Clones

After the God Valley Incident, the World Government had done everything it could to cover it up. Although many remnants of the Rocks Pirates were still active across the seas, they seemed to have reached some unspoken agreement and rarely mentioned the past.

Pirates continued to wreak havoc on the seas, while legends of the hero Garp spread through the Navy. Only Rocks and God Valley had been forgotten by the world; even old newspapers and bounty posters had been collected and destroyed.

On seas where information did not travel quickly, the results of this effort had been quite significant.

But Vegapunk was an Ability User of the Brain-Brain Fruit. The fruit gave him a photographic memory, and with just one glance, he recognized her identity and explained it to Oran.

"I know. She used to be a member of the Rocks Pirates."

"You actually know about Rocks?"

Vegapunk had not mentioned Bakin's former identity, since there was no point, but Oran had exposed it outright.

He had thought Oran, who lived in the South Blue, knew nothing about such matters.

"Everyone has secrets, Punk. That little detail isn't important. I know more than you think. What matters is what she wants."

"Gentlemen, I've been waiting for you for quite some time. It isn't very polite to leave a lady waiting outside."

Seeing that the person they had been waiting for had arrived, Bakin stood as well. As MADS entered the Grand Line, D. Fild began using his connections to promote the charitable organization he sponsored, and Oran and Vegapunk had also become somewhat well-known.

Though they had not become widely known yet, some people who paid attention to such matters had already heard of them.

"You're the one who suddenly appeared on our ship without manners, aren't you? We had no dealings before this. What exactly do you want?"

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

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

Looking at the researchers on the deck, Bakin pointed toward a nearby cabin, making it seem as though she had some secret to share.

Seeing Bakin insist, Vegapunk and Oran exchanged a glance before agreeing to her request. MADS had not relied on D. Fild's reputation to sail the Grand Line safely for so long.

The title of Loan Shark King of the Underworld sounded impressive, but pirates were lawless by nature. Top-tier pirates would not make things too difficult for D. Fild, considering the trade within their territories, but ordinary pirates were different.

As long as the profit was great enough, there was nothing they would not dare to steal.

MADS relied on its own technological weapons to sail safely.

Compared to the open deck, the inside of the cabin allowed their technological achievements to be used more effectively. In particular, the things Caesar and Queen specialized in could exert tremendous power in enclosed spaces.

"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.

Without a doubt, that was a major scientific breakthrough. I came today because I want you to help me clone a human."

The cloning experiment was a project MADS had successfully completed and publicized during its previous travels. Bakin had originally entertained a similar idea, but she lacked the ability to put it into practice. That was why she had sought out Oran and the others, hoping they could complete the project for her.

"I know a little about science as well. This is the sample I prepared. In theory, it should be enough to complete the cloning."

Compared with the people of MADS, Bakin's research ability was undoubtedly lacking. But educational standards across the seas varied enormously, and compared with most people, she was still capable enough. At the very least, she had her own ideas and had made some preparations.

"Whose sample is this?"

Looking at what Bakin had taken from a specially made case, Vegapunk was curious. What had made her come all the way here?

"That is a lady's private secret. It is the DNA of someone I deeply loved. It's just a pity."

"Bakin Gom Stussy, former member of the Rocks Pirates. Do you think we'd believe that nonsense? Tell me what your real purpose is, or there's no reason for us to keep talking."

Seeing Bakin trying to fool them, Vegapunk directly exposed her identity and activated the cabin's defense system. He was not about to lower his guard around her so easily.

The situation did not make Bakin panic. Since they had chosen to talk, there was still room for negotiation.

"Since you came all the way here, you must have made a decision. If we can't be honest with each other, then cooperation really is impossible. Concealment won't earn you any discounts, Miss Bakin."

Oran tried to persuade Bakin in a gentler tone. If one ignored the weapon in his hand, it might have been more effective.

"Fine. 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 Whitebeard was one of them as well.

And I was the woman he loved most, so there is absolutely nothing wrong with this DNA."

After the Rocks Pirates disbanded, Bakin had traveled with Whitebeard for a while before they eventually separated for various reasons.

Bakin, who was extremely greedy for money, had ultimately clashed in ideals with Whitebeard, who valued family more and had no interest in treasure.

But even without Rocks, Whitebeard could still stand on his own and became a new overlord of the seas. Bakin did not have that ability, and in the end, she came up with this idea. She wanted a new Whitebeard who would obey her completely and possess strength no less than Whitebeard's.

"Oran, what do you think? Human cloning is a step we'll have to take sooner or later. Cloning a powerful pirate would be quite an interesting challenge."

"I have no objections. But how will you pay us? This will take no small amount of time and effort. I won't work for free."

Bakin had wanted to use the rarity of this new project as an excuse to save money. After all, she valued money as much as her life. But in the end, she failed.

Even if Oran were not here, Vegapunk would not work for nothing. And with D. Fild's funding, money alone could not move them.

"What exactly do you want?"

"I want you."

"What?!"

Hearing Vegapunk's words, Bakin was startled before angrily rebuking him. "I am Whitebeard's most beloved woman! If you do that, he'll definitely kill you!"

"What are you thinking? I want your blood. I find your personality interesting, so I plan to make another clone using you as the sample."

Hearing that, Bakin breathed a sigh of relief. It was only some blood, and it was not worth anything. This could barely count as getting something for free.

But Vegapunk immediately raised the stakes again.

"Oran, there's nothing else I want. Do you have any other terms?"

"Rest assured, Miss Bakin. I'm not interested in your money either. I only want two things: methods for training Haki, and the DNA of your former companion, Charlotte Linlin."

(End of chapter)