Clones

Chapter 31: Clones

After the God Valley Incident, the World Government made every effort to cover it up. Although many remnants of Rocks' crew were still active on the seas, a tacit understanding seemed to have formed among them, and no one brought up past events.

Pirates continued to wreak havoc on the seas, and legends of the hero Garp circulated within the Navy. Only Rocks and God Valley were forgotten by the world, with even old newspapers and bounties being uniformly collected and destroyed.

In an era when information did not travel swiftly across the seas, this approach was quite effective.

However, Vegapunk, an Ability User of the Brain-Brain Fruit, possessed the ability to recall everything he saw. He recognized her identity at a glance and explained it to Oran.

"I know, she was a member of the Rocks Pirates originally."

"You actually know about Rocks."

Vegapunk hadn't mentioned Bakin's original identity, deeming it insignificant. He hadn't expected Oran to bring it up so directly.

He had thought that Oran, living in the South Blue, wouldn't be aware of such matters.

"Everyone has secrets, Punk. This little thing isn't important. I know more than you think. What she really wants to do is the key."

"You two, I've been waiting for you for a long time. It's not very polite to keep a lady waiting outside."

Seeing that the main party had arrived, Bakin also stood up. As MADS entered the Grand Line, D. Fild began to leverage his connections to promote the charitable organization he was funding. Oran and Vegapunk also gained some notoriety.

While not yet widespread, some people who paid attention to such matters had already heard of them.

"You're the one who suddenly appeared on our ship, which is rude. We had no prior dealings. What exactly do you want?"

"Allow me to introduce myself first. I am Bakin Gom Stussy. I have a considerable interest in scientific research, and I've come today with a project I wish to commission from you.

However, this is not the place to talk. If it's convenient, let's go inside and discuss it."

Looking at the researchers on deck, Bakin gestured towards the ship's cabin, as if there were a secret to be shared.

Seeing Bakin's persistence, Vegapunk and Oran exchanged glances before agreeing to her request. MADS hadn't managed to sail the Grand Line for so long relying solely on D. Fild's influence.

The "King of Loan Sharks" in the underworld sounded impressive, but pirates were inherently lawless. Top pirates, considering trade issues in their territories, wouldn't make things too difficult for D. Fild. Ordinary pirates, however, were different.

As long as the profit was sufficient, there was nothing they wouldn't dare to steal.

MADS relied on their own technological weapons to navigate smoothly.

Compared to the open space on deck, the interior of the cabin would better showcase their technological achievements, especially since the areas Caesar and Queen specialized in could exert powerful effects in a confined space.

"You are both renowned scientists, so I won't beat around the bush. I heard about your experiment on Roslin Island not long ago, a cloned sheep.

Undoubtedly, this was a significant scientific advancement. Today, I want you to help me clone a human."

The cloning experiment was a project that MADS had successfully completed and reported in the past. Bakin had similar ideas, but she lacked the capability to put them into practice, which led her to seek out Oran and the others to accomplish this project.

"I also have some understanding of science. This is the sample I've prepared. Theoretically, it should be sufficient for cloning."

Compared to the members of MADS, Bakin's research capabilities were undoubtedly lacking. However, given the vast disparities in average education levels across the seas, Bakin's level was sufficient compared to most people. At the very least, she had her own ideas and had made some preparations.

"Whose sample is this?"

Vegapunk was very curious about what Bakin took out of the specially made box, wondering what made her seek them out specifically.

"This is a lady's private secret. It's the DNA of the person I deeply loved, though sadly..."

"Bakin Gom Stussy, former member of the Rocks Pirates. Do you think we'll believe such nonsense? Tell us your true objective, or there's no point in talking."

Seeing Bakin's attempt to deceive them, Vegapunk directly exposed her identity and activated the ship's internal defense system. He wasn't about to let his guard down with Bakin.

The current situation did not cause Bakin to panic. Since they chose to talk, it meant there was room for negotiation.

"Since you've come all this way, you must have made up your mind. If we can't be open and honest, then there's no possibility of cooperation. Concealment won't earn you any favors, Miss Bakin."

Oran spoke in a gentler tone, trying to persuade Bakin. If one ignored the weapon in his hand, the effect might have been better.

"Alright, you should have heard of him. The owner of this DNA is Whitebeard - Edward Newgate. Since you know I was once a member of that pirate crew, you should know that Whitebeard was also one of them.

And I was his beloved woman, so this DNA is absolutely fine."

After the Rocks Pirates disbanded, Bakin had traveled with Whitebeard for some time before parting ways for various reasons.

Bakin, who was extremely greedy, eventually developed a difference in ideology with Whitebeard, who valued family more and was uninterested in treasure.

However, Whitebeard could still stand on his own after Rocks' demise and become a new overlord of the seas, while Bakin lacked that capability. Ultimately, she came up with this idea: she wanted a new Whitebeard who would obey her completely and whose strength would be no less than Whitebeard's.

"Oran, what do you think? Human cloning. This is a step we will have to take sooner or later. Cloning a powerful pirate presents a rather interesting challenge."

"I have no objections, but how will the payment be made? This will require considerable effort and time. I won't work for free."

Bakin had initially intended to save money by presenting it as a rare new project, given her stinginess. However, she ultimately failed.

Even if Oran weren't present, Vegapunk wouldn't have worked for free. Even with D. Fild's funding, mere money couldn't sway them.

"What exactly do you want?"

"I want you."

"What?!"

Hearing Vegapunk's words, Bakin was startled, then angrily retorted, "I am Whitebeard's most beloved woman! If you really do that, he will kill you!"

"What are you thinking? I want your blood. I find your personality very interesting, so I intend to use you as a sample to create another clone."

Hearing this, Bakin breathed a sigh of relief. A little blood wasn't worth much, and this could barely be considered getting something for free.

But Vegapunk immediately put her back on edge.

"Oran, I don't have any other requests. Do you have any other demands?"

"Rest assured, Miss Bakin. I am not interested in your money either. I only want two things: a method for training Haki, and the DNA of your former comrade, Charlotte Linlin."