Vegapunk nodded seriously. "You are Luffy's father, so you have the right to know."
"The explanation is simple. It's cloning technology."
"Cloning?" The expressions around the room immediately became heavy.
BIG MOM suddenly grinned. "Mama mama, so that's what it is! Is it the same cloning technology used by the Vinsmoke Family?"
Ace also looked shocked. "Cloning technology? I always thought it was just a legend. So it actually exists?"
Vegapunk adjusted his glasses and spoke solemnly. "The technology does exist, but clones are products of science. Their lifespans are extremely short, and there is also a high chance they develop independent consciousness. Because of this, the technology has always been heavily restricted."
"Creating a clone body for Luffy is not difficult. The real problem is that every clone possesses a certain level of awareness and thought. Once consciousness exists, it is equivalent to possessing a soul."
"Transferring Luffy's consciousness into a clone is far more difficult than transferring it into a computer."
"A computer has no consciousness of its own, so Luffy's soul would not face rejection. But a clone is different. Even if its consciousness begins as a program created through science, the moment it awakens, it develops its own thoughts and awareness."
Hearing this, Marco subconsciously thought about himself.
As a transmigrator, he had seemingly occupied Marco's original soul directly.
Vegapunk continued, "Once Luffy's soul enters the clone, there is a very high possibility of rejection. If that happens, Luffy's soul could completely dissipate. This is an extremely dangerous experiment."
Ace and Sabo both fell silent.
They did not understand the science behind it, but they still desperately wanted Luffy to return.
Vegapunk looked at them and spoke calmly.
"I will make every preparation necessary for the experiment. However, I will respect Luffy's wishes, along with the decisions of his brothers and father."
"This process cannot be completed quickly. Luffy, Ace, Sabo, Dragon, all of you should carefully consider whether you are willing to take this risk."
Dragon and the others remained silent.
After a moment, Vegapunk added, "Dragon, Ace, and Sabo, you may speak with Luffy here. But do not stay too long. He can only remain active for one hour each day before he must enter forced rest."
"He no longer has a physical body. If the strain continues for too long, Luffy's soul may collapse."
Ace nodded seriously. "Understood, Doctor."
After leaving the research ship, BIG MOM sighed in amazement.
"Mama mama mama! This is the power of science! If consciousness transfer truly succeeds, then immortality might actually become possible!"
Vegapunk sighed softly. "In theory, yes. But applying it in reality is far more difficult."
"Mama mama! Good thing I'm not a scientist then!"
BIG MOM suddenly asked, "By the way, Vegapunk, how is my gigantification experiment progressing?"
Vegapunk looked speechless. "I haven't even started yet. Shortly after the laboratory was completed, the Marines attacked us. If not for Bege's ability, most of the facilities would have been destroyed."
"Oh right, Stussy, give them the list."
"Yes, Doctor."
Stussy stepped forward gracefully and pulled out a thick stack of documents.
"Lord Marco, these are the materials Doctor Vegapunk currently requires."
Marco accepted the papers and nearly went speechless.
The list was dozens of pages long.
Without hesitation, he handed it to Jozu.
"Take this and have someone verify everything slowly. Start preparing the materials."
"Got it," Jozu replied honestly.
At that moment, Kaido suddenly roared impatiently, "Vegapunk! What about mine? Can my Pluton be repaired or not?!"
Vegapunk immediately shook his head with regret.
"It's impossible."
"What did you say?!"
Kaido's eyes widened furiously as terrifying pressure burst from his body.
Startled, Vegapunk instantly hid behind Marco.
"Didn't I already explain this before? The core of Pluton is gone. Without the core, how could I possibly repair it?"
Marco looked surprised.
"Doctor, what exactly do you mean by the core being gone?"
Because the ancient battleship Pluton was far too massive, Kaido had left it within his territory.
Thanks to Brulee's Mirror-Mirror Fruit ability, Vegapunk could travel between Hachinosu and Kaido's territory in a short amount of time to inspect Pluton, making transportation unnecessary.
Now it seemed that decision had been correct.
If Pluton had remained on Hachinosu, it likely would have been destroyed or seized by the Gorosei during the recent attack.
But now Vegapunk was saying its core was missing entirely.
Vegapunk explained helplessly, "Exactly what I said. The core is missing."
"Inside Pluton's power chamber, there should have been an enormous energy stone, similar to the Mother Flame's energy source. But the entire space is empty."
"Without that energy source, Pluton is nothing more than an empty shell."
Marco turned toward Kaido curiously.
"When you found it, was there already no energy stone inside?"
"How the hell would I know?!" Kaido roared irritably. "When I salvaged Pluton from the sea, the chamber was already empty!"
Marco narrowed his eyes.
"So you're saying nobody secretly stole it afterward?"
"There was nothing there from the start!" Kaido cursed. "Vegapunk already showed me the power chamber before. According to him, that energy stone should've been over a hundred meters wide. Nobody could secretly take something that massive."
Marco looked back at Vegapunk seriously.
"So the energy core had already been removed eight hundred years ago?"
Vegapunk nodded slowly.
"That should be correct."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"I've learned certain things while studying the Mother Flame's energy source."
"The technology of the Great Kingdom from eight hundred years ago far surpasses anything in the present era. Even after researching the Mother Flame extensively, I still cannot fully understand its principles."
"It almost feels like technology from another world."
"I still have no idea how to recharge that energy source."
Vegapunk's eyes suddenly sharpened.
"However, I have made some new discoveries."
===
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