Punk Hazard, located in the New World, was an island under the jurisdiction of the World Government.
It is also a crucial secret research base of the World Government.
Generally, even a Vice-Admiral cannot enter without the permission of the World Government or Marine Headquarters.
Security is extremely tight.
But with Zephyr's help, although there were some initial difficulties upon landing on the island, after review, Ian was finally able to successfully bring Ain into Punk Hazard.
Ain also received timely medical treatment.
As for Ian... He was frowning while stroking his chin as he gazed at a fruit shaped like an apple, with rings around its outer surface, placed on a closed display case. "This is an artificial Devil Fruit. Sadly, it's a failure."
"A failure?"
Hearing the voice beside him, Ian glanced at the old man with a large head and a long tongue who had suddenly appeared beside him.
He then turned back to the artificial devil fruit in front of him again. "If it's a failure, why is it placed in a closed display case instead of being thrown into the trash?"
He had miscalculated. He had originally intended to pick up this artificial devil fruit.
To his surprise, before Punk Hazard exploded, this artificial Devil Fruit, considered a failure by Vegapunk, wasn't thrown into the trash, but instead was on display at Vegapunk's research institute!
Even if he wanted to take it, he couldn't.
He couldn't just rob it.
Yes, the old man with a large head next to him was Dr. Vegapunk, the Man With the Best Brain in the World.
Ian rubbed his chin, narrowed his eyes, and said: "A failed product... So basically trash. Why don't I help you dispose of it for free?"
Vegapunk: "..."
Hearing Ian's words, Vegapunk seemed quite speechless. He looked at Ian's cheekiness, as if he hadn't expected this guy to be so shameless.
With his hands behind his back, Vegapunk also looked at the artificial Devil Fruit he had created.
As if a thought had occurred to him, his eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. "Do you want this artificial Devil Fruit?"
"No, I just want to help you take out the trash."
"... Alright, I see. You do want it."
Vegapunk sighed.
"Although it's a failed product, this artificial fruit was made using the lineage factor of a terrifying being in the New World. It might possess unique abilities."
Folding his hands behind him again, he continued in a persuasive tone: "If you really want it, just agree to one request, and I might give it to you."
"I told you, I just want to help you clean up your trash."
"Don't worry, it's just a small request."
"I just want to help you clean up the trash."
Seeing Ian still insisting on trash cleanup. Vegapunk seemed a little speechless.
Then he said helplessly: "Just give me a little of your blood. Don't worry, I'm not planning on doing anything. I just want to study the lineage factor of various Devil Fruits."
He hadn't expected that the Light-Light Fruit user could possess virtually infinite stamina under sunlight. Perhaps that discovery could help him develop technology to maintain peace across the seas.
However…
"No, since you don't need my help cleaning up your mess, forget it."
"Huh? Why are you refusing? It's just a drop of blood."
Hearing Ian's unwavering refusal, Vegapunk was stunned and frowned. "This is a very special artificial Devil Fruit. Although I consider it a failure, its value is definitely worth more than a single drop of your blood."
"I refuse. I helped you clean up your mess, and now you want my blood too?"
Ian waved his hand, withdrawing his gaze from the artificial devil fruit.
What a joke! A drop of his blood?
Who knows what will become of this drop of blood in Vegapunk's hands?
Although he wasn't sure if Vegapunk would be impressed by his physique and abilities, he didn't want to see a smaller version of himself wielding a one-handed axe in the future!
"If there's nothing else, I won't bother you, Mr. Vegapunk."
"Hey, wait, wait, isn't my offer enough?"
Seeing Ian really wanting to leave, Vegapunk, with his tongue hanging out, looked anxious. "I can grant you one more request. If you need anything else, I can make it for you."
"By the way, your one-handed axe is just a standard weapon. I can see it's no longer up to par with your strength. I believe a better weapon will help you improve even faster!"
He stopped in front of Ian. "While swordsmen can use Armament Haki to temper their weapons, swordsmen on the sea generally temper weapons crafted by renowned masters."
"And your one-handed axe, I've seen, is just an ordinary one, not even worth tempering! What do you think? This weapon was personally crafted by me, the Man With the Best Brain in the World. I'll definitely satisfy you!"
After hearing Vegapunk's words, Ian stopped and frowned in thought.
He has to say, Vegapunk has a point!
His one-handed axe was acquired shortly after joining the 315th Branch, and it's been with him ever since.
The quality and craftsmanship are indeed mediocre. If it weren't for his Armament Haki, it would have fallen apart long ago.
If Vegapunk, the Smartest Man in the World, could help him forge a weapon, he's sure it would be an absolutely extraordinary one.
But… Ian's face flickered with a smile, then his expression changed again.
Without hesitation, he said expressionlessly: "I refuse!"
It was just a weapon. If it didn't work out, he could find a renowned blacksmith to forge a new one.
At most, he would just spend a little more time tempering it with Armament Haki. He believed that with enough Armament Haki, after his tempering, it would be just as good as those Great Grade Blades or Supreme Grade Blades.
As for the artificial devil fruit, it would be just as easy to pick up after Punk Hazard exploded.
"Hey, hey, wait."
Seeing Ian reject even such a good request, Vegapunk looked distressed and stopped Ian again, but he was about to say something when…