"Hmm? You reacted quite quickly."
Shirogai glanced at Vochi, smiled, and nodded, saying, "That's right."
"Are the materials needed to create island clouds and sea clouds rare?"
The only potential limitation for such groundbreaking technology was the raw materials. Katakuri wasn't sure whether he hoped they were scarce or abundant. If common, the entire world order could be rewritten, affecting the current status of the Four Emperors.
"As for the materials…"
Shirogai smiled, glancing at Sky, and replied casually, "They're everywhere."
All that was needed were Sea Stone materials to combine with the moisture in the air for large-scale production. While Sea Stone was extremely valuable, it was no obstacle for Shirogai, who could utilize the Munch-Munch Fruit's ability to devour seawater and process it efficiently.
He had tested it, and the process was remarkably simple.
"…"
Katakuri took a deep breath and bowed slightly. "Then congratulations, Null San, on acquiring this epoch-making technological treasure."
Indeed, it was a true treasure. A machine capable of creating island clouds and sea clouds, rivaling even the treasures of the Pirate King, difficult to believe its existence.
Katakuri couldn't imagine how drastically the balance of power would shift if any of the Four Emperors gained this technology.
If Big Mom had obtained this treasure, with her Soul-Soul Fruit granting souls to the Sky Islands and cloud seas, she could reach any place at will. Her crew could descend from the sky anywhere, rendering Marine strongholds meaningless. In that scenario, no sea, no force, could resist the Big Mom Pirates.
Then a chill ran down Katakuri's spine.
The Soul-Soul Fruit's power wasn't exclusive to Big Mom. What Big Mom could do, Shirogai could also do.
"Vespera…"
Katakuri whispered the name of the organization softly. He had no doubt that, one day, it would become the most dazzling force in the world, shocking all powers across the Four Seas.
Serpent suddenly spoke, breaking the tense silence. "Null, is it true what you said about the world sinking into the sea?"
"I've asked relevant sources, but they could not provide the same results. Are you spreading lies, or is this truly the case?"
"The world will sink into the sea?"
The three new members attending the meeting for the first time were visibly startled.
Verglas mused quietly, "If so, then what Seven Water City is facing might just be a prelude to a global submersion."
Vochi contemplated, "The world will sink? I cannot fully verify this, but if Null San says it himself, the probability is high. I must consider relaying this to Big Mom."
Fox, standing silently, suddenly understood some of the World Government's recent actions. "No wonder they've been quietly eliminating geologists and scientists. Perhaps they already knew the truth—that the world could be submerged."
Shirogai smiled, observing the group. "If you doubt it, continue your investigation. But you already know the answer in your heart, don't you?"
Serpent's gaze sharpened. "If true, could you share this Sky Island creation technology with the Marines or the World Government? They could use it to save countless lives from this disaster."
Katakuri watched Serpent warily, shrouded in shadow. A World Government agent? No, most likely a Marine.
"Yes," Shirogai said, surprising everyone. "However, the timing is not yet right."
He smiled and added, "Don't rush to ask. How have you managed the tasks I assigned previously?"
Serpent tensed. Being asked to infiltrate the Marines and turn them against themselves? Naturally, he had not acted.
"You didn't? I suspected as much," Shirogai said with calm amusement. "Maintain your skepticism, but also direct it toward the Marines. See if their so-called justice has rotted and distorted."
"Hmph!"
Serpent's snort echoed his restrained disdain. Even a Marine General like him found this organization's outlook provocative.
Vochi silently wondered why a Marine member would join Vespera. Would Shirogai worry about leaks to the World Government?
"Oh, by the way," Shirogai continued, smiling at the three new members, "I forgot to mention that Vespera's goal is to erase the Celestial Dragons from history entirely."
The three members trembled at the revelation.
"It's…"
Crocodile scoffed. "Next time, inform newcomers about this sooner. Delaying it every time startles them unnecessarily."
Shirogai chuckled. "Such trivial matters require little time for discussion."
Turning to Sky, he asked, "How is the research progressing? Any issues?"
The scientist grinned with satisfaction. "Sky Island has ample funds—enough gold to support the research fully. No obstacles remain."
Shirogai stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Ah, they've already begun consuming the gold? In that case, I should acquire the Gold-Gold Fruit soon and take a stroll through Gold City."
He considered his next move. Perhaps he could invite the ambitious Golden Emperor Tesoro, the possessor of twenty percent of the world's Berries, to join Vespera. That would be a worthy ally.
Tesoro was a schemer, a business genius controlling both legitimate and underground enterprises, and a partner of Doflamingo. Most importantly, he harbored deep hatred for the Celestial Dragons.
The challenge would be his twisted personality—persuasion would not be easy.
"Heh, an interesting fellow. Worth meeting," Shirogai decided, smiling. The construction of the new ship still required time, and a trip to Gold City would be a suitable use of it.
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