An incomplete Seraphim

In the Reception Room of Shining Studio in Water 7.

When Shining heard Festa say 'Destroy Road Island,' his head, made of black Ball Lightning, flickered with sparks, and a question mark appeared on his 'face' beneath the silver hood, outlined by blue Electric Arc.

"Are you drunk? You've only been drinking, haven't you eaten any peanuts?"

Of course, Sephiroth, who was speaking to Festa as Shining, had a general idea of Festa was thinking.

According to his original destiny, in order to surpass Roger, this guy chose to cooperate with Bullet, who was said to be able to rival the prime 'Pluton Rayleigh' in his youth.

Unfortunately... Bullet doesn't even know how to use "Conqueror's Coating." His draw with Rayleigh back then might have just been a story of an old man teasing a child. But when Festa took it seriously, it became an "accident."

Festa responded to Shining with a knowing smile.

"Shining, in order to avoid the brunt of Bondrewd's attack, you've already moved your base to Heaven's Gate Town. Don't you want to solve the problem once and for all?"

Shining leaned back against the sofa, placing her hands behind her head.

Should I avoid his sharp edge?

Shining looked at Festa with a nonchalant air.

"That's because he runs fast—what can you do about it?"

With that, 'Sephiroth' activated his Mind Reading.

Whether in Babylon, the Titans, or the Shining Studio in Water 7, wherever there was Reception Room, Sephiroth secretly installed Brain Waves receiving aids on the chairs.

Brain Waves signals are weak and decay rapidly. Normally, accurate Mind Reading is only possible through close contact. However, it is also possible with the assistance of equipment.

Festa, unaware that he was being Mind Reading, responded in a very persuasive tone.

"It's always been Bondrewd sets up the 'stage,' which allows him to move in and out with ease. So this time, why don't we create a 'home field' for him to participate in?"

Shining chimed in with a matching line.

"So what kind of 'bait' did you prepare?"

Festa flashed a confident smile.

"I've found a treasure left behind by 'Pirate King Roger.' Of course, it's not 'One Piece,' but it's very likely related to One Piece."

Festa had no intention of revealing that he had obtained the 'Laugh Tale Eternal Pose' from the belly of Sea Kings after the Sea Kings attack in 1502. He planned to keep it a secret until the right time to disclose it.

After the Roger Pirates disbanded, the crew members never mentioned Laugh Tale themselves, but the story of Roger discarding the Eternal Pose still circulated.

Therefore, Festa believes the pointer is real. And regardless of whether it's true or not, the mere possibility of it is enough to cause a huge uproar. Even the World Government dares not gamble on it.

With that thought in mind, Festa's lips curled into a smile, and he continued to explain his 'grand plan'.

"The world's greatest Festival Master, who disappeared for twenty years, has once again organized the 'Pirate Expo.' And—this time, the Earthshaker will be held at the 'Pirate King's Treasure Burial Site.' Even if Bondrewd isn't interested, his subordinates, such as Golden Lion, Red Count, and Bullet, will definitely be."

Shining tapped the sofa armrest with his fingers, sending sparks flying.

Sephiroth had basically pieced together this guy's thoughts based on his memories from his past life and the Mind Reading he had just experienced. However, he chose to proceed with the conversation according to the other party's expectations.

"So, what's in it for you?"

When asked this question, Festa's expression gradually became serious, and his voice deepened.

"To surpass Roger... I will prove, through 'shocking the world,' that I am the greatest 'Priest.'"

Festa was jealous of Roger, not because of his ability, but because of his achievements and influence.

Compared to the Great Pirate Era that Roger started before his death, Festa felt that he, as the 'Master of Rituals', had completely lost.

For more than two decades, waves of people with dreams have continued to flock to the sea, and envy has gradually grown rampant in Festa's heart.

And ending this boring era is, in Festa's opinion, the way to surpass Roger.

Shining shrugged. "If you want to 'surpass' Roger by 'doing something big,' why not cooperate with 'Bondrewd'?"

Indeed, from the perspective of 'alliance,' it's more normal for Festa to join 'Bondrewd'.

After hearing Shining's words, Festa's expression became conflicted, and he fell into a brief silence.

The Shining question was a real sore spot for him.

Now, aside from the truth about the 'One Piece,' which even the World Government has kept hidden for 800 years, Bondrewd's influence on the world surpasses that of Roger.

Festa wished he could take Li Mingqing's place. Every time he saw news about Bondrewd, he would scream inwardly, "That's exactly me!"

It can be said that Bondrewd's achievement is something that Festa has always dreamed of accomplishing.

Festa crossed his arms and pressed them against his forehead, then whispered.

"I hope that I can lead the 'event'... at the very least, be the planner and organizer... not a dispensable, marginal figure."

This statement was half true and half false. If he could join Road Island and become a veteran earlier, he would indeed consider it. However, Road Island did not begin to actively establish external connections until after the Gold City Incident in the autumn of 1519.

Festa, who was losing hope, has finally made up his mind to cooperate with Shining, the Strongest Shichibukai backed by the Pan-Titans Alliance.

"So, competitors are enemies? You're jealous of someone else's 'stage play' performance, and you want to team up with us for unfair competition?"

Shining's sarcastic remarks were quite blunt.

"Cough cough cough--cough hahahahaha--"

Festa coughed a few times, then burst into self-deprecating laughter. After his laughter stopped, he looked at Shining.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Shining, regardless of my motives, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hope to obtain the Titans' support in terms of resources, finances, and transportation. Let's get the 'Pirate Expo' ready as soon as possible."

Shining thought for a moment, snapped his Snap, and a spark of electricity flew out.

I agree.

Time passed.

About a month had passed since the start of Festa collaboration, and it was now March 1522.

Inside the Moon Research Institute, Seraphim Project Laboratory.

York stood in front of the incubation chamber, tilting his head to look at the 'thing' behind the glass. The incubation chamber was filled with a pale green liquid, and suspended in the liquid was a humanoid figure about 160 centimeters tall, with waist-length hair spread out in the liquid.

York was dressed casually today. Her long blonde hair was tied in Twin Tails, and she wore a white sleeveless top with the hem tied in a ribbon knot, revealing a section of her smooth midriff. She wore an orange short jacket over it, the hem only reaching mid-thigh. She paired it with low-waisted blue denim shorts with a white belt and black Doc Martens boots.

She looked at the incubation chamber and muttered to herself.

"No obvious characteristics. Can this still be considered a 'Seraphim'...?"

Inside the laboratory, the other Staff Member each performed their duties; half were Artificial Angel, and the other half were reliable Birka -system Tech-Priests.

Just then, the mechanical door on the side of the laboratory opened automatically. Sephiroth walked in, wearing a black functional suit, followed by 'Blackbeard PX-0', who was carrying a Silver Gray Metal Box.

All the Staff Member faced the entrance and bowed, pounding their chests in respect.

York immediately turned around, a silly grin spreading across his face.

"Lord Sephi ~!"

She took small, quick steps to Sephiroth and then crouched down.

"Seraphim 'Enkidu' is now available."

Facing York, who was squatting in front of him, Sephiroth looked straight ahead, directly at York's ample 'double-arc frontal armor'. Looking up, he could only see York's forehead across the mountain ridge line.

Sephiroth took a step back and shifted his gaze upwards before meeting York's round, large face.

"Very good. Let's prepare for launch now."

This is Sephiroth's third visit to the moon this month. On the previous two visits, York reported that the Seraphim nearing completion. Each time the two were in close contact, Sephiroth would carefully Mind Reading to confirm that York had not tampered with the Seraphim.

Today is the scheduled launch date.

"Okay~!"

York stood up and walked to the main Control Console. Her fingers slid rapidly across the touchscreen as she muttered A String technical terms. Her assistants around her were also busy at their respective Control Console.

Sephiroth sat in the ergonomic chair next to him, watching the green liquid in the culture chamber slowly recede. As the liquid level dropped, first the top of his head emerged, then his forehead, eyes, nose, and mouth.

A cool, aloof face. She appears to be an androgynous beauty, but leans more towards femininity. Her skin is fair, her features delicate yet not overly striking, exuding an ethereal, otherworldly aura. Her waist-length, emerald-green hair cascades from the liquid, clinging to her cheeks and shoulders. She has no wings on her back.

However, judging from the configuration of his 'natural equipment', he is undoubtedly a male.

Because its appearance is 70% similar to "Enkidu" from "FGO", Sephiroth named this "Seraphim" "Enkidu".

York pressed the last button. The glass dome of the culture chamber slid open to the sides.

Enkidu opened his eyes. His light blue pupils were clear and calm. He didn't look around blankly like a newborn, nor did he panic. He stood quietly in the incubation chamber, his gaze sweeping across the laboratory before finally settling on Sephiroth and York.

Enkidu stepped out of the incubation chamber, his bare feet touching the cold metal floor.

A Maid -type Artificial Angel waiting next to the incubation chamber immediately dressed him in a large white robe, leaving Enkidu his head, hands, and feet exposed, while his waist-length emerald hair flowed down his back.

Enkidu walked barefoot to York and Sephiroth.

"Enkidu, how are you feeling?"

As York inquired, he also wondered—while it was understandable from the perspective of 'concealment,' what did Lord Sephi intend to do with this 'incomplete' Seraphim?

Enkidu nodded expressionlessly.

"No abnormalities found in the body."

He doesn't look like a 'Seraphim' at all.

Seraphim are special 'Clones' life forms created based on the 'Lunarian'. They possess racial characteristics and can use racial abilities.

The Lunarian is characterized by dark brown skin, white hair, and black wings. Flames can emerge from their backs. While the flames are present, their defense is greatly enhanced. When the flames disappear, their speed increases significantly, but their defense decreases accordingly.

As per Sephiroth's request, York made all of Enkidu's Lunarian features invisible. This resulted in Enkidu being weaker than a normal Seraphim in this aspect.

Of course, York could understand it, after all, this was Vegapunk's top-secret research, and the appearance of additional normal Seraphim would definitely greatly provoke the World Government.

While York scratched his head, Enkidu looked at Sephiroth.

"Sir Enkidu, reporting for duty."

Sephiroth looked at Enkidu in front of him, his feelings somewhat complicated.

"Very good, from today onwards, you are my... subordinate."

York originally intended for Enkidu to address Sephiroth as "Master." After Sephiroth found out, he made York change it to "Commander," otherwise it would sound too awkward.

From a genetic perspective, Sephiroth is Enkidu's grandfather, while Kozuki Hiyori is his grandmother.

The Y chromosome always comes from the father, but the X chromosome comes from both parents.

Therefore, even though 'Kozuki Hiyori' provides an X chromosome, she still has some 'Kozuki Family' bloodline.

The Kozuki Family bloodline is indeed something special. For example, 'Kozuki Momonosuke', even without any training, just by growing into adulthood, his strength on paper is at the level of Vice Admiral.

Although 'Kozuki Hiyori' itself does not exhibit this quality, its descendants may possess this potential.

The other two groups are from 'Blackbeard' and 'Jin'.

From a genetic perspective, Enkidu's maternal grandfather was 'Rocks', and his maternal grandmother was 'Jin's mother'.

The genes from these four sources were selected and recombinated by York, ultimately resulting in the creation of Enkidu.

Overall, the current 'Enkidu' possesses three special bloodlines: 'Kozuki, David, and Lunaria'.

The part that originated from Sephiroth is the 'Mythical Zoan Lineage Factor'.

York was originally in 'Egghead' and, when he was in 'Punk Records', he also knew about the characteristics of 'Great Angel Lineage Factor'.

It is impossible to create 'Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit' or to clone them, making it just as troublesome as 'Logia' fruits.

However, York now frequently obtains Sephiroth's Lineage Factor. After researching them, he discovered a new phenomenon: if these factors are used in normal 'life construction,' they can properly utilize the basic characteristics of Mythical Zoan.

"Then, Enkidu, eat this."

Sephiroth stood up from his chair and glanced at Blackbeard PX-0. The Metal Box in PX-0's hand floated up and hovered in front of Enkidu. The lid opened automatically, revealing the Devil Fruit inside.

York watched the fruit from the side, and roughly guessed Sephiroth's thoughts. He thought to himself, 'No wonder Enkidu didn't even do the Green Blood implantation modification. So he was going to eat Devil Fruit.'

Seraphim not 'inanimate objects', but 'living beings', capable of using 'Green Blood'. Of course, they can also eat Devil Fruit. However, they can only choose between 'Green Blood' and 'Devil Fruit'.

Enkidu picked up the fruit without hesitation and took a bite. His expression didn't change, as if he couldn't taste it at all, and he ate the whole fruit in a few bites.

York couldn't help but ask.

What kind of fruit is this?

Sephiroth did not answer directly, but instead gave an order to Enkidu.

"Touching PX-0's hand, then transforming into him."

Enkidu walked up to PX-0, extended his right hand, and touched the back of PX-0's hand with his fingertips.

In that instant, Enkidu's features began to change. His height stretched from 160 centimeters to over three meters, his shoulders broadened, his waist thickened, and his skin changed from fair to dark brown. His white robe, very 'Supernatural,' transformed into the style of a black military Coat.

In just a few seconds, Enkidu had completely transformed into Blackbeard.

York was startled. What she found even more unbelievable was that flame-like black mist was emanating from Enkidu's hands.

"--Dark -Dark-Dark Fruit!?"

York's eyes widened.

"No, it's Copy-Copy Fruit."

Sephiroth's lips curved into a smile.

The characteristics of the Copy-Copy Fruit are too obvious, and there's no point in hiding it from York; in fact, it would easily cause him to lose loyalty.

Through multiple Mind Reading, Sephiroth was able to confirm that he now held supreme Control Authority over Enkidu.

From now on, whenever there's a major overhaul of Enkidu, Sephiroth will be present to participate and Mind Reading simultaneously. This way, he won't have to worry about York making any underhanded moves.

That evening.

The Moon Temple Inner Court, Hiyori's Personal Residence.

This is a traditional Japanese-style house. It has a wooden structure, paper sliding doors, and tatami flooring.

The interior is luxuriously decorated, resembling a modernized version of the residence of an ancient Japanese Princess.

Hidden LED strips are embedded in the walls, and there is a ventilation system on the ceiling.

Hiyori sat quietly in the tatami-floored room. She was dressed in a red and white Miko, her long emerald hair styled in a traditional Japanese updo, adorned with a Pink flower headdress. In front of her was a low tea table, on which sat tea utensils and several plates of sweets.

Across from her sat a Maid -type Artificial Angel, whisking matcha with a tea whisk. Fine bubbles rose to the surface of the tea in the bowl. Hiyori's expression was calm; she sat upright with her hands resting on her knees.

Then, her body tensed slightly.

Even though I couldn't see anyone, a warmth spread to my back. I could feel their breath near my ear. An invisible pair of arms encircled my waist.

Hiyori didn't turn around. After all, it wasn't the first time; she realized that Sephiroth had come looking for her in Invisibility.

"... King Mara."

Hiyori's voice was cold and slightly cloying, and she struggled a few times as if on cue.

Are you... going to do this again?

Sephiroth's voice came to my ears.

"You deserve some credit for today's achievements."

Hiyori frowned, not understanding what it meant. She was about to ask when an invisible kiss silenced her.

A warm touch came from her lips, but she couldn't see anyone. The only sound in the air was the slightly distorted shape of her own lips.

The Maid- like Artificial Angel stood up, picked up her teacup, and silently left the room. The paper sliding door closed behind her.

Hiyori's shoulders were pressed onto the tatami mat. The sleeves of her red and white Miko were spread out, and her emerald-colored hair was close to the ground.

Her breathing became rapid, but she maintained her stern expression. However, fox ears popped out of her head as if to cooperate.

"--Ugh."

Hiyori's fingers gripped the edge of the tatami mat tightly. Her body arched slightly under the unseen touch.

A fox's tail peeked out from under the red Hakama, curving and sweeping across the tatami mat.

Outside the paper sliding door, artificial moonlight quietly spilled onto the wooden floor of the corridor.

Inside the paper sliding door, Hiyori, all alone, strikes various poses.

In late October, I was busy with work.

I tested positive again these past few days and am now resting.