm readily agreed, and the matter was settled.

He then nudged Zephyr next to him, urging the old marine to get a physical exam.

Vegapunk glanced at Zephyr, his gaze focusing on his right arm, and his brows suddenly furrowed.

"Zephyr Admiral, your arm... is this a new arm, or a disguise? Or is it 'limb regeneration'?"

"It was Storm who helped heal him, Doctor."

Zephyr treated Vegapunk with great respect.

"However, I am still very grateful to the Special Science Class for helping to build that Mechanical Arm 'Crusher'."

The Mechanical Arm "Crusher" that Zephyr previously possessed was indeed the result of research by the Navy's Special Science Team.

However, it had always been an "experimental model" before.

It wasn't until Storm sculpted several "Clay Arm" for Zephyr that the Mechanical Arm "Crusher" slowly "retired."

Now, let alone.

Zephyr doesn't need to wear a mechanical arm anymore.

Vegapunk nodded slightly and quickly led Zephyr through a comprehensive physical examination.

With the medical expertise of this "World's Greatest Genius," the problem was quickly identified.

"The arm really looks like it was reborn... What an amazing Devil Fruit!"

Vegapunk first looked at the test results of Zephyr's right arm—one of the areas he had been focusing on.

' Storm's [Clay Fruit] seems to have much greater potential than I previously anticipated...'

An idea flashed through Vegapunk's mind.

Only then did he begin to examine Zephyr's lesions.

"Well, regarding the specific symptoms, Admiral Zephyr, the root of your illness lies in your lungs; the rest of your body is perfectly healthy."

Vegapunk glanced at the test results in his hand and explained them in simple terms.

"There are many shadows on your lungs and trachea... Admiral Zephyr, your symptoms when you had an attack were similar to 'asthma,' right? Shortness of breath, chest tightness, and in severe cases, coughing up blood."

Zephyr nodded heavily. "That's indeed the case."

"Yes, it's okay, this illness is treatable."

Vegapunk smiled and put down the test results in his hand.

"As long as we give you a new lung and a new trachea, Admiral Zephyr... it'll be a bit of a hassle, but not too much."

Really?

Zephyr stared at Vegapunk in disbelief.

A lung transplant sounds incredibly difficult!

"Teacher Zephyr, what a pity~"

Kizaru grimaced and deliberately let out a long sigh.

"Vegapunk can actually cure your illness..."

"You bastard!"

Zephyr glared at Kizaru with annoyance, but didn't say anything more. Instead, he looked at Vegapunk.

"Doctor, will my illness be very difficult to treat? Mainly because I have a lot of other work to do..."

"It's a bit of a hassle for me, but not for you."

Vegapunk shook his head and led Zephyr to another set of medical equipment.

"I need to collect some of your body cells to clone a few lungs and a few sets of breathing tubes for you."

"Once these Artificial Organ have fully developed, a minor surgery will be needed, followed by observation, and there shouldn't be any other problems."

Speaking of which...

Bonney's treatment of her Azure Jade Scales was somewhat similar to the procedure described by Vegapunk.

All in all.

Vegapunk, masters of cutting-edge technology!

Zephyr was a roughneck who didn't understand anything about "cloning technology," but he still had great faith in Vegapunk's abilities.

After Zephyr's body data was collected.

Vegapunk gave a few more instructions.

"From today onwards, Admiral Zephyr should no longer participate in any battles and should avoid strenuous exercise as much as possible."

Zephyr opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to refuse.

As a naval officer, how can one avoid battle?

But just then...

Zephyr glanced at the people beside him out of the corner of his eye.

Storm, Borsalino, Kuzan, and a smile...

With these four people around, it seems, perhaps, and probably is true that Zephyr doesn't need to participate in any intense battles.

Furthermore, Zephyr's current position is "New Fleet Admiral".

What are the duties of Fleet Admiral?

He mainly stays at the Marine Headquarters, basically far away from the front line of combat.

Zephyr felt inexplicably melancholy.

"I understand, Doctor."

After the inspection, the group of naval personnel left the First Research Institute with great efficiency.

Storm and the others all wore expressions of joy.

Zephyr's illness can be cured, that's good!

The New Marines faces a myriad of complex and multifaceted issues.

All of this is inseparable from the "Fleet Admiral"!

Zephyr's melancholy came and went quickly; once he left the research institute, he was filled with anticipation for the future.

New Marines.

New Marines that only believes in justice.

It will surely cleanse the sea of all its sins!

"Teacher Zephyr —no, Fleet Admiral Zephyr."

Storm checked the time and took the initiative to extend an invitation.

"Let's celebrate the formation of the New Marines!"

"Let's have a banquet! Let's have a banquet!"

"Discipline! Pay attention to discipline!"

Zephyr frowned and emphasized.

Pirates are the ones who like to hold banquets.

"However, we really do need a small celebration."

The New Marines is established! Congratulations! (Coca-Cola)

Next, there's the issue of the Neo Marine Headquarters!

First update.

It's that time again...

One more update is coming, but it will still be late.

Everyone should go to bed early, don't wait up.

The author's update schedule is ridiculously infrequent.