— Karl, even though you were lazy during the battle, you did an excellent job with the assistance. Every hour you had to renew the buffs for everyone and keep an eye on the situation, because Kaido would occasionally explode. Then someone would get injured, and Karl had to run to provide timely help. In general, besides Kizaru and Aokiji, it was Karl who actually treated all four vice admirals for serious injuries.
— Finally, it's over with that guy, I'm exhausted! — Gion sat on the ground with no grace, crossing his legs, her canteen heaving on his chest. The other vice admirals also sat on the ground, breathing heavily.
— Karl, where are the things I asked you to bring?
— I brought them! Here! — Karl handed Kizaru a large silver box. Kizaru opened it without hesitation, and cold white air burst out. Before Kizaru lay medical equipment resembling blood collection tools. Karl started to have suspicions.
— Kizaru slowly approached the sleeping Kaido and extended his right hand: — Sword of Clouds.
— Swish~
— After he made a cut on Kaido's arm, the Sword of Clouds disappeared. Kizaru inserted a needle into Kaido's body and began drawing blood.
— General Kizaru, this... ?
— I'll explain later.
— After a while, Kizaru had already collected almost three bags of Kaido's blood. For Kaido, it was a minuscule amount, but it was more than sufficient for research.
— Alright, first to the meeting! I'll explain everything once we're on the ship.
— Then the two of them entered the conference room, where Headquarters Chief Tsuru was presiding, mainly to discuss what to do with Jack and his "good" leader.
— Karl wasn't interested in listening to the content of the meeting. Even if they sent them all to Impel Down, Kaido would very likely overturn the ship with the prisoners halfway and take Jack.
— Moreover, he was just a minor lieutenant-commander in the Marines, and the lowest rank among those present was vice admiral, so they had no say.
— An hour later, the meeting concluded.
— The subsequent plans regarding Jack and Kaido didn't concern Kizaru, nor Karl, so they simply gathered their things and left.
— Returning to the warship, Kizaru immediately ordered the ship to head to Punk Hazard. Karl already suspected this.
— The current Punk Hazard (the forbidden area of Bank) is neither an icy nor fiery island, but a scientific research base under strict watch by the World Government. Vegapunk once conducted research there on the artificial Devil Fruit project.
— If nothing unexpected occurs, Vegapunk is likely there now too, though it is unknown if it is the real him or a clone.
— Vegapunk is a scientific research base belonging to the scientific forces of the Marines. They are currently conducting research on artificial Devil Fruit projects and biological transformation.
— One of the main objectives of our arrest of Kaido this time was to obtain a sample of his blood and deliver it to Doctor Vegapunk for research.
— Karl nodded, pretending to agree: — Vegapunk? That's "the man with the smartest brain in the world"?
— Yes, but right now he is conducting research elsewhere, and his clone is responsible for the research on Punk Hazard.
— Karl's heart fluttered. A clone... Perhaps he would have a chance to meet the smartest man in the world.
— Admiral Kizaru, I am very interested in Vegapunk. Could I meet him?
— Kizaru frowned and smirked: — If it were the real one, you'd definitely not have a chance, but as for the clone… for the sake of my reputation, there shouldn't be any problem.
— Karl nodded with satisfaction, eagerly anticipating the upcoming trip.
— He had heard that Vegapunk had technology that allowed "things" to eat Devil Fruits, like Spandam's weapon that consumed the Elephant Fruit, and Karl happened to have an extra Devil Fruit.
— Why not take the opportunity to gain some advantage?
— The G-2 branch wasn't far from Punk Hazard, and even at a low speed, they would arrive by sunset.
— Don't wander around aimlessly here, wait until Karl and I return.
— Yes!
— Karl, let's go!
— As soon as they landed on the island, a group of people approached them. Seeing Kizaru, they saluted.
— General Kizaru, you've arrived! This is…? — Kizaru looked at Karl and, smiling, said: — This is Major Karl, my adjutant.
— The Captain nodded in respect and addressed Karl: "I'm sorry, Major Karl, but according to the rules, we must search you. Please understand."
— Karl looked at Kizaru, who shrugged, indicating he couldn't help him.
— "Alright! I don't have many belongings with me..."
— After ensuring everything was in order with Karl, the guard released him but temporarily confiscated his Denden Mushi and some small items.
— "I didn't expect the security to be so strict here. It's clear the World Government values Vegapunk highly!"
— Kizaru said slowly: "Just don't mention this to anyone. Don't chat about it anywhere, or the agents from the CP division will be very unpleasant!"
— "Ha-ha-ha, I'm not that foolish."
— Upon arriving at the institute, Karl saw more or less what he expected.
— Security every five steps, bustling researchers, death row prisoners with terror-stricken eyes... Karl observed them all.
— "Hey! Why haven't the death row inmates I requested been delivered yet? What are you doing over there?!"
— A piercing shout caught Karl's attention. A man in a white coat with long black hair and horns was yelling something.
— Upon seeing him, a flicker of disgust appeared in Karl's eyes. Caesar clown.
— "Eh, isn't that Admiral Kizaru? Is that a sample of Kaido's blood? Hmm, truly intriguing!"
— Kizaru grimaced: "Doctor Caesar, long time no see! You're as diligent as ever!"
— Caesar smiled, seeming very pleased with Kizaru's praise.
— "No, no, Admiral Kizaru is even more diligent! This is a sample of a sea lord's blood! I guess Admiral Kizaru faced quite a few challenges to obtain it!"
Kizaru had no intention of chatting with Caesar. After exchanging a few words, he prepared to leave with Karl.
— "Indeed, a bit of trouble. Sorry, but I have to deliver this to Doctor Vegapunk. I won't chat any longer. Let's go, Karl!"
As they were about to depart, Caesar reluctantly took his eyes off the silver briefcase in Kizaru's hand. There was envy in his eyes.
— "Damn Vegapunk, if you'd just give me Kaido's blood sample, I'd make an artificial Devil Fruit in no time!"
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