"Alright!" Kizaru patted Vegapunk on the shoulder, smiling with emotion. "Old Vegapunk, we can work together again."
He was genuinely happy. Unlike under the World Government, this place under Caelan was one where they could retire in peace.
If he had one remaining wish aside from collecting his pension, it was to enjoy that pension alongside his old friend.
"That's a fine thought indeed."
Seeing Kizaru's expression, Vegapunk also relaxed.
Though things weren't ideal, they weren't bad either. It was acceptable.
At that moment, Vegapunk noticed Stussy.
The very clone he had personally created had now brought him his savior.
Vegapunk looked at her with emotion and said, "Thank you, Stussy. You've proven yourself loyal and righteous."
This may have sounded odd to others, but Stussy smiled brightly. "No need to thank me, Doctor. This is only what I should do."
As an artificial human, her existence was not accepted by the world.
It was Vegapunk who defied everything to give her life and the dignity of being treated as a real person.
Vegapunk's words now were the highest affirmation a father could give her.
Having completed the main objective of coming to Egghead, Caelan turned his eyes toward the CP agents and Figarland Garling on the other side.
"Figarland Garling. I've heard you were the leader of the Knights of God and took part in the God Valley Incident. Your reputation precedes you."
The man had crescent-shaped hair, a rapier at his waist, and a face that looked almost identical to Shanks.
No, it should be said that Shanks looked like him. After all, by lineage, this man was likely Shanks' father.
The leader of the Knights of God, a true swordsman said to rival Mihawk. But apart from his swordsmanship, his other abilities remained a mystery.
Garling's expression darkened. "God Slayer, compared to me, your name is far more widely known."
After several failed attempts, he was certain he could no longer contact Im or the other Elders.
Which meant he now had to face Caelan directly.
"I heard you've become one of the new Five Elders and attained immortality," Caelan said with a sneer. "If that's the case, why doesn't Imu just create a few more immortals? Seems like a waste of effort to kill just you."
In some ways, Garling's life was worthless. But in other ways, it had value.
Caelan wasn't sure whether exchanging his life to take Garling's was truly worth it.
"The power of immortality is extremely rare. Only five Celestial Dragons in all of history have been able to bear it. Lord Imu seems to have weakened significantly after the Battle of Marineford."
"But if Lord Imu has really weakened, you'll probably have to kill the Five Elders another twenty times before it sticks."
Garling spoke gravely. "Today, it's just me. Surely that's not enough to satisfy you. Why not wait and fight us all another day?"
"I assume your God-Slaying Spear can't be used lightly."
He hoped the information he revealed about the limits of immortality would convince Caelan to let him go.
After all, he was alone now. Better to wait and kill all the Five Elders at once later.
During the Marineford War, Caelan had exchanged his life to kill three of the Elders. To only take one life now would seem inefficient.
Besides, Garling had just gained immortality. He hadn't enjoyed it yet.
"You're trying to trade information for your life? Keep dreaming." Caelan stared him down. "I don't even need the God-Slaying Spear to kill you."
Peak-level Conqueror's Haki could also seal the abilities granted by Im.
After the Battle of Marineford, his Conqueror's Haki had reached its true pinnacle, far beyond Advanced Observation and Killer's Intuition, and was still evolving rapidly.
Though he was still a step away from completely negating abilities...
There was still that ancient robot. It carried the strongest Conqueror's Haki left behind by Joyboy eight hundred years ago, more than enough to kill Garling.
And if his Haki clashed with that again, perhaps he could break through his current limits.
Garling's face twitched. "As long as you don't use that fatal technique, I'm still willing to duel you."
"…"
Caelan didn't waste another word. He drew Shusui and slashed directly at the knot on the ancient robot's neck.
Boom!
A powerful crescent-shaped slash flew toward the robot.
The violent strike sent sparks flying as it struck the massive machine.
Garling was stunned.
Did Caelan miss his strike? They had just agreed to fight, so why was he attacking that giant hunk of metal?
Vegapunk's expression changed slightly. He looked at the robot sparking from the hit, feeling a pang of heartache.
Based on his studies of the Void Century, that ancient robot had likely been Joyboy's companion from eight hundred years ago.
Its research value and historical significance were immeasurable.
But just as everyone was still wondering...
The knot on the ancient robot's neck broke.
A surge of black and red Haki burst forth, instantly engulfing the entire yellow sand battlefield.
A massive dust storm erupted from the robot's core, forming a ring of sand that spread outward with explosive force.
In that instant, Garling was crushed to the ground by the overwhelming Conqueror's Haki, humiliated and terrified.
"This Haki can affect reality... it has tangible force."
"The power granted by Lord Imu has been sealed!"
(To be continued.)