SWNOVELXO Chapter 244: Chapter 244: Experimental Projects
After wrapping up his tasks, Li Yuan led Shaki into the laboratory, where a clone of Stussy was kept.
Unfortunately, the original Stussy and another key figure, Queen, had already fled before Li Yuan's arrival.
According to the scientists, the two of them managed to sneak out of the facility undetected before the chaos erupted. How they bypassed the guards stationed outside remained a mystery.
"Incredible! Someone in this world has not only developed cloning technology but has even succeeded in creating clones!"
Shaki sighed as she observed Stussy's clone.
Stussy was someone she knew—an acquaintance from their days aboard the Rocks Pirates, though they had never been particularly close.
Seeing the clone, however, filled Shaki with a mix of astonishment and contemplation.
"Indeed. This clone is exceptionally well-made. Although a clone, she possesses human-like emotions," Li Yuan remarked.
He was debating whether to release Stussy's clone to work for him. Her abilities, as seen in the original story, were impressive.
However, her unshakable loyalty to Vegapunk gave him pause. Once she learned what had happened to her creator, she would undoubtedly turn against him.
"Dear, since she was created by Vegapunk, why not wait until Vegapunk is fully under your control before releasing her?"
Shaki, perceptive as ever, offered a suggestion. She referred to the Vegapunk who would eventually be loyal to Li Yuan, not the current one filled with hostility.
"Good idea. There's no rush," Li Yuan agreed. A few years of patience wouldn't make much difference.
---
Meanwhile, at Ohara, Dr. Clover had come across news of the Infinity Pirates' World Swordsmanship Tournament. Upon learning that Wano Country, under the Infinity Pirates' rule, had existed in seclusion for over 800 years, Clover became deeply curious about the country's history.
Hoping to uncover clues about the Void Century, Clover led a group of scholars to Fishman Island, intending to travel to the Infinity Seas and eventually Wano. Their ultimate goal was to meet Li Yuan and learn about Wano's history.
"Dr. Clover, are you sure about this? The Infinity Seas are controlled by one of the most powerful pirate crews in the New World!"
Nico Olvia voiced her concerns.
"Don't worry, Olvia. I've done my research. While the Infinity Seas are pirate-controlled, the Infinity Pirates have strict rules in place. As long as we follow them, no pirate would dare cause trouble. In fact, the Infinity Seas are considered one of the safest regions in the New World," Clover assured her.
"Their captain, Li Yuan, is known to be a wise and fair leader. The areas under his control are remarkably peaceful and secure. There's little to fear," Clover added confidently.
"But how will we travel from Fishman Island to the Infinity Seas? That route is crawling with pirates, and we're hardly equipped to defend ourselves," Olvia pressed.
"No need to worry. Fishman Island is part of the Infinity Pirates' territory. Regular trade ships from their crew visit to deliver goods and transport supplies to the Infinity Seas. For a reasonable fee, we can secure passage on one of their ships," Clover explained, revealing his meticulous preparation.
---
Back in Wano, Caesar was having the time of his life. In just seven days, he had visited every flower house in the country, spending not only his three months' salary but also the 500 million berries bribe from the Infinity Pirates.
Even Judge had been dragged along by Caesar's antics, leaving both men broke and visibly worse for wear, sporting dark circles under their eyes and visibly thinner frames.
"Which flower girl drained the life out of you two?"
Li Yuan was momentarily startled by their haggard appearance. Their overindulgence had clearly taken a toll.
"Not just one, Captain—there were so many! I, Caesar, am truly unmatched!" Caesar began to boast, but upon noticing Li Yuan's stern gaze, he immediately clammed up.
Li Yuan couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. This guy really lived up to his reputation—bold enough to embezzle research funds for his debauchery.
"Captain! If we'd known you were coming, we would've greeted you properly!" Caesar quickly switched to flattery.
"I don't care about your private lives, but when it's time to work, you'd better deliver results. Otherwise, don't blame me for cutting your pay," Li Yuan said calmly.
Despite his stern tone, he wasn't the type to exploit his subordinates. For those with talent, he was quite lenient, as long as they produced results.
"Rest assured, Captain. We're professionals," Judge assured him, standing straight.
---
Li Yuan handed them their assignments.
"Judge, your project is to research Lineage Factors, starting with cloning. The goal is to create clones that obey commands without independent emotions."
"Caesar, your task is to research Devil Fruits. I want you to develop the technology to allow inanimate objects to consume Devil Fruits. This will overlap with Judge's work on Lineage Factors, so the two of you should collaborate."
"As for funding, calculate your budgets and submit them to me. I'll approve reasonable expenses, but funding will be distributed in phases. I expect progress and results with each phase."
---
"Captain, do you have specific standards for the clones?" Judge inquired.
"The stronger, the better," Li Yuan replied.
"In that case, we'll need a powerful sample. The stronger the sample, the stronger the clones," Judge said, his gaze fixed intently on Li Yuan. It was clear he considered Li Yuan the ideal template.
"I'll find you a suitable sample, but don't get any ideas about using me," Li Yuan replied firmly. He had no intention of being a test subject. Instead, Douglas Bullet, known for his immense physical strength, seemed like a perfect candidate.
Li Yuan then handed them Vegapunk's research on the Blueprint of Life, cautioning them to keep it confidential.
"Blueprint of Life?!"
Hearing this, both Judge and Caesar's eyes lit up. Though they often criticized Vegapunk outwardly, they secretly admired his groundbreaking work. Having access to his research was a monumental opportunity for scientific advancement.
---
After ensuring Judge and Caesar were engrossed in their tasks, Li Yuan moved on to Yumaz's laboratory.
"Yumaz, I've assigned twenty scientists to assist you. Your new focus will be communication technology."
"I want you to develop the ability to intercept and monitor Den Den Mushi signals, ensuring we can detect any communications harmful to the Infinity Pirates."
"Next, I want you to create an alternative communication method, independent of the Den Den Mushi system, and eventually replace it with our own devices."
Li Yuan laid out his plans in detail, sharing his thoughts on potential designs while leaving the technical implementation to Yumaz and his team.
"Understood, Captain. I'll prioritize the signal interception project. Within six months, I'll show you results," Yumaz promised confidently.
Li Yuan smi
led. He liked working with people who radiated confidence.
"I look forward to your success."
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