Mandrell had already made up his mind to get rid of those guys, but he had to postpone it for a few days; it wouldn’t be appropriate to act now.
Meanwhile, Mandrell also started to think about his excuses. After this move, his identity would probably be exposed. In a few days, the World Government’s newspapers and wanted posters would definitely arrive here.
Due to the frequent coming and going of ships, it was not difficult to see wanted posters and newspapers on Fishman Island. Although it gave him a headache, Rusalka did not have any suspicions about Mandrell whose appearance had changed, which is why he had to put a lot of effort into entering the room.
Fortunately, he grew vertically. If he had grown horizontally like Jack, Rusalka would probably have to tear down the door.
Everything was peaceful on Fishman Island, but outside was a different story. The scene of Mandrell’s rampage was captured, and those photos were sent back to the World Government’s Intelligence Branch.
Based on this information, a special intelligence analysis meeting began.
“Everyone, today’s meeting is quite important. We’ve had a new breakthrough in our intelligence work. You should be familiar with these people.”
On the blackboard behind him, the wanted posters for Kaido, Arceus, and Queen were displayed.
“Beasts Pirates’ Governor-General Kaido, presumed Vice-captain Arceus, and their scientist Queen. According to our available information, Beasts Pirates have the power to create devil fruit users similar to ‘Mythical Zoan.’ Based on intelligence gathered by our undercover agents, they refer to it as the ‘Divine Blessing’ ritual, with Arceus being the bestower of abilities.”
“Some also believe it’s a cover created by the Beasts Pirates, while the truth is that Queen has cracked the secret of the Lineage Factor.”
The agent summarized the situation, which has been a point of contention.
“But today, our intelligence has made a new breakthrough. Please have a look!”
On the adjacent projection screen, Mandrell’s photo appeared. Since he mainly worked as a scout and had been impersonating Fish-Men on Fishman Island during this time, there were not many recent photos of Mandrell. The wanted poster also had a photo where he wasn’t using his ability.
Then, images of him breathing fire on the World Government’s ship and tearing apart the bodies of World Government agents appeared.
“After analysis and comparison, we can confirm that these two individuals are the same person. Now, take a look here!”
Kaido’s human-dragon form and Mandrell’s Human-Beast form were placed together, one using Blast Breath and the other using Flamethrower.
Although Mandrell’s neck was longer, and there were some differences in the photos, such as the shape of the dragon horns, the similarity was very high.
“This is the final message from the World Government’s squad before they were wiped out, along with some photos captured by surrounding reporters. The ability to steal other devil fruit users of their powers has appeared in history, but, as you all know, there are no identical devil fruit users in this world.”
“Before the previous devil fruit user dies, there will never be a second one. Even if it has been stolen, the one from whom it has been stolen will die.”
“Kaido is currently alive and well, but the abilities of these two people are too similar.”
Flying, breathing fire—similar comparison photos were released one by one.
“Is it possible that it’s just a similar Devil Fruit? Such fruits do exist.”
There are many similar Devil Fruits, such as the Ton-Ton Fruit and Kilo-Kilo Fruit. The abilities are quite similar, but the strength varies.
“We cannot rule out this possibility, but if there are really two such similar Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits, with both of them falling into the hands of the same pirate crew at the same time, then the possibility is too small. This is also based on the analysis of the Beasts Pirates’ past.”
Saying this, some Devil Fruit users of the Beasts Pirates who appeared over the recent years were displayed.
Scotch, Holed’em who had swapped with Scotch, and even high-ranking officers like Zeraora, Setsuna, King and Shayna.
“Beasts Pirates have many Devil Fruit users, and the known abilities are mostly related to fire, lightning, and flying. And the abilities of those two Minks go beyond the norm.”
Then, photos of Emboar were displayed.
“There’s also this giant fire pig weapon. Their abilities are somewhat related to Kaido’s abilities.”
“In the end, we have arrived at the conclusion that this Devil Fruit user named Arceus, although powerful, doesn’t possess outrageous ability. It’s just a smokescreen; the real mastermind is Queen the Plague!”
“Mandrell’s ability is the result of him deciphering Kaido’s Lineage Factor. From the results, they have achieved considerable success.”
Human cognition influences their speculations about things. People living in this world instinctively use the inherent understanding of this world to understand the unimaginable.
Under various coincidences, this was their final conclusion.
“I recall there is a finished product of Kaido’s Lineage Factor in Punk Hazard.”
“Vegapunk insists that it’s a failed product and is impossible to replicate, but it is still very helpful for future research. Who among you can refute him?”
Due to Vegapunk’s authority, they couldn’t argue with him in the technical aspect.
“That’s not the focus of this meeting. Considering the existing information, does anyone have a different opinion on this matter?”
Those who originally thought Arceus wasn’t a smokescreen or that he bestowed abilities on others lacked crucial evidence to counter the others. Their intelligence personnel were only able to gather information from the periphery.
Faced with this mountain of “ironclad evidence,” they had no choice but to agree with this opinion.
“So, the directive from above is to intensify the research on the Lineage Factor. Although we’ve lost someone outstanding like Queen, Vegapunk isn’t inferior to him. Coupled with that Ceasar Clown, our research may still succeed.”
This was the resolution passed in the meeting—to intensify research in similar areas and strive to decipher the problem of the Lineage Factor at the earliest.
“Moreover, try to bring back Queen. We need what’s in his head, so be sure to capture him alive.”
“As for Mandrell….”
“Likewise, increase the bounty, devise new plans. However, he has the ability to fly, and the strength he showed is not weak. Capturing him may not be so easy. The higher priority still remains Queen.”
“Understood.”
For the aforementioned reasons, they created new bounties. Due to Queen’s uniqueness, they couldn’t create an overly exaggerated bounty, nor could they provide specific reasons.
Deciphering something and mastering it are two very different things, and they themselves are not sure how far Queen has progressed in his research on the Lineage Factor.
In any case, after the bounties were issued, the impact was as follows.
In the room on Onigashima, Queen looked innocently at his new bounty.
【Queen the Plague, Bounty: 1 Billion Berries, Only Alive】
You can read ahead upto 75 chapters on my patreon and I’ve also activated (date to date) subscription model on my patreon.
Become a Patron!