"What? They didn't even send a Rear Admiral to guard it. How important can it be?" The slapped Marine rubbed the back of his sore head, clearly indignant.
"You know nothing!" The First Class Private slapped him on the back of the head again, angrily. "If we sent a Rear Admiral or even a Vice Admiral, do you know how conspicuous that would be? Do you know how many pirates are actively seeking out high-ranking generals to make a name for themselves these days? This world… sigh, to conceal this operation, we can't send too obvious a force!"
"I see…"
Just as the First Class Private finished speaking, a voice suddenly entered their ears. Instinctively, they looked around but saw no one. They vaguely looked towards the direction of the voice, their eyes filled with disbelief as they gazed at the sky directly above them.
Under the faint moonlight, countless photons in the sky were slowly converging to form the shape of a person.
Before the two could even scream, Grimm suddenly reached out and grabbed both of their heads. Then, in a baptism of Holy Light, they quickly turned to dust.
Grimm then transformed into the appearance of the First Class Private.
In the darkness of the night, two golden lights flashed. Although other Marines noticed this, they didn't pay it much attention.
Grimm, using his "Disguise" ability to impersonate the First Class Private, approached a scientist who was kneeling on the ground, researching the volcanic ash. "My superior asked me to inquire, did Dr. Vegapunk come along?"
The scientist researching the volcanic ash looked up at Grimm in surprise and scoffed, "Are you crazy? Dr. Vegapunk, as one of the Navy's ace scientists, how could he possibly appear in the New World overrun by pirates?"
"So he's still at Headquarters?"
"That's right. We'll collect the samples, compile the report, and have you Marines take it back to Headquarters!"
"Is that so? Thank you!"
Grimm then walked away. The scientist returned to his work, and after a while, he felt something was off about that Marine. Just as he was about to look up and check his appearance, he realized the person was already gone.
Shaking his head, he resumed his work.
...
Two weeks later, the volcanic research on Sekken Island finally yielded some progress.
The scientists dispatched to investigate the area collected research reports and volcanic samples. Two scientists and a contingent of Marines were sent back to Headquarters to deliver these findings to the project leader, Dr. Vegapunk.
He, like Dr. Luke, was strictly protected by the World Government and would never appear in public. Vegapunk's research differed from Luke's; Luke usually completed his work himself, whereas Vegapunk preferred his subordinates to conduct initial research before he stepped in to decide whether further investigation was worthwhile.
When Grimm, disguised as a Marine and among the hundred soldiers escorting the two scientists back to Headquarters, boarded the Navy warship, the Colonel counted the personnel and frowned. "Strange, I feel like someone is missing!"
The person the Colonel was referring to was the unfortunate soldier who had been hit twice on the back of the head by the First Class Private.
Grimm chuckled softly. "Hmm, I saw him a few days ago. Perhaps he went off to enjoy himself in secret!"
The Colonel frowned slightly upon hearing this, then waved to his deputy. "Go investigate. Delivering the research results to Headquarters is the top priority. We don't have time to waste on a disobedient fellow!"
"Yes." The deputy responded and disembarked from the warship. Half an hour later, he returned unsuccessful.
"Let's forget about him and set sail!" the Colonel immediately ordered. "Return to Headquarters immediately!"
"Yes!"
Grimm looked out at the distant sea, thinking to himself, "The new era has arrived. What new tricks will the Navy come up with? It would be a good opportunity to take a look!"
Thinking of this, Grimm suddenly remembered something. He had seemingly forgotten about Yasuo. Oh well, that guy was drunk most of the time anyway. Whether he was there or not made no difference. The task of guarding the ship was perfect for him.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford, Scientific Research Department Minister's Office, also Vegapunk's private office.
A while ago, Vegapunk was not fully trusted, and his value was considered inferior to Luke's. However, after successfully developing the "Seastone" model, he immediately secured the position of Chief of Headquarters. No wonder Bartholomew Kuma in the future boasted of him as a man with a "mind 500 years ahead of the world!"
From several meters away, two scientists in white coats presented a locked briefcase to Vegapunk. Inside were the volcanic rock samples brought back from Sekken Island and some preliminary research results.
Vegapunk, also wearing a white coat and white gloves, showed disdain for his subordinates' research and directly began studying the collected volcanic rock samples. After a long while, he said, "I see. It seems something very interesting is buried beneath that volcano, but further research is needed to fully understand it!"
Vegapunk put down the volcanic rock and said to the two scientists who returned from Sekken Island, "I will conduct research here at Headquarters. After fully understanding the value of this item, I will decide whether to conduct research on-site. You two return to Sekken Island and continue your local research and investigation!"
"Alright, you can go now!"
As Vegapunk dismissed them, one of the scientists wearing glasses immediately turned and left. The other remained in place.
The other scientist glanced at him with confusion but quickly pushed the door open and left. After all, he didn't want to disobey the orders of this new minister. As for what the other person intended to do, he didn't dare to ask, nor did he want to know. He just needed to do his job.
"What is it? I said you can leave now?" Vegapunk looked at the remaining scientist with a hint of confusion.
"Researching volcanic rocks so leisurely, how far along is the task I entrusted to you? Vegapunk," the remaining scientist slowly spoke, his voice clearly different from when he was reporting earlier.
Vegapunk's eyes narrowed, but he showed no fear. He asked in a deep voice, "Who are you?"
A fleeting flash of Holy Light appeared on the scientist's face, and instantly, Grimm's face appeared.
"Do you recognize me now? Vegapunk!" The original scientist had already been purified by Grimm. It was impossible to meet Vegapunk just by being a First Class Private.
"Ah, Eternal Great Pope, Grimm. Even though I am in this impenetrable Marine Headquarters research facility, I am very aware of your sensational deeds at sea these past few years…" Seeing Grimm, Vegapunk showed no fear, and even seemed to have figured something out.
"Oh… you don't seem surprised at all!"
__________________
For more advance chapters visit patreon.com/bars45.
For 10$- All advance chapters.
"Schedule"
Monday - Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day
Saturday - Sunday - Off