Chapter 348: Kuma and Blackbeard

"At last... it's complete. The ultimate human weapon—Codename PX-0!"

In the Marine Science Division's research facility, Dr. Vegapunk gazed at his latest masterpiece, letting out a deep sigh.

"Kuma, with your clones, I no longer need to erase your consciousness entirely to complete my research. But your actions at the Sabaody Archipelago have put you in a precarious position."

"Orders from above dictate that you must become a weapon—one that follows commands without question. You understand what this means."

"Of course, Doctor."

Kuma spoke. Though he had undergone extensive mechanical modifications, the advanced cloning technology of Germa and Vegapunk's refinements meant that his modifications were mostly external and non-critical. His mind—his true self—remained untouched.

"Then, as per Admiral Wright's proposal, let's proceed with installing the restrictions on my consciousness."

Kuma smiled faintly, a rare show of resignation.

"The events at Sabaody must happen as planned. Even if they hadn't, the World Government would never have allowed me to exist without 'restraints'—not after being transformed into such a powerful 'human weapon.'"

"I've already seen the practical combat performance of the PX-series prototypes. They're indeed formidable. This only raises your importance, Doctor."

Vegapunk chuckled bitterly, mocking himself.

"Importance? Compared to the world-shattering power of war machines, what I truly wish to develop are technologies that benefit humanity. Unfortunately, that's simply not possible under the current regime."

"The World Government must have realized how unreliable the Seven Warlords of the Sea have become. The top priority for their new weapons is 'obedience.'"

"A completely loyal 'weapon'—your body combined with Borsalino's offensive capabilities... Heh, now that should make them happy."

"But, Doctor, the existence of such weapons could be both an asset and a liability for the Marines."

Kuma glanced at the row of 'human weapons' that were identical to himself, shaking his head slightly.

"Ultimately, weapons still need operators. And the World Government does not fully trust the Marines either. They won't allow the Navy's strength to grow beyond their control."

"In other words, the combined power of the Seven Warlords and the Navy is the upper limit of what the World Government will tolerate."

"For now, these 'human weapons' won't be enough to shift the balance of power, Kuma."

Vegapunk removed his gloves, picked up a cup of hot tea, and took a sip.

"What the World Government truly desires are Warlord-level 'weapons'—not ones that can be taken down by mere Supernova pirates, even if they have the advantage of numbers."

"The cost of manufacturing a single Pacifista is comparable to that of a battleship, yet their combat effectiveness isn't significantly superior. They're just more versatile."

The test data collected by Sentomaru and the Pacifista units at Sabaody Archipelago had left Vegapunk somewhat dissatisfied.

"Reaching the point where they can replace the Warlords will take a lot more work. For now, there's no immediate cause for concern."

"I see."

Kuma nodded slightly. "The mandatory summons for the Warlords has already been issued. That means I must participate... in a 'mindless' state."

"Think of consciousness like an ocean. Normally, the mind exists at the surface, creating waves based on thoughts and emotions."

Vegapunk patted Kuma's massive frame.

"Your modifications incorporate Judge's cloning technology, Dr. Tsukimi's mechanical intelligence systems, and my own innovations to create a 'simulated personality.'"

"Your primary consciousness will remain submerged beneath the surface, observing as a bystander while your mechanical programming controls your body. However, at any time, your true self can subtly influence the machine's behavior from below."

"In fact, you can reclaim control of your body whenever you choose. Think of it as... hmm... sleepwalking, but still being able to react to external stimuli. And when you decide to wake up, you can do so instantly. Likewise, you can return to 'sleep' at will."

"I see... Thank you, Doctor. This means I'll still have the chance to witness the events I wish to see."

For a long moment, Kuma was silent. His ever-gentle voice now carried an unmistakable trace of emotion.

"This war... I will witness it with my own eyes."

"Committing atrocities was never my desire. What difference would there be between me and a murderer otherwise...?"

Vegapunk set down his tea, sighing deeply before letting out a relieved chuckle.

"Thanks to Admiral Wright's intervention, I managed to develop this technology before the Government lost patience. That's your fortune, and mine as well, Kuma."

"Now, it's time to head to Marineford. This war will be a crucial turning point for everything to come."

"Of course. I will observe carefully—from an absolutely 'neutral' standpoint."

...

"Zehahaha... Everything is going too smoothly..."

Marshall D. Teach—now officially a Warlord of the Sea—was en route to Marineford with his crew.

Aokiji had been swift in delivering the message, and Blackbeard was not one to hesitate. The summons was given, and he accepted it without delay, allowing Aokiji to return to his nap without further concern.

"Captain, I can't shake this strange feeling..."

Lafitte, usually brimming with confidence, seemed oddly apprehensive.

"It's just too smooth. Something feels off. This war is of an unprecedented scale, yet from capturing Marco and his men to the execution tomorrow—everything has progressed in mere days."

"The Navy is already fully prepared. It's as if they had anticipated this confrontation with the Whitebeard Pirates and planned accordingly."

"Zehahaha! Of course they did! Whitebeard's terrifying strength and influence were always going to be an obstacle. If the Navy can't eliminate him, they can forget about maintaining control over the seas!"

Standing at the front of his raft, Blackbeard no longer looked like an ordinary pirate. Now wearing a captain's hat, a grand black coat, and adorned with gold chains and rings, he looked every bit the newly minted Warlord.

A gaudy display of sudden wealth.

"I lived through the era of Sengoku and Whitebeard! That so-called Fleet Admiral was once a hot-headed, iron-fisted Admiral!"

"Zehahaha... A clash between the Navy and Whitebeard was inevitable! We're simply seizing the perfect opportunity amidst the chaos!"

"Smooth? Of course, it's smooth! The Straw Hat took down Moria, I happened to run into him afterward, and the Navy needed a bargaining chip to provoke Whitebeard!"

"Everything is falling into place! This is the beginning of my era!"

"Zehahahaha!"

-------

Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my Patreon ——— patreon(.)com/JuanPiece [remove the parenthesis ( )]

Note: This fanfic has been completely translated and is available on my Patreon.