Caesar Clown entered Wano Country with a mix of trepidation and excitement.
Despite the magnificent and beautiful scenery around him, he had no time to appreciate it, his mind preoccupied with the unknown fate that awaited him.
The ship slowly sailed into the harbor. As the anchor dropped, footsteps echoed on the deck. Caesar's heart raced, and the cold sweat on his forehead intensified.
After the ship reached its destination, a tall, obese figure was already waiting for him.
The man was remarkably conspicuous.
Bald, wearing sunglasses, purple lips, a golden braid on his head, a fat, round physique, a mechanical prosthetic left arm, two golden mustaches, a golden ponytail, and sunglasses held on by two strings.
He was holding a cigar in his hand, looking towards Caesar.
Caesar recognized him and secretly lamented in his heart:
"Queen..."
Caesar Clown murmured.
He was an old acquaintance of this person who had joined the Beasts Pirates, after all, they used to work in the same research institution.
The other party had already been colluding with Kaido before he even left MADS.
Seeing him again now, Caesar felt a sense of powerlessness and fear.
Queen puffed on his cigar and laughed loudly:
"Yo, Caesar, it's a pleasure to see you again."
His voice was loud, with a hint of mockery and contempt.
Although they used to see each other frequently, he had never liked Caesar.
Caesar forced a smile and reluctantly responded:
"Long time no see."
His voice trembled slightly, trying to hide his inner unease,
"What did you bring me here for?"
Queen laughed heartily, walked forward, and heavily patted Caesar's shoulder with his thick palm, the force almost causing Caesar to lose his balance.
"Come with me, you'll know when you get there."
Queen's words contained an undeniable command.
With that, Queen took the lead and walked forward, his back appearing even more imposing, while Caesar was watched by several pirates, following behind Queen.
Caesar felt the surrounding air become heavy. There was definitely no good intention in 'inviting' him over.
They passed through the harbor and entered the heart of Wano Country.
On both sides of the road were lush forests and towering mountains. Although the scenery was beautiful, it became incredibly gloomy in Caesar's eyes.
He dared not relax in the slightest, nervously observing his surroundings, fearing a sudden danger.
Queen walked in front, occasionally looking back at Caesar, a sly smile on his face.
Caesar could only grit his teeth and follow, constantly thinking of countermeasures in his mind.
Along the way, Caesar occasionally stole glances at Queen, hoping to glean some clues from his expression.
But Queen always maintained that confident and smug look, making Caesar even more uneasy.
Finally, they arrived at the foot of a huge mountain.
Caesar's heart tightened. He knew that the real test had just begun.
Queen stopped, turned around, and said with a smile:
"We're here, Caesar, welcome to Wano Country's research base."
Caesar took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
He knew that no matter what awaited him, he had to go forward.
Following Queen into the fortress, he silently prayed in his heart, hoping he could safely get through this crisis.
Inside the cave.
Jin'an's ears twitched, keenly aware of the changes around him.
After a period of rest, his injuries had healed somewhat, allowing him to sense events within a certain range.
He turned to Yamato and said:
"Someone's coming, you should leave early."
Yamato's aura was much weaker than when she first entered the cave, but she still stubbornly maintained a defiant expression.
"Isn't it just someone Kaido sent? I'm not afraid."
"Tap, tap, tap..."
The sound of footsteps grew closer, echoing in the cave, sounding exceptionally clear.
Jin'an sighed, knowing that even if Yamato wanted to leave now, she couldn't.
He looked at her helplessly, feeling somewhat complicated.
Outside the cave, Caesar felt cold all over. Why was this road getting more and more remote?
He looked around uneasily and finally couldn't help but ask:
"Is Kaido inside here?"
Queen turned his head, looking at Caesar with a smile that wasn't a smile, his eyes revealing a hint of mockery and indifference.
"Of course Lord Kaido isn't here."
"First show your worth, and perhaps Lord Kaido will consider meeting you."
Caesar's doubts deepened. He frowned, his voice trembling slightly,
"Then what's inside here..."
Queen didn't answer and continued to walk forward.
Caesar could only grit his teeth and follow. At this point, he had no way out and could only continue forward.
Entering the cave, Caesar felt the air become colder and more humid. It was dark all around, with only the faint light of torches illuminating the path ahead.
As the footsteps approached, Jin'an and Yamato exchanged glances, each with their own thoughts.
Queen led Caesar into the cave entrance, his eyes quickly sweeping over Jin'an and Yamato, a sneer on his face,
"Yo, isn't this Jin'an? It seems your injuries have improved."
Jin'an looked at Queen calmly, without responding.
Caesar widened his eyes, looking at Jin'an in shock,
"Jin'an? Why is he here?"
He originally thought he was being brought alone to see Kaido, but he didn't expect to encounter this rising star in the Marines.
Queen patted Caesar's shoulder, saying in a strange tone:
"You ask a good question. Lord Kaido just wants to see if you smart people can bring him any unexpected value."
Hearing this, Caesar's heart tightened.
He understood that the person in front of him was Kaido's test for him. He could now be said to be a pawn.
He looked at Jin'an and couldn't help but feel a trace of comfort. At least there was another unlucky guy accompanying him.
Moreover, the other party was even more miserable.
Yamato stood beside Jin'an, her eyes full of vigilance and hostility. She clenched her fists, ready to strike at any moment.
Queen looked at the two of them with a sneer, waved his hand, and signaled his subordinates to retreat,
"Alright, Caesar,"
Queen's voice echoed in the cave, with an unquestionable majesty,
"Among us, you have the deepest research on 'lineage factor'."
Hearing this, Caesar's heart tightened, and the cold sweat on his forehead broke out again.
"The person in front of you has eaten the Azure Dragon Fruit."
Queen pointed at Jin'an and continued,
"Your task is to use him, use your research results, to create Devil Fruits."
Caesar opened his mouth wide, looking at Jin'an in shock, then turning to Queen, his heart stirred up a storm.
"Is this why I was brought here?" he muttered to himself, his thoughts racing.
If that's the case, Kaido will definitely not attack him, after all, only he and Vegapunk are doing this research.
Caesar took a deep breath. He was now half safe.
As for the rest, it depends on whether he can produce results.
"Queen, this task requires a lot of equipment and materials,"
Caesar forced a smile, his voice trembling slightly,
"I need some time and resources to prepare."
Queen smiled faintly, patted Caesar's shoulder,
"You don't have to worry about these. Lord Kaido has already prepared them for you. You just need to focus on research."
"However,"
A cold light flashed in Queen's eyes, his voice becoming low and threatening,
"If you dare to play tricks, you will bear the consequences."
Caesar nodded quickly, the cold sweat on his forehead continuing to break out,
"I understand, I will do my best."
Queen nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave the cave.
Caesar looked at his back, then looked at Jin'an,
"Um, Vice Admiral Jin'an, can I discuss something with you?"
"Can I take some of your blood?"
Yamato glanced at Caesar,
'Dare to move a finger and see what happens?'
...
