NOVEL NEXT Chapter 241: Chapter 241: MADS
"Damn that World Economic News Agency! They're out to destroy the Navy!"
Steel Bone Kong slammed the newspaper down, veins popping in anger. He finally understood why the Five Elders were always so infuriated whenever the agency was mentioned. It wasn't an exaggeration—Morgans' publication seemed designed to provoke rage.
---
Meanwhile, aboard the Flying Pirate Fleet:
"Gahahahaha! So, the son of Navy hero Garp killed a Celestial Dragon? Fantastic! That brat Dragon has got my approval!"
Golden Lion Shiki burst into laughter, thoroughly amused. He had crossed paths with Garp numerous times in the past, and hearing about Garp's son's shocking act only added to his amusement.
"Send word—Golden Lion Shiki welcomes Dragon to join us. If he pledges loyalty to me, I'll ensure his safety!"
---
In the Infinite Pirate Fleet:
"Oh? So Dragon killed a Celestial Dragon!"
Li Yuan raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"The butterfly effect is clearly at play. It seems I can no longer rely on foreknowledge entirely. The trajectory of this world has shifted significantly," Li Yuan mused aloud.
In the original story, the reason for Dragon's departure from the Navy was unclear. However, based on his close relationship with Vegapunk, Dragon likely didn't leave the Navy as early as he had in this altered timeline. The changes Li Yuan had set in motion were creating ripples across history.
"Li Yuan, the Flying Pirate Fleet has sent people to the North Blue to find Dragon. The Navy is searching for him too. Should we act?"
Shaki asked curiously.
"No need. Dragon is a Navy man. Even if he defects, he won't become a pirate, so there's no point in interfering," Li Yuan said with a smile.
"However, he might stand against the World Government in the future. When the time comes, we might have the opportunity to work together."
With the vast intelligence network of Spiderweb, Li Yuan was confident they could locate Dragon if necessary.
"By the way, how's the situation with MADS? Have our people infiltrated it yet?"
"MADS isn't as secure as it appears. Our people have already made their way inside," Shaki reported.
"Good. Spare no expense to win over the scientists inside. Eventually, we'll bring them all into the Infinite Pirate Fleet," Li Yuan instructed.
---
Six months later, at the MADS Research Facility:
"Kekekekeke, Judge, are you aware of what's been happening outside the MADS lab recently?"
Caesar Clown approached Vinsmoke Judge with a sinister grin.
"What's happened?" Judge responded indifferently.
"Kekekeke, the outside world has been restless lately. I've heard many factions are planning to seize the Life Blueprint research—specifically Vegapunk's work!" Caesar explained, his voice tinged with envy and anger.
"Hmph, and why are you telling me this?"
"Kekekeke, because we've always been on good terms, haven't we? If anything goes wrong, we can look out for each other," Caesar offered with a sly smile.
"To be honest, I've already aligned myself with a major force outside. If chaos erupts, they'll come to rescue me. Want me to connect you with them?"
Judge hesitated but was intrigued by the offer.
"Who are they?"
"Kekekeke, that's a secret until you agree. But let's just say they're much stronger than the Loan Shark King and have a vested interest in science," Caesar boasted.
Judge, wary but pragmatic, eventually agreed. The two scientists struck a deal to prepare for the inevitable chaos that loomed over the research facility.
---
Mariejois, the Holy Land:
"The Navy still hasn't captured Dragon. Our CP0 agents have also failed to locate him," Saturn, the Scientific Defense God, reported solemnly.
"The Navy's incompetence grows by the day. Were it not for their utility in suppressing pirates, I'd have replaced the entire institution by now," grumbled Peter Saint, the Agricultural God.
"Forget Dragon for now. Vegapunk has reportedly completed the Life Blueprint—a forbidden research breakthrough. It's time to act and bring him under the World Government's control," Saturn declared.
"Agreed. Send additional forces to ensure no one else gets to him first," Mars Saint, the Environmental God, added.
---
Infinite Pirate Fleet Territory:
"Li Yuan, the factions surrounding the MADS research facility have started to act!" Shaki reported urgently.
"Gather 5,000 Dark Guards. Bring along Ashura Doji, Kano, and Karu. Use your ability to get us there immediately," Li Yuan ordered.
Shaki opened a mirror portal, allowing Li Yuan and his team to traverse the distance instantly.
---
At the MADS research facility, chaos reigned.
Gunfire echoed, and scientists scrambled to escape the onslaught of invaders. Many sought refuge at the shoreline, boarding ships to flee the scene.
Li Yuan arrived just as the turmoil reached its peak.
"Captain, the targets you specified haven't left the facility yet!"
Nepal, using his Stealth-Stealth Fruit ability, appeared to report.
"Surround the facility. Don't let anyone escape," Li Yuan commanded.
"Ashura Doji, guard the perimeter. Kano, Karu, follow me inside," he instructed.
Splitting up, Li Yuan and his team entered the facility to secure the scientists.
"Kano, head this way. Look for two people wielding our Infinite Pirate Fleet's signature blue crystal pistols—Caesar Clown and Vinsmoke Judge. Protect them and rescue other scientists along the way."
"Karu, take the other path. Kill anyone trying to snatch the scientists and escort all researchers you find to safety."
Li Yuan himself headed toward Vegapunk's lab, where the enigmatic genius was reportedly still working, unfazed by the chaos around him.
---
Meanwhile, Caesar and Judge found themselves cornered by CP0 agents.
"You're M. Caesar Clown and Vinsmoke Judge, correct?" the agents asked, holding up photos for confirmation.
"No, I'm not Caesar!"
Caesar immediately denied his identity, his face turning pale with fear.
The CP0 agents, unimpressed, moved to restrain them with seastone handcuffs. Just as they closed in, a flash of light streaked past, forcing them to retreat.
"Cardinal Blade Kano of the Infinite Pirate Fleet!" one of the agents exclaimed in shock.
"You two are under our captain's protection now. Head out through that corridor; our men will ensure your safety," Kano instructed.
Relieved but still wary, Caesar and Judge quickly made their way to safety, leaving the rest in the capable hands of the Infinite Pirate Fleet.
-Support me on Ko-Fi for 35+ advance chapters there.
https://ko-fi.com/zxc1015
Thanks!