Meanwhile, in Mary Geoise, the highest authority of the World Government had already received the latest intelligence.
The Gorosei learned that Marco, the Phoenix, had arrived on Egghead Island. However, Dr. Vegapunk had yet to send any distress signal to the World Government.
This development immediately made the elders uneasy.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn spoke first. His expression was cold and stern.
"What exactly is Vegapunk planning?"
Another elder, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, frowned slightly.
"Could he have joined forces with Phoenix Marco?"
After a brief pause, Nusjuro continued in a grave tone.
"This is a critical moment for the production of the Holy Mother Flame. No one in the world can replace Vegapunk. No matter what happens, we must retrieve him as soon as possible. Vegapunk must remain under the control of the World Government."
Saint Marcus Mars then proposed a solution.
"In that case, let the Marines rescue Vegapunk."
However, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter immediately scoffed.
"Hmph, those Marines are already weakened. They cannot possibly contend with the Phoenix Pirates. Once they attack Marco, the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates will certainly provide support. That would turn the situation into a prolonged war."
Hearing this, the others fell silent.
Mars finally spoke again, his tone colder than before.
"The real problem is that both Kaido and Marco are far too powerful. Even a Marine Admiral may struggle against them. The situation created by the alliance of the Three Emperors is no longer something the Marines can resolve alone."
Nusjuro snorted.
"Hmph. That Kuzan fellow still refuses to return to the Marines. It seems he has completely abandoned his justice and willingly fallen into corruption."
Saturn then spoke in a calm yet serious voice.
"I previously left a teleportation array on Egghead Island. If necessary, we can travel there directly."
The other elders nodded.
"That is an option," Mars replied. "But the Marines should still be deployed."
Nusjuro added firmly,
"This time we must resolve the situation quickly. If possible, Marco should be eliminated during this battle. Once he is gone, the only major threat remaining will be Kaido."
The others agreed.
Soon afterward, the Gorosei's orders were transmitted to the Marines.
---
Marine Headquarters Responds
At Marineford, Sengoku, serving as Fleet Admiral, was also surprised when he received the order.
As a Marine, Sengoku clearly understood how extraordinary Vegapunk's scientific abilities were. If the Phoenix Pirates gained control of the world's greatest scientist, the balance of power across the seas would be severely threatened.
Without hesitation, Sengoku issued an order.
Fujitora and Ryokugyu were instructed to lead a Marine force toward Egghead Island to retrieve Vegapunk.
---
Vegapunk Receives the Call
Inside Vegapunk's laboratory on Egghead Island, a sudden sound echoed through the room.
Buruburuburuburu.
The ringing of a Den Den Mushi startled everyone inside the laboratory.
Vegapunk and several of his clones turned toward the device.
That particular Den Den Mushi was reserved for direct communication with the Gorosei, the highest authorities of the World Government. The moment it rang, they already knew who was calling.
Cold sweat immediately appeared on Vegapunk's forehead.
He swallowed nervously.
One of his clones, Vegapunk Edison, raised his voice.
"Main body, answer it. Whatever is coming cannot be avoided."
"I know," Vegapunk replied quietly.
Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to calm down. Then he walked over and picked up the Den Den Mushi.
"Hello. This is Vegapunk speaking."
From the other end came the cold voice of Saint Jaygarcia Saturn.
"I thought you might ignore the call. Or perhaps the one answering would be Marco."
Vegapunk's body stiffened.
"S-Saint Saturn... what can I do for you?"
Saturn's tone grew even colder.
"That is the question I should be asking you. Vegapunk, are you planning to betray the World Government?"
For a moment, Vegapunk remained silent.
Then he finally answered.
"I have no intention of betraying anyone. However, history is something everyone has the right to know. I simply wish to understand what truly happened in the past."
Saturn's expression darkened.
"So it is true. You have been researching the Poneglyphs."
He continued slowly.
"We previously received intelligence suggesting this, but there was never proof. I hoped those reports were false. After all, your contributions to the World Government are undeniable."
"But now it seems that for the sake of ancient history, you are willing to betray us."
Vegapunk replied firmly,
"Everyone has the right to know the truth about history. I will not attempt to justify my actions, because I already understand the consequences. Once you discovered I was researching the Poneglyphs, you would never allow me to live."
"As a scientist, I simply want to know the truth of this world."
Saturn responded with icy disdain.
"So you chose to rely on the Phoenix Pirates. How foolish."
"Do you truly believe a group of pirates can challenge the World Government?"
"I once thought you were a brilliant man. But now it seems you are just as foolish as the rest of humanity."
Vegapunk suddenly raised his voice.
"You constantly refer to humans as insects. Do you truly believe you are gods, Saturn Saint?"
Saturn gave no further reply.
Instead, he left Vegapunk with a single cold statement.
"Prepare yourself for divine punishment."
Then the call ended.
---
The Gorosei's Final Judgment
Vegapunk slowly lowered the Den Den Mushi.
His clothes were soaked with sweat.
But deep down, he had already expected this outcome. Researching the Poneglyphs had always been forbidden by the World Government.
In Mary Geoise, the other Gorosei had listened to the entire conversation.
Nusjuro spoke first, his voice filled with contempt.
"So the rumors were true. Vegapunk has been researching the Poneglyphs. For the sake of that forbidden history, he is willing to oppose the World Government."
"He believes the Phoenix Pirates can protect him. Ridiculous."
Saturn sighed quietly.
"I once hoped he had simply been captured by pirates. But it seems he willingly chose this path."
"In that case, we have no choice."
"We will eliminate him."
Mars frowned slightly.
"But what about the Holy Mother Flame? Vegapunk is the only person in the world capable of creating it."
Saturn answered coldly.
"The true power does not lie with Vegapunk himself. It lies with the Brain-Brain Fruit."
"He became a brain-human because he consumed that fruit. That is why he possesses such extraordinary intelligence."
"But in the end, he is still nothing more than a mortal."
"And yet he dares to oppose the gods."
Nusjuro then gave the final instruction.
"Once Vegapunk is eliminated and the Brain-Brain Fruit reincarnates, we will locate a scientist who is absolutely loyal to the World Government."
"That person will consume the fruit."
"And this time, there will be no betrayal."
===
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