Naval Science Unit

"I submitted a request to Uncle Kizaru, asking him to appoint me as one of the three admirals of the Naval Science Unit. He already replied—and he actually said no!!"

"Uncle only rejected my request on purpose because he saw me growing stronger by the day on Punk Hazard!"

In the New World, Punk Hazard, also known as the Bank Forbidden Zone, was a research base established after Dr. Vegapunk joined the World Government.

At that moment, deep within the island's research facility, two boys were talking animatedly.

More accurately, one was chattering endlessly while the other listened with a helpless expression.

The boy serving as the listener was huge and sturdy, dressed in a red bib. He looked like a festive lucky doll.

The boy speaking was far more well-proportioned. His muscles had the harmonious beauty of a Greek statue, and his bearing was especially outstanding.

"Sentomaru, I think Uncle Borsalino is already showing signs of decay, like dry bones in a grave. Why don't the two of us join forces and take him down? We can seize his captain's position. I'll be captain, and you'll be vice-captain. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Stop talking nonsense, Mobius. How could the two of us possibly beat Uncle? Yesterday's training only lasted five minutes against him!"

Sentomaru replied irritably, holding no expectations for his friend's suggestion whatsoever.

"You guy, why don't you have any dreams at all? If we can't even beat Uncle, how will we seize control of the Marines' power and rule the world in the future?"

"Haven't you heard the saying? A soldier who doesn't want to become a fleet admiral isn't a good soldier."

Mobius looked utterly heartbroken.

"When will we ever become famous across the seas if I have to stay with a bug like you?"

"Hey, hey, hey, weren't you the only one saying all that? I never agreed to anything."

"Really? I don't remember. But it won't hurt you to come with me. A person's dreams and potential are limitless."

"If you don't have dreams, how are you any different from a salted fish? Don't tell me you want to be like Uncle Sentomaru—obviously possessing great strength, yet living a life of clocking in every day, scrambling to carry out every order from your superiors?"

"That's way too boring. At the very least, we should carve out our own territory and become kings, shouldn't we?"

"If pirates can do it, why can't we? What kind of logic is that?"

Seeing Mobius spout nonsense again, Sentomaru looked disgusted. Just as he was about to retort, he suddenly spotted something and quickly waved.

"Uncle! You're here?"

"Oh? Good morning, Sentomaru. And hello, Mobius. You seem to have quite an opinion of me?"

Mobius shuddered and turned his head awkwardly. Before him stood a tall man in a gray suit, draped in a Marine coat of justice.

The man was not particularly handsome; his appearance could even be called prematurely aged and somewhat lecherous. Yet he exuded a powerful aura that made him seem extraordinary.

Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Borsalino, codenamed Kizaru and a strong candidate for future admiral, was looking at Mobius with an amused expression.

The moment he saw the newcomer, Mobius fell silent for a moment. Then, without hesitation, he dropped to his knees and said with a beaming smile:

"How could that be, Uncle? You're Sentomaru's and my master. You know better than anyone how much I respect my elders and teachers."

"Whatever Admiral Zephyr is to you, that's what you are to me.

How you treat your teacher in the future is how I will treat you in the future."

Mobius spoke those words with complete sincerity, making Borsalino unconsciously twitch the corner of his mouth.

Basically every Marine knew that Borsalino's relationship with his teacher Zephyr was merely average.

Was this brat trying to needle him?

"Little rascal."

Borsalino raised a finger and tapped Mobius on the head, though he was not particularly angry.

In a sense, Mobius was not wrong.

Borsalino served the Marines, but the justice he upheld was unclear justice. That alone showed what kind of man he was.

Mobius pretended to be in pain and clutched his head, but seeing that Borsalino was acting as usual, he smiled and lowered his hand.

"Uncle, you're here. Are we training again? I feel like I've got endless energy right now, just waiting for your guidance!"

The Naval Science Unit, fully known as the Special Science Group, or SSG, was also called the Special Science Division and was formed under Vegapunk's leadership.

Sentomaru would become the captain of the future Naval Science Unit, but that would be the second generation. The first-generation captain was still Borsalino.

Both Mobius and Sentomaru were SSG members. Borsalino was not only their superior, but also their master, teaching them how to grow stronger.

"You trained yesterday. I originally planned to rest for a few days, but I have another mission tomorrow, so I can only train you again today."

Though Borsalino looked like someone who stole his salary, he was actually the Marines' undisputed workhorse, with far more missions than his colleagues.

"That's a good thing!"

Mobius looked excited upon hearing that, and Sentomaru beside him was the same.

Both of them were serious about their desire for strength. It was only because the doctor regularly examined their bodies, insisting they balance work and rest and avoid damaging their foundations, that Borsalino taught them gradually.

In truth, both Mobius and Sentomaru wished they could spend every day in the training ground with Uncle, training in seclusion until they became invincible before emerging.

Of course, that was not very likely.

After exchanging a few words, the three arrived at the training ground.

Vegapunk had personally built it from special alloys and rubber-like materials, allowing Borsalino to fight without restraint.

"Then, let's begin~"

Borsalino stood on one level of the training ground with a smile, his posture casual and relaxed.

Mobius took a deep breath. Even though Uncle's current stance appeared full of openings, his senses told him that the moment he dared attack, he would be instantly defeated.

The boring stage of laying foundations had long passed. They had now entered the stage of actual combat.

"Sentomaru, same rules. You take the left, I'll take the right."

Mobius gave the order and exchanged a look with Sentomaru. The two boys, each willing to entrust his back to the other, moved in perfect sync.

"Come on, Uncle!"

"Today, you're the challenger!"

With that, the two charged out from opposite sides, their bodies nearly leaving afterimages.

Borsalino's smile remained unchanged, but light slowly began to gather around his feet.

"Being young is wonderful~"

Three hours later...

Mobius and Sentomaru lay sprawled on the ground with vacant eyes, utterly powerless. They could not even lift a finger, like corpses, with only the faint rise and fall of their chests proving they were still alive.

"Oh? Not bad. At your best, the two of you can already hold out together for six minutes~"

Borsalino stroked his chin and smiled. His clothes remained immaculate, without a single wrinkle or speck of dust.

Sorry for not letting Uncle Borsalino enjoy himself...

"That's enough for today. Get some proper rest. The future of our Science Unit depends on you two, Sentomaru and Mobius."

Neither answered. Those two were currently nothing more than a pair of "corpses" bearing the name of humans.

"Honestly, wasn't that a little excessive, Borsalino? They only just came of age."

A middle-aged man with a protruding head walked over, coffee in hand. He drank as he sighed. He had arrived long ago and watched the entire thing.

"That wasn't my idea. It was Mobius's. He said that protecting Dr. Vegapunk requires great strength.

Sentomaru thinks the same way, which is why they work so hard every day."

Borsalino accepted the hot tea Vegapunk handed him, took a leisurely sip, and then slowly spoke.

"Really? Why do I feel like you're using official business to settle personal grudges, Borsalino?"

Vegapunk shook his head helplessly, but when he looked at Sentomaru and Mobius, warmth flashed through his eyes.

He had long regarded those two children as his own.

Sentomaru was fine, but Mobius...

Thinking of the physical examinations from the past three years, Vegapunk's heart sank. The World Government absolutely could not discover this monstrous boy!

The two older men chatted for a while before the two boys on the other side finally came back to life.

Mobius barely propped himself into a sitting position. Looking at the cheerful Borsalino and recalling what he had just said, he could not help asking:

"Hey, Uncle, isn't there only the three of us in the Science Unit? What do you mean, the future depends on us? It's only us, isn't it!?"

The Naval Science Unit had been established to protect Vegapunk, and in the beginning, Borsalino had been its only member.

However, Borsalino often had to sail out to carry out missions and could not remain in one place for long.

For the Bank Forbidden Zone's safety, Vegapunk had wanted to find a personal bodyguard for a long time.

More than ten years ago, one of the Bank Forbidden Zone's islands suffered from rampant bear attacks and sought help from the Marines. Vegapunk happened to be researching a device for driving away wild beasts, so he went with Borsalino.

They ended up encountering Sentomaru, who had single-handedly defeated a group of bears. Because of his exceptional talent and lack of anywhere else to go, Vegapunk recruited him on the spot.

The Naval Science Unit thus achieved its breakthrough from one member to two, and Vegapunk gained a true personal bodyguard.

Three years ago, while Sentomaru was at sea testing new equipment, he accidentally found Mobius.

Because Mobius had an unrelenting high fever, Sentomaru returned and sought Vegapunk's help.

After a simple physical examination, Vegapunk discovered that Mobius possessed a terrifying constitution and invited him to join the Bank Forbidden Zone.

Mobius had nowhere else to go at the time, so he gladly agreed.

Afterward, Mobius became close with Sentomaru. Once he learned that Sentomaru was receiving Borsalino's training to gain strength, he also wanted to become stronger.

Thus, Mobius joined the Naval Science Unit as well, and the organization finally had three members.

That was why Mobius proclaimed himself one of the Naval Science Unit's three admirals all day long—because the unit only had three people!

Incidentally, Mobius seriously suspected that Borsalino had applied to Marine Headquarters to become captain of the Science Unit just so he could collect an extra salary.

Borsalino's only connection to science was being studied by it.

"Well, precisely because of that, I value you two very highly. Keep working hard~"

Borsalino's smile remained as warm as ever, and he did not take Mobius's jab seriously.

"Also, I've told you not to call me Uncle! Did Sentomaru lead you astray?"

Borsalino sighed. How many times had he said it? He did not like being called old!

"Uncle is Uncle. If we don't call you that, what should we call you?"

Sentomaru also propped himself up and joined the conversation.

The root of all evil was him. The first time they met, Sentomaru had called Borsalino Uncle.

"You two should at least call me Captain~"

"Doesn't sound good."

"It doesn't sound as affectionate as Uncle~"

"Ugh, you two..."

Vegapunk laughed happily as he watched Borsalino get choked up by the two children.

This was nice. He truly wanted things to remain this way forever, with friends by his side and children around him.

Unfortunately...

Thinking of his choice, Vegapunk's heart darkened, but he would never regret it.

Whether archaeologists or scientists, they had to pursue the truth!

After training ended, Borsalino went to enjoy the last little bit of his vacation. Once Mobius and Sentomaru had rested enough, they prepared to leave as well, intending to wash up properly before having a big meal.

At that moment, Vegapunk suddenly spoke.

"Mobius, when you have time later, please come to my laboratory. I have a new research project that needs your help."

"No problem."

Mobius gave an OK sign. It was probably another new equipment experiment. He and Sentomaru had long grown used to it.

After saying goodbye to the doctor, Mobius left with his arm around Sentomaru's shoulders, despite Sentomaru's disgusted expression.

Vegapunk watched them with a smile, then left as well to make preparations.

As the laboratory of the world's greatest scientist, the Bank Forbidden Zone possessed everything one would expect from a futuristic city.

Bathtubs perfectly suited to the human body and always set to the user's ideal temperature, integrated rapid warm-air rooms, towels and bathrobes as soft as clouds... and unmanned cooking machines that could produce five hundred dishes within one minute as long as the ingredients were available.

By the time Mobius had finished freshening up, he had fully recovered. In a pleasant mood, he entered Vegapunk's laboratory.

The doctor's laboratory also perfectly matched Mobius's stereotypical image of a scientist's workspace.

Huge quantities of blueprints and documents, mechanical parts piled like mountains, rows of test tubes filled with liquid and bubbling away...

Mobius only glanced around briefly before looking elsewhere.

He had studied before, so he could understand a little, but his ambitions lay elsewhere.

Yeah, really.

"Doctor, what did you need me for?"

Mobius spoke casually. He had long become familiar with the little old man.

He was said to be a scientist with wisdom five hundred years beyond the present, but in reality, he was an "ordinary person" who would burst into tears because he could not solve the cold of his hometown.

Yet this time, Vegapunk did not joke around as usual. Instead, he sat upright and looked at Mobius with a rare solemnity.

"You've been here for three years already, haven't you? Time really flies~"

Mobius blinked, not quite understanding why the doctor had suddenly become sentimental.

But at the mention of three years ago, Mobius felt a little emotional too.

Back then, he had somehow transmigrated, only to arrive in this world at sea. If Sentomaru had not happened to pass by, he would have nearly drowned from exhaustion.

Three years was enough for Mobius to embrace his new life and truly become a part of the Bank Forbidden Zone.

His daily routine consisted of training under Uncle Borsalino alongside his good brother Sentomaru, while occasionally sharing scientific views and ideas with Dr. Vegapunk.

The days passed one after another, peaceful, harmonious, and enjoyable.

Mobius was especially glad that he had been brought to the Bank Forbidden Zone. It was peaceful here, and aside from the lack of internet, life was even more comfortable than in the modern world.

However...

As a transmigrator, Mobius also knew Vegapunk's future fate: he would be erased for researching the Poneglyphs, history explicitly forbidden by the World Government.

His close friend Borsalino would personally carry out the mission, driving the two of them apart.

Though Vegapunk would not truly die, Mobius still did not want to see that happen.

To Mobius, both the doctor and Uncle had become close friends, even family.

Only that inhuman World Government deserved to die. If only he had the power to destroy them...

"Yes, Doctor. Three years passed in the blink of an eye. Time really flies~"

"So, I think it's time to tell you the truth about yourself, Mobius."

"What?"

The truth?

Mobius was confused. It seemed he had transmigrated bodily, except he had become a little younger. Maybe it was the effect of traveling through spacetime. There were no viruses in his body, either.

Dr. Vegapunk had examined him many times and always said there was nothing wrong.

There was no mysterious past tied to his identity, so there could not possibly be any secret hidden in his bloodline. What truth could there be?

Seeing that Mobius made no attempt to hide his confusion, Vegapunk smiled happily and continued,

"Do you know why I gave you that name, Mobius?"

Because he had transmigrated, Mobius initially pretended to have amnesia. But he hardly needed to pretend, since he could not understand the language here and had spent a long time learning before he could comprehend it.

In the original One Piece, the entire world spoke Japanese, but this was a living, breathing world, so naturally there were many differences from the original.

After all, even the original anime and manga were practically two different worlds.

The name Mobius had been personally chosen by Vegapunk after he decided to keep him.

It sounded pretty good, so Mobius gladly accepted it.

"Because the word represents infinity, and that is precisely your talent, Mobius. You possess infinity."

Vegapunk's tone turned solemn, then he opened a blueprint in front of Mobius.

It contained detailed records of Mobius's physical examinations over the years, as well as related experiments involving his blood samples.

Mobius could understand it. He gave it a cursory look, and then his breathing suddenly quickened.

Simply put, with Mobius's physique, he could eat an unlimited number of Devil Fruits!