Young Master… you must carefully consider the future path of the Donquixote Family…
Inside Dressrosa, after hanging up the Den Den Mushi, veins bulged across Doflamingo's forehead.
"Young Master… I still find this hard to believe."
"Young Master, are you alright?"
Trebol and Pica asked with concern.
"For something this significant, Vergo wouldn't be mistaken."
"You two leave for now… I need some time alone."
Doflamingo rubbed his forehead tiredly.
After the two of them left, his expression twisted into something terrifying.
"Damn it… because of that brat named Xia Yu, the new era has arrived ahead of schedule."
"The Seven Warlords system is already obsolete."
"I need to make preparations… immediately."
At Marine Headquarters, after finishing his duties, Sengoku headed to Xia Yu's laboratory that afternoon.
Since the Navy planned to deploy the Seraphim for a mission, it was better to inform Xia Yu beforehand.
Besides—
Sengoku had obtained 100 billion Berries from the Five Elders.
He could hardly wait to share the good news.
When he learned that Dr. Xia Yu was still busy working, Sengoku signaled the Vice Admirals on duty not to disturb him.
If Xia Yu's research was interrupted…
The consequences would be unimaginable.
It wasn't until late evening—
Without even stopping to eat—
That Xia Yu finally emerged from the laboratory, drenched in sweat.
Though he looked exhausted, his mood was clearly excellent.
"Hahaha!"
"The Admiral-level Seraphim technology is progressing extremely smoothly!"
"In about two more days, it will be completed!"
Xia Yu spoke excitedly.
Hearing this, Sengoku's smile nearly reached his ears.
This was truly double good news.
The sooner Admiral-level Seraphim were completed, the sooner the Navy could dominate the seas.
"Perfect timing, Xia Yu. I also have good news for you."
"My meeting with the Five Elders went very well."
"They've agreed to allocate 100 billion Berries for your research."
"Combined with the Seraphim you've already produced, within one week you only need to create twenty Warlord-level Seraphim and one Admiral-level Seraphim."
"Do you have enough time?" Sengoku asked honestly.
As Fleet Admiral, Sengoku would never embezzle research funds from a subordinate.
If Xia Yu's research progress were delayed because of that—
He might end up remembered in history as the man who ruined the Navy.
"That's wonderful, Uncle Sengoku!"
"Don't worry, I can complete the task!"
"The extra ten Warlord-level Seraphim will be finished tonight!"
Xia Yu said excitedly in his childish voice.
With 100 billion Berries…
He could unlock new technologies again.
Sengoku nodded approvingly.
That production speed was more than sufficient.
After finishing his conversation with Xia Yu, Sengoku turned toward Vice Admiral Momonga.
"Vice Admiral Momonga, there's a mission I need you to handle."
"A pirate called Blackbeard has appeared recently."
"He has captured Ace and claims he wants to trade Ace for the position of Seven Warlord."
"The exchange will take place the day after tomorrow."
"Location: Banaro Island in the Grand Line."
Momonga was visibly shocked.
When had such a pirate appeared?
And he had even captured Ace?
Back when Ace was a rookie, he had once rejected an offer to become a Warlord. Momonga remembered that clearly.
"Ace… carries the bloodline of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger."
"Executing him would have enormous significance for the world."
"It would show all those rookies dreaming of becoming Pirate King the consequences of such ambitions."
"Ace's identity must remain secret."
Hearing this, Momonga's pupils shrank.
He hadn't expected Ace's background to be so significant.
"Understood."
"I will complete the mission."
Momonga saluted seriously.
"A trade?"
Sengoku sneered.
"There is no trade."
"The Seven Warlords system is no longer necessary."
"Why would we create another Warlord?"
"I've heard that both he and Ace once served under Whitebeard."
"A man who betrays his own brother will eventually betray us as well."
"Just bring Ace back."
"If Blackbeard refuses…"
"Use the Seraphim and eliminate him."
Momonga, Vice Admiral Onigumo, the giant Vice Admiral, and Vice Admiral Bastille were all startled.
But they quickly understood.
With Xia Yu's war machines, the Navy now possessed weapons capable of replacing the Warlords.
And once Admiral-level Seraphim appeared…
Even the Four Emperors might no longer be necessary.
Of course, as veteran Marine officers with strict discipline, none of them would leak such secrets.
"Yes!"
Momonga saluted.
At that moment—
Ding!
"System has detected a hated target: Blackbeard."
"Mission activated."
"Lead your Seraphim and kill Blackbeard."
"Reward: Tree of the Universe."
"The Tree of the Universe?"
Xia Yu unconsciously licked his lips.
That was an advanced technology costing 50 million Berries to unlock.
According to the system description—
This tree would periodically produce mysterious fruits.
Anyone who consumed those fruits would gain special powers.
At first glance, it seemed similar to the Devil Fruit Tree.
But in reality, it was far more powerful.
First—
Devil Fruits scattered randomly across the world after appearing.
But the fruits produced by the Tree of the Universe could be completely controlled by Xia Yu.
Second—
The Devil Fruit Tree could only produce abilities from the One Piece world.
But the Tree of the Universe could produce not only Devil Fruits—
It could also bear fruits containing powers from other worlds.
The exact abilities weren't explained.
But Xia Yu immediately understood.
Those powers might come from entirely different dimensions.
If that was the case—
This tree was absolutely terrifying.
No wonder it required 50 million Berries to unlock.
With such a reward in front of him, Xia Yu couldn't possibly resist.
"Uncle Sengoku… take me along too."
A childish voice suddenly spoke.
Everyone turned in surprise.
Little Xia Yu wanted to join the mission?
"But you still have research to complete."
"Even if the Warlord-level Seraphim can be finished tonight, you still need to develop the much more important Admiral-level Seraphim."
"If you go on the mission… it may delay your research."
Sengoku looked worried.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
No matter how intelligent Xia Yu was—
He was still just a child.
But the entire World Government was waiting for the results of his research.
Allowing him to delay such important work for a small mission was unthinkable.
"Uncle Sengoku, you misunderstand."
"In a sense…"
"The Admiral-level Seraphim technology has already been solved."
Xia Yu smiled.
"…What?!"
Everyone's eyes widened in shock.
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