[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 386- 390

Chapter 386: Ding~ Your Plug-in Vegapunk Has Arrived!

Vegapunk took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling scene at the port. He noticed a group of familiar figures waiting for him, their postures tense with anticipation.

With a quick nod, he turned back to the control panel, his fingers flying over the buttons to guide the floating brain-shaped vessel closer to the dock. As he worked, he cast a teasing glance at Dragon, standing stoically by his side.

"Come to think of it, this must be the first time you two have met, right?" Vegapunk remarked with a knowing smile. "How are you feeling? Nervous?"

Dragon, ever the stoic revolutionary, gave him a cold, unimpressed look. "How could a father and son feel nervous when meeting? This is just a simple family reunion," he said in a flat, measured tone, crossing his arms tightly across his chest.

Vegapunk raised an eyebrow at Dragon's rigid stance. His fingers tapped rhythmically against his biceps, betraying his supposed indifference. Suppressing a chuckle, Vegapunk simply smiled and returned to his work.

This guy is as hypocritical as ever, Vegapunk mused silently. No hint of the revolutionary leader he’s supposed to be.

With a final press of the controls, the "Punk Record" smoothly docked at the port.

Vegapunk glanced at Dragon again, noticing how his fingers tapped even faster now, yet his feet remained rooted to the deck. With an exaggerated cough, Vegapunk strode forward confidently, stepping off the floating craft.

Sentomaru followed close behind, his burly frame exuding a bodyguard's protective aura. Dragon hesitated a moment before following them, his movements slow and deliberate as though reluctant to disembark.

Today, the "Punk Record" wasn't as massive as the behemoth it would become in the future. For now, it resembled a moderately sized, three-masted sailing ship. At its core was Vegapunk's brain, encased in a protective, eggshell-like barrier. The rest of the ship consisted of a simple operating room, a few storage compartments, and some basic living quarters.

Vegapunk stepped onto the gangplank, his boots clicking against the makeshift ladder crafted from island clouds. As he descended, a familiar figure approached him with a broad grin.

"Dr. Vegapunk!" Luffy called out, extending a hand enthusiastically. "We meet again. Sorry for the sudden invitation. I hope it wasn't too much trouble!"

Vegapunk tilted his head slightly, his keen eyes flicking to the group gathered behind Luffy. Young men and women stood shoulder to shoulder, holding welcome banners of various sizes.

The corners of Vegapunk's mouth twitched. "Luffy-kun, you do realize that I’m likely a wanted man by now, right? Hosting such a grand welcome might not be the most inconspicuous approach."

Luffy laughed, letting go of Vegapunk's hand. "Don’t worry, Doctor. These are all trusted comrades—former guerrilla forces and warriors from Amazon Lily. They’re loyal and capable. They’ll be taking turns ensuring your safety."

Though skeptical, Vegapunk nodded. He decided to trust Luffy for now. After all, if something went wrong, the first person to suffer the consequences wouldn’t be him—it’d be the young vice admiral standing confidently before him.

As the two continued their conversation, a young woman with flowing hair approached, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Dr. Vegapunk, it’s such an honor to meet you in person!" Olivia exclaimed, holding out a notebook. "I’ve admired your work in the field of science for so long. Could I get your autograph?"

Vegapunk blinked in surprise but quickly obliged. Pulling a pen from his coat pocket, he signed the notebook with a flourish.

As Olivia beamed at her prize, others rushed forward eagerly. Koala, Nami, and Usopp were among those vying for Vegapunk's attention. Surrounded by his new admirers, Vegapunk couldn’t help but feel both flattered and slightly overwhelmed.

Meanwhile, Luffy had already turned his attention to another figure approaching from the ship—Sentomaru.

"Brother Sentomaru! Welcome!" Luffy greeted warmly. "I regret not having dinner together the last time we met. This time, our chef will make sure you eat to your heart’s content."

Sentomaru smirked, crossing his arms. "You’d better not disappoint me. I eat a lot, you know. If the food isn’t good, I might have to take my anger out on you."

Luffy laughed heartily, clapping him on the shoulder. "Don’t worry, you’ll love it. I guarantee it!"

The two shook hands firmly, their previous tensions dissolving in an instant.

As the group exchanged pleasantries, another figure lingered in the background. Dragon stood at a distance, his arms still crossed, watching the scene with a complicated expression. He hadn’t approached or said a word, simply observing as Luffy interacted effortlessly with everyone.

Just as Dragon was about to cough to announce his presence, Luffy turned suddenly, his eyes locking onto his father’s.

Chapter 387: Luffy: Were the Marks on Your Face Caused by a Slipper?

At this moment, Dragon was utterly conflicted. Should he feel happy about this long-overdue meeting, or should he be nervous about how it would go? Maybe he should act more serious, projecting an aura of fatherly authority to salvage his image.

While Dragon wrestled with his inner turmoil, Luffy stood across from him, scrutinizing his so-called father with curiosity.

Although Luffy knew that Dragon had been the one to "abandon" him during his younger years, he never expected Dragon to follow through by meeting him in person.

Seeing Dragon up close for the first time brought a whirlwind of emotions for Luffy. This was the man who shared his blood but had no presence in his childhood. The connection felt hollow, unfamiliar. Yet, Luffy wasn’t one to dwell on such things. His thoughts swirled briefly before he dismissed them, his usual carefree demeanor quickly taking over.

However, one question lingered in his mind—a question that had haunted him for some time. Seeing this rare opportunity, he couldn’t resist blurting it out.

"Hey, is that... a tattoo on your face, or is it a shoe mark from Grandpa's slipper?"

The moment the words left his lips, time seemed to freeze. Even Dragon, known for his calm and composed demeanor, found his brain momentarily short-circuiting.

Nearby, Vegapunk, Ain, Hancock, and the rest of the welcoming group paused mid-motion. Their eyes widened as they collectively perked up, sensing an incoming storm of drama.

In one corner, Robin adjusted her glasses, her expression contemplative. "So that’s the story," she murmured. "I always thought that tattoo looked peculiar. Could it really be a mark left by repeated blows over time?"

Beside her, Koala stood frozen in shock, her mouth slightly agape. The dignified and intimidating image she held of Dragon collapsed spectacularly. In her mind's eye, she pictured a younger Dragon fleeing desperately while an irate Garp chased him with a slipper in hand.

"Was Chief Dragon really like that?" Koala whispered in disbelief.

Dragon, meanwhile, finally snapped out of his daze. His expression twisted into one of outrage as he roared, "No! Absolutely not! That’s ridiculous! This is a tattoo—a tattoo I specifically chose! It’s not some slipper mark!"

The sheer force of his denial only fueled the amusement of those listening. Luffy, of course, wore his signature grin, entirely unbothered by his father’s fiery reaction.

Dragon clenched his fists, his composure unraveling. Memories of his youth flashed before him—memories he’d much rather forget. Yes, he had been chased around by Garp’s infamous slippers more times than he could count. But he swore on his revolution that the mark on his face had nothing to do with that relentless footwear.

Still fuming, Dragon glared at Luffy, his gaze sharp enough to pierce steel. If this gets back to the Revolutionary Army… He shuddered at the thought. His hard-earned reputation would be utterly ruined.

At that moment, Dragon forgot all notions of familial bonds. Father and son? Sentimentality? None of it mattered. What he wanted now was simple: to take off his own shoe, pin this brat to the ground, and give him a lesson he’d never forget.

Children, Dragon thought bitterly. The greatest obstacle to a revolutionary’s success. If I’d known this day would come, I might’ve considered leaving him behind entirely.

As Dragon’s murderous glare bore into him, Luffy felt a chill run down his spine. Goosebumps prickled his arms, but he still managed to maintain his grin. After all, this was his father—surely he wouldn’t follow through on such violent thoughts... right?

Even so, Luffy was no fool. He knew Dragon wasn’t an ordinary man. If he truly lost his temper, the consequences could be severe. Dragon might possess the same indomitable will as Luffy, perhaps even the legendary Conqueror’s Haki. The thought of being pinned to the ground and subjected to Dragon’s wrath was far from appealing.

Quickly realizing the danger of prolonging the moment, Luffy decided to change the subject. He straightened up, offering a friendly smile.

"Nice to meet you, old man," Luffy said cheerfully. "You’re more real than I expected. At least you’re not one of those boring guys who never smiles."

Dragon blinked, taken aback by the unexpected compliment. For a moment, his rage subsided. Real? Not boring? Is that what he thinks of me?

Although relieved that he hadn’t greeted his son with a cold, detached demeanor, Dragon couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. "What did this kid think of me before? Do I really seem like such a dull person?"

Still, Dragon forced himself to remain calm. He nodded at Luffy, replying gruffly, "You’re better than I expected too."

After saying his piece, he fell silent, unsure of what to say next.

Luffy tilted his head, waiting for more. When it became clear that no further words were coming, he rolled his eyes in annoyance and turned away. "Old man’s as awkward as ever," he muttered under his breath.

Deciding it was time to move things along, Luffy clapped his hands together, calling for everyone’s attention. "Alright! Enough standing around. Let’s head to the banquet hall!"

The group perked up at the mention of food, and excitement rippled through the crowd. Luffy had gone to great lengths to prepare for this gathering, determined to make it memorable.

This meeting was more than a simple reunion—it marked the beginning of a significant turning point. With Vegapunk’s assistance, Luffy was poised to enter a period of rapid development, both as a leader and as a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, this revelation hadn’t come without its share of challenges. When Luffy first revealed his alliance with the Revolutionary Army to his core team—Cook, Binz, Gavin, and the others—their reactions were nothing short of astonished.

Though initially shocked, their loyalty to Luffy remained steadfast. No matter what path he chose, they were ready to follow him to the ends of the earth.

Chapter 388: Computer and Punk Records Combined

Since his enrollment in the Marines' elite training camp, Luffy had always been a natural leader. His comrades admired his charisma, trusting his judgment and following him without hesitation.

Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp were no exception. Despite Usopp’s timid nature, his courage never faltered when it truly mattered. Together, the three reaffirmed their loyalty to Luffy, vowing to help him create a better era.

The brave marine believed not only in Luffy but also in the justice he stood for.

Now, let’s bring the focus back to the present—March 20th.

In celebration of Dr. Vegapunk’s arrival, Luffy organized a grand banquet. Sanji, as head chef, led his culinary team in a tireless effort to craft their finest dishes.

The smell of freshly grilled meats, rich stews, and fragrant spices wafted through the air as the chefs worked with determination. Even Vegapunk, who had tasted some of the rarest and most exquisite cuisines in the world, couldn’t help but marvel at the flavors.

“This is truly a miracle!” Vegapunk exclaimed after sampling one of Sanji’s dishes.

Meanwhile, Sentomaru was so engrossed in devouring his meal that he didn’t even notice when Luffy tried to strike up a conversation with him. His head seemed permanently buried in his plate, a testament to the irresistible allure of Sanji’s cooking.

On another side of the banquet hall, Dragon found himself the center of attention—not by choice. Ain, Hancock, Nami, and several other women eagerly surrounded him, competing for his attention and engaging him in lively conversation.

Unlike Garp, who thrived in such lively environments, Dragon appeared stiff and uncomfortable. He was entirely unused to this level of attention, especially from so many beautiful women.

"Who did Luffy inherit this kind of amorous charm from?" Dragon wondered, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of the situation.

Had Hina, Kalifa, Yamato, and Violet been present, Dragon might have felt even more overwhelmed. Fortunately, their duties in Wano Country spared him from further existential crisis.

As the banquet unfolded, Luffy observed Vegapunk, Dragon, and Sentomaru enjoying themselves. He felt a sense of relief, knowing his efforts to make everyone feel welcomed had paid off.

Seizing an opportunity, Luffy approached Vegapunk, who was wrestling with a particularly juicy piece of sea king meat.

"Doctor," Luffy began with a grin, "I remember you once complained about being overwhelmed with work. Have you found a way to manage everything more efficiently now? By the way, you look much more handsome without that oversized head."

Vegapunk chuckled, touching the apple-shaped antenna on his head with pride. "Hahaha! Yes, things are much easier now."

When it came to technology, Vegapunk was unstoppable. With enthusiasm, he launched into an explanation about the development of the "Punk Records" and his ambitious plan to create multiple clones that would share a collective brain.

Luffy listened intently, fascinated by the scientist’s vision. The idea of turning his brain into a shared database for the world’s knowledge was nothing short of remarkable.

"Doctor, that’s incredible!" Luffy said. "Actually, I’ve been working on something similar. We’re developing a new machine called a computer, and I think your expertise could take it to the next level."

Intrigued, Vegapunk paused to listen.

Luffy elaborated on his idea: to use computers as a medium for sharing knowledge. By connecting computers to a central database (modeled after Vegapunk’s brain), people could search for answers to their questions.

Additionally, Luffy envisioned creating a communication platform, akin to a public forum, where professionals could share their expertise with others. Scientists, doctors, and experts from various fields could upload their knowledge, expanding the database and providing opportunities for learning.

Vegapunk’s eyes lit up with inspiration. The concept of making knowledge universally accessible resonated deeply with his ideals.

"This is a brilliant idea!" Vegapunk exclaimed.

However, when he asked Luffy about the current prevalence of computers, his excitement waned. To his dismay, Luffy admitted that computers weren’t widely available yet—in fact, they hadn’t even built a fully functional prototype.

Olivia’s earlier invention, a game console, didn’t qualify as a real computer either.

Despite this, Vegapunk wasn’t discouraged. Creating computers sounded like a simple challenge for a mind as brilliant as his. Without hesitation, he patted his chest and declared, "Leave it to me!"

Luffy seized the opportunity to introduce Olivia. Dragging her into the conversation, he said, "Doctor, this is Olivia, a member of the Marine Research Institute. She can assist you with any computer-related issues."

Before Vegapunk could respond, Luffy added, "By the way, Olivia came up with something called electronic games. I was thinking we could incorporate it into the computer as a selling point. People would love it!"

Olivia’s jaw dropped, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Help Dr. Vegapunk? Me?!" she stammered, pointing to herself in disbelief.

The idea of working alongside the world’s greatest scientist was beyond her wildest dreams. Overwhelmed by the honor, she nearly fainted from joy.

Chapter 389: The Duplicity Dragon

Vegapunk’s sharp memory didn’t fail him. As soon as Olivia entered the conversation, he recognized her as the young woman who had once asked for his autograph. Intrigued, he turned his attention to her.

"Miss Olivia," he began, his voice filled with curiosity, "forgive me for not knowing of you before. What field do you research, and what inventions have you contributed to science?"

Olivia froze, her mind racing. How could she answer this question without embarrassing herself? Should she confess that her primary research revolved around... eroticism? And that her most notable invention was, of all things, a massage stick?

The thought of Vegapunk—arguably the greatest scientist in history—reacting to such a revelation nearly made her break out in cold sweat. She could already imagine him slapping her into oblivion and declaring her a disgrace to science.

After a brief internal debate, she decided to phrase her answer more tactfully.

"My research focuses on vibrations in objects and their applications in human health management," Olivia said cautiously. "The gadgets I’ve invented are just small tools to help people relieve stress and fatigue. They’re nothing compared to your groundbreaking work, Doctor."

Olivia braced herself for disappointment, expecting Vegapunk to scoff or dismiss her efforts. To her surprise, Vegapunk waved his hands enthusiastically, his face lighting up with admiration.

"No, no, no! Don’t belittle your contributions," he said earnestly. "Science is not meant to be lofty or untouchable. Its true purpose is to serve humanity. Helping ordinary people in their daily lives is one of the most meaningful things a scientist can do."

Vegapunk’s praise left Olivia stunned. Not only did he respect her inventions, but he also admired her intentions. To him, she embodied what every scientist should strive to be—someone who uses knowledge to benefit others.

"I’m inspired by your work," Vegapunk continued. "You’ve reminded me of something I’ve wanted to pursue for years."

Hearing these words filled Olivia with both embarrassment and determination. She resolved to improve her inventions, starting with her infamous massage stick. No longer would it be a mere indulgence; she would transform it into a legitimate healthcare product that could alleviate fatigue and promote physical well-being.

I will never let Dr. Vegapunk down! she thought resolutely.

Meanwhile, Luffy noticed that the conversation had taken a deeply technical turn. Vegapunk and Olivia were now discussing professional topics at a level far beyond his comprehension.

Luffy tried his best to follow along, but the technical jargon was impenetrable. He recognized each term individually, but together, they formed an indecipherable mess.

With a sigh, Luffy realized he had been completely sidelined. Seeing that the two were engrossed in their discussion, he decided to leave them be.

Turning his attention elsewhere, Luffy spotted his father, Dragon. Most of the women who had crowded around Dragon earlier were now gone, leaving only Koala and Robin behind.

Dragon, clearly more comfortable with a smaller group, was engaged in a discussion about the latest developments within the Revolutionary Army.

As Luffy approached, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of amusement. Robin, despite being part of his team, had spent the past six months away, traveling and uncovering ancient histories. During this time, she had even collaborated with Lindbergh to visit Zou and transcribe the second Road Poneglyph.

Despite her accomplishments, Robin was restless. Staying in one place for too long didn’t suit her, and she often ventured out on her own quests.

Luffy joined the group, carrying a half-filled glass of wine. His casual demeanor prompted the three to pause their conversation.

Dragon glanced at the glass in Luffy’s hand, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he spoke with mild disapproval.

"You should drink in moderation," Dragon advised. "You’re far too young to be drinking in the first place."

Luffy ignored the remark, pulling up a chair and sitting down without a care. "You’re not wrong," he admitted with a shrug, "but with my physical condition, I don’t get drunk easily—if at all. It doesn’t affect my health."

To prove his point, Luffy downed the remaining wine in one gulp and placed the empty glass on the table.

Dragon said nothing, knowing Luffy was right. As much as he wanted to enforce fatherly authority, he understood that Luffy was no ordinary teenager.

Curious about his father’s perspective, Luffy asked, "When you came here, you must’ve seen what I’ve done with Onigashima. What do you think? Not bad, right?"

Dragon nodded, acknowledging Luffy’s efforts. "Not bad," he said. "At least you’re not one of the incompetent rulers the Revolutionary Army despises."

Luffy frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the lukewarm response. "Not bad? That’s all you’ve got to say?"

Transforming a devastated country into a thriving land in just six months was no small feat. To Luffy, it deserved more than a mere "not bad."

Sensing Luffy’s frustration, Robin chimed in with a gentle smile. "What he means is that you’ve done a remarkable job," she explained. "Far better than most leaders in the world could manage."

Chapter 390: Fighting Violence with Violence

Hearing Robin’s explanation, Luffy raised his head and let out a hearty laugh.

"Really? So you think that highly of me? I feel a little embarrassed," he said, though his grin betrayed no such feeling.

Internally, however, he couldn’t help but complain: You’re such a double-faced guy, old man. If you want to praise me, just say it outright! No one understands your cryptic way of speaking. Sister Robin, as always, hits the nail on the head.

Thinking of this, Luffy shot Robin a thumbs-up in appreciation, earning him an irritated glare from Dragon.

Dragon’s face reddened slightly as he coughed and snorted. "Don’t get too full of yourself. You’re still a long way from truly changing the world," he said, his tone sharp.

"Tsk," Luffy replied, waving off the criticism. "Better than someone who only talks big and leaves the hard work to others."

Feeling victorious in the exchange, Luffy stood tall and declared, "Just wait and see. My plans are already in motion. Dr. Vegapunk is the final piece of the puzzle I’ve been putting together. Soon, I’ll show you a different world, one where the balance of power will shift entirely. You’d better be ready, old man. Things are going to escalate faster than you expect."

Dragon’s sharp gaze studied the high-spirited young man before him. While he didn’t fully understand where Luffy’s confidence came from, something in his words struck a chord. After a moment of silence, Dragon nodded slightly. "We’ll see," he said, his voice low but resolute.

After the lively banquet came to an end, Dragon showed no intention of lingering. He merely asked Luffy for a life card, then transformed into a wisp of wind and disappeared, leaving as suddenly as he had arrived.

Meanwhile, Vegapunk couldn’t sit still for long. Barely had he finished his meal when he eagerly requested to see his new laboratory. Three days without research had left him itching to create something new.

Luffy, of course, didn’t refuse. He personally escorted Vegapunk to the research facility that he and the Revolutionary Army had built at great cost and effort.

As they walked, Vegapunk hesitated before asking tentatively, "Are you absolutely certain you won’t force me to research weapons of war?"

Hearing the concern, Luffy stopped and turned to face the scientist directly. His expression was serious as he said, "I give you my word. You’ll never be asked to create weapons under my watch. But I will ask for your help with technologies that improve people’s lives."

Relieved, Vegapunk smiled warmly. "That’s all I’ve ever wanted. It has always been my dream to create technology that benefits humanity. If you have any needs in that area, don’t hesitate to call on me."

Luffy couldn’t help but feel amused. While Vegapunk often spoke about serving humanity, his actions had sometimes told a different story.

This man believes in fighting violence with violence, Luffy thought, recalling the original pacifistas that Vegapunk had created using Kuma’s dna. Vegapunk had sincerely believed that these humanoid weapons would act as deterrents, preventing further conflict. Yet, in the wrong hands—like those of the Five Elders—the technology had been repurposed for oppressive ends.

Still, Vegapunk seemed genuinely invested in his ideals. Luffy decided it was best to keep a close eye on him, just in case.

As they continued walking, Vegapunk glanced at Hancock, who was following behind them. Turning back to Luffy, he whispered, "By the way, regarding cloning technology..."

Luffy raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

Vegapunk hesitated, then admitted, "I have collected the dna of the current Shichibukai for research purposes. But don’t worry—I’ve only used them for study. I haven’t cloned anyone without consent."

Luffy stopped abruptly and turned to face the scientist. "Doctor," he said, his tone firm, "you’d better not take things too far. I don’t want Hancock suddenly having a sister—or us having a daughter—without warning."

Vegapunk chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Understood. I’ll be careful."

Eventually, they arrived at the sprawling research institute. The facility was a marvel of engineering, equipped with everything a scientist could dream of.

"Here it is," Luffy said, gesturing proudly. "This is where you’ll conduct your research from now on. The island is yours to modify however you see fit. If it’s too small, I can arrange for additional land. Olivia is here to assist you with anything you need, and if you ever run into trouble, contact me directly. I’ll handle it."

Vegapunk’s eyes lit up with excitement as he surveyed the facility. "This is perfect!" he exclaimed. "Thank you for going to such lengths. I’ll make sure my work here exceeds your expectations."

As he spoke, Vegapunk pulled a small Den Den Mushi from his pocket. The snail was sleek and black, sporting sunglasses and an indifferent expression.

"This is a Den Den Mushi I recently modified," Vegapunk explained. "It’s equipped with advanced encryption, making it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop on your conversations. Take this for now. I’ll prioritize upgrading a batch of these for your crew to replace the standard Den Den Mushi you’ve been using."