A small detector popped out from the shoulder of the metal robot.
It scanned Aokiji up and down.
Seeing this, Aokiji understood Bofoi's intention.
The other party was doubting his identity as a human.
Aokiji spread his hands in a casual posture and said:
"So, did you detect anything?"
Sitch, standing to the side, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Yesterday, when the City Z branch received the brainwashing-reversal technology sent by Aokiji,
They had already obtained Aokiji's consent and conducted a scan.
The result, naturally, was that he passed easily.
But today,
This Dr. Bofoi, who holds a prestigious reputation in the scientific community,
Under the pretext of considering joining the Association,
Sent a remote-controlled robot to the headquarters,
Yet he didn't mention joining the Association at all.
Instead, he directly stated that the technology possessed by the Association was too backward.
Claiming it couldn't detect Monsters with strong camouflage abilities at all.
He was not only belittling the Association's technological level but also questioning the Association's strongest hero.
It was said that during the actual reception, the other party's words were so vicious
That the colleague in charge of the reception was so angry afterward that they beat up a passing leader.
I hope these two don't start a fight here,
Sitch hoped inwardly.
The detector retracted with two clicks.
"Indeed, you are not a mutated Monster."
Along with the electronic voice, light points flickered on the metal head.
But the atmosphere still hadn't relaxed.
"Then, there are two possibilities."
"One, it is indeed as the Association advertises, and you have once again developed a rather peculiar Psychic Power."
"Two, you were a Dragon to begin with, not a mutated Monster, but a pre-existing creature, and your human appearance is a mimicry."
"Aokiji, which one are you?"
Although he was asking a question,
Bofoi wasn't focused on Aokiji's subsequent answer.
He controlled the robot's visual System, focusing clearly on Aokiji's face,
Intending to make a judgment through minute, subconscious changes in facial expression.
On the large screen display in his research institute,
Aokiji slowly pulled out his phone:
"Beep—Hello, Isamu (Child Emperor). When you have time, you should pay more attention to the psychological state of empty-nest elderly people. This delusional situation is quite serious!"
"Yes, yes, it's him. Should I send some medicine over? Oh, you'll go visit him yourself? Alright then."
...Unable to judge.
Bofoi subconsciously ground his buckteeth.
The other party's behavioral logic was completely beyond expectations.
In that case,
"Aokiji, let's have a combat training session. I want to test a new type of weapon."
The slightly bloated-looking robot raised its arms, which were loaded with numerous weapons.
Only children cling to verbal arguments.
Adults only need to get the desired results.
Since he couldn't judge from the conversation,
He would analyze through combat.
Aokiji naturally intended to refuse.
It was too much trouble and offered no benefits; he couldn't be bothered to entertain an old man.
But Bofoi spoke first:
"My former assistant accepted an order from you to modify a giant robot to give it practical combat value."
"I can assist in improving the performance of that giant robot and install various weapons I've developed."
"Weapon testing is a very important matter," Aokiji said solemnly.
"Since it can advance science, let's begin."
"Wait, wait, wait! Mr. Aokiji, Dr. Bofoi!" Sitch's expression was panicked.
How did these two suddenly reach an agreement??
No matter what, you can't start a fight on the Association building!
Mr. Aokiji's combat power is obvious to all.
Dr. Bofoi's robot look like it has staggering firepower.
If they were allowed to fight here,
The Association building could skip the repair phase and just be rebuilt from scratch!
"If you two need to spar, you can go to the combat grounds specifically provided by the Association."
"No need," Bofoi refused directly.
"With the Association's current technological level, the grounds are surely just made of scrap. It's better to go to the wilderness."
Sitch gave an embarrassed smile.
As expected, it was a merciless belittlement.
It wasn't malicious mockery, just a natural sense of looking down on them.
"Anywhere is fine, let's make it quick. I still have to go back and feed them," Aokiji said, stepping forward.
"Let's set it in the wilderness to the west of City A."
Flames spewed from the thrusters on the robot's feet and back.
It soared into the sky and flew away, leaving a white vapor trail.
Just as Aokiji was about to follow, Sitch raised his hand and asked cautiously:
"Mr. Aokiji, can the Association film from the side?"
There were almost no images left of the destruction caused by the battle in City Z yesterday.
Regarding Aokiji's Azure Dragon form,
Although the Association had already issued a statement to inform the public,
The people still hadn't seen it with their own eyes.
If he were to suddenly appear before the public, it might cause unnecessary panic.
"Just remember to stay far away so you don't get caught in the crossfire."
Aokiji didn't care and agreed.
Then his figure streaked through the air.
He arrived at the location where Bofoi was.
Outside the city, in the middle of a vast wasteland,
Scattered stone pillars stood tall.
Dust rose from the yellowish-brown ground.
The slightly bloated metal robot had already locked onto the descending Aokiji.
"This robot is the metal knight from my newly developed 'metal series'."
"Relying on this one unit alone clearly won't provide a qualified test result. Wait a moment; other units are on their way."
After saying that, metal knight stood still.
Aokiji, who had already transformed into his Hybrid Form, boredly used his dragon claws to fiddle with its rounded head.
Beep—
The door to Bofoi's research institute was swiped open.
A brown-haired primary school student, chewing on a lollipop, ran into the institute with a bit of cheer.
"Ara-ra~ Doctor, why did I get a call complaining about you? Is the old man feeling lonely?"
Child Emperor couldn't stop laughing inside.
As a Genius child,
He had never had a school teacher call his parents to complain about him being naughty or causing trouble.
Bofoi gave him a flat look:
"You got here fast. Do you miss this place that you treat as a secret base and amusement park?"
Child Emperor shrugged indifferently.
A mechanical arm from his backpack brought over a chair, and he sat down next to Bofoi.
"I'm just curious. Last time you were investigating Mr. Aokiji through me, and this time you're contacting him directly."
"I want to know, Doctor, what exactly you're trying to confirm... Whoa! Is this Mr. Aokiji??"
Child Emperor saw the image on the display,
He stared dumbfounded at Aokiji in his Azure Dragon Hybrid Form.
Although he had learned a bit from the news and the Association's statements,
That Mr. Aokiji seemed to have developed a new Psychic Power,
He never expected it to be... so cool!!!
Child Emperor's eyes twinkled as he gazed at the humanoid Azure Dragon, which possessed both power and charm.
"...Isamu, you see what I want to confirm now."
Bofoi pulled up the footage of the other units in the 'metal series'.
They would arrive in about half a minute.
"...I see," Child Emperor snapped out of it.
After some conflicted thought, he spoke again:
"Even if you doubt Mr. Aokiji's identity, it's the heart that decides one's stance!"
"The heart? Are you starting to write poetry now?"
Bofoi remained unmoved.
He input commands into the 'metal series',
Releasing the maximum firepower limits.
Five cold, gleaming metal units crashed to the ground!
Aokiji held his neck and twisted it slightly.
Haki surged and coiled, turning into leaping black and red lightning.
"Finally, they're here. Let's begin."
...
[Throw some stones]