"Yes. At the moment, the only type we can artificially produce is from Zoan-type Devil Fruits."
When Don asked, Caesar immediately assumed he was interested in obtaining the technology, and began explaining.
"We discovered Lineage Factors—well… I discovered them—from inside the human body. Every person's Lineage Factor is entirely unique. When someone eats a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, their Lineage Factor undergoes changes corresponding to that fruit."
As he spoke, Caesar glanced nervously at Don.
Seeing that Don had no intention of interrupting him, he continued.
"It's a mysterious substance—something that only appears inside the bodies of those who have consumed Zoan-type fruits. It can't be created from nothing."
"Wait. Aren't you working with Doflamingo to mass-produce Devil Fruits? Are you telling me those were extracted from actual ability-users?"
"That mysterious substance is exactly what we extract. Once removed, it can be artificially replicated—but it requires a large number of test subjects."
Caesar answered honestly, not daring to lie.
There was no way he could hide such things from Don.
"So those half-beast creatures… they were the result of your experiments?"
"Yes!"
Hearing Caesar confirm it, Don narrowed his eyes and examined the floating scientist.
Caesar immediately tensed.
"Stop this research. I'll send people to take in those children later."
"O-Of course!"
Caesar let out a breath of relief.
A smart man like him knew that if Don phrased it that way, at the very least his life was safe—for now.
As for later… that would depend entirely on Don's mood.
"Besides Doflamingo, you've also been in contact with Big Mom, haven't you?"
Don placed the Devil Fruit on the table and asked calmly.
He had no personal interest in this fruit.
Perhaps he'd use it as a prize in the upcoming Hunter Exam.
At least it wouldn't be left to that thing.
Still, this world was constantly changing—who knew what this island would look like in a few years?
His mind wandered to the fact that, a few years from now, Kozuki Momonosuke would be sent into the future.
Then he turned back to Caesar.
Sensing Don's gaze, Caesar inhaled deeply and forced a smile.
"You're right. Besides collaborating with Doflamingo, I've also been contacted by Katakuri, one of Big Mom's sons. Big Mom wants giant family members… so she asked me to conduct gigantification experiments."
That did indeed fit Charlotte Linlin's personality.
She had a strange obsession with giants.
Don stroked his chin, considering it, then nodded lightly.
"I'll be staying here for a while. All experiments stop until I leave. If Doflamingo or Big Mom's people ask about it, just tell them I'm here."
Don waved his hand dismissively.
"Understood, Lord Don."
Caesar nodded quickly.
Once Caesar and his subordinates left, Don's gaze fell onto the Devil Fruit on the table.
Caesar's actions were unquestionably vile.
But people like him—Vegapunk, Vinsmoke Judge, even Stussy—were rare talents.
That was simply how this world worked.
Their intellects did not match the moral standards of ordinary people.
Handled properly, they could be extremely useful in the future.
Even if not now—eventually, they would be.
With that thought, Don set the matter aside and opened his status panel.
This battle had brought him massive gains.
The greatest, of course, was the breakthrough in his physical body.
[Physique: 201 (Continuing metamorphosis due to certain influences)]
[Flame (Black Blade): … (89%)]
His physique had advanced again, and the forging progress of Flame toward becoming a true Black Blade had surged by more than 20%.
Likely because, when the sword was about to disintegrate after that massive slash, he stabilized it with Haki.
But now the blade had turned completely dark-crimson—even without Haki, that color remained.
He drew the sword.
Along the blade, the dark-red sheen pulsed faintly, the glow rhythmically shifting in intensity.
It wasn't obvious—but the sword had undergone an enormous transformation.
There were many fine swords in the world, but this one was the only Black Blade he had forged himself.
Naturally, it felt far better than wielding a blade forged by someone else.
Don could clearly sense that the sword could now endure more of his power
and even amplify a portion of it.
Perhaps this was the concept of weapon affinity.
Sheathing the sword and placing it on the table, Don's gaze deepened.
The chain of events at Sabaody had gone far beyond his expectations.
His killing intent had ignited only after fighting Kizaru and Akainu
and once awakened, it grew stronger and stronger, almost uncontrollable.
A man who carries a blade… naturally cultivates the desire to use it.
Still, Don did not regret what he had done.
And besides, he had gained something crucial
a clearer understanding of Imu's abilities.
Against pure physical strength and Haki, Imu's power could not suppress him.
But when it came to Devil Fruit abilities, the suppression was significant.
Don was certain: even though Imu blocked his attack, the cost must have been enormous.
And that centuries-old monster… who knew what other tricks they had?
He reviewed the gains and losses of the incident.
One thing was certain—this was an unexpected boon for the Hunter Association.
Now, the Association had entered the public eye across the entire world.
Its future development would undoubtedly become much smoother.
Though he wasn't sure about Crocodile…
Thinking of that man, Don pulled out a Den-Den Mushi and called him.
"President!"
Crocodile answered quickly.
"How's the situation?"
"We're being watched—but no one has made a move against us."
Crocodile replied.
"I see. Send a team to Punk Hazard. They need to take custody of some things."
"Hm? That World Government research facility?"
He sounded surprised.
"You knew about it?"
"I've heard rumors. President, are you on Punk Hazard right now?"
"That's right. I'll be staying here for a while."
"The World Government might currently be searching for your whereabouts."
Crocodile warned.
"You think that concerns me?"
Don raised an eyebrow.
"All right, all right… I'll send people. But there's an issue: the route to Fishman Island is blocked. Because of the… damage you did to the Red Line, debris has collapsed into the sea."
"Huh? Then to reach the New World… wouldn't they need to pass through Mariejois?"
Don's tone grew strange.
"Actually… that slash you unleashed carved a brand-new passage through the Red Line."
Crocodile's voice was equally odd.
END OF CHAPTER
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