Mobius—Infinite Devil Fruits

Vegapunk's most outstanding research was his work on Lineage Factors. Regarding that, he had already completed the replication of Artificial Devil Fruits more than a decade ago.

For ability users, Devil Fruits altered flesh and even genes, which was why a person could only eat one Devil Fruit.

When Vegapunk first gave Mobius a physical examination, however, he discovered how unusual he was.

Compared to ordinary people, Mobius's blood sample was exceptionally special.

To put it abstractly, if others were enclosed pools, then Mobius was an ocean capable of holding all rivers.

According to Vegapunk's experiments, Mobius's blood sample could merge with every Devil Fruit Lineage Factor he possessed without any conflicts.

Under the influence of Mobius's blood, some completely unrelated Devil Fruit Lineage Factors could even form entirely new structures.

Moreover, the more Fruit Lineage Factors there were, the more strongly they fused with Mobius's blood sample, while the sample remained the core of the structure from beginning to end.

In other words, Mobius was completely unrestricted by the one-person, one-Devil-Fruit rule.

As long as he could endure the taste, Mobius could eat an unlimited number of Devil Fruits!

"How... how is that possible, Doctor? That completely breaks the rules. No, I mean, maybe two or three could be possible, but unlimited..."

"Isn't that way too ridiculous?"

Mobius put down the blueprints, feeling as though his heart were about to leap out of his throat and his blood was boiling throughout his body.

Though his words were full of doubt, his eyes fixed on Vegapunk with nothing but hope that the answer would be yes.

Vegapunk did not answer directly. Instead, he stepped aside and took out an ordinary-looking longsword.

He placed the sword before Mobius and tapped it.

Then, the longsword began to transform. First, it became a majestic lion, then a nimble goat, and then a thick-bodied python.

At last, the three animals actually fused together, becoming a monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a python's tail.

"Lion Fruit, Goat Fruit, Snake Fruit... I specifically requested these three Devil Fruits from the World Government to create this life."

"I call it—Chimera!"

"In legend, a Chimera is a monster made up of a python, a goat, and a lion. There may exist a Mythical Zoan: Chimera Fruit in this world."

"But now, such a monster has truly appeared—synthesized from three Devil Fruits and your blood sample, Mobius!"

"Part of my hypothesis was correct. Devil Fruits are formed from human desires, and there is some kind of connection between them."

"Mythical beasts are creatures that do not theoretically exist, fantasy beings created from people's imaginations of other living creatures."

"This concept has been proven! Ordinary Devil Fruits can actually combine to form Mythical Zoans!"

Vegapunk's voice grew more and more excited, as though the side of him that was an evil scientist had emerged!

"Unfortunately, this Chimera cannot breathe fire. The legendary monster Chimera should possess the ability to breathe fire. It only has the appearance."

"But that does not matter. Obtaining this process is already enough."

Vegapunk smiled again and said cheerfully.

Mobius, meanwhile, kept his eyes locked on the Chimera before him without blinking.

Using his blood sample as a link, not only could multiple Devil Fruits be fused, but ordinary Fruits could even be synthesized into pseudo-Mythical Zoan Fruits?

The real-life example was right in front of him. Could it actually be true?

That meant he truly could eat an unlimited number of Devil Fruits and even fuse them together to enhance them!?

"Doctor, are there any other samples?"

The words had reached his lips, yet Mobius unexpectedly calmed down. He looked at Vegapunk and asked whether there were examples in other areas.

Vegapunk nodded happily. Just as expected, he had not misjudged this child.

So Vegapunk took out another cannon, placed it before Mobius, and tapped it.

The cannon also began to transform. It first became a dachshund, then an elephant, and finally an alpaca.

This time, however, no three-in-one monster was born. After transforming into the three creatures in turn, it returned to its original form.

Clearly, there was probably no fantasy creature in this world that combined a dachshund, an elephant, and an alpaca.

"This was also synthesized using your blood sample, but it did not undergo the Chimera's transformation."

The nature of Devil Fruits was evident from this. They were born from desires within people's hearts, so without a definite image of desire, nothing could be created.

Mobius stared blankly at his own hands. Could this be the benefit of transmigrating into this world?

His body was fundamentally different from the bodies of people in the pirate world.

"Doctor, you aren't planning to slice me up after telling me all this, are you?"

Mobius asked with feigned caution. As for having such a monstrous constitution, he accepted it instantly, because it was entirely good news.

As for being sliced up, Mobius had nothing to worry about. He knew Vegapunk was not that kind of person.

Besides, if Vegapunk truly wanted to dissect him, he had had far too many chances to take Mobius down over the past three years.

Vegapunk rolled his eyes. He was not Caesar or Queen. How could he possibly do something so bloody!?

Even with that Lunarian who had been sent over back then, he had merely studied him properly, drawn a few tubes of blood at most, and even helped him condition his body and improve his racial talents.

"How could I? I have no such thoughts. I have plenty of your samples here, so there is no need to do anything like that!"

Mobius laughed awkwardly. He had only been trying to lighten the mood~

"Then why are you telling me all this, Doctor..."

"I want you to leave this place."

?

A question mark seemed to appear over Mobius's head. What was this about now?

"With your terrifying talent, if you stay with me forever, the World Government will definitely turn you into permanent research material for the sake of power."

"They know nothing at present, but it is better to be safe than sorry."

"Mobius, the World Government cannot be relied upon."

Vegapunk sighed.

"Then why do you..."

"Oh, because they really do pay. I only need to make some random things to swindle research funds from them, which makes it convenient for me to conduct experiments."

Mm, an impeccable answer. Supporting a top-tier scientist was unimaginably expensive.

"With talent like yours, you will definitely leave your own name upon the seas, perhaps even in history."

"I have already done enough experiments. Now I cannot delay you any longer."

Vegapunk's tone was solemn. Since everything had yet to be discovered, now was the best time.

"I have already found a reason for you. You will set sail to search for the legendary Pure Gold for me. It is said that thing can grant immortality and can be artificially created."

"I am curious about how such a thing came into being. It will not arouse the World Government's suspicions, and perhaps I can even swindle another round of funding."

Vegapunk spoke with utter composure, without the slightest guilt.

Mobius could not help grumbling inwardly. Doctor, just how familiar are you with swindling research funds?

"What do you think?"

Vegapunk asked at last.

Mobius shrugged and broke into a wide smile. "Without this talent, I might have needed to train under Old Man for a while longer. But now, I really do want to set sail and make my way across the seas!"

Are kings and generals born to their stations? Mobius had long wanted to slash Imu down and seize the Red Line as his own territory!

"Just as I thought. I could tell long ago that you have a restless heart, kid."

Vegapunk smiled, then brought out the final item he had prepared.

"Take a look. This is my gift to celebrate your voyage."

It was a wooden box. Mobius accepted it and felt something round and plump inside.

When he opened it, he found an oval fruit covered in scale-like skin. At the very top of the fruit was a pair of horn-like calyxes.

In his memories, there was a Devil Fruit that looked very similar to this one. That Fruit had been entirely azure-blue, while this one was completely pinkish-red.

"Doctor, could this be..."

Mobius's voice trembled slightly.

"That's right. It is the first Artificial Devil Fruit I created by studying the Lineage Factor from Kaido, after he was captured by the Navy."

"The World Government wanted me to hand it over, but I fobbed them off by calling it a failed product."

"In truth, this Artificial Devil Fruit is not a failure in terms of ability. It perfectly replicates the power of the Azure Dragon Fruit."

"It is only the wrong color to me! So calling it a failed product is not a problem."

Vegapunk curled his lip. He was a perfectionist, after all.

"The rules for Artificial Devil Fruits are the same as those for Devil Fruits. In theory, you cannot eat a second one, but you are different, Mobius. You are the exception."

"With this Devil Fruit, you should be able to safely roam these seas, right?"

"Doctor..."

Looking at the Artificial Azure Dragon Fruit before him, Mobius felt as though sand had blown into his eyes.

What incredible fortune!

Momonosuke, that eight-year-old child, had eaten this Fruit and, after being aged up to twenty-eight, had still managed to bite Kaido and exchange blows with Admiral Green Bull.

Perhaps there was no difference in essence between Devil Fruits, but in terms of the power they granted their users, the gap between Devil Fruits was as vast as heaven and earth!

"Doctor, I will remember this kindness."

"If you ever need anything from me in the future, please do not hesitate to ask!"

Mobius spoke each word with deliberate emphasis. In the future, he would definitely smash the World Government to pieces and save the Doctor and Old Man!

Vegapunk opened his mouth, thinking of the risks he faced, but ultimately closed it again.

It was still too early. Making a child shoulder such a burden too soon would be wrong.

"All right. I'll be waiting~"

Vegapunk said cheerfully again. When this child had grown up in the future, then he could trouble him.

"Just wait, Doctor!"

Mobius clenched his fists. He knew the Doctor had not said it outright because he did not want Mobius to feel burdened, so he would not say anything more either.

But the road ahead had already become incomparably clear.