Fishman in One Piece

Chapter 4 Vegapunk

Brett lifted the vibrant red fruit.

This is undoubtedly a devil fruit.

However, it is not an ordinary devil fruit.

This is an artificial devil fruit, and it is highly likely that it represents the first of its kind in existence.

When Brett arrived at this location, nobody revealed the name or address of this site to him.

Yet, he was aware of where it was. He understood that this facility was the government's clandestine research base, situated on an island known as Punk Hazard.

Thus, this fruit must be here.

Created by Vegapunk himself and derived from Kaido's bloodline factor, the Blue Dragon Fruit from the Mythical Zoan is replicated here.

Though Vegapunk believed the experiment had failed, Brett was confident that it isn't.

In the future, Momonosuke, who inadvertently consumed this fruit, demonstrated that he could not be described as identical to Kaido's devil fruit, but rather regarded as a replica of the original.

It is highly probable that it was not a failure.

There is also the possibility that Momonosuke is indeed the chosen one, possessing a unique bloodline that revitalizes this unsuccessful fruit, not to mention possessing powers comparable to those of the original.

However, at this moment, Brett could not contemplate that much.

Following the unsuccessful attempt to reach the port, there were no alternative exits.

The so-called Plan B is merely a wager based on chance.

What if this fruit has not been produced by Vegapunk yet?

What if this fruit is not located in this particular room?

What if this room is heavily secured and inaccessible?

If he could simply leap into the sea and flee, what reason did he have to come here hoping for luck?

How could he consume a devil fruit as a fishman if it were possible? He remained uncertain if there exist any beneficial artificial devil fruits.

Brett did not possess a miraculous strategy; he was merely in a state of desperation.

Fortunately, it appeared that fortune was favoring him today.

Now, let us ascertain if fortune is inclined to bestow her final blessing.

Brett wiped the dust off the devil fruit, opened his mouth wide, and took a bite.

Brett could not suppress his frown.

The devil fruit is known for its unpalatable nature.

It is neither crisp nor soft; it is so glutinous that it resembles swallowing mucus. It clings to the mouth, making it impossible to chew.

As for the flavor, the dishes prepared by Arlong are infinitely superior. Brett struggled to find adequate adjectives to convey the experience of this taste.

However, this was not the appropriate moment for hesitance, thus Brett swallowed the entire fruit in a few bites.

What if the quality control for artificial devil fruits is lax and one cannot acquire abilities without consuming the entire fruit?

So, fortune, grant me your favor once more.

Brett took a deep breath.

The decision lies solely in whether he transforms into a fish-man unable to swim ineffectively or possesses the faculties of a mythical creature that may enable his escape.

Concurrently, an increasing number of marines gathered outside the entrance. The Rear Admiral who had previously obstructed the door had also arrived.

"Prepare for an assault," the Rear Admiral stated with gravity. "All officers ranked Captain and above will accompany me in an effort to preserve that Fishman's life. "

"Yes," They responded in unison.

The Rear Admiral's hand rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

For one adept in Haki, the formidable metal barrier in front of him posed no threat.

"Wait," a somewhat drowsy voice suddenly emerged from the group behind.

The marines momentarily hesitated, then promptly turned to create a path.

"Doctor? " The Rear Admiral queried in astonishment as he observed the figure slowly approaching along the pathway cleared by the marines. "What brings you here? "

The newcomer had unkempt hair and stood tall, a middle-aged individual donned in large spectacles.

Dressed in a white coat over a T-shirt and jeans, his appearance was distinctly casual.

While he may not seem particularly remarkable, even the Rear Admiral held him in high esteem.

His name is Vegapunk.

"That young man took refuge in my storage area. Naturally, I must investigate," Vegapunk remarked with a peculiar smile, "What if he damage my possessions? "

The Rear Admiral offered a wry smile, saying, "Doctor, aren't those possessions merely failures? "

"Precisely because they are failures, they hold value! " Vegapunk stated matter-of-factly, "In my view, failures are far more significant than successes. "

The Rear Admiral felt exasperated.

This doctor, possesses the credibility to assert such a view.

The unsuccessful creations attributed to his expertise are significantly fewer than his accomplishments.

"So, Doctor, what are your intentions? " inquired the leader of the marine scientific division, naturally referring to the chief government scientist before him.

"In moments of despair, he contemplated leveraging my collection to discover a means of escape. He is quite an intriguing fishman" Vegapunk remarked with a smile. "Allow me to enter and converse with him."

"Doctor, are you serious? " the Rear Admiral responded, taken aback.

"Huh? Are you doubting my intentions? " Vegapunk cast him a sidelong glance.

"No, I wouldn't dare," the Rear Admiral could only manage a bitter smile.

Behind the heavy metal door, Brett occupied a storage platform while gazing upward at the ceiling.

Which task is simpler: to penetrate the top and traverse the entire mountain or to open the door and bypass all the marines obstructing the path?

A serene smile graced his lips.

At that moment, a distinct noise emanated from the gap in the door nearby.

"Are they tampering with the door lock? "

Brett rose and positioned himself beside the door to avoid being engulfed in fire when it opened.

He inhaled deeply.

Subsequently, fiery red scales erupted from his skin, his legs began to morph into jointed appendages, a robust tail extended from his lower back, and most significantly, two sets of sharp horns spiraled forth from his forehead.

Brett transformed into a tall, blazing red dragon!

Fortune favored him once more.

That Devil Fruit had undoubtedly worked, Bright could now confidently assert.

Upon acquiring the ability, Brett experienced a transformation akin to a complete metamorphosis.

His strength and physique had enhanced considerably, his hardened dragon scales instilling within him the assurance that he could withstand gunfire. Even the wound on his shoulder had nearly healed.

More crucially, while swimming was no longer an option, he had gained the ability to fly!

He had genuinely obtained the means to escape.

Water began to seep from Brett's palms once more, and he prepared to proceed.

With a click, the lock was finally severed, and the door swung open.

Brett held his breath.

"Boy, refrain from acting hastily. I am alone here; let us converse. "

A voice spoke from beyond the door, followed by the entrance of a man.

Brett was momentarily taken aback, "Vegapunk? "

The individual who entered was indeed Vegapunk. Although they had only crossed paths twice, it was certainly unforgettable for Brett.

What was this person doing here?

Moreover, he had the audacity to turn and shut the door!

What were the Marines's intentions?

"Hmm? "

After securing the door, Vegapunk pivoted and perceived Brett at that moment.

"Oh! ! ! "

The man's eyes suddenly brightened, and he hastened toward Brett, examining him with an almost obsessive fascination, "Did you consume that devil fruit? ! "

"Hahahaha, are you the one it awaited? Oh, it's fiery red? I anticipated it would be more malleable! "

Brett was momentarily bewildered.

What did he mean?

What did he imply by "the one it awaited"?

Could it be that he was already aware that the fruit had succeeded?

However, none of that was relevant at this moment.

Brettt gazed at Vegapunk before him and felt an inner sense of elation.

Even with newfound abilities, he would still need to survive a violent confrontation to escape, and there was a chance he might fail to do so.

Yet now was his opportunity!

If he could apprehend Vegapunk and use him as leverage, escaping from this place would be straightforward.

"I initially intended for you to calm down, but now it appears—"

As Brett was preparing to act, Vegapunk suddenly proposed, "What do you think about striking a deal? "

What?

***

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