"This has dragged on too long. If it goes on like this, they'll be able to follow the research materials and continue on their own, even without me."
An unmistakable sorrow weighed on Vegapunk's voice. "Did you know? I could have built Pacifistas years ago. But the first prototype didn't officially emerge until this year. Kuma's arrival bought me those years. He's a hero."
Years ago, Loa had still been a vice admiral in the Marines, quietly building his own power. When Kuma came to Marine Headquarters and agreed to join the Pacifista research program—while also sending Loa flying to Kuriswia—Loa had assumed the program was only just getting started. He had never imagined Vegapunk could already have built that mechanical army!
Why was Kuma a hero?
Because even though Vegapunk could already build Pacifistas, Kuma had volunteered himself, giving Vegapunk an excuse to stall and make the research look as though it were starting from scratch.
The people history called heroes were often just like Kuma: people who gave of themselves without a word.
"One last question."
They couldn't spend too long on any one conversation; the boxes had a limited operating time. Speaking with several people would also help muddy the waters. So everyone kept their conversations to a few minutes.
The blond man had finished speaking with Mihawk and now stood some distance away, watching them. Loa had a feeling he was about to encounter things he could never have learned from the original story.
"Why me?"
Loa asked the question seriously, but without anxiety. He didn't believe in chosen ones or destiny, and Vegapunk, a firm believer in science, didn't either. If Vegapunk had chosen him from everyone present, there had to be something Loa didn't know.
"I tested your blood." Vegapunk had risen to his