After navigating through numerous corridors, we finally reached the core of the institute. There weren't many researchers here, but there were almost twice as many guards. Especially after I noticed Karl next to Kizaru, his gaze froze on Karl.
Upon entering the room, I saw a robot engrossed in a set of experimental equipment.
— "Doctor Vegapunk, I brought you what you requested."
— "Although I'm a clone of Vegapunk, it's better if you call me Pythagoras."
The robot turned, and Karl could see him fully. He had a mechanical headpiece, and the words "Smart" were written on his chest, with "PUNK04" on the left side.
Karl couldn't help but feel awed; could this be the technology that's 500 years ahead of its time? It's truly a bit magical. It always seemed like the technology of this world was chosen at random.
— "Here's the blood you asked for, is it enough?"
Kizaru placed the silver briefcase on the cluttered white laboratory table and opened it so Pythagoras could see the blood sample inside.
— "Wow! So much, it's enough! With this, the artificial Devil Fruit project will yield results soon! Hey! And who's this guy?"
Only then did Pythagoras notice Karl standing next to Kizaru, with a human-like expression of surprise in his eyes. It was hard to imagine a robot could make such an expression.
"This is Lieutenant Karl from the Navy Fleet Headquarters, and my adjutant. He is very grateful... well, he admires you!"
Pythagoras closed the briefcase, approached Karl, and looked him over from head to toe:
"Hello, I'm Pythagoras, one of Vegapunk's clones."
"Nice to meet you."
"Tell me, what did you want to talk about with me?"
Karl's face was serious. Speaking with an intelligent person is simple, so he just said:
"Doctor Pythagoras, I heard you developed the technology that allows 'objects' to eat Devil Fruits, is that correct?"
"Yes, that project is already mature. Do you want a weapon with power?"
Karl nodded:
"Yes, Doctor Pythagoras, do you have time to help me with this?"
Pythagoras glanced at Kizaru, and there was confusion on his face. He scratched his head with his mechanical hand and said:
"Well! This is truly awkward! I'd really like to help you with this, but I don't have extra Devil Fruits to make a weapon with power, so I'm sorry."
Karl was happy in his heart. Is there a chance? After all, a Devil Fruit isn't really a problem! We have one!
"Ahem, Doctor Pythagoras, I do have one."
Since the Crow Fruit is within the system space, Karl can't take it out directly. After all, he's a person who was searched. He can't just pull it out from, well, you know!
And if he suddenly presents it, what if Kizaru doesn't understand what's going on?
Kizaru looked at Karl oddly. If he remembers correctly, Karl bought the Holy Fruit of Light from a fruit stall. Where did another one come from? Since when are Devil Fruits so easy to come by?
"You have one! What type? Animal? Superman?"
Pythagoras seemed a bit surprised and expectant.
Karl scratched his head in confusion:
"Must be an animal! It seems like it's the Bird-Bird: Crow Form."
"Oh, so that's what it is! Well, I think I have a copy of the famous sword, made using an ancient smelting process. When you send the Devil Fruit, I can help you create a weapon with abilities.
Karl was astonished. Vegapunk—no, Pythagoras—was so forthcoming and helpful?
He thought he would need to negotiate terms before Pythagoras agreed to help him obtain a weapon with abilities, but he didn't expect to reach an agreement so easily, and for just a Devil Fruit, without even worrying about the knife itself.
— Well, that's great, thank you, Doctor Pythagoras, I hope it's not too much trouble for you!
Pythagoras shook his head:
— No problem, I recently had some new ideas about the conditions of ability transformation, and this is the perfect opportunity to test them.
Ah, so that's it, this round! This round is called a mutual leap forward.
— In that case, I will deliver the Devil Fruit to you as soon as possible. By the way, which famous sword copy is it?
Pythagoras didn't answer but turned and entered the room, and then the sound of rummaging was heard.
About three minutes later, Pythagoras came out holding a long stick that resembled a sword and looked worn.
— Here it is. Fifteen years ago, I was very interested in the cursed weapons of Kitetsu. Out of curiosity, I replicated one using a smelting process from ancient books, but it seems there is not much difference from an ordinary sword.
— Take a look, what do you think?
Curious, Karl took the worn copy of the first-generation Kitetsu from Pythagoras, held the handle, and slowly drew it.
The copy, made fifteen years ago, had a sheath and handle that were long worn out because they were never maintained, but the blade was still cold and emitted a chilling aura.
Based on the blade material alone, this copy is much better than the Karasuma we received earlier.
Kizaru, who had been watching for a while, reached for his chin and said:
"Hmm~ This sword looks very good! Even though it's very worn, the material is surprisingly durable!"
Kizaru, after all, is a Admiral, and his opinion naturally holds weight, indicating that this copy is truly significant.
Regardless, it's a copy made by the world's leading scientist, and it shouldn't be much different from the original.
"This really is a good sword! Then use it!"
Pythagoras gave a human-like smile:
"Well, consider it repurposing. Well, if you have nothing else, hurry up and go! I have many more projects to study!"
Kizaru shrugged and turned to leave. Karl reluctantly put down the first-generation Kitetsu copy, bid farewell to Pythagoras, and left the laboratory.
On the way back, Kizaru seemed to mention casually:
"Don't you have something you'd like to tell me?"
"Hahaha, are you talking about that Devil Fruit? I acquired it during my internship."
Kizaru nodded, deep in thought, and didn't ask any further questions. After all, it was just an ordinary animal-type fruit.
Upon returning to the ship, Karl headed straight to his room, took out the crow fruit, placed it in a box, and handed it to Kizaru.
"Admiral Kizaru, I would like you to give this to Pythagoras on my behalf."
"Indeed, what an adjutant!"
Kizaru muttered but nevertheless slowly took the box, went to the island, and handed it to a guard, casually mentioning that it was experimental material that Vegapunk wanted, and the guard solemnly accepted it.
Seeing this, Karl couldn't help but sigh:
"Kizaru's reputation is still useful!"