The doctor paused for a moment, then understood what Roy meant.
"Well... theoretically, it's possible."
He thought for a moment,
"We can adjust gene expression sequences to suppress the expression of dominant physical traits."
At the same time, gene segments related to ability are preserved.
However, this requires a lot of experimentation and adjustments, which may slow down the research progress.
"Progress can be slow, but the direction must be correct."
Roy said firmly,
"Doctor, what I need is a perfect fusion--"
It retains the advantages of both bloodlines while eliminating all side effects and external changes.
Can you do it?
The doctor sensed Roy's determination and nodded solemnly:
"I understand, Captain Roy."
I will adjust my research direction and focus on the technical approach of 'ability preservation and appearance suppression'.
But this may take longer, and... require more experimental materials.
"Materials are not a problem."
Kaido interjected,
"I can continue to capture pirates to use as test subjects."
Roy is right, physical appearance doesn't matter, what matters is strength!
He looked at Roy, grinned,
"But Roy, you seem to care quite a bit about yourself."
So what if you have horns? I have horns too, don't I? It's so cool!
Roy gave a wry smile:
" Kaido, you are a born Oni, and horns are your racial characteristic."
But I don't want to turn myself into a half-human, half-ghost monster just by getting a bloodline transplant."
Roy paused, then said seriously,
"Doctor, I'm leaving this matter to you."
While we are away on campaign, please continue your research and find a perfect method for fusion.
Resources, materials, funds... just ask if you need anything, and Kaido and I will give you our full support.
The doctor bowed deeply:
"I will do my utmost, Captain Roy."
The three discussed some experimental details until late at night.
When Roy returned to his room, it was already past midnight.
He stood by the window, gazing at the night view of Onigashima outside, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
Bloodline Transplantation technology is indeed powerful, allowing people to gain tremendous strength in a short period of time.
However, the side effects are also obvious—changes in appearance, and even potential impacts on mental health.
"We must find the perfect method..."
Roy muttered to himself.
He didn't want to become someone he wouldn't recognize just for the sake of power.
Strength is important, but staying true to yourself is even more important.
That night, Roy tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
He didn't fall into a deep sleep until dawn.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gracia's laboratory was brightly lit.
This brilliant scientist has begun to adjust his research direction, searching for the path to "perfect fusion".
He knew this might be the most challenging and meaningful task of his career.
For the next two days, the Roy Pirates entered a state of intense preparation.
Weapon maintenance, supplies inventory, tactical drills... everyone is preparing for the upcoming battle.
Kaido's intelligence network is highly efficient.
The next day at noon, a detailed intelligence report about Hachinosu was delivered to Roy.
In the conference room, the core members of the Roy Pirates sat together, Stella projected intelligence information onto the screen.
"According to the latest intelligence, the situation on Hachinosu is currently even more... lax than we anticipated."
Stella pointed to the photos and maps on the screen:
" Ochoku was indeed indulging in pleasure, and more than 60% of the island's fortifications were abandoned."
The guards were also severely undertrained; many didn't even know how to use the outdated defensive weapons.
She retrieved another document:
"This is intelligence on Ochoku's key subordinates."
Besides Ochoku himself, there are three other adversaries on the island that need to be watched—"
Photos and information about three people appeared on the screen.
"The first one is ' Poison Scorpion ' Thatch, Zoan Devil Fruit User."
A bounty of 280 million Beli; Ochoku's deputy, responsible for the island's daily management.
"The second one is ' Iron Wall ' Barton, a master of Armament Haki, skilled in defense."
A bounty of 220 million Beli is offered for the defense of Hachinosu.
The third one is " Phantom " Rina, Paramecia Devil Fruit User.
Capable of creating realistic illusions, with a bounty of 190 million Beli, he is Ochoku's intelligence officer and assassin.
Roy carefully examined the files of the three men.
Thatch's Scorpion-Scorpion Fruit, Barton's defense, Rina's illusions... these are all minor characters.
It's much less of a threat than Ochoku's Strong-Strong Fruit.
What about the island's residents' attitude?
"Roy asked."
Stella pulled up several interview transcripts:
"We contacted several businessmen doing business on Hachinosu through underground channels."
They were generally dissatisfied with Ochoku's rule—taxes were too high, public security was too poor, and the business environment was terrible.
Many people have said they would be willing to support a more enlightened ruler.
She then pulled up another set of statistics:
Of the 50,000 permanent residents of Hachinosu, fewer than 3,000 are actually combat personnel.
The rest were mostly merchants, artisans, service personnel, and families of pirates.
If we minimize civilian casualties during the battle, we should be able to gain their support relatively quickly afterward.
Roy nodded.
Public opinion is very important.
If Hachinosu is to become the base of the Roy Pirates, it must gain the support of the island's residents.
What are Ochoku's own activity patterns?
"A grand banquet will be held on the 15th of every month; Mr. Kaido has already told us this."
Stella pulled up a schedule.
According to intelligence, Ochoku's daily routine is very fixed.
I get up at 10 a. m. and handle some simple tasks;
A small banquet was held at noon, with drinking and merrymaking.
Take a break in the afternoon or watch a gladiatorial combat performance;
The banquet continued into the night, and they usually didn't go to sleep until two or three in the morning.
She added:
Years of comfortable living had completely robbed Ochoku of his vigilance.
He only had eight bodyguards stationed around him, and they were of average strength.
Most of the guards were stationed on the outer perimeter, leaving the inner palace relatively weakly defended.
Bullet listened and scoffed dismissively:
"Does this guy even deserve to be called a former executive of the Rocks Pirates?"
Hawk Eyes said calmly:
"Comfort can erode a person's will, even a former strong person."
Tesoro is more concerned with practical issues:
Where is the treasure on the island?
"The Rocks Pirates have amassed so much wealth, Ochoku couldn't have spent it all?"
Stella pulled up a list:
"According to information provided by merchants, Ochoku built a huge underground vault deep within Hachinosu."
It houses treasures left over from the time of Rocks, as well as tax revenue from these years.
The exact number is unknown, but conservatively estimated, its value will not be less than 10 billion Beli.
"Ten billion?!" Tesoro's eyes widened in disbelief.
Crocodile, with a cigar in his mouth:
"Once we take Hachinosu, we'll have enough funds to expand our power."
The bear said gently:
"But that's assuming we can take it."
Kyros gripped the hilt of his sword tightly:
We can do it.
Roy looked at his companions, a complete plan forming in his mind.
He stood up and walked to the nautical chart:
"Three days later, on the 15th, when Ochoku is holding a grand banquet, we will launch a surprise attack on Hachinosu."
"Yes!"
Time flies.
On the morning of the third day, it was time to set off.
The Ark Maxim docked at Onigashima Port, and the members of the Roy Pirates boarded the ship one after another.
Kaido, accompanied by the top Beasts Pirates, came to see them off.
" Roy, I wish you all the best in your first battle!"
Kaido handed Roy a jar of sake.
"Once you take over Hachinosu, I'll personally come to celebrate your victory!"
Roy took the wine jar and drank it all in one gulp:
"Don't worry, you won't have to wait long."
The two hugged tightly.
"Remember, if you run into trouble, contact me immediately."
Kaido a low voice,
"My Beasts Pirates are ready to provide support at any time."
"Thanks, Kaido."
Roy said sincerely.
Roy climbed onto the deck and stood at the bow, gazing at Onigashima receding into the distance.
This expedition will mark the true beginning of the Roy Pirates in the New World.
Hachinosu, once the headquarters of the Rocks Pirates, is now Ochoku's comfortable haven.
Soon, it will have a new owner.
"Set off!"
Roy gave the order.
The engines of the Ark Maxim emitted a deep roar, the ship slowly rose into the air, changed direction, and flew towards Hachinosu.
The history of the New World is about to turn a new page.
Meanwhile, on Hachinosu, Ochoku was still preparing for tonight's banquet.
Completely unaware, death had already silently descended.