'Out of control?'
This was almost Zephyr's first reaction.
Couldn't blame him. After all, his previous visits to Egghead Island were only for the latest prosthetic upgrades… he wasn't very familiar with Egghead Island's affairs.
So, Zephyr directly removed the glove from his right hand, revealing a pitch-black mechanical prosthesis with several glowing points, ready to step forward and restrain S-Snake.
But before he could act, he was stopped by Vegapunk beside him.
To be precise, stopped by Vegapunk's clone, Shaka.
Looking at the masked person grabbing his wrist, Zephyr was puzzled, even considering attacking.
Because when he came to the island, he hadn't met the six Vegapunk clones. After all, something like installing a prosthesis could be easily handled casually.
At that time, the clones' main focus was on cultivating new cyborgs and catching the traitor.
Fortunately, Dr. Vegapunk timely explained,
"No need to be nervous, Zephyr-san. Sentomaru is fine."
Following Vegapunk's pointing finger, Sentomaru was indeed unharmed as he said.
"Wow! You're really strong!"
Sentomaru had blocked in front with the flat side of his large axe just before being kicked.
Yet even so, S-Snake's Perfume Femur kick still sent the burly Sentomaru staggering back several steps. The huge disparity in their sizes made many Marines break into a cold sweat.
"Hmph!"
As if just a warning, S-Snake only kicked once, not pursuing further.
Zephyr's gaze fell on the partially petrified axe blade on Sentomaru's weapon.
"This is..."
Seeing this, Sentomaru also looked at his axe.
"Waaah! My precious axe!"
Saying so, he heartbrokenly touched the axe surface that had cracked due to petrification.
"Impressive, right? I successfully replicated Devil Fruit abilities and added them to these three."
Perhaps to divert attention, Dr. Vegapunk quickly stepped between the Seraphim and the Marines, then pointed meaningfully at the Green Blood device on S-Snake's arm.
Because of the command, S-Snake showed no hostility toward Vegapunk's approach, indirectly 'proving' they were still under control.
"Truly an incredible creation."
When Zephyr said this, he was completely sincere.
Whether it was his own arm or this unheard-of fruit replication technology, both far exceeded Zephyr's knowledge.
Whether as a Marine or someone helped by Dr. Vegapunk, Zephyr deeply appreciated him.
This was also why he rushed over immediately upon noticing the anomaly on Egghead Island.
Actually, once he confirmed there was no external enemy invasion, he was mostly relieved.
Then, Zephyr seemed to remember something and asked,
"Dr. Vegapunk, if I'm not mistaken, they seem to be modeled after the [Seven Warlords of the Sea], right?... Both in appearance and abilities."
When mentioning Seven Warlords of the Sea, Zephyr couldn't help but frown.
He genuinely disapproved of such a system.
Fortunately, the new Marine government had officially abolished the Warlords System.
No more would there be scum committing plunder under the World Government's name.
"Ah, yes. These three are modeled after Boa Hancock, Dracule Mihawk, and Jinbei."
Dr. Vegapunk answered, somewhat puzzled.
"Then... compared to their 'originals', can they defeat them?"
Zephyr seemed completely unaware that when he said this, the three Seraphim instinctively looked at him, their eyes carrying some hostility.
Clearly, the Seraphim weren't emotionless. Beyond Adam's commands, they still had their own likes, dislikes, and habits.
And being compared to their 'originals' seemed to be a common sore spot.
"Or, compared to those criminals, how many percent of their level have they 'replicated'?"
Regarding Jinbei, Zephyr didn't know much. But the title World's Greatest Swordsman was familiar.
As for Hancock-
Honestly, Zephyr currently considered her the strongest among the Seven Warlords.
He hadn't forgotten the encounter on Whole Cake Island. Even he, using the latest mechanical prosthesis, was at a disadvantage against Hancock.
That kind of person was a true monster.
It wasn't that Zephyr didn't trust Vegapunk's technology, but he felt that 'weapons' created in a lab could hardly truly reach the level of such strong individuals.
Even with the same Devil Fruit.
Hearing this, before Vegapunk could speak, S-Hawk among the Seraphim took the initiative.
Hum—
Without a word, S-Hawk drew the sword resembling [Yoru] from his back, pointing it at Zephyr. The meaning was clear.
S-Shark seemed to have inherited Jinbei's more calm personality. Although displeased, he didn't show clear hostility.
But seeing his 'brother' take a stance, he could only silently clench his fists and step forward.
"If you doubt us, why not test our strength yourself?"
S-Snake spoke, full of provocation.
"Oh? Quite the spirited little ones."
Zephyr wasn't angered upon hearing this, just gently moved his prosthesis, joints emitting low mechanical sounds.
"Stop!"
At the critical moment, Dr. Vegapunk stepped forward, stopping both sides.
Because of their authority, although reluctant, the three Seraphim immediately dropped their combat stances.
Zephyr also looked over.
"Each time they act consumes considerable energy. The earlier power shortage was caused by testing their abilities."
This was completely taking advantage of Zephyr's lack of scientific knowledge.
Clones weren't robots. From the moment of their creation, their actions no longer required equipment power supply.
Instead, they could replenish energy through normal eating, like real humans.
"Huh? Is that so?"
Beside them, Sentomaru felt something was off but couldn't pinpoint it.
"That's how it is. Moreover, look—"
Saying so, he pointed at the surrounding high-tech buildings, then at the island beneath them.
"This place isn't suitable for a big fight. Damaging those instruments would give me a headache too."
Hearing Vegapunk say this, Zephyr finally nodded, then put his glove back on.
Seeing this, Vegapunk understood Zephyr wasn't going to fight.
This hurdle had finally been bluffed through.
'Thankfully, it wasn't Kizaru who came.'
'Thankfully, these three little ancestors still listened to me.'
'Thankfully, Sentomaru... forget it, he didn't matter.'
'This time, it really forced an honest researcher like me to lie.'
Vegapunk secretly wiped sweat, completely forgetting the little tricks he'd pulled under the World Government's nose.
Not to mention Stussy, even the leniency shown toward Bartholomew Kuma proved he wasn't as honest as he appeared.
Otherwise, how would clones like Lilith and York have been born?
A short while later, the Marines returned to their battleships, resuming patrols around Egghead Island's waters.
The commotion caused by Adam's birth seemed to end here... or did it?