It turns out that some things, the more you worry about them, the more likely they are to go wrong.
After seeing off the Marine group, Vegapunk and the others, along with the three Seraphim, immediately rushed to Stussy and Adam's hiding place.
They passed through the laboratory, arriving at an elevator-like device.
This was an anti-gravity suspension device, essentially a high-end version of an elevator.
"Actually, there are more convenient 'teleportation' devices, but considering stability, with so many of us..."
Vegapunk seemed to be making conversation, intentionally explaining to the three Seraphim.
But his efforts were completely wasted on the blind.
Without additional commands, the Seraphim had no intention of exchanging even half a word with Dr. Vegapunk.
Seeing this, Dr. Vegapunk smacked his lips, even his abnormally large tongue drooping.
He seemed somewhat dejected.
…
Egghead Island's structures weren't actually arranged on a flat plane.
The main building complex of the island was shaped like an inverted egg, which was also the origin of its name [Egghead Island].
These buildings were held in place high in the air by a special energy field.
It could be roughly divided into four parts.
The topmost layer was [Punk Records] for storing and transferring memory consciousness, the middle layer served as the energy zone and armory.
By the way, originally, after entering the final testing phase, the Seraphim were supposed to be transferred to the middle layer for the last processing step.
But because of Adam, the three of them were born prematurely, skipping this step.
Further down was the ground-level 'ordinary layer', mainly housing defense systems and some Marine garrison facilities.
—After all, Kizaru and Sentomaru back then also needed a place to rest… they couldn't stay on ships forever.
And even deeper underground was the biological laboratory and the 'true secret base'.
Secrets that couldn't be disclosed to the World Government and the Marines on the surface were hidden on this level.
When everyone reached the middle layer, they saw Stussy holding Adam and Lilith, who was constantly on guard against surprise attacks.
And only upon seeing Vegapunk and the others did Lilith finally relax.
The three Seraphim naturally and silently walked behind Stussy, resuming their protective roles.
"Doctor? What about the Marines..."
Stussy first looked at her sleeping son, then softly inquired.
"They've left."
Vegapunk nodded.
Then, he added,
"But this is only temporary."
"In three days, the Marines will have a rotation for rest. At that time, Zephyr and Sentomaru will return to the island."
"So, we'd better seize these two days to leave as soon as possible?"
Stussy understood his meaning from Vegapunk's words.
And Vegapunk could only nod.
To be honest, he didn't mind Stussy staying here.
On the contrary, he actually wanted to spend more time with Stussy... and Adam, of course.
But currently, Stussy's identity was sensitive, and Adam was an experimental subject that shouldn't exist.
If possible, it was best not to be discovered by the Marines.
Seeing Vegapunk's stance, Stussy wasn't sad. She understood this wasn't him driving her away.
Right now, she and this child were better off staying away from the Marines; it was better for everyone.
So, Stussy nodded.
"Alright, we'll set off soon then."
"No need to be in such a hurry!"
Hearing this, Vegapunk quickly waved his hands, explaining,
"Zephyr hasn't gone far yet. Right now, the coastline near Egghead Island is heavily guarded. Leaving won't be easy."
"If you're going, it's best to leave in the latter half of the night."
As Vegapunk spoke, he walked to the armory console nearby, starting to fiddle with the keyboard.
With his operations, a special mechanical schematic appeared on the screen.
"This is a submarine I developed. You can take this submarine back to Naruto-kun."
"Don't worry, it can withstand pressures of ten thousand meters. The energy inside can last at least a month. You can even travel all the way back through the deep sea."
"This should also help you avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble."
After all, a father cares for his daughter. This life-saving measure, originally created for himself to escape when breaking with the World Government, was offered without hesitation.
The other Vegapunk clones knew the submarine's origin, but they all understood.
Now, without the World Government, Vegapunk's relationship with the Marines wasn't that tense.
Even if they continued researching the [Void Century], the Marines wouldn't necessarily hunt them down.
After all, it was the World Government and the Celestial Dragons who truly didn't want the Void Century exposed, not the Marines.
"Thank you, Doctor."
Stussy nodded gratefully at Dr. Vegapunk.
Not just for the submarine, but for Adam as well.
Just because she wanted to be a mother, Vegapunk risked discovery to create another little life.
—Though this process probably also brought enjoyment to a research fanatic like Vegapunk.
But she couldn't ignore the risks he undertook for her.
"Oh, right, one more thing."
After the emotional words, Vegapunk, as if just remembering something, suddenly pointed at the three Seraphim.
"If possible, it would be best to leave one or two of them here with me."
"After all, the Seraphim have already appeared before the Marines. If they suddenly disappear, it would be hard to explain."
"But don't worry. Once I gather enough research funds again, I can create the remaining Seraphim to hand over."
Hearing Vegapunk say this, Stussy smiled lightly.
"Of course. Then let..."
Saying so, she turned to look at the three Seraphim, only then remembering they didn't have names yet.
Perhaps out of fellow clones empathy, Stussy didn't want to address them by their codenames.
"You should each be given a proper name first."
"As the beginning of your lives."
The three Seraphim looked at each other, none speaking first.
They weren't as thoughtful as Stussy… they didn't care whether they were called by codenames or names.
But since 'Mother' Stussy said so...
"Please name us."
Not just S-Snake… this time, even S-Hawk and S-Shark spoke in unison.
Different from Vegapunk, who was temporarily granted authority, Stussy was properly 'bestowed' with certain powers by Adam-
Including command authority over the three Seraphim.
Unlike their reluctant obedience in front of Zephyr, the three Seraphim genuinely, from the inside out, obeyed Stussy's commands.
"Then..."
"You shall be called 'Medusa', 'Horus', and 'Triton'."
Stussy pointed at the three Seraphim in turn.
"Drawing from mythology? Quite fitting."
Vegapunk, evidently well-read, immediately connected the three names to the snake, hawk, and shark animals.
The three Seraphim accepted graciously, having no objections to the names given by the 'Mother'.
Stussy's gaze lingered on the Seraphim named Medusa for a few seconds, then, as if thinking of something amusing, the corner of her mouth curled up.
"Medusa will come back with me. Horus and Triton can stay with you for now, Doctor."
'I really wanted to see that woman's expression upon meeting Medusa.'
Stussy thought mischievously.
'No, perhaps Adam's existence alone would be enough to keep her up at night.'
The little bundle in her arms suddenly frowned, then instinctively let out a soft cry, immediately pulling Stussy's thoughts back.
"Doctor, he... what's wrong with him?!"
The previously scheming Stussy suddenly became flustered, and the old bachelor Dr. Vegapunk was also clueless, starting to examine Adam.
"Is there still a physical problem? Or is it related to the Mother Flame..."
The two were in a panic until the usually silent Shaka suddenly spoke.
"Is he perhaps... hungry?"
Indeed, concern leads to confusion. All their fussing was no match for this guy's simple observation.
But then the question arose again.
What do children this small usually eat?
Milk?
Or?
Stussy suddenly looked down, her face uncontrollably turning red.