Renedia wasn't interested in any Pirate intrusion.
Punk Hazard's proximity to the Red Earth Continent meant that those who could reach here were either rookies who just entered the New World, or cowards who dared not venture further and only lingered in the outskirts.
Neither of these scenarios piqued Renedia's interest.
She wasn't here to help Caesar handle affairs anyway.
About ten young people emerged from the laboratory at the back.
"Lady Renedia!"
"Lord Weevil!"
The group saw them, beaming with joy and shouting excitedly.
"Yo!"
Renedia greeted them, "How's it going? Did that fool Caesar mistreat you? Did he force you to do experiments you don't like? Rest assured, Sage sent you here to learn, and outside you represent Sage's face. If anyone bullies you, I'll hammer them dead!"
Caesar wiped the sweat from his forehead and could only respond with an awkward smile.
What kind of talk is this...
Whose students come to learn with such arrogance...
Is this even learning?
But what else could he do?
His backer is Doflamingo, and Doflamingo's real backer is now a natural disaster...
No matter how well SAD materials sell, they can't match the comprehensive, seamless cooperation between that disaster and Doflamingo.
He's genuinely teaching the students sent by the backer's backer, hoping that even if he fails to produce the Universal Medicine, some incident might spare his life.
Although he's not sure, just in case...
"I'm going to get the finished medicine and formula..."
Seeing that no one cared about him, Caesar obediently backed off, heading towards the laboratory to prepare the research data and the formula for the completed medicine.
He didn't want to meet Renedia anymore; he'd let his subordinates deliver the formula and medicines later.
This research facility wasn't small; it had three entrances and exits. Better to steer clear of bad luck and deal with these revered ancestors once they're gone.
As he wandered the corridors, he passed a room and saw the Pirates who had been brought in unconscious.
An orange-haired woman, a burly man with a buzz cut, a curly-browed man in a black suit, and a... raccoon?
"Is this it?"
"Yes, Master, when we arrived, there were only these people. The other Pirates seem to have invaded Flame Island. Besides, we found a skeleton, probably killed during an internal conflict among the Pirates."
A person wearing a gas mask, cloaked entirely in sealed attire, said.
"Aren't Pirates such creatures? Whatever, let's use them as new test subjects."
Caesar lost interest and left the room, heading towards his second laboratory.
Research on SAD, gigantification, Universal Medicine, and his own poison gas research were, of course, not in one room but divided into four directions, not interfering with each other.
Just as he reached the laboratory, a subordinate came to report...
A battleship had broken through the iceberg blocking the way in this direction and was heading for the gate, led by the current Vice Admiral of the G-5 Branch, Smoker.
"The Navy?"
Caesar was taken aback, "What is the Navy doing here? Isn't this island classified as a restricted area, usually unvisited..."
As he spoke, his expression darkened, "Damn, why do they all come at once!"
"Leave it to me..."
Suddenly, a person wearing a spotted straw hat appeared abruptly at the door, leaning against the frame and glancing slightly at Caesar.
"Law?"
Caesar turned his head and thought of something, smiled sinisterly, "Well then, as a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, they won't dare do much to you. Go on, just don't make too big a scene. I have important guests here."
Law's eyes moved slightly, "I've heard that you have a batch of guests here. Who are they to be treated so carefully?"
"Shulululu, you don't need to know. This isn't part of our agreement, is it?"
Caesar laughed, "Well, I'll leave it to you then."
Law was silent for a moment, didn't reply, and then with his sword, he began making his way towards an exit.
Caesar grinned, barely concealing a trace of disdain.
Both Seven Warlords, Caesar had one attitude towards Doflamingo, and another towards Law, who had approached him recently.
No matter how impressive a person's identity, a little punk can't compare with those who have long-standing credentials.
It's not so much about seniority, but rather the simple difference in the power they wield.
The new generation of Pirates, whether in terms of power or pirating experience, can't compete with the old guard.
In this aspect, only that natural disaster defies the norm.
As Law left, Caesar didn't concern himself further, immersing in his lab research.
"What kind of guests..."
Walking down the hallway, Law pondered internally.
He hadn't seen anyone, but based on Caesar's reaction, they weren't ordinary folks.
Doflamingo?
No, that guy isn't one to show up easily.
If they were one of his subordinates, Caesar wouldn't have that expression.
The guests here were definitely unusual...
But that wasn't important now; the important thing was the G-5!
Why were those folks here, plotting something?
Or were they simply unaware?
With these doubts, Law reached the gate, opened it, and saw Smoker, with hair brushed back, appearing mature, alongside a woman in glasses, donning a robe and a ponytail.