The brief burst of "Spiritual Pressure" Adrian had just released had undoubtedly thrown a bucket of cold water over Judge.
Science and technology were indeed the foremost productive force.
But you weren't the greatest scientist on the seas, Vinsmoke Judge!
As for the genetic science and Lineage Factor Modification Judge took such pride in...
Leaving the Wano Country arc aside.
Everyone knew that even Sanji (Judge's greatest creation, unbeknownst to Judge himself) had cracked his own bone with a kick while fighting Vergo (the Donquixote Family's original Corazon)!
"Lord... White Ghost."
Judge plastered a flattering, false smile across his face. That fleeting glimpse of White Ghost's strength had already made this "ambitious" king recognize the gulf between them, so he adopted the appropriately respectful attitude.
However unwilling he was inside, Judge could only say this.
"The Germa Kingdom is willing to serve you."
The moment Judge said those words, Reiju immediately stopped her fake crying.
"Good, but..." Adrian nodded. "I don't need the Germa Kingdom's forces. You're the only one I'm interested in."
Now it was Judge's turn to be confused.
He had genuinely thought White Ghost was preparing to bring the Germa Kingdom into his sphere of influence.
But now it seemed he had misunderstood?
Adrian beckoned to Reiju. The little girl in the pink dress fought to steady her wildly pounding heart and obediently walked over to the Great Pirate White Ghost.
As he tousled the fake-crying Reiju's little head, Adrian said to Judge, "Dr. Judge, could you show me the Germa Kingdom's technology? I mean something other than these children of yours."
"Of course!" Judge jolted and answered loudly.
Under Judge's guidance, the group left the banquet hall. After several twists and turns, they arrived before an enormous, futuristic steel door, its cold metal emblazoned with the