One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"So… last time you went to the East Blue, you just decided to beat up Germa?"

Sengoku pressed his temples hard, feeling like the so-called 'Strategist General' was completely unable to keep up with Wright's reckless ways.

"You really beat Judge into submission and forced him to do research for you?!"

"Hey, hey! Sengoku old man, that's slander!"

Wright grinned mischievously. "Look, it's been a while, and neither Germa nor the World Government has come knocking at Marine Headquarters about it, have they? Doesn't that ease your worries?

"Let me tell you, Judge and I hit it off splendidly! Look at all the confidential intel I gathered. He even insisted on keeping me around to collaborate on research. If anything, refusing him might have offended him more!"

"So… what you're saying is, you beat Judge, forced information out of him, and then used that intel to coerce him into working with you on research…"

Sengoku's expression grew increasingly peculiar as he stared at Wright. "I even praised your intelligence-gathering skills to Garp and Tsuru back then… Turns out…

"You're just like Garp. Don't talk? Fine. Beat them until they do."

Wright chuckled—there was no way Germa's situation could stay hidden forever. After all, the Holy Light-based combat suits and weaponry Germa was currently developing would eventually hit the public eye.

Letting Sengoku piece together the backstory himself was the best approach. As long as Judge stuck to the agreed narrative, it would all be seamless.

Moreover, Germa's ideological shift would inevitably influence their attitude toward the World Government's orders.

"Listen here, brat. Keep this Germa business under wraps. It's fine for a Vice Admiral to have cordial relations with affiliated nations, but private collaborations should be kept discreet!"

Sengoku shot Wright a glare. "If it weren't you, I'd be filing charges against anyone else for this!"

"Understood. But honestly, old man, you know as well as I do what kind of people Germa are. With me keeping them in check, it's actually better for the world."

Wright's argument was, begrudgingly, something Sengoku had to admit made sense.

"So… how about some research funding?"

Wright shamelessly turned to Sengoku. "Judge's been footing the bill himself so far. But if the Navy equips the Lightforged Beacon Crystals and he gets upset enough to complain to the World Government, it won't look good…"

"..."

Sengoku let out a weary sigh. "The Navy funding a mercenary kingdom's research? What would that even look like!"

"Well, you could give it to me, and I'd pass it along… Speaking of which, those Lightforged Crystals of mine are so cheap—just a few dozen berries each. Incredible value, right?"

"..."

Sengoku's face darkened as he stared at Wright, who was now lounging with one leg crossed over the other. Grinding his teeth, Sengoku finally snapped, "Tell Germa to figure it out themselves! Judge has more than enough resources!"

Realizing the sensitivity of the Lightforged Crystals—especially given their potential value on the black market—Sengoku hesitated for a moment before making a decision.

"While we won't provide direct funding, there are… other methods."

"Oh?" Wright's interest was piqued as he sat up straight. "What methods?"

"No matter how advanced Judge's research and combat suit technology are, they'll never surpass the greatest scientist in the world—Dr. Vegapunk!"

"And Vegapunk is right here, in the Navy's Science Division!"

"Oh—!"

Wright's eyes lit up. "So you mean…?"

"Exactly." Sengoku nodded solemnly. "I'm authorizing you to meet Dr. Vegapunk. You'll report your research on the Lightforged Beacon Crystals to him in detail…"

"With his abilities, I'm confident Vegapunk can upgrade the Lightforged Beacons, turning them into true strategic-grade equipment!"

"Wow… Vegapunk, the man acknowledged to be 500 years ahead of humanity… a living legend!"

Wright was visibly thrilled. While he had considered involving Vegapunk in the Lightforged Beacon project, he hadn't expected Sengoku to suggest it so readily.

It seemed the advanced capabilities of the Lightforged Beacons were too enticing for Sengoku—or rather, for the Navy as a whole.

"With Dr. Vegapunk's help, this is as good as done!"

"Yo! Borsalino-senpai!"

Admiral Kizaru, Borsalino, strolled into Sengoku's office.

"Oh~ isn't this Wright-kohai~?" Borsalino drawled as he flopped onto the sofa. "Sengoku-san~ did you summon me here for something to do with my dear junior~?"

"Indeed. Borsalino, you're currently in charge of guarding the Science Division. Take Wright there shortly."

Sengoku pulled out an authorization document, filled it out with a few swift strokes, signed it, and placed it on the desk. "Bring this authorization with you. It grants Vice Admiral Wright permission to meet Dr. Vegapunk and participate in a new research project."

"This project is extremely important, on par with ongoing critical research. As for prioritization, I'll leave that to Dr. Vegapunk."

"Oh~ could it be~ that magical teleportation tool of yours, kohai~?"

Borsalino sipped the tea Wright had poured him and sighed contentedly. "Thanks for the tea~"

"You're spot on, senpai. The Lightforged Beacon is still rudimentary in some ways. It has far greater potential, and this time, I'm counting on Dr. Vegapunk to unlock it."

Wright took a sip of his own tea—ah, Sengoku's tea leaves really were top-notch…

"If the abilities I envision can be realized, the Lightforged Beacon will become a game-changer in warfare!"

Borsalino raised an eyebrow. "Oh~ kohai, you've come up with another~ incredible idea, haven't you~?"

"But~ you might have to stay at the research lab for a while, you know~" Borsalino added knowingly. "Those scientists~ when they get into their work, they'll do anything~"

"..."

Wright's expression stiffened, and the tea in his cup suddenly tasted bitter. "Senpai… from the way you're talking… have they experimented on you before?"

"..."

Even with Borsalino's usual nonchalant demeanor, he couldn't help but look slightly embarrassed. "Well~ let's not call it experimentation~ more like~ assisting research."

"Sure, sure. I understand completely."

Borsalino wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, glancing at Sengoku, who was barely holding back laughter. "Sengoku-san~ didn't Dr. Vegapunk mention being very~ interested in your Shockwave ability~?"

"Ahem!" Sengoku quickly regained his serious composure. "Alright, if there's nothing else, you two should prepare to head to the Science Division!"

"Oh, wait, Sengoku old man! Shouldn't I bring a Lightforged Beacon with me?"

"Idiot! Vegapunk has access to all the materials and equipment he could possibly need. Just bring the blueprints!"

"Right, got it!"

"Sengoku-san~ if this Lightforged Beacon becomes universally usable~ I'd like to reserve one in advance, okay~?" Borsalino suddenly said.

"Hmph. One of the research directions is indeed to make it more accessible, so others besides Wright can use it."

Sengoku turned to Borsalino. "But why do you even need it? Isn't your Glint-Glint Fruit fast enough?"

"Oh~ it's fast enough~" Borsalino nodded. "But~ light can't turn corners, you know~"

"If~ I could teleport straight home after work~ it would save so much time~"

"... Fly home! You're not Kuzan, that lazy bum!"

"Oh my~ so scary~"

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