"Oh, I see. This mineral is called Axium Ore. Yes, the three isotopes are co-occurring, which explains why the substance you call Axium-235 has such a low concentration-only 0.7%, it seems. It requires a process of enrichment and extraction to produce."
"Plutonium... Is that what you call this element? Fine. This element isn't found naturally in minerals-wait, that's not right. I extracted a substance similar to the chemical formula you mentioned from Explosive Rock."
"Oh, so you need Axium-238 to absorb a neutron without fissioning to produce Axium-239, which then undergoes two decays to yield the more highly radioactive Plutonium-239. I wonder how similar the substance from Explosive Rock is to this."
Shin, controlling Praying Hand No. 2, had been in this small room with Vegapunk for three hours.
Yet, these brief three hours completely redefined Shin's understanding of 'genius.'
Within the first half hour, Vegapunk had already grasped the basics of manufacturing nuclear weapons, including how to extract Axium-235 and Plutonium-239.
Within one hour, he had fully mastered nuclear physics and advanced applications from scratch, even deducing most of the chemistry and physics knowledge that Shin hadn't yet revealed.
In the next half hour, he had begun to understand the fusion reactions of light atomic nuclei, moving toward preparing hydrogen bombs and completing the knowledge of Earth chemistry.
This wasn't merely a matter of inferring one thing from three examples; Shin would only start a topic, and Vegapunk would instantly deduce the entire field, often improving upon it.
This was a monster of science, perhaps even a man cursed by knowledge.
By now, he had entirely conquered atomic physics, reaching the limit of the information that the computer "Chewing Gum" could collect.
So, Shin began discussing Minovsky physics with him.
This was his true objective.
When he exchanged for the GP02, the system included a complete set of theory manuals covering the principles of constructing a Minovsky reactor and related knowledge-a comprehensive Minovsky physics curriculum.
Minovsky physics, in essence, was the foundation of the Gundam UC era.
This specific electromagnetic wave phenomenon couldn't be explained by conventional physics; it fundamentally violated the basic definitions of physics.
Minovsky particles have a near-zero rest mass, yet, like other particles, their mass increases with kinetic energy.
They carry positive and negative charges and can block all electronic signals.
The collision of positive and negative Minovsky particles produces Mega Particles, releasing energy sufficient for nuclear fusion.
When Dr. Minovsky discovered this phenomenon, he was ostracized by the physics community.
Ultimately, he was supported by the Zabi family, and his work laid the groundwork for the absolute technological advantage the Zeon army held over the Federation in the early UC era.
Exaggerated beam weapons and the history-altering nuclear fusion reactors of the Gundam UC era originated from Minovsky physics.
This field brought not only nuclear fusion reactors but also particle scattering that shielded nearly all electromagnetic signals, the focusing effect of Mega Particle cannons, and even artificial suns and satellite colonies that allowed plants to photosynthesize normally.
This body of knowledge wasn't as complex as the Human Genome Map, but it was still a vast amount of information that gave Shin a headache.
He knew it would take him years, perhaps decades, to fully comprehend Minovsky physics on his own.
He needed help-the help and understanding of a true genius.
Shin was well aware of his own limitations.
Even with the modifications of a Coordinator and the "Madman's Wisdom" of the Poltorto, he was only an 'excellent' individual who surpassed most ordinary people, not a 'genius' who operated on an entirely different level.
Vegapunk, however, thoroughly transcended nearly all humans in terms of knowledge.
Calling him a genius would be an insult.
If being half a step ahead is a genius and one step ahead is a madman, Vegapunk, who was ten steps ahead, defied all normal reasoning.
Only a person like him could help Shin grasp this abstruse, otherworldly knowledge in the shortest time possible.
After five hours of intense discussion and exchange, a light cough came from the darkness nearby.
"Doctor, time is up."
"Then extend the time. Tell the Gorosei that my time outside needs to be extended."
Vegapunk replied without looking back, showing that he wouldn't even give face to the Gorosei, let alone CP0.
The CP0 in the darkness, whose face was unseen, showed signs of difficulty.
Shin narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled broadly.
"Since that is the case, Dr. Vegapunk, perhaps we should conclude our discussion for today. Or, you could request a Den Den Mushi from the Gorosei so we can continue our discussions in the future."
In fact, Shin was also running on empty.
For the past two hours, he had essentially been reading verbatim from the Minovsky physics materials provided by the system.
It was no longer Shin teaching Vegapunk; it was Vegapunk teaching him.
Shin was merely the one asking the questions; Vegapunk was the one providing the answers and clarifying all the concepts.
"Very well, I will speak with the Gorosei. I assume they will agree," Vegapunk nodded seriously.
Behind his gas mask, he looked thoroughly unfulfilled.
He hadn't encountered such a thirst for knowledge in a long time.
If he could, he truly wanted to take Shin back to his scientific laboratory and continue their exchange until Shin was drained dry.
Thinking of this, Vegapunk suddenly shook his head at Shin, expressing disappointment.
"Why did you become a damned Warlord? That system will be abolished by me within the next two years. What's the point of you being a Warlord?"
Vegapunk casually revealed the Gorosei's highest secret: his PX series and new weapons were about to completely replace the Warlords, and even the Marine.
"I am also pursuing my freedom, Doctor," Shin smiled and shook his head.
"Speaking of which, Doctor, I heard you have the deepest knowledge of human genetics. I have some questions I'd like to ask you-"
He was referring, of course, to the Human Genome Map.
He currently wasn't willing to spend money to simplify this knowledge.
If he handed it over to Vegapunk, like Minovsky physics, perhaps-
"Forget it. I can't help you with this," Vegapunk shook his head and shrugged.
"The Gorosei forbid me from researching any human genetics. They ripped up my Life Design Blueprint. If I research it again, they won't let me live."
Shin narrowed his eyes slightly.
He had only been holding out hope, realizing this was likely the Gorosei's bottom line.
The most advanced biological technology in the entire One Piece world-Artificial Devil Fruits, Lineage Factor, Giant Human Experiments-were all things Vegapunk had already mastered.
The only Artificial Devil Fruit he created was the artificial Mythical Zoan: Dragon Fruit later eaten by Kozuki Momonosuke.
While seemingly weak, that was primarily due to Momonosuke's young age and weakness.
All of Caesar Clown's SMILEs were merely poor replicas of Vegapunk's work.
Similarly, Vinsmoke Judge's Lineage Factor technology, including his four children whom he prided himself on, were also things Vegapunk had moved on from.
It wasn't that Vegapunk didn't want to research these things; the World Government simply wouldn't allow him to.
The Life Design Blueprint technology arguably encompassed the collective results of all these works by Vegapunk.
The reason Caesar and Judge were tolerated by the World Government while researching these was simply because their level of research could never reach Vegapunk's height.
"If you want to research these, go find Judge. Although he's a self-important idiot, he's done some research," Vegapunk said flatly.
"Okay, it seems we have to stop here. I hope we can soon resume our discussion on academic matters."
Shin regretfully stood up, watching Vegapunk disappear into the darkness, his presence vanishing from the room.
Then, from the shadows next to Shin, a CP0 agent in a white suit emerged silently, holding a golden Den Den Mushi.
"As you wished, Poltorto. You have met Vegapunk."
The voice of the Gorosei came from the other end of the Den Den Mushi.
Shin raised an eyebrow, and a pleased laugh echoed within his helmet.
"And, also as you wished, you have gained my knowledge-although it's not entirely perfect."
"Hmph, do you think we would agree to you having a communication link with Vegapunk?"
"Of course, you will agree," Shin chuckled softly.
"It's beneficial to you and harmless to me. It's just a Den Den Mushi, after all. Besides, aren't you monitoring Dr. Vegapunk all the time?"
"Just like you monitored my conversation with the Doctor today. While you might not have understood it all, I'm sure these conversations will be saved and used to educate other scientists in your science unit."
While the Gorosei relied heavily on Vegapunk, they were always trying to improve the level of other scientists who were more loyal to them.
They understood the principle of not putting all their eggs in one basket.
Unfortunately, other scientists were simply incapable of replacing Vegapunk.
Caesar Clown, who was the second-in-command of the science unit, was worlds apart from Vegapunk.
"I believe this is not a bad thing for you; it's a win-win," Shin waved his hand, smiling.
The other end of the Den Den Mushi was silent for a moment, then the Gorosei's voice became slightly calmer.
"Fine. From now on, this Den Den Mushi will connect directly to Vegapunk, but all information will be recorded by a wiretapping Den Den Mushi. Poltorto, remember your place."
"I always remember my place," Shin said softly.
"I assume the five elders are aware of the weapons I've sold to Doflamingo. I need money, and I don't believe those weapons crossed the line for you, did they?"
"Hmph, you better continue to be this clear-headed."
The Gorosei hung up the Den Den Mushi.
Shin watched the last CP0 agent leave the room, his smile growing increasingly pleased.
The most valuable goal of this trip had been achieved: making Vegapunk his teacher.
There were four targets remaining: Vinsmoke Judge, Doflamingo, Gildo Tesoro, and...
Monkey D. Dragon.
Before he could unleash a massive wave that would change the world, these four individuals would be the four nodes he would use to leverage the world.
However, he couldn't approach any of these four directly.
If he did, regardless of his objective, the Gorosei's close monitoring would instantly derail his planned actions.
So, he had to make them come to him.
No rush.
They would come.
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