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"Tsk tsk, an artificial Devil Fruit?"
On the west coast of the Island of Love, deep inside a massive underground research facility, Homiz-type robots moved back and forth, diligently carrying out their duties.
Dr. Hawkins' eyes burned with intensity as he held a strange object in his hand. It was a dark blue, apple-shaped fruit with unusual ring-shaped patterns. He stared at it intently and asked, "Are you sure it's real? Where did you get this?"
"This is the 'he' that Wilhelm had Pato use his powers to create."
Smoothie spoke bluntly, explaining further, "Taking advantage of the fact that Navy Headquarters is fully mobilizing its limited forces across the Grand Line for a large-scale expedition fleet, the Marine Science Troops' defenses are currently weak. This came from their experimental base on Punk Hazard..."
She paused and added, her expression one of disbelief, "They say Vegapunk created it by extracting the genes of Kaido of the Beasts to make a man-made dragon fruit, a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit with a dragon form."
"Yes, this is indeed an artificial Devil Fruit developed by Vegapunk!" Wilhelm confirmed with a nod.
He looked directly at Dr. Hawkins and, with confidence, continued, "It's rumored to be a failure, but I believe Vegapunk, as a genius scientist, is a perfectionist. He wouldn't give up so easily. It's said that he destroyed all the materials related to it, leaving only this sample..."
Wilhelm's voice grew more thoughtful as he added, "Maybe it's actually a success, and he called it a failure on purpose, not wanting it to fall into the hands of the World Government."
As a genius, he reasoned, Vegapunk was unlikely to abandon his work unless it was perfect. Compared to the cruel pacifist plans and human experimentation conducted by the Marine Science Troops, even using artificial Devil Fruits for experiments on prisoners would likely be acceptable to Vegapunk.
But why would he suddenly abandon his research and destroy everything?
Wilhelm speculated, "It's likely that he succeeded in using the 'bloodline factor' to develop the artificial Devil Fruit. Even if this artificial Zoan isn't as powerful as Kaido's Devil Fruit ability, the Mythical Zoan: Azure Dragon form, it's probably still 50% effective—or even 70% or more."
"But Vegapunk didn't want the World Government to use his work, so he declared it a failure and destroyed all the relevant data and samples."
Dr. Hawkins' eyes widened in shock. "Vegapunk actually created something so incredible?"
He stood in deep thought, pacing back and forth, contemplating Wilhelm's words.
"It's not impossible, based on what I know of Vegapunk," Dr. Hawkins murmured, his voice filled with awe. "He is exactly the kind of person who would do such a thing..."
After a long pause, Dr. Hawkins nodded slowly, a look of admiration crossing his face. "It seems he has truly mastered the 'bloodline factor,' far beyond any of us in the MADS team..."
"I even suspect that during the joint research with the MADS team, he made a breakthrough in this area… but he might have some personal reservations about it!"
Dr. Hawkins muttered as he walked into a nearby laboratory.
Using his Munch-Munch Fruit ability, which he had carefully refined, he set up an ultra-high-precision microscope to closely examine the artificial Phantom Beast Devil Fruit.
"I'll leave this man-made Devil Fruit with you for now," Wilhelm said directly. "It would be ideal if you could make some progress and possibly create a similar man-made Devil Fruit."
He continued, "Even if it's not as powerful as the original Phantom Beast, it should still be able to create a regular man-made Devil Fruit—or even an ancient one!"
Wilhelm was confident in Dr. Hawkins' abilities.
Through his observations over the past few days, Wilhelm had concluded that Dr. Hawkins' scientific research skills were far superior to those of Guy Sa. M. Courant. This conclusion was especially clear considering Dr. Hawkins now had the Munch-Munch Fruit ability.
In terms of research, Dr. Hawkins had an innate advantage that others couldn't match.
While it might be impossible to fully replicate the ability of such an artificial Phantom Beast Devil Fruit, Wilhelm believed that, given time, Hawkins could develop a man-made Devil Fruit close to Vegapunk's results.
"This is a completely new field, Master Wilhelm. For my research, I'll need a real Devil Fruit!"
Dr. Hawkins, still absorbed in his observations through the microscope, spoke without looking up, as if he feared missing even the smallest detail.
Wilhelm nodded and agreed. "Alright, I can provide you with some Zoan Devil Fruits for research. But remember, when you experiment, let me know so I can collect them afterward... These things are too rare, and we don't have the resources of the World Government. We need to be as careful with them as possible."
"Hohohoho~, of course! As long as you're willing to support me!" Dr. Hawkins responded cheerfully.
"If that's all, you can leave now..."
Wilhelm nodded and left, allowing Dr. Hawkins to continue his work.
Dr. Hawkins pulled out a thick notebook and pen from his white coat. He bent over and began writing furiously, recording data at a rapid pace.
After some time, he finally spoke up, "I'll need about three months to half a year for comprehensive research, observation, and analysis—to fully understand its composition, technology, and other aspects."
"Considering that I have other projects to attend to, it may take up to a year. You can take this man-made Devil Fruit back, Sir Wilhelm."
"That's fine, I'm not in a rush."
Wilhelm asked, "How long do you expect it will take to get some preliminary results?"
Dr. Hawkins thought for a moment before confidently answering, "Probably two to three years. Although I can't guarantee I'll successfully replicate this artificial Phantom Beast Devil Fruit, with the Munch-Munch Fruit, I'm confident I can develop artificial Devil Fruits of common or even ancient species."
"That's good!" Wilhelm nodded, clearly satisfied.
He recognized Dr. Hawkins' talent. If it were anyone else, it would be impossible to develop and apply the abilities of the Paramecia Munch-Munch Fruit to such a degree in such a short period of time.
Even world-renowned scientists like Vinsmoke Judge, Guy Sa. M. Courant, and others would struggle to achieve the same.
"Really? That would be amazing!" Smoothie exclaimed, her disbelief turning into pure joy.
If they could produce artificial Zoan Devil Fruits of ordinary or even ancient species in large quantities—while they might not be as potent as the real thing—any increase of more than 30% in their effects would be immeasurable.
The strength of the Big Mom Pirates would be significantly boosted, making it possible to overpower the Whitebeard Pirates, who were considered the "uncrowned kings" of the New World.
"By the way, Master Wilhelm..." Dr. Hawkins paused, scratching his messy hair before looking directly at Wilhelm. "I urgently need capable and professional assistants, preferably well-known scientists and top scholars from around the world. When can you send them?"
"Don't worry about it," Smoothie chimed in. "Wilhelm has already asked Perospero to make arrangements. After this conflict is over, he'll send them your way."
A few days ago, Wilhelm had already tasked Perospero with handling intelligence and helping Dr. Hawkins find renowned scientists and scholars. With the vast intelligence network of the Charlotte family, it was only a matter of time before they had results.
Dr. Hawkins smiled in satisfaction upon hearing this. "That's good!"
"Actually, one more thing..." Just before leaving, Wilhelm paused, a thought crossing his mind.
Smoothie raised an eyebrow in surprise as Wilhelm turned to Dr. Hawkins and asked directly, "I'm planning to give this Devil Fruit to Yamato, the daughter of Kaido of the Beasts. What do you think?"
"Yamato?" Dr. Hawkins nodded thoughtfully, analyzing the situation seriously. "Well, considering that this man-made Devil Fruit was developed by Dr. Vegapunk using Kaido's genes combined with the bloodline factor, and considering the father-daughter blood relation..."
He paused, then continued, "Compared to others, Yamato does have an advantage. She might be able to perfectly fuse with this artificial Phantom Beast Devil Fruit and fully unlock its potential."