Chapter 314: Vearth

Vegapunk and Kuma froze, then their mouths opened wide in sudden realization.

For Vegapunk, Kuma's origins were of little concern, but through their brief interaction, it was clear that Kuma had some connection with Wright.

The Lightforged Beacon was classified information, known only to a select few within Marine Headquarters. Kuma couldn't possibly have known about it, which meant he hadn't considered any relationship between Wright and Vegapunk.

If Kuma was an ally, combined with his self-sacrifice to thwart the World Government's human gigantification project, it earned Vegapunk's admiration—even if Kuma had approached him with another motive in mind.

Now, it seemed that Kuma's intentions largely aligned with some of Wright's original ideas.

It was only natural for Wright to lend a hand.

Kuma had initially thought that approaching Vegapunk to convey a certain ideology would be enough to fulfill his mission, sacrificing himself in the process without hesitation.

He was well aware of what a scientist of Vegapunk's caliber could do to change the world.

What he hadn't expected was that Wright—the most exceptional admiral—was the one overseeing Vegapunk's affairs. Their relationship seemed far from just official.

Moreover, from Wright's words, Kuma gleaned a deeper connection between the admiral and himself—or rather, their shared organization. It was enough to set Kuma's mind racing.

Admiral Wright had nearly completed the mission Kuma was willing to give his life for.

If Wright was offering his help… did that mean there was still a chance to reunite with his comrades?

"The Lineage Factor technology—used for life modification and replication—has been explored by Germa for years. Though they've ceased production, their research remains."

Wright explained his plan to Kuma and Vegapunk:

"Using that technology, we can create copies of Kuma for modification experiments. As for losing self-awareness—without memory imprints, the clones would have no consciousness at all."

"The cloning process takes years, but with Dr. Vegapunk's expertise, I believe that's no obstacle."

"Hmm… this method is feasible."

Vegapunk pondered before nodding.

"The technology itself is neither good nor evil. I've heard of Germa's clone army, but if we use it for experimental assistance—augmented with mechanical artificial intelligence—the efficiency could be astonishing."

"It would prevent sacrifices and accelerate progress. The timeline wouldn't matter; we only need part of the technology, not the whole process."

Wright nodded, then turned to the silent Kuma.

"However, some modifications will still need to be made to your body—for camouflage purposes. It won't touch your core, only surface details."

"When the project is complete, you won't lose your self-awareness as planned… but that will depend on your acting skills."

"..."

Kuma sighed softly.

"Admiral Wright… I truly regret not meeting you years earlier."

"If only you weren't a Marine…"

"I must be a Marine."

Wright shook his head.

"The Marines are merely a tool of the World Government. Tools should have no morality—but the Marines do, even if their masters disapprove."

"World peace, right?"

Kuma and Vegapunk chuckled together.

"World peace!"

...

The Raijin descended upon the boundless Vearth.

The hatch opened, and Enel stepped down, golden staff in hand.

"This… is the realm of gods—Vearth!"

Enel spread his arms wide, gazing upon the vast, empty land.

"Yahaha… the god has returned at last!"

His laughter echoed across the barren expanse, gradually calming him.

"There's nothing here… has the divine realm been destroyed?"

"Crater marks everywhere… was there a great war?"

Unleashing his Observation Haki, the terrifying range of his Mantra spread out. Enel made a discovery.

"Lifeforms… survivors of the gods?"

A cruel grin appeared on his face.

"If I eliminate them… I shall become the King of Gods!"

Rushing toward the signs of life, Enel observed the surroundings.

"So many blast marks… some quite recent!"

"Could the divine war have raged on for centuries?"

Excitement surged within him as he transformed into lightning, speeding toward his destination.

"What… are these?"

Before him lay a technological outpost—mechanical constructs, excavation machines, and airships scattered across the landscape.

A small settlement stood further ahead.

Operating the machines were strange creatures—some humanoid, others bearing obvious animal traits. Many carried weapons.

"Pirate flags?"

The black-and-white jolly roger insignias puzzled Enel.

"This… is not a land of gods? They look like pirates!"

The old Enel would have charged in without hesitation—what god fears anyone?

But after witnessing the pirates and Marines of the Blue Sea, Enel had learned caution.

"Zzzzt—"

A lone, unlucky creature collapsed under a bolt of lightning, twitching on the ground.

Dragging his victim aside, Enel prepared to interrogate him.

Before he could begin, a thunderous explosion rocked the town's outskirts—

"Boom—"

A blazing fireball erupted, sending dust and debris into the sky.

"!!"

Enel's first reaction was surprise—then fury.

"How dare they destroy my divine domain?!"

By Enel's logic, if these beings were not gods, they were mere sinners. And as the only god present, this land was his domain.

They had committed blasphemy.

"Sinners! Receive divine judgment!"

Abandoning his prisoner, Enel ascended into the air, lightning crackling around him.

"Ten Thousand Thunderbolts!"

After his training on Raijin Island, Enel's mastery of the Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit) had reached a new level. The torrential lightning storm that once required the island's natural conditions could now be summoned by his own power alone.

Screams echoed as the strange creatures fell, utterly helpless.

Surveying the charred town, Enel scratched his head.

"Maybe I overdid it… but why are they so weak?"

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