Emboar’s existence seemed to have awakened Caesar in the Science Division. The previous experiments on the Ancient Giants were not simple cloning but rather involved Gigantification modifications on human bodies.
However, during the modification process, most of them lost their sanity. There has been an ongoing debate within the Science Division as to whether they lean more towards humanoid or beast form. Vegapunk never provided a definitive answer to this matter, making it difficult for them to convince each other.
This is also why some of the current Ancient Giant’s test subjects resemble humans while others resemble wild beasts.
And Emboar, being a “successful case,” proved it all. Caesar’s mad experiments, his secret experiments within MADS, were undoubtedly illegal. However, when they were incorporated into the World Government, everything changed.
Let’s not talk about legality; the test subjects they needed were all provided by the World Government. However, in most cases, animal experiments not only failed to yield results but made things even worse.
Caesar didn’t believe his skills were inferior to Queen. He firmly believed the issue lay with the test subjects. Whether it was boars, monkeys, or animal and human hybrids, Caesar’s experiments made no progress.
So, not too long ago, while pondering, he thought of the rare Mink race. In his view, Minks were the perfect combination of human and animal, and just what he needed.
Initially, his test subjects were all provided by the World Government, whether prisoners or slaves; he had a virtually unlimited supply. But Minks were an exception; they were too rare, virtually impossible to find in the outside world.
However, this was not Caesar’s concern. He merely presented his requirement, and for the success of his experiments, the World Government specially dispatched a ship to search for Zou Island.
Even though Minks couldn’t be found in the outside world by themselves, Vivre Cards pointing to Zou Island could still be found. They were confiscated from captured Minks in the past. Vivre Cards don’t easily disappear, so they were passed down.
With the World Government’s resources, finding this wasn’t challenging. As for why they didn’t fly their flag, it’s because the World Government’s flag had little impact in the New World.
It holds significant deterrence power within the Four Seas, but to those lawless individuals in the New World, it’s not a deterrent; it’s an opportunity for fame. Stealing their ships is almost seen as a badge of honor.
That’s the current state of affairs in the New World. For instance, if a World Government ship wanted to pass through Whitebeard’s territory, the most effective method wasn’t a heavy military escort; it was paying a toll to Whitebeard.
“Based on the Vivre Card’s reaction, we’re not far from there. Be prepared. Our objective is to capture test subjects, not engage the Minks in a battle.”
“Understood.”
“Well, let me repeat the mission requirements. Old, young, male, female, capture two to three suitable specimens of each. Pig Minks are the highest priority.”
This was because of Emboar; Caesar believed there was a reason Queen chose pigs.
“Don’t cause a commotion, and get it done quickly. It will be troublesome if those Minks get the time to react. Even though we chose this time deliberately, we must not underestimate their combat prowess.”
“Don’t worry, Captain. They specifically acquired that fruit from above to use against the Mink.”
“It’s always wise to be cautious. Everyone, take care and get some rest; we’ll be engaging with them shortly.”
He estimated they would arrive at Zou Island on New Year’s Day, which happened to coincide with the new moon. The power of the Sulong under a full moon was no secret. They didn’t want to bring about their own destruction; hence, they deliberately chose the new moon’s day.
World Government’s ship was gradually nearing Zou Island, while Setsuna was currently busy with her gift-giving activity. Although she can’t give something to all twenty thousand people, she has prepared something for all acquaintances.
For example, a brand-new set of medical tools for Dr. Miyagi, sheep shears for Hitsugisukan, and various pieces of furniture to give her home a fresh look. The shaved ice made by the ice-making machine has already captured the attention of all of Wanda’s peers.
She also temporarily handed over her Yanyan to Wanda, and Alcremie brought a lot of joy to the Minks living here.
Meanwhile, Queen’s so-called surefire weapon from Zeraora’s backpack was entrusted to Hachi. These days, you can’t catch a glimpse of him during the day; who knows where he might be, possibly swaggering around with a cigar.
A significant portion of the Mink population are smokers, and high-quality tobacco is always in high demand. After all, it’s a rare commodity that can only be brought back by those who venture outside.
On New Year’s Day, Onigashima was hosting its usual fireworks display, while Zou Island, after the second blessing rain, began its own celebration. A massive bonfire burned in the center of Kurau City, where a somewhat simple bonfire party was taking place.
Setsuna stared at the people nearby who were attempting to “Garchu” with Zeraora, much like a wolf guarding its food. Her mindset had already undergone significant changes during her nine years away from home.
However, there’s a saying that goes, “It’s hard to guard against a thief in the house.” She guarded against outsiders but couldn’t guard against her own mother and younger sister, as in the eyes of traditional Mink, it was just a casual greeting.
Meanwhile, beneath the feet of the enormous elephant, dozens of CP agents, armed with knockout gas and nets, were also ready for action.
“Beginning Infiltration, maintain complete silence,” Saying that, the leader commanded before his body began to disperse, forming a large black cloud at his feet, and with the dozens of his subordinates carried by the cloud, silently floated upwards.
Although they could use Geppo, it produced sound similar to sonic booms when used, which could easily alert the targets. That’s why he chose to use his own devil fruit ability to carry them up.
The Logia-type Cloud-Cloud Fruit allows the user to transform their body into clouds, an incredibly powerful fruit that had brought him this far.
And with the addition of a new devil fruit user that the World Government had specially added to his subordinates, the success rate for their current operation is very high.
However, he was quite cautious, which was why he chose the day of the new moon. Today was also New Year’s, and the target’s vigilance would likely be lower.
While pirates keep a few sober sentries during parties, Minks did not do that as Zunesha’s back was even safer than Fishman Island. So, this group of people went unnoticed until they approached the gates of the Mokomo Dukedom.
The scent of sea creatures and fish being roasted over the bonfire masked the Minks’ senses. They discreetly released a knockout gas which quickly spread with the help of the wind. The Millennial Dragon, who had been resting, was the first to detect this gas.
“Roar!” This roar attracted the attention of many, but the knockout gas had already started taking effect. Many Minks swayed and collapsed to the ground.
Note: The concept of paying toll to Whitebeard is from the official novel “One Piece: Ace’s Story”.
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