The pirates had retreated, but the Marines had not left.
Egghead Island had been discovered, and the World Government now had only two options-
Move somewhere else again and rebuild the Science Team's research base, or strengthen Egghead Island's defenses.
Whichever option they chose, though, they could not leave anytime soon, because no one knew when those pirates might double back and attack.
As Egghead Island's chief administrator and the only scientist currently remaining there, Vegapunk naturally had to discuss the arrangements with the Marines. As for the two Five Elders, they had long since fled back to Saint Mary Geoise as though escaping the plague.
"Sorry for the wait."
After finishing his discussion with the Marines, Vegapunk returned to the top-floor laboratory in Punk Records with his "Wisdom" satellite, Pythagoras, and his "Thinking" satellite, Edison.
"I've discussed it with the World Government. Considering that we'd be more vulnerable to attack during a move, we've decided to have the Science Team remain on Egghead Island to continue their research. They'll send all the scientists who evacuated back here before long."
After briefly explaining the World Government's arrangements to Xie Wen, Vegapunk immediately made his request. "So, during this time, could we trouble Little Klee to help us continue optimizing the Mother Carmel Flame? In exchange, we can give you access to all of Egghead Island's research materials. Also... I can give you a Devil Fruit, too. Not an artificial one."
"...Why?"
Xie Wen could understand it if this was merely sharing technology. After all, Vegapunk did not guard his technology all that closely. But offering him a Devil Fruit outright seemed a little too eager.
Especially since Devil Fruit prices had been steadily rising lately.
Vegapunk did not immediately answer Xie Wen's question. Instead, he glanced at the cats nestled