Afterward, Orin didn't stay long.
Once Vegapunk extracted a portion of the Devil Fruit and turned it into Green Blood, Orin took two Devil Fruits with him and departed.
When you borrow something, you have to return it eventually.
"The time's about right. I'll take my leave now, Dr. Vegapunk."
Shouldering his pack, Orin bid farewell to Vegapunk.
He had to admit—science truly was the first productive force, especially when backed by the Brain-Brain Fruit, an ability that could develop itself.
Not only had Vegapunk managed to create a design draft for the [Dark Sun God] in such a short time, but he could even list out all the required materials in detail.
Most importantly, Vegapunk really did have the capability to merge different traits into a single cyborg—just like the Shichibukai Seraphim.
In fact, Orin had even considered creating a [Seraphim·Orin] modeled after himself, one that possessed the Warp-Warp Fruit, to lead the entire army of [Seraphim·Shichibukai] as their king.
But… that was far too risky.
A teleporting Orin with Lunarian blood—Orin himself couldn't think of a way to defeat such an existence, because he knew just how devious he was.
And as for Vegapunk, he was an idealist who dreamed of achieving world peace through scientific modification.
Sure, the odds of betrayal were extremely low, but if that man secretly made himself the top authority behind the project… now that would be interesting.
Perhaps, if Vegapunk held the command rights to [Seraphim·Orin] and was wholeheartedly devoted to world peace—then the world of pirates might actually achieve true unity!
Not that it would necessarily be bad… but wouldn't that be boring?
So before he could ensure that the command authority would remain forever in his hands, Orin had no intention of proceeding. After all, Seraphim inherited parts of their original selves' wills.
Just like how Seraphim Hancock was haughty and proud, yet deep down still liked Luffy.
Who knew—maybe a [Seraphim·Orin] would inherit his own yearning for freedom and joy, and turn out just as good at backstabbing as him?
[Seraphim][Dark Sun God·Joy Boy] was good enough. It might be overpowered, but at least Orin could still handle it—and it could even make for a perfect movie arc.
After all, the Golden Lion, Tesoro, and Bullet all had their own films, and Orin wanted one too.
He'd already decided on the name. Following One Piece: Stampede and One Piece: Red, his would be—
"One Piece: Fallen Twilight."
Unlike the usual Straw Hat-centric stories, Orin's version would showcase a far grander stage—even the World Government itself would have to get directly involved.
The Dark Joy Boy—that would be Orin's surprise gift to this world.
If the Sun God sought to liberate the world, then surely the Dark Sun God's wish to destroy it made perfect sense, didn't it?
Creating a final boss only slightly weaker than himself, one meant for the entire world to challenge—that was Orin's latest obsession.
But it couldn't be rushed.
He pondered silently.
"Orin-san, if you have the time, please also look into the whereabouts of the Ripe-Ripe Fruit," Vegapunk said as he saw him off, still scribbling away. It was an issue he'd just been thinking about.
The Giants—especially the Ancient Giants—had growth cycles far slower than normal humans. If they were to rely on natural growth, ten years wouldn't be enough; they'd need a Devil Fruit's ability to accelerate aging.
"Without that power, the plan would take at least thirty to fifty years!"
Orin nodded, taking note of it. He'd head to Wano sometime in the future to look into it.
For now, there was no rush.
...
Leaving Egghead Island,
Orin had planned to return the Gum-Gum Fruit, collect some of Shanks and Luffy's genes, and then meet up with that chubby black guy— but a sudden message interrupted his plans.
The old man was having a birthday?
And not just any birthday—his sixtieth!
When Orin received the message, he was momentarily stunned. He had no real sense of dates or time.
It wasn't until Sammi reminded him that he finally remembered.
In that case, he had to go. After all—it was the old man.
"Alright, alright… I'll be there. See you then."
Click.
He hung up the Den Den Mushi.
At that moment, inside the top-floor office of a skyscraper in the Sabaody Archipelago, it wasn't just Sammi who had been paying attention—many others had been quietly listening to the call as well.
"Fuffuffuffuffu… Since Orin-sama himself is going, then I must prepare a grand gift!!!"
Crossing one leg over the other, Doflamingo sat back in his chair, tongue flicking out as he laughed arrogantly.
Truth be told, he'd received the news early. After all, Keek—Orin's only relative—was watched by countless eyes.
Normally, no one would dare bother the Kingdom of Duramos, lest Orin think they harbored ill intent.
But this time was different—it was a joyous occasion, something worth celebrating.
So reaching out under such circumstances was perfectly natural.
Doffy was a businessman, after all, and had a sharp sense for these things.
If you went, Orin might not care—but if everyone else went and you didn't, Orin would notice instantly.
Even though Corazon was gone, Doflamingo still intended to reclaim his status among the Celestial Dragons. There was no way he'd risk offending Orin.
"Tch… If it weren't for Orin, I wouldn't waste my time on some stupid banquet…"
...
Crocodile had received the news too. Sitting there with a cigar in her mouth, she looked thoroughly impatient.
The underground world was well-informed. Anyone connected to Orin would naturally attend.
Even many allied nations of the World Government—those who knew of Orin's connections—were eager to head to Duramos for the banquet.
Orin expected as much but didn't bother to interfere. As long as no one caused trouble, he didn't mind.
...
The Kingdom of Duramos—
A small island nation located in the New World. Today, it was buzzing with excitement. The lavish streets were decorated from end to end, as the citizens celebrated King Keek's birthday of their own accord.
After all, ever since his reign began, taxes had been minimal while the economy soared higher and higher. There were no pirate raids, and many wealthy people had chosen to settle there.
The reason was simple—
The black moon flag flying proudly above the royal palace.
Under the voluntary organization of the original villagers—now nobles—every guest attending the banquet was courteous and orderly.
Not only had royalty and nobility from World Government member nations arrived, but even the World Government itself, the underground world, and many powerful pirates had gathered there.
Even the Marines had sent personnel under the guise of "security maintenance."
"The nobles are walking on foot here—and not one of them is complaining?!"
"Duramos really is worthy of its name—'The Kingdom of Paradise'!"
"I heard these nobles used to be just villagers."
...
Check out my new fanfic "Attack on Titan: The Titan of Fate"
A titan that exists outside the Nine Titans — the Titan of Fate.
This is the story of Yago in the world of titans.
(This book is dedicated to every reader who loves Attack on Titan, striving to make up for all the regrets of the original work.)
P.S. The protagonist is not an ordinary transmigrator; his identity is the greatest foreshadowing of this book.