Although Karl practically coasted through this battle, his support work was flawless.
Every hour on the dot, he refreshed everyone's buffs and constantly monitored the battlefield. Kaido would occasionally erupt with sudden bursts of power, and when that happened, someone was bound to get injured—at which point Karl had to rush in and patch them up.
In short, aside from Kizaru and Aokiji, all four Vice Admirals had each been treated by Karl for serious injuries at least once.
Watching the Marines bind Kaido tightly with restraints, Gion finally breathed a sigh of relief. At least now, she didn't have to worry about this monster suddenly standing back up again.
"Finally done with him… I'm exhausted."
Completely throwing decorum out the window, Gion sat cross-legged on the ground, her chest heaving noticeably with each breath.
The other Vice Admirals weren't much better—each of them slumped on the ground, panting heavily.
"Karl, where's the thing I asked you to bring?"
"I've got it! Here!"
Karl handed Kizaru a silver metal case. Without any concern for secrecy, Kizaru opened it right in front of him. A plume of cold white mist spilled out.
Inside was a full set of medical extraction equipment, clearly designed for blood collection.
Karl immediately formed a rough guess.
Kizaru strolled up to the snoring Kaido and raised his right hand.
"Ama no Murakumo."
Slash—
A clean cut opened on Kaido's arm before the light-formed blade dispersed. Kizaru calmly inserted the needle and began drawing blood.
"Kizaru-san, this is…?"
"I'll explain later."
Before long, Kizaru had filled nearly three blood bags from Kaido. It was negligible for someone like Kaido, but more than enough for research purposes.
"Alright. Let's attend the meeting first. I'll explain once we're back on the ship."
Post-Battle Meeting
The meeting was hosted by Advisor Tsuru, focusing mainly on how to deal with Jack and his "big brother."
Karl had little interest in the discussion.
Even if they sent both to Impel Down, Kaido would probably just flip the prison transport halfway through and escape with Jack in tow.
Besides, he was just a Marine Major. Everyone present was at least a Vice Admiral. He had zero decision-making authority.
After an hour, the meeting ended.
The handling of Jack and Kaido had nothing to do with Kizaru—
which meant it had nothing to do with Karl either.
They packed up and left.
Destination: Punk Hazard
Back aboard the warship, Kizaru immediately ordered a course set for Punk Hazard.
At this point, Karl had more or less figured everything out.
At present, Punk Hazard (the former "Banaro Island") wasn't the later ice-fire hellscape—it was a heavily guarded World Government research facility.
It was once where Dr. Vegapunk conducted research on artificial Devil Fruits.
Chances were high that Vegapunk was still involved—though whether it was his main body or a clone was another question.
"Punk Hazard is a research base under the Marine Science Division," Kizaru explained casually.
"Projects include artificial Devil Fruits and biological modification."
"One of the main reasons we captured Kaido was to obtain his blood sample for Dr. Vegapunk's research."
Karl nodded, playing along.
"Vegapunk… the man known as 'the greatest mind in the world,' right?"
"That's him. But his main body is elsewhere right now.
The one overseeing research at Punk Hazard is only a clone."
Karl's interest immediately spiked.
A clone, huh…
Maybe he'd actually get to meet the world's greatest scientist after all.
"Kizaru-san, I'm pretty curious about Vegapunk. Do you think I'll get a chance to meet him?"
Kizaru chuckled, lips pursed.
"If it were the main body, you'd have no chance. But a clone? With my reputation, it shouldn't be a problem."
Karl nodded in satisfaction, anticipation rising.
He'd heard Vegapunk possessed a technology that allowed objects to consume Devil Fruits—
like Spandam's sword that ate the Elephant-Elephant Fruit.
Karl just happened to have a spare Devil Fruit on hand.
If there was a chance to leech some benefits, why wouldn't he take it?
Arrival at Punk Hazard
Punk Hazard wasn't far from G-2 Base. Even at a leisurely speed, they arrived by early evening.
"Stay here. Don't wander around," Kizaru instructed.
"Wait until Karl and I return."
"Yes, sir!"
"Karl, let's go."
The moment they stepped onto the island, a squad rushed over and saluted upon seeing Kizaru.
"Kizaru-san! Welcome! And this gentleman is…?"
Kizaru glanced down at Karl and smiled.
"This is Major Karl—my aide-de-camp."
The lead officer nodded solemnly and turned to Karl.
"Apologies, Major Karl. Per protocol, we must conduct a search. I hope you understand."
Karl looked at Kizaru.
Kizaru shrugged.
"No helping it."
"Fine. I didn't bring much anyway."
After confirming Karl posed no issues, the guards allowed them through—though his Den Den Mushi and a few personal items were temporarily confiscated.
"Didn't expect security here to be this tight," Karl muttered.
"The World Government really values Vegapunk."
Kizaru replied lazily,
"Keep thoughts like that private. If CP agents hear you, they'll be a real pain to deal with."
"Haha, don't worry—I'm not that stupid."
Inside the Research Facility
The interior was pretty much what Karl had expected:
Guards posted every few steps.
Busy researchers rushing back and forth.
And prisoners with terrified expressions.
Suddenly, a shrill voice cut through the noise.
"Where are the test subjects I asked for?! What are you idiots doing?!"
Karl turned his head.
A man in a white lab coat with long black hair and curved horns was shouting furiously.
Upon recognizing him, disgust flashed in Karl's eyes.
Caesar Clown.
A genuine piece of garbage.
"Oh? Isn't this Admiral Kizaru?" Caesar sneered.
"And—could that be Kaido's blood samples?
Shurororororo… how enviable."
Kizaru pursed his lips.
"Long time no see, Caesar. Still as… dedicated as ever, I see."
Caesar smiled, clearly enjoying the praise.
"Not at all! Admiral Kizaru is the truly dedicated one!
Obtaining blood from an Emperor of the Sea—surely that wasn't easy?"
Kizaru had zero interest in chatting. After a few perfunctory words, he motioned for Karl to leave.
"It was a bit of a hassle.
Sorry, Caesar—but I need to deliver this to Dr. Vegapunk."
"Let's go, Karl."
As their figures disappeared down the corridor, Caesar reluctantly tore his gaze away from the silver case, jealousy flickering in his eyes.
"Damn Vegapunk…"
"If Kaido's blood were given to me, I could create artificial Devil Fruits in no time at all!"
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