One Piece : Marine Scientist

After a long silence.

Sengoku and the others finally recovered from their shock.

"1,30 trillion—is that the cost required to develop a single Seraphim at the Yonko level?"

Leon shook his head.

"No. A single Yonko Seraphim requires at least one trillion Berries as a baseline. The remaining three hundred billion is for other research projects."

Sengoku frowned deeply.

1,3 trillion was an astronomical sum, far beyond what he could decide on his own.

But then, it struck him.

This was a Yonko-level Seraphim!

Though 1,3 trillion was a staggering amount, compared to the value of a Yonko-level Seraphim, it didn't seem so hard to accept.

In fact, it was even a huge bargain!

"Fine! I agree. Once we return, I'll apply to the Five Elders for the funds!"

"Leon, what research will the 300 billion be used for?"

Leon pondered before answering.

"100 billion will be allocated to developing a new Admiral-level Seraphim. The remaining 200 billion will be used to experiment with new technology..."

"New technology?"

Everyone present turned to look at him, their faces filled with curiosity and eager anticipation.

"What kind of new technology?"

So far, Leon had only demonstrated scientific expertise in Humanoid Weapons.

Suddenly mentioning the development of new technology naturally piqued their interest.

"Heh, it's a secret~ But rest assured, it's going to be amazing."

A mischievous grin spread across Leon's youthful face.

It made Sengoku and the others itch with curiosity...

***

The group returned to Marine Headquarters.

Sengoku immediately headed for Holy Land Mariejois to apply for Leon's funding.

Meanwhile, Leon stayed behind with the three Admirals in Sengoku's office, awaiting his return.

***

Inside Holy Land Mariejois

Unlike before, Sengoku didn't need to announce his arrival—he was directly escorted into the Chamber of Power.

"Sengoku, was the blood sample collection successful this time?"

As soon as he entered the room, The five elders turned their gazes towards him.

"It went smoothly," Sengoku nodded. "We've successfully collected blood samples from both Bullet and Redfield. Research can proceed again soon."

Sengoku wasn't the least bit surprised that the Five Elders knew of his movements.

After all, Impel Down wasn't solely under Marine jurisdiction.

Strictly speaking, Impel Down—the world's largest prison—was directly controlled by the World Government.

It just happened to hold mostly pirates and was located close to Marine Headquarters.

"That's good." The Five Elders nodded and exchanged satisfied smiles.

"We assume you've come to request additional funding for the development of Admiral-level Seraphim?"

Sengoku nodded again. "Yes, but Leon has requested 1,3 trillion Berries this time!"

"What?!" The Five Elders turned to him in unison.

Their faces were filled with shock—clearly, they were taken aback.

1,3 trillion was no small sum, even for the World Government.

"Could you elaborate?" Warcury interlaced his fingers and asked in a grave tone.

"Of course. Developing a single Admiral-level Seraphim requires 100 billion Berries. The remaining 200 billion will be allocated to new technology research."

"And the remaining one trillion?" The Five Elders looked puzzled.

Sengoku answered solemnly.

"It will be used to develop... a Yonko-level Seraphim!!"

"WHAT?!!"

The Five Elders jolted in unison!

They exchanged glances, each seeing the same astonishment reflected in the others' eyes.

A Yonko-level Seraphim! E

ven a Seraphim of this level could be developed?

Leon's scientific talent is simply monstrous to the extreme!

And from what they knew, the Admiral-level Seraphim had only just been developed, right?

Could it be improved so quickly?

They fell silent, their expressions complex for a moment...

Meanwhile, Sengoku simply waited quietly for their response.

After a long pause, the Five Elders finally spoke again...

"Logically speaking, such an enormous budget would be difficult even for the World Government to provide. The prolonged war against pirates has left the World Government with limited funds..."

"Moreover, the previous allocations to Vegapunk were never this substantial..."

Sengoku tensed, holding his breath as he listened.

His expression was grave.

A Yonko-level Seraphim was so formidable—could the Five Elders really deem it unnecessary?

But at this moment... The tone of the Five Elders suddenly shifted...

"However..."

***

Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters.

Leon and the three Admirals were resting in Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office.

Leon kept glancing at the Den Den Mushi.

Sengoku's funding request this time was massive, but it was absolutely crucial for him!

It determined whether he could complete his mission and unlock the next piece of technology!

In the past, Leon wouldn't have worried at all. But the amount this time was simply too large and he wasn't sure if the Five Elders would approve.

If the funding request was denied, he would never be able to complete his mission!

"Leon, you should get some rest" Kizaru advised.

In his eyes, Leon was just an eight-year-old child.

Sengoku had gone to Mary Geoise—it wasn't like he'd return anytime soon.

Even though it was nearby, he had taken a ship and though Sengoku had promised to call Leon with any updates.

Leon shook his head stubbornly, determined to wait.

Kizaru and the others found it a bit exasperating, but they stayed by his side nonetheless.

After a while...

"Buru buru buru—" The Den Den Mushi rang.

It was Fleet Admiral Sengoku.

Leon answered immediately. "Hello? Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"

A laugh came from the other end. "Hahaha, Leon! The funding request has been approved!"

Hearing this, a smile instantly spread across Leon's face.

His system mission was secured! He hung up the Den Den Mushi.

Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru exchanged looks of amazement.

Such an astronomical budget—even Vegapunk had never received this kind of treatment!

This proved that, in the eyes of the Five Elders, Leon's importance had surpassed Vegapunk's!

"By the way, Leon, I'd like to request permission to use Seraphim Sakai!" Akainu suddenly spoke, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"I want to take him out for a massive sweep!"

As the inventor of the Seraphim, Leon held absolute authority over their deployment.

"Fine," Leon nodded in agreement.

***

In the days that followed... The Marines began large-scale construction once again.

Under the guidance of elite Marines, workers frantically built various structures.

At the same time, they aggressively procured all kinds of rare materials.

This move immediately put all factions across the seas on high alert!

After all, the last time they had done this... The Seraphim were mass-produced shortly after.

They had a terrifying impact on the entire sea, with countless pirates being captured and sent to Impel Down.

And this time, it happened all over again... This filled their hearts with immense fear!

Even the Four Emperors dared not take such a situation lightly.

In an instant, they all gathered their forces, tightened their defenses and remained on high alert against the Marines.

At the same time, they drilled their subordinates relentlessly, appearing ready for war at any moment.

For a time, the entire sea was on edge, with everyone fearing for their safety!

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