Chapter 163: Scientists

Chapter 163: Scientists

"Oh? Really?"

Charlotte's voice carried a hint of mockery as he glanced at the artificial fruit in his hand before tucking it away.

The Seven Star Sword appeared in his hand, and he walked toward Caesar Clown, who was trembling in Wolfe's grip.

"What's your name?" Charlotte asked, pressing the blade against Caesar's neck.

"C-Caesar Clown!" Caesar stammered, his voice trembling as he felt the cold steel against his skin.

"And what value do you have? If you're useless, I'll kill you," Charlotte said flatly, his tone dripping with menace.

"My lord, I'm a scientist! Don't underestimate me because of my age. I'm just as smart as Vegapunk! I can definitely be of use to you!" Caesar's knees buckled, and he knelt on the ground, looking up at Charlotte in terror.

"Oh? What can you do?" Charlotte asked, retracting the sword slightly but keeping a close eye on Caesar.

Feeling the pressure lessen, Caesar exhaled shakily, trying to gather his thoughts.

"I... I... I can create artificial Devil Fruits! Yes, I can create artificial Devil Fruits!" Caesar blurted out, his voice desperate.

"You're not lying to me, are you?" Charlotte's sharp gaze bored into Caesar.

In truth, Charlotte already knew Caesar Clown's potential, but the Caesar before him was still young, likely in his teens. It was hard to imagine this inexperienced youth creating artificial Devil Fruits.

"No, I swear! Just give me five years, and I'll create an artificial Devil Fruit for you!" Caesar promised, his tone frantic.

Charlotte stared at Caesar for a long moment before breaking into a smile.

"Welcome to the Rockefeller Pirates," he said, signaling Wolfe to release him.

"Phew!" Caesar let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging.

"The Rockefeller Pirates..." he muttered to himself. As realization dawned, his face turned pale.

Though young, Caesar had read enough newspapers to recognize the name of the infamous Rockefeller Pirates. The thought of escape vanished as he realized who stood before him—the Bloody Swordsman, Rockefeller Charlotte.

Charlotte noticed Caesar's expression and chuckled. "Ah, so you've figured it out."

Caesar nodded meekly, his fear evident.

Charlotte turned away, carrying a stack of documents as his crew rounded up several other scientists from nearby rooms.

The scientists didn't seem to know what was happening; some had continued their experiments until the crew burst in.

Charlotte inspected the group and noticed a familiar figure among them.

The man was tall, with long blond hair, a metal helmet on his head, and a serious expression. A sharp black beard pointed diagonally upward, complemented by a small mustache on his chin.

Charlotte immediately recognized him: Vinsmoke Judge, the king of the Germa Kingdom and Sanji's father in the original story. Judge was a scientist and a former member of the MADS research team.

At the sight of Charlotte, Judge's pupils contracted in alarm.

Charlotte smiled knowingly.

"These are the ones you found?" Charlotte asked, turning to Carter.

"Yes, Captain. These were the only scientists in the surrounding rooms. They didn't seem to know what was happening. One even tried to resist but was quickly subdued. However, one person escaped—a user of the Ancient Zoan: Brachiosaurus Fruit. I was careless and let him slip away," Carter explained.

"Brachiosaurus?" Charlotte mused, touching his chin. If his guess was correct, the escapee was likely Quinn the Plague.

"Well, no matter. Put these scientists on the ship. They'll serve us now," Charlotte ordered with a wave of his hand.

Judge's expression darkened, and his heart sank. When Carter had broken in earlier, Judge had tried to fight back but was easily overpowered.

Charlotte's crew herded the captured scientists onto the ship while Charlotte continued deeper into the facility.

"Keep an eye on them! Let's find Vegapunk," Charlotte instructed.

The crew nodded, knowing full well that Vegapunk was the primary target of this mission. His reputation as the world's smartest man preceded him.

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Barrett led the way, clearing blockades with his Fusion Fruit abilities. The base's defenses had slowed their progress, but Charlotte remained undeterred.

Finally, they reached the last laboratory.

The scene was chaotic—papers scattered, equipment overturned, and personnel scrambling. World Government agents and scientists in white coats froze as Charlotte and his crew burst in.

The agents exchanged nervous glances before drawing their pistols.

They opened fire, but Charlotte merely tilted his head, dodging the bullets with ease.

Smiling coldly, Charlotte unsheathed his sword. With swift, precise movements, he dispatched the agents, leaving only the terrified scientists standing.

"Congratulations," Charlotte said, his voice dripping with mockery. "You've been recruited."

The scientists stared at him, their faces pale. To them, Charlotte's smile was more terrifying than any blade.

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