[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 376- 380

Chapter 376: Monkey D. Dragon Is on the Move!

Vegapunk cowered behind Sentomaru, his usual confidence replaced with fear. Listening to Sentomaru issue instructions in an orderly manner gave him some comfort. At least for the moment, Vegapunk felt his life was not in immediate danger.

Relaxing slightly, he let out a frustrated sigh and began complaining.
“Damn it! They just had to invade when Borsalino isn’t around. If it weren’t for Sentomaru, a genius scientist like me would be in serious trouble.”

He muttered as he nervously paced back and forth, his frustration directed at the absent Admiral Kizaru.
“That idiot Borsalino picked the worst time to go on a mission! If my research equipment gets damaged, I’ll be furious! He better come back soon!”

Before Vegapunk could continue his tirade, Sentomaru’s expression suddenly shifted. His tone, previously calm and composed, grew tense and urgent as he barked into the Den Den Mushi.

“First Squadron, respond! First Squadron, what’s going on over there? Report immediately!”

Despite repeated calls, there was no answer from the other end. Sentomaru frowned, his unease growing with each passing second. Vegapunk, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, fell silent and exchanged a worried glance with him.

Then, without warning, the laboratory door—crafted with advanced technology and stronger than steel—was violently torn apart. It wasn’t simply forced open; it was ripped as though it were mere paper. A massive chunk of the door fell away, exposing a gaping hole in its center.

Sentomaru immediately grabbed his massive axe, its blade gleaming menacingly, and assumed a defensive stance. His sharp eyes focused on the now-broken doorway. Despite his nerves, his voice remained steady as he addressed Vegapunk.

“Doctor, use the safe passage and get out of here. I’ll hold them off.”

“Sentomaru…” Vegapunk hesitated, concern etched on his face. He wanted to stay, to help in some way, but deep down, he knew he was powerless against whoever had breached their defenses.

“I understand,” Vegapunk finally said, clenching his fists. “Hold on. I’ll get reinforcements as quickly as I can!”

With that, the scientist gritted his teeth and turned toward the back door, determined to escape.

Before he could leave, a calm and steady voice echoed from beyond the shattered doorway.

“Leaving so soon, Vegapunk? Don’t you want to catch up with an old friend first?”

Vegapunk froze mid-step. His heart skipped a beat as the voice registered. Slowly, he turned around, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Through the ruined doorway, a figure clad in a dark green cloak stepped into the laboratory. The man moved with an air of confidence, his face obscured by the hood of his cloak.

Sentomaru tensed, his grip on the axe tightening. Although he had no idea who the intruder was, the man’s aura alone sent chills down his spine. His instincts screamed that this was no ordinary enemy.

As the man took another step forward, he spoke again, his tone calm but firm.
“Long time no see, Vegapunk.”

Hearing this, Vegapunk’s jaw dropped in shock. He scrutinized the figure closely, and recognition dawned on him.

“Y-You’re… Dragon?!” Vegapunk stammered. “Why… Why is the most wanted criminal in the world here? On a government-controlled island, no less!”

The mysterious figure reached up and removed his hood, revealing a face that had graced countless wanted posters and struck fear into the hearts of World Government officials.

Monkey D. Dragon—the leader of the Revolutionary Army.

Sentomaru’s entire body tensed further. Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as he stared at the infamous revolutionary. It wasn’t fear of battle that unnerved him—it was the sheer pressure radiating from Dragon’s presence. Standing before him, Sentomaru couldn’t help but feel insignificant.

Dragon offered Sentomaru a polite nod before shifting his gaze to Vegapunk. For a moment, his eyes widened in surprise.

“Vegapunk… What happened to your head?” Dragon asked, his tone laced with genuine curiosity. “Don’t tell me you finally decided to get rid of it.”

The scientist chuckled awkwardly, patting the top of his now-normal-sized head.
“Well, it was a bit of a nuisance, so I made some adjustments,” Vegapunk replied, though his playful tone quickly shifted. “Hey, wait a minute! I didn’t just throw it away like trash! My genius brain is still the foundation of my work!”

He let out an exaggerated roar of indignation before calming down and continuing.
“Anyway, it’s not as simple as it looks. I developed a new system to store all my knowledge and information. My brain, or rather the data from it, is now housed in the Punk Records. With it, I can access my research from anywhere.”

Dragon listened intently, his expression unreadable as Vegapunk launched into a detailed explanation of his invention. Despite the urgency of the situation, the revolutionary leader seemed genuinely interested in the scientist’s work.

“That’s incredible,” Dragon finally said, his voice tinged with admiration. “Separating your mind from your body and linking it to a central hub… It sounds like something out of a fantasy tale. But you’ve made it a reality.”

Chapter 377: Dragon: "I Have Money, Vegapunk, Come Join Us!"

Dragon's resolve to recruit Vegapunk deepened as he observed the brilliant scientist. A genius of Vegapunk’s caliber could not remain under the control of the World Government. Who could predict the terrifying ways they might exploit his brilliance in the future?

Vegapunk, however, seemed oblivious to Dragon's intentions as he excitedly explained his latest work.

“By the way, Dragon, your son gave me the inspiration for this invention. That boy named Monkey D. Luffy—when I heard his name, I immediately knew he was your child.”

Dragon, momentarily lost in thought, snapped back to attention. His expression hardened, though it wasn’t out of surprise that Vegapunk had deduced the connection.

While few knew about his relationship with Luffy, those familiar with his past could piece it together. What intrigued Dragon more was the fact that Luffy had left such an impression on Vegapunk and had even inspired one of his groundbreaking inventions.

Dragon’s curiosity was piqued. “Really? What kind of advice did that kid give you?”

Vegapunk laughed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Haha, nothing too complicated. I was lamenting how much I had to handle on my own, and that boy suggested I create robot assistants to share my workload. That simple idea sparked a revolution in my thinking. I thought, ‘If I need assistance, why not make it as perfect as possible?’”

His enthusiasm grew as he described his creation.
“From that inspiration, I invented Punk Records! It’s not just an information storage hub but also a shared brain system between me and my future clones. Imagine it—a network where we can all share knowledge instantly! I’ve completed the Punk Records itself, but the clones will take a bit longer. If you come back in two months, I might have them ready!”

Vegapunk’s excitement was palpable, but Dragon struggled to keep up with the details. While Dragon was a strategic genius, the intricacies of Vegapunk’s scientific mind were beyond him. Still, one thing was clear: his son, Luffy, possessed not only creativity but also a keen mind capable of inspiring even the greatest scientist in the world.

With a slight smile, Dragon decided to shift the conversation. Time was running out, and every second they delayed increased the risk of Kizaru’s return.

“Vegapunk,” Dragon interrupted gently but firmly, “do you want to join the Revolutionary Army? I came here with sincere intentions.”

Vegapunk blinked, taken aback by the sudden invitation. After a moment’s pause, he shook his head and replied decisively.
“No. Didn’t I already tell you? Even with my skills and intelligence, I couldn’t fully utilize them in your underfunded army.”

He folded his arms and gave Dragon a skeptical look.
“Do you have any idea how astronomical the funding for my research is? Unless you plan to raid the Treasury of Mary Geoise itself, you’ll never be able to meet my needs.”

Vegapunk’s words carried a tone of finality, but Dragon wasn’t discouraged. Unlike a decade ago, when such criticisms might have stung, Dragon now had a trump card.

A confident smile spread across his face as he leaned forward.
“You don’t know, Vegapunk. Just over half a year ago, we discovered the legendary Golden City.”

Vegapunk’s eyes widened in disbelief. “The Golden City? You mean the place where gold flows like rivers and entire buildings are made of gold?”

Dragon nodded. “Exactly. Not only do we have access to its vast wealth, but we’ve already used it to build a research institute for you. It’s located on an entire island, fully equipped with the best facilities. The environment and resources are every bit as advanced as what you have here on Punk Hazard.”

Vegapunk listened in stunned silence as Dragon continued.
“You’ll have complete freedom to conduct your research. I won’t force you to develop weapons or work on anything you dislike. Whatever the World Government can provide, I can match or even surpass. The entire Revolutionary Army will prioritize your needs. Join us, Vegapunk. Together, we can make this world a better place.”

Dragon extended his hand, his eyes filled with determination and sincerity. For a moment, Vegapunk stared at him, clearly tempted. The Golden City was a legend, a treasure trove so vast it could fund his research for centuries.

But as his thoughts turned to the World Government, a shiver ran down his spine. Vegapunk’s expression darkened as fear took hold.

“No,” he said firmly, shaking his head. “I still refuse.”

Stepping back, he hid behind Sentomaru, his eyes darting nervously around the room as if expecting assassins to appear at any moment.
“Dragon, you know better than anyone how terrifying the World Government is. If I join you, they’ll hunt me relentlessly. I won’t have the time or peace of mind to focus on my research!”

His voice grew more urgent as he waved his hands at Dragon.
“You should leave now. I’ll pretend you were never here, and I won’t report this incident to the government. I’m sorry, but you’ve made this trip for nothing.”

Vegapunk’s gaze remained fixed on Dragon, wary of any sudden moves. He feared Dragon might try to kidnap him, but the revolutionary leader made no such attempt.

Dragon let out a sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly. He could see the fear in Vegapunk’s eyes—a fear that couldn’t be eased with promises or wealth. Vegapunk needed reassurance that his safety and freedom would be protected.

With that in mind, Dragon decided to play his final card.

Chapter 378: 'Coercion and Inducement', Vegapunk Surrenders

“That research base is located on Sky Island,” Dragon said calmly, his voice unwavering. “I guarantee it’s absolutely safe there, and the government will never find out.”

“Nani?!” Vegapunk’s eyes widened in shock. For a moment, his mind raced with possibilities.

“Sky Island… it’s true that the government rarely sets foot there,” Vegapunk muttered, already lost in thought. “If it’s a remote, uninhabited sky island, that would make it even better. But transporting supplies and heavy equipment to such a location could be a logistical nightmare…”

He trailed off, deep in contemplation.

Watching Vegapunk seriously consider the offer, Sentomaru felt conflicted. As Vegapunk’s bodyguard, he was duty-bound to follow the doctor’s orders. Yet, his ties to the Marines ran deep. Sentomaru had spent years alongside them, and his uncle, Admiral Kizaru, was not just his superior but also his mentor.

If Vegapunk decided to leave, Sentomaru would follow, no matter what. But the thought of abandoning everything he’d known weighed heavily on his heart.

“You don’t need to worry about logistics,” Dragon reassured, sensing Vegapunk’s hesitation. “Although it’s called a Sky Island, it’s not one of those floating islands you might think of. This is a special island elevated using technology. It’s completely unknown to the government.”

Dragon paused for a moment before continuing with quiet confidence.
“As for supplies and equipment, leave that to us. We’ll handle all the transportation and ensure you have everything you need. Your only responsibility will be to focus on your research.”

Vegapunk listened carefully, weighing the pros and cons of Dragon’s words. It was true that working under the World Government provided him with enormous resources. However, those resources came with strings attached—strings that often pulled him in directions he despised.

The World Government’s demands frequently clashed with his desire to use science for the betterment of humanity. He had argued with the Five Elders more than once over their orders. Yet, as long as he accepted their funding, he was bound to comply.

Dragon’s offer, though risky, promised freedom. Vegapunk’s resolve began to waver.

Sensing his advantage, Dragon decided it was time to press further.
“Seventeen years ago, after we parted at the ruins of Ohara, you must have gone to Elbaf,” Dragon said, his tone casual but deliberate.

The mention of Ohara sent a visible shiver through Vegapunk. Sentomaru, standing nearby, turned to the scientist in surprise. He had no idea what connection the doctor might have had to the infamous island of scholars.

Vegapunk’s body stiffened, sweat forming on his brow. He didn’t need Dragon to elaborate to understand what he was implying.

Dragon continued, his voice calm but firm.
“Knowing you, it would have been impossible for you not to study O’Hara’s ‘treasures’ after seeing them in Elbaf. Let’s not pretend, Vegapunk. By the World Government’s standards, you’re already guilty of a crime far worse than treason.”

Vegapunk’s eyes widened in shock. “How… How do you know about that?”

Dragon smirked knowingly. “Don’t forget, the Revolutionary Army’s goal is to overthrow the World Government. The Poneglyphs and the secrets they hold are of great interest to us. Like you, I’ve been to Elbaf. While I’m no scholar and can’t decipher the mysteries, I was fortunate enough to uncover something else: the movements of the government’s prized scientist.”

Vegapunk’s face turned a shade of green as anger and fear battled for dominance. “Is this guy a ghost?” he thought furiously. “Why does he keep popping up everywhere?!”

Dragon, noticing Vegapunk’s discomfort, allowed himself a small, fleeting smile. “Even if I hadn’t found out, do you really think the World Government wouldn’t eventually discover your secret?” His smile faded, replaced by a serious, almost ominous expression.

“You should know better than anyone what happens to those who study the Poneglyphs. If the government ever uncovers your research, your fate will be no different from the scholars of Ohara. You’ll be branded a criminal and wiped out, along with anyone associated with you. Do you truly believe the government will spare you just because you’ve served them faithfully?”

Vegapunk shuddered, memories of Ohara’s destruction flashing through his mind. The island’s fiery ruins, the screams of innocent scholars, the merciless Buster Call—it was a nightmare he’d tried to bury but could never forget.

“Of course I’m not that naive!” Vegapunk snapped, trying to regain his composure.

He began pacing back and forth, his hands clasped behind his back as he muttered to himself.
“What a mess… What terrible luck! Here I was, enjoying my work in Punk Hazard, drinking coffee, and peacefully conducting research. Then you, a meddling bastard, burst in and dragged me into this madness! And now, I have no choice but to go along with you, or the government will hang me out to dry!”

Vegapunk suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned to Sentomaru.

“Sentomaru, pack your things and meet me at Punk Records. We’re leaving.”

Sentomaru blinked in surprise but nodded silently. He understood that Vegapunk had made his decision and that there was no turning back.

Vegapunk then turned to Dragon, his expression a mix of resignation and frustration.
“You win, you bastard. Now, come with me! Let’s get this over with.”

Chapter 379: Retreat, Kizaru Arrives

As Vegapunk stormed off, his anger evident in his brisk steps, Dragon couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction. He paid no mind to the scientist’s temper and followed him silently.

Sentomaru watched the two figures disappear down the corridor. With a heavy sigh, he murmured, “Sorry, Uncle Kizaru,” before turning to head toward his quarters. The weight of his decision sat heavily on his shoulders.

Walking through the labyrinthine halls of the laboratory, Vegapunk spoke abruptly.
“Listen to me, you bastard Dragon. You can leave everything else behind, but my brain—the Punk Records—has to come with us.”

Dragon nodded, acknowledging the importance of Vegapunk’s demand. He couldn’t claim to fully grasp the mechanics behind the Punk Records, but he understood enough to know that without it, recruiting Vegapunk would be meaningless.

“I just hope your brain hasn’t grown too large,” Dragon quipped to himself, “or transporting it will be a nightmare.”

As if reading his thoughts, Vegapunk smirked and led Dragon into a large chamber.
“Dangdangdang~~! Behold my latest invention, the integration of my brain with the Punk Records! Isn’t it magnificent?”

Dragon stopped in his tracks, his jaw nearly dropping at the sight before him. A colossal head, submerged in nutrient solution and connected by a maze of pipes and instruments, dominated the room. The sheer size of it rivaled that of a giant’s skull.

Even Dragon, a man not easily shaken, couldn’t suppress his awe.
“Vegapunk, you truly are in a league of your own. This is… incredible,” he muttered, swallowing hard.

Hearing the compliment, Vegapunk’s earlier irritation faded, replaced with pride. However, Dragon’s practical mind quickly turned to logistics.
“How are we supposed to transport something so massive without damaging it?”

Vegapunk, already anticipating the question, chuckled.
“Ah, I’ve prepared for this eventuality. Although I didn’t expect it to happen so soon, I designed a custom setup to transport the Punk Records in case I ever needed to relocate. Step aside, and I’ll show you.”

He trotted over to a computer-like console and began typing commands with practiced ease. Dragon stepped back, realizing this task was beyond his expertise. He pulled out his Den Den Mushi to contact his companions.

“Karasu, Betty, the mission here is complete. How’s your situation? If everything’s clear, prepare to rendezvous and look at the map for our escape route.”

Karasu’s calm voice responded. “Understood.”

Betty’s tone was laced with amusement. “You actually convinced Dr. Vegapunk that easily? You really live up to your reputation as our leader.”

Dragon smiled faintly. Only Karasu and Betty had accompanied him on this operation, and the earlier disturbances on the island had been orchestrated by them to create a diversion. With the mission nearing its conclusion, it was time to retreat.

However, fate had other plans.

A mocking voice, dripping with sarcasm, suddenly echoed from above.
“My, my… What a headache. I step away for just a little while, and I receive an urgent distress call from Punk Hazard. I rush back, only to find two Revolutionary Army commanders causing trouble. It’s enough to make me want to raise my hands and surrender right now~~!”

The air seemed to shimmer with light as a figure descended, clad in a yellow-striped suit and exuding an air of nonchalance.

“Kizaru!” Betty and Karasu exclaimed in unison, their faces hardening at the sight of the Marine admiral.

Despite his casual demeanor, Kizaru wasted no time. He raised a finger, firing a laser beam at Betty with blinding speed.

Betty barely managed to dodge, but the laser grazed her shoulder, leaving a minor burn. Gritting her teeth, she steadied herself, while Karasu transformed into a swarm of black birds that flapped toward Kizaru.

“Karasusu!” Karasu shouted, his ability creating a barrage of explosive crows that swarmed Kizaru, engulfing him in smoke and flames.

For a moment, the air was filled with the sound of explosions, and Kizaru’s figure was obscured. But Karasu remained on high alert, his Haki senses heightened to their limit.

Suddenly, a beam of light streaked behind him. Karasu reacted instantly, turning to launch another attack, but Kizaru was faster.

“Speed is power,” Kizaru remarked with a smirk, his voice calm as ever. “Have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?”

Before Karasu could respond, Kizaru’s leg, wrapped in Armament Haki, struck with devastating force. The blow sent Karasu hurtling hundreds of meters, crashing through the walls of the research institute.

Satisfied with his attack, Kizaru turned his attention toward Betty. She glared at him, her Revolutionary Army banner clutched tightly in her hands. But before she could make a move, Kizaru transformed into a beam of light and shot toward the laboratory.

His mission was clear: protect Vegapunk at all costs. If the Revolutionary Army succeeded in taking him, the consequences would be catastrophic. Even as a Marine admiral, Kizaru knew the higher-ups would not tolerate such a failure.

Chapter 380: Kizaru: "It’s Hard for Me to Deal With It~"

Betty fail to attack Kizatu, and she let out a frustrated scowl. She clenched her fists in anger, grabbed the Den Den Mushi, and called out to Dragon:

“Dragon, that guy Kizaru is here. You’d better be careful.”

Standing next to the massive Punk Records, Dragon watched as particles of light slowly began to condense in front of him. He remained calm, his tone unwavering as he replied:

“I understand. You and the others should leave first. Leave the rest to me.”

Betty snorted in dissatisfaction but complied with Dragon’s order. She gathered the surviving Revolutionary Army members, including Karasu, and began a strategic retreat.

After putting away the Den Den Mushi, Dragon crossed his arms over his chest and fixed his gaze on the figure materializing before him. His aura remained composed, but his words carried a weight of acknowledgment.

“You’re as fast as ever, Borsalino. The intelligence reported you’d been away for two days, yet here you are in such a short time.”

Without waiting for a response, Dragon extended his hand, his voice filled with sincerity.
“Borsalino, today’s Marine no longer deserves your loyalty. Join the Revolutionary Army. I can offer you the position of second-in-command.”

Dragon’s tone was earnest, and his offer was tempting—an invitation to break free from the shackles of the World Government.

But Kizaru’s attention wasn’t on Dragon. His sharp eyes, hidden behind his ever-present sunglasses, shifted to Vegapunk, who was cautiously peeking out from behind a machine. Kizaru let out a long, weary sigh, his hands still buried in his pockets.

“You really know how to put me in a difficult position, Doctor,” he said, his tone carrying a mixture of exasperation and resignation.

Vegapunk hesitated for a moment before stepping out slightly, his guilt evident on his face.
“I’m sorry, Borsalino, but I have my reasons. I must go with Dragon,” he admitted, his voice heavy with regret.

Vegapunk knew that his departure would inevitably bring trouble to his longtime friend. But with his life and the secrets of the Poneglyphs at stake, he had no other choice.

“Well~ since you’ve already made up your mind, there’s nothing more to say,” Kizaru replied with a helpless shrug. His gaze shifted to Dragon, as if acknowledging him for the first time, and he offered a mockingly exaggerated pout.
“Hmm~ Isn’t this Brother Dragon? It’s terrifying to see someone as dangerous as you showing up here.”

Dragon, unfazed by Kizaru’s characteristic sarcasm, maintained his calm demeanor. Knowing Kizaru’s personality well, he chose not to engage with the admiral’s frivolous remarks. Instead, he repeated his offer, his voice steady and resolute.

“Borsalino, lend us your strength. If the world is ever to gain true freedom, the Revolutionary Army will need individuals like you to help achieve it.”

Kizaru scratched his head as though the proposal genuinely distressed him.
“Well, I’ve failed to keep an eye on Dr. Vegapunk. Even an admiral like me won’t escape punishment for this.” He sighed dramatically. “Joining the Revolutionary Army does sound like a good career move right about now.”

Hearing Kizaru’s words, Vegapunk’s face lit up with a glimmer of hope. But Dragon’s expression remained calm, and his eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion.

As expected, Kizaru quickly added, “I’m sorry, but I’ll have to refuse. The Marine pays me pretty well, and it’s more than enough for my retirement.”

Dragon allowed himself a small, knowing smile. “As I suspected. Very well, Borsalino. My offer still stands. Should you ever change your mind, the Revolutionary Army will welcome you.”

With that, Dragon shifted his stance slightly, his right fist clenching.
“Since you’ve made your decision, there’s no need for further discussion. Let’s end this here—for now.”

Kizaru remained silent, lowering his head slightly as if lost in thought. The two stood in a tense stalemate, the seconds stretching into what felt like hours.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor, breaking the heavy silence. Neither Dragon nor Kizaru turned to look, both already aware of who was approaching.

Dragon noticed a subtle tremor in Kizaru’s posture, though it was so brief that he questioned whether it had happened at all.

“Doctor, I’m here!”

Sentomaru’s voice rang out as he appeared, carrying a large package over his shoulder. However, the sight of the familiar figure standing before him caused him to falter.

“Uncle…” Sentomaru murmured, his tone laced with hesitation and unease.

Kizaru slowly turned around at the sound of the name, his expression unreadable as he addressed his nephew.
“Sentomaru-kun, are you planning to leave as well?”

Sentomaru hesitated, his grip tightening on the package. After a moment, he steadied himself and met Kizaru’s gaze.
“I’m the doctor’s bodyguard. Wherever Dr. Vegapunk goes, I follow. Uncle, I’m sorry, and thank you for everything you’ve taught me over the years. But I must go.”

Kizaru let out a dry laugh, holding his forehead with one hand as if to mask his disappointment.
“Sentomaru, you really are…” He paused, his voice tinged with both amusement and sadness.

He straightened up, his tone turning cold and detached.
“If you leave, we’ll be enemies the next time we meet. Don’t bother calling me then. I won’t hold back.”

Sentomaru clenched his jaw, his emotions warring within him. He thought of the countless lessons Kizaru had imparted, the bond they had shared over the years. But his loyalty to Vegapunk and his duty as the doctor’s protector left no room for hesitation.

Blinking back tears, Sentomaru turned away, the weight of his decision heavy on his shoulders. He ran to Vegapunk’s side, the package still secured on his back.