One Piece: Scientist Simulator

"I can save you," Edie said, his voice calm yet firm.

Faced with Vegapunk's request for help, Edie agreed without hesitation. As one of the world's most brilliant scientists, he recognized Vegapunk's unparalleled intellect and the weight of his contributions to science.

"I can take you away now without anyone noticing. But, Vegapunk," Edie paused, his sharp eyes narrowing, "are you relying on me purely out of friendship?"

Vegapunk's lips curled into a bitter smile as he sipped from a mug of his custom-brewed Punk Coffee, the steam swirling around his solemn expression. "Of course, it's more than that. I had already prepared my last words in case you didn't show up."

He placed the mug down, the faint clink echoing in the quiet room. "If my heart stops beating, a signal will be released from a secret chamber in this research institute, exposing the truth about the Void Century and the Five Elders' secrets to the entire world."

Edie raised an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical. "History aside, what's the real secret of the Five Elders?"

Vegapunk leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with a mix of fear and discovery. "Years ago, Saint Saturn commissioned me to research a massive energy source. They promised to elevate me to the rank of a Celestial Dragon upon success. Naturally, I had no interest in joining their twisted ranks, but the opportunity allowed me to uncover something extraordinary about their nature."

He chuckled, sticking out his tongue playfully, though the underlying tension in his tone was palpable. "Dr. Edie, the Five Elders are far from ordinary humans. Their blood factors deviate significantly from what we consider normal."

"How significant?" Edie asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Let me put it this way: a banana's blood factor shares over 80% similarity with mine. Yet, the Five Elders? Less than 60%," Vegapunk explained, his voice laced with disbelief.

Edie nodded, already familiar with this anomaly. He had conducted his own studies on the Five Elders' blood factors and their inexplicable longevity. "No immortality factors. No eternal cells. And yet, they persist for centuries..."

His mind flashed back to a critical moment in his research—an encounter with the demonic essence of Tot Musica, the Demon King of Song. A theory began to crystallize.

"Let me guess," Edie said, his tone calm yet charged with revelation. "Their blood factors align more closely with those of a Devil Fruit. They're like... living Devil Fruits."

Vegapunk's eyes widened, and he nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! That's the perfect description—a living Devil Fruit! Or, more precisely, the demonic essence of one."

Edie smirked, unimpressed. "I had already figured that out."

The revelation didn't end there. Vegapunk leaned back, his expression turning grave. "Twelve years ago, after Ohara was destroyed, I salvaged some of their research. One name stood out: Nerona Imu."

Edie's smirk deepened, his confidence unwavering. "I know her. I exiled her outside of time. She'll return on February 27, 1520."

Vegapunk froze, his jaw dropping in disbelief. "You... you did what?!"

"Don't worry about her," Edie said dismissively. "Focus on what you came to tell me."

Vegapunk collected himself, his awe at Edie's foresight giving way to practicality. "There are two things you must know."

He paused for a moment, his tone growing heavier. "First, two years ago, after your attack on Mariejois, the Five Elders ordered me to construct a defensive mechanism—a border dome. It's completed now."

Edie's brow furrowed slightly. "Border Dome?"

Vegapunk nodded. "It's based on Kizaru's light powers. Any unidentified target passing through is immediately hit by lasers. There are eight core generators, spread across key locations in Mariejois."

Edie memorized the locations as Vegapunk listed them.

"And the second thing?" Edie asked, his patience unwavering.

Vegapunk hesitated, then spoke with visible concern. "The Seraphims. They were created to counter you. These humanoid weapons are not merely clones but enhanced modified humans. As of now, there are twelve active clones and one original—Jinbei."

"Jinbei?" Edie's eyes narrowed slightly. This was new.

Vegapunk explained, his voice tinged with guilt. "Jinbei undertook the Pacifista program to preserve Fisher Tiger's legacy and Life. The Sun Pirates have been imprisoned in Impel Down as a result instead of being executed."

"How strong are they?"

"Strong enough to rival the Shichibukai," Vegapunk admitted, though his tone softened as he added, "But I left a backdoor in their chips. When the time comes, a single command can turn them to your side."

Edie chuckled softly. "Typical Vegapunk. Always playing both sides."

Vegapunk grinned sheepishly. "Dr. Edie, your cloning technology far surpasses mine. I've always wanted to ask you for advice."

"Later," Edie said, rising to his feet. A faint, confident smile played on his lips. "For now, rest easy. We're invincible."

Vegapunk, infected by Edie's unshakable confidence, stood as well, though his diminutive stature barely reached Edie's chest. His elongated head, however, made him appear towering. "I wish you success!"

With that, he disappeared briefly, returning with a rocket backpack and a small box. He placed the box on the table with care.

"Let's go, Dr. Edie," he said.

Edie activated the powers of the Invisibility Fruit, enveloping them both in transparency. As they left Egghead Island, Yin's voice chimed in.

"All clear outside, Heavenly Father."

Edie nodded, flying into the skies with Vegapunk following closely. The latter carried a self-destruct device in his pocket, which he activated without hesitation once they were in a no-man's land.

A massive explosion erupted behind them, destroying Egghead Island's research database. In the chaos, Sentomaru discovered the aftermath—a sentimental message for him left by Vegapunk in a holographic box.

The Five Elders, furious at the escape, found themselves too overwhelmed by other matters to pursue him immediately.

Above the chaos, Edie and Vegapunk flew toward the future—one filled with secrets, battles, and the promise of a decisive war to come.

One day later, Edie returned to Wanokuni with Vegapunk.

When Caesar Clown learned of Vegapunk's defection, he wasted no time mocking him.

"Humph! I never thought someone like you, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, would betray the World Government!"

"Caesar, long time no see," Vegapunk replied nonchalantly.

"Long time no see?! You b*****d!" Caesar raged. "Listen up, Vegapunk! I've surpassed you! Soon, you'll witness my greatest invention!"

"That sounds truly exciting," Vegapunk said with a calm smile, further infuriating Caesar.

Unable to contain his frustration, Caesar stormed off after a heated rant. Finally, Queen stepped in to diffuse the tension.

"More than ten years—no, twenty years! It's been too long since we've last met," Queen began with a sly grin. "The old MADS crew is missing just one member: Judge."

Turning to Edie, he proposed, "Why don't you bring him over?"

Edie shook his head. "I've just received news. The Five Elders are planning a temporary World Summit in a month's time."

Queen's eyes gleamed with excitement. "A summit? With more than a hundred and seventy kings attending, that saves us the trouble of gathering them ourselves!"

Edie smirked. "Exactly. It aligns perfectly with our plans."

"A month from now, then," Queen said with determination. "We'll strike at the World Summit!"

Queen left to inform Kaido, while Caesar returned to his lab to continue his experiments on recycling the Slime Gas Bomb. Meanwhile, Edie met with Robin and then escorted Vegapunk to the docking site of the Pluton battleship.

Despite the looming final war, Edie wasn't in a rush, taking his time to study Pluton.

A week later, the Big Mom Pirates arrived in Wanokuni.

Edie met Charlotte Linlin aboard her battleship.

"So this is Pluton?" Linlin said, her voice laced with intrigue. "Huh. That b*****d Kaido managed to get his hands on it without telling me."

After inspecting the warship, she turned to Edie. "You're planning a war with the World Government. Mind if I join in?"

Linlin's eagerness was palpable. If she didn't seize this opportunity now, there'd be no chance later.

"Are you planning to fight as well?" Edie asked, his tone indifferent.

After a moment's thought, he nodded. "Fine, but don't expect me to save you if you die."

"Ma-ma-ma-ma! I won't die so easily," Linlin laughed heartily. Then, as if remembering something, her tone shifted. "By the way, Dr. Edie, is it ready? The thing you promised me?"

Edie raised an eyebrow. "Promised? Which one?"

Linlin crossed her arms, dissatisfied. "Don't play dumb. I mean losing weight and regaining my youth!"

Edie chuckled. "Ah, that. It's simple enough."

He gestured to Chenlong, the Azure Dragon. "Let's head to the Hive. Bonney, with her Age-Age Fruit, can handle the youth part. After that, a surgical procedure will fully restore your youthful appearance."

"Ma-ma-ma-ma! You're a man of your word! I like that!" Linlin exclaimed, her excitement barely contained.

Then, with a mischievous grin, she added, "Why not take one of my daughters as a wife? We could be family, Dr. Edie!"

Edie's expression darkened.

"Fine! If one's not enough, you can have ten!" Linlin teased, unfazed by his silence.

"If you keep this up, I'll throw you off the dragon," Edie warned.

Linlin laughed again but quickly fell silent, though she remained determined. She thought proudly to herself: One way or another, I'll make Edie part of my family.

The Day of the World Summit

Time passed quickly, and the day of the World Summit arrived.

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, over 170 kings from across the world gathered under the World Government's watchful eye.

Outside the chamber, the massive gates to the Holy Land were sealed shut, guarded by elite Marine forces and Cipher Pol agents. Beyond the gates, the sea shimmered under the afternoon sun, deceptively calm.

But on the horizon, storm clouds were gathering. Ships sailed in secrecy, factions moved in shadows, and the stage was being set for the greatest battle the world had ever seen.

The once-destroyed city had been rebuilt, more majestic than ever, though its foundations still reeked of injustice and cruelty.

Many kings had come reluctantly, forced by the Marines' demands. Refusal meant risking their status as member nations—or worse, imprisonment or death.

In the bustling streets of Mariejois, King Nefertari Cobra of Alabasta walked alongside Vice Admiral Garp.

"Vice Admiral, this feels like the calm before the storm," Cobra said with a heavy sigh. "I have a terrible feeling about this summit."

Garp, munching on senbei, offered a reassuring grin. "Don't worry. I'll ensure your safety. Want some senbei, little princess?"

Princess Vivi, holding her father's hand, blinked curiously. "Can I have some?"

"Of course!" Garp said, handing her a piece.

Vivi bit into the snack. "It's delicious!"

"Hahaha! You've got good taste!" Garp laughed heartily.

They soon arrived at the massive Pangaea Castle. Garp stopped at the entrance.

"This is where I leave you. I'll wait outside," he said.

Cobra nodded. "Thank you, Vice Admiral. Please watch over Vivi."

Taking a deep breath, Cobra entered the grand conference room.

The air in the Holy Land of Mariejois was thick with unease, a tension palpable even in the lavishly adorned halls of Pangaea Castle. The kings and queens of over 170 nations had assembled in the Grand Chamber, their faces a mixture of pride, apprehension, and thinly veiled disdain. The room, a massive expanse of white marble and golden decor, shimmered under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. It was a setting designed to exude grandeur and power, but today, it felt oppressive.

Inside, the air buzzed with tension. Hundreds of kings filled the vast space, some standing, others seated, all exchanging uneasy murmurs.

Across the chamber, King Wapol of the Drum Kingdom lounged arrogantly, oblivious to the tension in the room, his loud voice drawing glares from several rulers.

Cobra took his assigned seat, surprised to find himself beside a large Fish-Man.

"You're Neptune, the king of Ryugu Kingdom?" Cobra asked.

Neptune nodded. "Indeed. I didn't want to come, but circumstances left me no choice."

"You feel it too, don't you? This sense of foreboding?" Cobra whispered.

"Shh!" Neptune quickly shushed him. "Keep your voice down. You don't want others to hear that."

"I can't shake this feeling, Neptune," Cobra whispered. "Something isn't right. This isn't just a summit—it feels like the beginning of something far darker."

Neptune nodded grimly, his large hands clasped together. "I feel it too. The world feels like it's holding its breath. And with all of us here, it's as if we're being gathered for slaughter."

High Above Mariejois

High above the Holy Land, the wind howled across the Red Line. The Pluton battleship remained cloaked, an unseen specter of doom. Edie stood at the bow, his eyes locked on the Holy Land below.

From this vantage, the gathering of kings, Marines, and Celestial Dragons appeared as a fragile house of cards—one push away from collapse

Behind him, the Twelve Earthly Branches knelt in unison.

"Let the final battle begin," Edie declared.

"Yes, Lord Heavenly Father!" they replied in unison.