As the Maxim docked successfully, Jake looked at the now-calm Vinsmoke Judge with a hint of resignation.
"So, are you willing to listen to me now, Judge?"
Judge remained silent, his gaze distant as he stared at his weapon, shattered by the powerful electric current.
Seeing this, Jake didn't press further and continued speaking to Judge.
"This mission isn't an internal Marines assignment—it came directly from the World Government to Fleet Admiral Sengoku, who immediately handed it over to me. That alone should tell you how serious this matter is."
Jake's words were met with continued silence from Vinsmoke Judge.
"You can remain silent, but I should inform you of the consequences if you refuse to cooperate. First, your family will be executed—your experimental weapons, Reiju and Sanji who still possess human emotions, even your wife who's barely clinging to life. All of you will die before dawn arrives. You know what I mean by 'dawn.' Perhaps I should be clearer—my orders are to eliminate your entire family before daybreak."
At this, Judge abruptly raised his head, his voice hoarse as he stared at Jake.
"Since you're revealing this to me, does that mean you have different intentions from the mission?"
"I enjoy dealing with smart people like you. Let me put it this way—the Germa Kingdom will cease to exist after today. The higher-ups already know about your plans. You must die here."
"So you plan to fake our deaths and pretend the Germa Empire was destroyed. What's the price?"
Pleased by Judge's quick understanding, Jake readily answered.
"Simple. From now on, you'll follow my orders and work for me. I'll provide all research funding and equipment you need. Your new hideout will be on Vegapunk's Egghead Island. You'll have more opportunities and resources to realize your dream of genetic modification. Does that work for you?"
Judge paused, his voice thick with skepticism.
"Do you have any idea how many berries my experiments require? The astronomical costs of maintaining a top scientist? If not for selling weapons and research results over the years, I wouldn't even afford meals, let alone sustain current operations."
"Have you heard of the recent sensation that's drawn attention from wealthy merchants worldwide—the so-called 'Golden Emperor'?"
"Oh? Are you suggesting you have connections with that man, Rear Admiral Jake? That you can secure sufficient funds from him?"
To this, Jake replied calmly: "Yes. There's another important detail—Tesoro is essentially my subordinate. All his gold is mine for the taking whenever I wish. Furthermore, I've located the lost City of Gold, Shandora, on Sky Island. The treasures there are enough to fund Vegapunk's future research without ever needing World Government approval again."
"If you are willing to join my faction, then one day when that holy land crumbles, I will restore the glory of the Germa Empire for you."
As Jake spoke these words, his expression was resolute, without the slightest hint of jest.
Upon witnessing this, Vinsmoke Judge did not hesitate for long.
He directly addressed Jake.
"If that is the case, then I am willing to bring the entire Vinsmoke family under your command. But I have one condition—I hope you can promise us that in the end, the glory of the Vinsmoke family will be revived!"
"That is what you deserve. Additionally, take me to see your wife. From the intelligence I've gathered, I understand her health is in critical condition due to ingesting some kind of drug to counteract the lineage factor modifications, correct?"
When this topic was brought up, it was clear that Vinsmoke Judge's voice grew somber.
He looked at Jake and slowly said.
"Yes, my wife strongly opposed my plans. She was even willing to sacrifice her own life to protect the last child from the lineage factor modifications.
In the end, she succeeded, but in the process, her body was pushed to its limits. She will most likely die before that child, Sanji, grows up."
Jake shook his head and replied.
"Consider this my first gift to you. I will cure your wife's illness. But after that, I will take Vinsmoke Sanji with me. He actually possesses a certain amount of lineage factor. Under my Devil Fruit ability's perception, the bloodlines within your bodies are not so different.
In fact, to put it another way, the power within Sanji far surpasses that of the rest of you. If he trains under me, I can guarantee you a gentle yet strong Marine."
"Sanji… he should become a soldier of the Vinsmoke family, not—"
Seeing that Judge seemed to be getting carried away, Jake softly reminded him.
"Don't forget your current standing, Judge. Also, I'm not discussing this with you—I'm informing you."
Watching Judge, who now followed behind him in silence, Jake's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
For a scum like Judge, who was one step away from becoming an irredeemable bastard, Jake had no desire for further conversation.
Abandoning his wife and children, allowing his modified sons to bully their brother, and tormenting Sanji for lacking superhuman abilities—such a man was utterly unworthy of being called a father!
With a creaking sound, Judge's wife looked up in surprise.
Weak and pale, she turned her gaze to the door.
The next moment, her eyes filled with confusion as she saw Jake standing at the entrance.
But when she spotted Vinsmoke Judge behind him, her heart tightened with unease and sorrow.
Long ago, Judge had not been like this.
Jake glanced at Judge and said softly.
"Make up for it properly later."