Reiju, Rich in Emotion

Egghead Sky Island, Biological Genetics Laboratory.

Rows of cultivation tanks stood neatly arranged, faintly green nutrient fluid slowly flowing within them, producing an almost inaudible gurgle.

Droplets condensed on the tank walls occasionally fell, tapping out a crisp, unsettling rhythm in the silence.

Dawn had just returned from the East Blue, his cloak still carrying the chill unique to high altitudes. He stood in the center of the laboratory, his gaze sweeping over the green-glowing cultivation tanks like a scalpel.

A black-haired boy floated inside each tank. These clones of Trafalgar Law had skin so pale it was nearly transparent, as though they would shatter at the slightest touch.

The real Law was already dead. Until his death, that boy who had willingly delivered himself to them had never understood why this new force that had replaced the Donquixote Family held no interest in him personally.

What Dawn wanted was not Law, but the potential within Law that could awaken the Op-Op Fruit.

Lilith brought up a string of data at the console, the blue glow of the holographic screen reflecting off her goggles' lenses:

"All test subjects' vital signs are stable. As requested, I specifically strengthened their emotional connection module for sacrifice and the concept of 'devotion.'"

Dawn approached the nearest cultivation tank. His reflection overlapped with the boy's face inside, forming an eerie double image.

He extended a finger and lightly tapped the reinforced glass, producing two dull knocks.

"How is their mental development? Mindless puppets can't awaken Devil Fruits."

Lilith adjusted her goggles and turned around. Her gaze met Dawn's directly through the lenses.

"Don't worry. I wouldn't create a bunch of puppets. These clones will possess full emotional ranges and be capable of forming deep interpersonal bonds.

"If you need it, I can even program them