Shaka, known as the "Big Brother" among Dr. Vegapunk's satellites, stepped forward to examine the unconscious York. After confirming that she was not destroyed, he gave a slight nod toward Dr. Vegapunk.
Seeing Shaka's response, Dr. Vegapunk quietly let out a breath of relief. Losing even one of his six satellites would be a significant setback. If York, who embodied "Desire," had truly been lost, then until a replacement could be created, both he and the remaining satellites would be forced to waste valuable research time managing basic bodily needs.
After resolving York's situation, Lloyd shifted his attention to inspecting Pluton itself. Dr. Vegapunk and the five remaining satellites quickly followed behind him, carefully explaining the ship's functions as they moved.
Inside the cabin, the layout was unlike anything from the current era. The central projected light screen alone surpassed the technology of any known vessel by several generations.
Dr. Vegapunk guided Lloyd to the control panel and pointed to a recessed groove beside it.
"Saint Lloyd, please place your hand here."
Lloyd complied immediately. The moment his hand made contact, the light screen flickered to life. Dr. Vegapunk stepped forward and performed a series of rapid adjustments. Soon after, a red button rose smoothly from the control panel.
At the same time, outside the cabin, a massive pitch black cannon barrel extended from beneath Pluton's bow.
Inside, Dr. Vegapunk continued his explanation.
"Saint Lloyd, I have now registered your biometric data into Pluton's operating system. From this moment onward, without your authorization, its weapons cannot be activated."
Lloyd nodded with clear satisfaction. "Excellent. Has its destructive capability been tested?"
Lilith stepped forward eagerly, her expression brimming with excitement.
"Saint Lloyd, we've already tested it. A single shot can completely annihilate an island, reducing it to nothing!"
Lilith did not merely represent "evil," she embodied Dr. Vegapunk's violent tendencies, possessing an intense fascination with weaponry.
The ability to erase an island with a single attack was already comparable to the most devastating weapons in the world. Even a Buster Call, carried out by multiple Navy warships, could only devastate an island's surface. It could not reduce an entire landmass to nothingness the way Pluton could.
However, with no suitable test target nearby, Lloyd dismissed the idea of firing the weapon. Instead, he casually inquired about the ship's mobility.
Dr. Vegapunk responded promptly.
"Pluton's speed at sea is several times faster than standard Navy warships. Additionally, its stern is equipped with a propulsion system similar to the Coup de Burst used by the Thousand Sunny. By utilizing the thrust from the rear cannon, it can achieve instantaneous acceleration and even brief aerial lift."
"Both the speed and lift capability far exceed the Coup de Burst."
After hearing the rest of the explanations regarding Pluton's various functions, Lloyd placed a hand on Dr. Vegapunk's shoulder, clearly pleased.
"Very good, Dr. Vegapunk. You never fail to meet expectations. I will increase your next research budget by thirty percent."
This increase was far from trivial. The funding Lloyd already provided each year was astronomical. An additional thirty percent would rival the Heavenly Tribute paid by entire nations over several years.
Dr. Vegapunk's eyes lit up with excitement, but before he could express his gratitude, Lilith stepped forward ahead of him, bowing deeply at a ninety degree angle.
"Thank you very much, Saint Lloyd!"
Lloyd waved dismissively. "That's enough. Focus your efforts on research. You all share the same mind, so internal conflict must not interfere with progress. If anything like today's incident happens again, no matter who is responsible, I will eliminate them immediately. Do you understand?"
Shaka and the others accepted this calmly, their personalities naturally inclined toward discipline. Only Lilith's expression shifted slightly as she lowered her head, a trace of unease evident.
Lloyd glanced at her briefly.
"There's no need to be overly tense. As long as none of you provoke conflict, I won't act against her."
With that, Lloyd turned his attention back to the control panel, idly operating it for a short while. A faint smile gradually formed on his lips.
At present, two of the three Ancient Weapons, Poseidon and Pluton, were firmly under his control. As for Uranus, it was most likely in the hands of Imu.
Even the Twenty Kings from eight hundred years ago had not possessed such overwhelming advantages at the start of their rise.
Eight hundred years ago, Joy Boy had failed. Now, eight centuries later, the outcome would remain unchanged.
Everything was already in place. All that remained was for Joy Boy to appear.
With that thought, Lloyd raised his hand, and the light screen vanished instantly.
He turned to Dr. Vegapunk and the satellites.
"You will remain aboard this ship for the time being. Are there sufficient food supplies?"
Dr. Vegapunk hesitated slightly. "There are some, but not much..."
"Understood. I will arrange for additional supplies to be delivered. There is no need for concern. Navy fleets are stationed around the area, and Admiral Sakazuki is nearby. If anything unexpected occurs, reinforcements will arrive quickly."
Dr. Vegapunk nodded. "I understand, Saint Lloyd. Please rest assured. Although I no longer have the authority to activate Pluton's weapons, I can still control it for defensive purposes. Given its durability, even Joy Boy would struggle to breach it easily."
"Do not underestimate him," Lloyd replied. "I will also assign Admiral Borsalino and Kuma here. You are familiar with them, aren't you?"
Dr. Vegapunk gave a small, awkward nod. "Yes, we are... acquainted."
Lloyd's lips curled slightly. "What's wrong? You don't seem enthusiastic about working with them."
Dr. Vegapunk quickly waved his hands. "No, no, Saint Lloyd, you misunderstand."
"Misunderstand? Is it because they used to avoid their duties while stationed with you?"
Dr. Vegapunk blinked in confusion. "Avoid their duties?"
"It means spending work hours on leisure activities, such as traveling."
"Ah... so you were aware of that."
"Of course," Lloyd replied, his tone carrying faint amusement. "And I allowed it."
Dr. Vegapunk gave a sheepish smile. "I suspected as much. Still, Admiral Borsalino and Kuma are both very kind individuals. It's just that Admiral Borsalino can be somewhat... unreliable at times. Comparatively, I find Kuma to be far more dependable."
Recalling Borsalino's usual demeanor, Lloyd let out a quiet chuckle and shook his head.
"Though he may appear lazy, he is extremely reliable when it matters most. You can trust him completely."
=≠=
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