### **Chapter 108**
Vegapunk's **words** carried undeniable **credibility.**
After all, **Kaido** had been **captured multiple times**, giving the World Government ample opportunities to **extract** his **bloodline factor.**
Yet, in the **manga's finale**, the **only clones** Vegapunk successfully produced were **Seraphim**, based on the **Seven Warlords of the Sea.**
And then there was **Big Mom**—a **monstrous talent** in her own right.
The **Navy** had fought her countless times, surely **collecting** blood samples.
Carl **refused to believe** the **World Government** hadn't **attempted** cloning her.
The **fact** that no **Big Mom clones** appeared later could only mean one thing—
**They failed.**
---
As for the others…
**Shanks**, the youngest of the **Four Emperors**, was naturally gifted.
And then there was **Whitebeard.**
Whitebeard's **strength** was undeniable.
But in terms of **raw physical ability** or **racial talent**, Carl figured he might have been the **least formidable** of the Four Emperors.
If Whitebeard's **bloodline factor** was **weaker** than Kaido's, it would explain why **cloning him** might have been **easier.**
Especially after Vegapunk's earlier comment—
That even if a **clone** was successfully created, the result might be a **low IQ, completely different person.**
Carl's mind immediately drifted to one person—
**Weevil.**
Miss Buckin **always claimed** that Weevil was Whitebeard's **son**, calling him **Whitebeard II.**
But Carl suspected something far more **sinister.**
What if Weevil wasn't Whitebeard's **biological son**, but rather…
**His clone?**
Miss Buckin had been a former **MADS scientist** before later **joining the Rocks Pirates.**
She had spent **years** by Whitebeard's side, making it **all too easy** for her to obtain his **bloodline factor.**
Perhaps she had even obtained his **essence** directly.
But unlike Vegapunk—who had **never captured** Whitebeard—Miss Buckin had the **means, the knowledge, and the motive.**
If she had created Weevil using **her own twisted experiments**, it would explain everything.
From this perspective, Vegapunk's **statements** made sense.
For now, Carl set aside his **murderous intent.**
Vegapunk had **no idea** how close he had just come to **dying.**
---
Since Carl was already in the **lab**, he decided to **inspect the instruments.**
After glancing at the **displayed data**, he **nodded.**
"All of **Stussy's vitals** are normal," he noted.
"You can wake her up if you want."
Carl then asked, "You mentioned she's been in there since she was a **child.**
If she wakes up now, won't her **IQ** be like a **child's** as well?"
Vegapunk shook his head.
"No.
There's a special **device** that regularly **transmits knowledge** to her brain.
Her **IQ is higher than most adults'.**
She's perfectly **capable** of assisting me."
As he spoke, Vegapunk **pressed a button.**
A **hood-like device** with **numerous tubes** lowered onto the **containment pod**—
This was the **device** he had mentioned.
Carl watched in **silent admiration.**
Vegapunk's **scientific genius** was truly **unmatched.**
Still, he remarked,
"Isn't it a **waste** to use such a **valuable creation** as just an **assistant?**"
Vegapunk hesitated.
"Well… Actually, **Saint Saturn** wanted her to join **CP0.**
She possesses not only **high intelligence** but also **significant combat ability.**"
Carl's eyes narrowed.
"And **you agreed?**"
Vegapunk **forced a wry smile.**
"It was **Saint Saturn's decision.** I had **no choice.**"
Carl turned fully to face Vegapunk, **smiling slyly.**
"Really?
I don't believe you'd **give in** so easily.
Didn't you… **do something to her?**"
Vegapunk's expression **stiffened.**
He hesitated before responding,
"N-No, Carl… What exactly **are you accusing me of?**"
Carl chuckled.
"Let me guess…
You ensured that she would **subconsciously prioritize you**, didn't you?"
Vegapunk's massive forehead **beaded with sweat.**
Carl stepped closer, resting a **hand** on his **shoulder.**
"Vegapunk… You're not being entirely honest.
If you let her **infiltrate CP0**,
It would be **far too easy** for you to gather **secrets** from the **World Government**, wouldn't it?"
A **heavy pressure** filled the room.
Vegapunk **began trembling.**
Carl's tone remained calm, but there was an unmistakable **edge** to his voice.
"You're a **scientist**, and I respect your **brilliance.**
But some **things** are too **dangerous** to know.
It would be a **pity** if your **curiosity** cost you your **life.**
Even if you **don't** care about yourself…
Think of your **hometown.**
Do you understand?"
Vegapunk **gritted his teeth** and nodded.
"I… I understand.
I'll tell **Saint Saturn** not to let Stussy **join CP0.**"
Carl's smirk widened.
"No.
She's actually an **excellent candidate** for espionage.
Just change **who she's loyal to.**"
Vegapunk blinked.
"You… want her to be **loyal to the World Government?**"
Carl shook his head.
"She's **loyal to too many already.**
Let's **simplify it.**
Make her **loyal to me.**
Can you do that?"
Vegapunk hesitated.
Then, after a long pause—
"…Yes."
---
Satisfied, Carl's **gaze shifted to Caesar.**
The scientist had **remained silent**, still covering his **mouth** in fear.
Carl spoke lightly,
"You heard all that, didn't you?
You know how to **modify** the instructions?"
Caesar **nodded vigorously.**
Carl continued,
"You'll oversee **Vegapunk** during this task.
If the results **satisfy me**,
I'll arrange for **Saint Saturn** to allocate more **research funds** for you.
And…
I'll give you **greater responsibilities** within the **institute.**"
Caesar's **eyes gleamed** with excitement.
Meanwhile, Vegapunk's face was **grim.**
He couldn't fathom how Carl had **uncovered his secret.**
Even **Saturn** didn't know.
And yet…
Carl knew **far more** than expected.
---
Carl wasn't done yet.
He turned back to **Vegapunk.**
"I also want you to **implant a chip** in Stussy."
Vegapunk's eyes widened.
"A chip?"
Carl nodded.
"Let's call it the **'authoritarian chip.'**
Its function is simple—
Set **me** as the **only authority.**
That shouldn't be **too difficult**, right?"
Vegapunk, now **utterly defeated**, nodded stiffly.
Finally, Carl was **satisfied.**
---
After giving **Caesar** a few more **instructions** to monitor the research,
Carl exited the **laboratory.**
As he passed by **Vegapunk**, he smiled and said,
"Come on… **Check my body.**
There are some things I **need to know.**"
---
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