After more than a day, Vegapunk finally finished organizing the data and handed it over to Ryuen and his group.
At the same time, the Vegapunk satellites, like Pythagoras, finished creating a fake version of the Holy Mother Flame. According to them, in some ways, the fake flame could still be considered "real."
However—
This fake Holy Mother Flame couldn't be used as a power source for an Ancient Weapon.
"It can't be used for the Ancient Weapon? How did you figure that out? What made you think the fake version wouldn't work as an energy source?" Ryuen asked, feeling a bit doubtful.
The different clones looked at each other, then Pythagoras continued:
"Actually, we made a guess. What they need the Holy Flame for isn't to power the ancient weapon, but to act as an ignition flame to start another energy source."
"Because by itself, the Holy Flame doesn't have enough power to completely wipe out an island."
"So we believe the ancient weapon must have another kind of energy, but that energy needs the Holy Flame to activate. That's the only explanation that makes sense."
Ryuen agreed with what Pythagoras said.
Because he had come into contact with the Holy Flame before, and aside from its strange properties, its power was nowhere near the level of his own flames.
However—
Even though his flames could destroy or even erase an island, they couldn't do what Uranus did—blast a giant hole straight through it!
It also made him think of hydrogen bombs. If you compare an ancient weapon to a hydrogen bomb, then the Holy Flame would be like the atomic bomb that sets it off.
Looks like the three ancient weapons aren't that simple.
Thinking of this, Ryuen suddenly remembered one of the three ancient weapons—Pluton. He knew the Pluton battleship was hidden beneath the ancient city under Wano Country!
But right now, that ancient city under Wano Country is flooded with seawater.
To get Pluton out, it would mean opening Wano's borders—but Ryuen still didn't know how that was supposed to happen.
After all, everything down there was underwater.
"Ryuen, what are you thinking about?"
Nami nudged his shoulder.
"I was just thinking... since the fake Holy Flame is complete, it's time we prepare a little surprise for Saturn."
Ryuen came back to his senses and looked around Egghead Island, speaking softly.
"Tell us—what's your plan?"
Kuina asked right away.
"Before that, Vegapunk, you need to delete the Holy Flame research data from Punk Records. Also, get rid of some of the key tech, especially anything related to Devil Fruit bloodline factors."
Ryuen looked at Vegapunk with a serious face.
That kind of tech must never fall into the Five Elders' hands—or it would be a disaster for everyone.
"Don't worry. When I found out York was working with Saint Saturn, I already deleted all the important data. They won't get anything from me."
Vegapunk had clearly seen it coming and deleted the critical parts from Punk Records in advance.
"Good."
"Then I'll explain the plan. To keep you all from getting tied to what we're about to do, we'll carry out an attack on this place before Saturn arrives."
"And this time, I don't want any of you involved. That includes you two, Kuma and Bonney."
Ryuen looked directly at them.
"Huh???"
"Why not?! Ryuen, I can command all the Pacifistas now. That's a huge force!"
Bonney was clearly stunned by what Ryuen said.
She had been hoping to fight alongside Ryuen this time—at least to repay him a little for helping her and her father.
It wasn't just Bonney—Kuma looked confused too.
With his current power, he should be one of the stronger people out on the seas. The two of them could definitely help out in the upcoming battle!
But Ryuen said they didn't need to...
He shook his head and said:
"There's no need. Taking down Saturn isn't that hard—we can handle it ourselves. Plus, the Pacifistas aren't going to be very effective against someone like him."
"This isn't the right time to use the Pacifistas."
"Eventually, we'll face the World Government head-on. That's when the real war will happen—and *that's* when the Pacifistas will truly matter."
"So Bonney, you can't let anyone know that you control them."
"And Kuma—"
"The government still doesn't know you've regained your mind. So right now, it's best for both of you to stay hidden. You could also return to the Revolutionary Army."
"But whatever you do, don't show yourselves in public."
Bonney didn't fully understand, but Kuma did. He knew the power they held could be a key piece in the war, and staying hidden would let them catch the enemy off guard.
"I understand. Then… Bonney and I will leave for now."
Kuma said gently.
Ryuen gave a small nod.
Kuma then picked up Bonney and got ready to leave.
"Goodbye, everyone. And thank you again for helping me get Dad back!"
Bonney's eyes quickly filled with tears.
"Bye, Bonney~"
"See you, Kuma! Take good care of Bonney, alright~"
...
The Dream Team, Vegapunk, and his clones all waved goodbye to Kuma.
As they said their farewells, Kuma held Bonney in his arms and left Egghead Island with the Bonney Pirates. Watching this scene, Vegapunk felt deeply moved.
"Alright then."
"Before Saturn shows up, let's throw a party! Hahahaha~" Ryuen said with a big laugh.
"A party!"
"There's an auto-cooking machine here, so maybe this time I can just relax and enjoy the food," Anya joked, since cooking delicious meals was usually his favorite thing.
"Hahaha~"
"Then let's do it!"
...
The next moment, everyone got moving—but there wasn't really much to prepare. All they had to do was walk over to the auto-cooking machine, and tons of food came out like magic!
As they partied and enjoyed the food, someone was secretly peeking at Ryuen from the shadows, biting her fingers nervously.
Ryuen sensed something and looked toward where the gaze came from.
"It's a Seraphim," he muttered to himself with a frown.
"Hahahaha~"
"That one was made using Boa Hancock's genetic code combined with Lunarian blood. We call her S-Snake," Vegapunk said with a laugh.
"Does that mean she might be affected by the real Hancock's emotions?" Nami asked, frowning.
"That's not possible. Seraphim are emotionless weapons. They don't..."
"Vegapunk, I don't know about the others, but this S-Snake—she definitely has emotions," Nami said softly, looking at Ryuen.
"Huh?"
"No way!"
Vegapunk and all five of his clones immediately rejected the idea.
---
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