The sight left Sakazuki dazed for a moment...
Time had left its marks on Vegapunk, the same marks everyone eventually bore.
Only then did Sakazuki realize that nearly twenty years had passed since he had first met Vegapunk while arresting him...
I'm old enough to start calling myself an old man, too...
Then he shook his head with a smile.
"Then please make sure you get more rest."
"Oh, right. Where should we take this specimen?"
Behind Sakazuki, four soldiers carried a device that resembled a bed.
Inside lay Boa Hancock, now in a vegetative state.
"Take her to Research Institute One, to the Pacifista project team."
After speaking, Vegapunk walked over and looked through the glass atop the device.
"Hmm... she doesn't seem quite as impressive as you said."
"She's beautiful, certainly, but not enough to turn people to stone."
Sakazuki stepped over and opened the lid.
"That's because of the Seastone."
As he spoke, he removed the Seastone chains weighing her down.
Vegapunk's expression changed instantly, and he felt his body begin to act against his will...
"Put them back, quick!"
Sakazuki smiled and casually dropped the Seastone chains back onto her.
"How did that feel?"
Vegapunk's face was grave.
"Terrifying."
"I consider my willpower fairly strong."
"But that feeling of losing control..."
He sucked in a sharp breath.
"Still... you're quite something yourself."
"You showed no mercy."
Vegapunk shook his head as he examined Boa Hancock's limbs. They had been reattached, but were visibly twisted and ruined...
Sakazuki smiled without saying anything, then waved for the soldiers to carry her into Research Institute One.
Watching the soldiers carry Boa Hancock away, Vegapunk stood there with his brows tightly furrowed.
Sakazuki looked puzzled.
"What's wrong?"
Vegapunk shook his head.
"Nothing..."
"I just had a new idea."
"People have