Naval Headquarters, Marineford
Within the Marine headquarters, Sengoku gritted his teeth, a dull ache spreading through his head, his stomach, and seemingly every inch of his body.
Two days ago, he had received Gion's report:
Akainu had defied orders and intercepted Fairy Tail's journey to Egghead Island.
From that moment, an ominous premonition had settled in Sengoku's chest—one that, now, had come true.
Of course, Sengoku understood why Akainu had acted that way.
Dr. Vegapunk was one of the Marine's and the World Government's most invaluable assets—a genius whose security clearance equaled that of the Celestial Dragons in Mariejois.
Under normal circumstances, any pirate daring to approach Vegapunk would be courting death.
Sengoku had only agreed to Sugisawa Yuuto's request because Fairy Tail had built a solid reputation for discipline and restraint. Besides, Yuuto hadn't planned to go himself—he had only asked to let Bonney and two of her companions visit.
That was the only reason Sengoku had given permission without hesitation.
But then…
Akainu's reckless interference two days ago had thrown everything into chaos—and now the worst had come to pass.
"Two days ago, Sakazuki's actions already provoked that man," murmured Vice Admiral Tsuru quietly. "The fact that he didn't storm Marineford directly shows remarkable restraint."
"I'd almost prefer he had gone after Sakazuki," Sengoku said darkly. "It's far more unsettling that he's landed on Egghead Island instead."
"Marshal Sengoku!"
A voice rang out as a green-haired Commodore, Brannew, came rushing in, breathless and pale.
"There's a direct order from above—from the Five Elders themselves! We are to immediately dispatch one hundred warships to encircle Egghead Island!"
New World – Future Island, Egghead
Led by Punk02 Lilith, Sugisawa Yuuto and Bonney walked through a maze of steel forests and winding underground passages.
At last, they emerged into a grove of swaying coconut trees. In the middle of it stood an enormous, dilapidated robot—its rusted frame towering over them like a fallen giant.
"Hey, Evil—what are you doing?" a gruff voice barked from nearby. "Why would you bring the Four Emperors here? That's classified information!"
"I'm just taking them to meet the main body," Lilith replied, unbothered. "They agreed to let me study their ship, so I'm showing a bit of sincerity in return."
"Even so—!"
Ignoring the protests of the other Vegapunk satellites, Lilith cupped her hands to her mouth and shouted,
"Hey! Main body, you there?"
For a moment, silence.
Then—boom!
A blast erupted in the grove.
"Help—Quasar!"
An old man with an apple-shaped head and a long tongue was hurled into the air by the explosion.
Yuuto raised a hand, his fingers flicking slightly. A sphere of gravitational force surrounded the man, gently lowering him to the ground.
"Whew! Saved! Thank you kindly—President Sugisawa Yuuto of Fairy Tail, right? I've seen you on the news!" Vegapunk exhaled in relief before his gaze shifted toward Bonney.
"Bonney-chan! Long time no see—not too long, though. I've read the reports; your life in Fairy Tail seems quite exciting. As long as you're living happily, that's what matters most!" Vegapunk smiled warmly.
"Cut it out, Vegapunk! Don't act like some doting elder!" Bonney snapped, glaring.
"And what's with your head? Where's that big lightbulb-looking thing you used to have?"
"Oh, that," Vegapunk chuckled, rubbing his round apple-like skull. "It got too big, so I cut it off!"
"Don't say that like you just got a haircut!" Bonney grumbled.
"I'm a Brain-Brain Fruit user," Vegapunk explained matter-of-factly. "My mind can store infinite information. As data accumulates, my brain expands. Combined with my innate genius, it evolved into what I call the Infinite Data Punk—the largest brain in the world! And it's still growing."
He pointed proudly toward the massive egg-shaped dome rising from the center of the island.
"My dream is that one day, this brain will become a medium through which all humans can share knowledge—everyone uploading data to Punk Records. Then my brain will become an ocean of collective wisdom!"
"So basically," Yuuto said, half-impressed, "you want to create a world-wide information network all by yourself. That's incredible."
Even he couldn't help feeling awe at the ambition behind it.
"No, no, President Yuuto flatters me," Vegapunk replied modestly—then his expression sharpened. "But… what is this 'network' you mentioned? It sounds fascinating. Please, enlighten me!"
As a scientist of the highest caliber, his curiosity flared the instant he sensed something revolutionary.
"The so-called Internet," Yuuto began, "is a system that connects the entire world…"
Since Vegapunk was asking, Yuuto saw no reason to hide it. He briefly described how the Internet worked in his original world—how it linked people, shared information, and turned the world into a single connected village.
"Nani?! The world became a village?" Vegapunk's jaw dropped. "President Yuuto, have you… actually used this Internet?"
"Of course," Yuuto replied with a calm smile. Before crossing into this world, he had been an adult who lived online daily.
"Incredible! Then where is this Internet? Why have I never heard of it?" Vegapunk asked excitedly, eyes gleaming as if he'd just glimpsed the future. The possibilities Yuuto had just described opened a whole new dimension for his research.
"Wait—hold it right there!" Bonney suddenly interrupted, puffing her cheeks in frustration. "Can we please get back to the real topic?"
"Hahaha, my apologies, my apologies," Yuuto laughed. "You're right—let's return to business."
He turned to Vegapunk. "Vegapunk, Bartholomew Kuma should still be on the island, correct?"
"Yes," Vegapunk nodded solemnly. He was well aware of why Bonney had come.
"Lilith, escort President Sugisawa Yuuto and Bonney-san to the research layer. I'll meet you there."
With that, Vegapunk's body flickered—and in an instant, he vanished.
"So it's a holographic projection," Yuuto murmured, recognizing the technology. "Never mind—let's head to the research floor."
Punk02 Lilith nodded and led the way.
Before long, Yuuto and Bonney arrived at the research core of Egghead Island.
There, waiting for them, stood the original body of Dr. Vegapunk—alongside his other satellites…
…and the Shichibukai tyrant himself—Bartholomew Kuma.