"Captain Alucard, what did you mean by calling him a 'spare tire'?"
After pondering for a long while, Kuzan couldn't help but ask. He instinctively felt that this had a major connection to what Alucard and his crew were currently doing.
"It means that King Cobra is nothing more than a tool to activate the National Treasure."
At that moment, Dr. Vegapunk stepped forward, answering Kuzan's question on Alucard's behalf.
"That's... Dr. Vegapunk? The world's leading scientist who was originally under the Government's control!" Igaram, the Captain of the Alabasta Royal Guard, said in disbelief.
"Please, explain yourself!"
Vivi had approached Dr. Vegapunk at some point and shouted at him.
Dr. Vegapunk glanced at Vivi. "Oh? The daughter wasn't taken? She possesses the Celestial Dragon bloodline as well."
"Please explain exactly what those words meant," Vivi repeated, her expression firm and resolute.
After a moment of thought, Dr. Vegapunk said, "If you're willing to help me with something, I can tell you."
He then looked toward Alucard. "Is that alright, Captain?"
He figured if Alucard was unwilling, he could simply kill Vivi after using her. That way, he would achieve his goal without exposing the secret.
"The World Government is nearly finished. Such matters don't concern me," Alucard said indifferently. His words, however, sent a shockwave through everyone from Alabasta.
In their eyes, no matter how strong Alucard was, he was still just a pirate. The Government, on the other hand, was a gargantuan entity that had ruled the world for eight hundred years. The power gap between the two should have been as wide as the distance between heaven and earth.
And yet, Alucard spoke as if the World Government's downfall was a foregone conclusion...
"If Dr. Vegapunk doesn't mind, perhaps he could let this old man listen as well?"
A new, calm voice drifted over. Everyone turned around, stunned.
"Fujitora Issho?"
Aranea's pupils constricted slightly in surprise, while Bartholomew Kuma's voice, monotone and mechanical, rang out.
"Issho. Enemy confirmed."
Kuma removed one of his gloves, aiming the paw pad on his palm toward Issho.
"Please wait. This old man did not come here to fight."
Issho raised both hands slightly in a gesture of surrender. "I was simply intrigued by Dr. Vegapunk's words. Is that the legendary secret weapon held by the Government?"
Dr. Vegapunk showed no surprise at the arrival of an Admiral. His side already boasted at least two individuals of Admiral-level strength. Even if Kuzan were to defect back to the Marines on the spot, Alucard alone was enough to handle them all.
"Another major figure has arrived..." Cold sweat began to pour down the faces of Igaram and the others.
What was happening today? World-class figures were appearing one after another: first a Yonko, then a Celestial Dragon, and now a Marine Admiral.
"The Nefertari family member is acceptable, but you are not, Fujitora."
Dr. Vegapunk shook his head with a light chuckle. "You are a Marine. The Navy is the enemy."
"This..." Issho showed a trace of hesitation. Although he had expected this response, he still desperately wanted to know what the Government's secret truly was.
"No," Alucard spoke up. "Tell him, Vegapunk."
"Captain?"
The other members of the Immortal Pirates were baffled. Why? This was a critical secret. Vivi and the others could be killed instantly if they became an obstacle, but an Admiral like Fujitora wouldn't be so easy to put down.
"This fellow isn't a dog of the Government or the Navy. He's a man with his own thoughts."
As Alucard spoke, the corners of his mouth curled into a slight smirk. "I'm looking forward to seeing what actions he takes once he knows the truth."
Issho gave a faint smile. "Oh my. To be praised by the 'World's Strongest Man' is truly an honor."
If the matter of the National Treasure were to be exposed through Issho's hand, it certainly wouldn't be a bad thing. Dr. Vegapunk paused for a moment, then stopped objecting. Besides, as Alucard said, wouldn't it be interesting?
Using Oseinofica's previous actions as a guide, Dr. Vegapunk quickly located the site of the Ryumyaku by following the fissure the Celestial Dragon had created.
It took only three days to successfully begin the excavation, far faster than the two months originally estimated.
Staring at the ice-blue, web-like structures pulsating on the surrounding walls, Vivi couldn't believe such a thing existed deep within the heart of her country. She covered her mouth, her voice trembling. "So... you're saying these things are actually the souls of everyone who has died in Alabasta over the last eight hundred years? H-How is that possible..."
"Now, Princess Vivi, I'll need you to fulfill your promise."
Dr. Vegapunk produced a syringe and walked over to Vivi. The capacity of that syringe... it looked to be at least 300 milliliters.
"W-What are you doing?" Igaram, Vivi's long-time guardian, stood protectively in front of her.
"Conducting an experiment. I've run out of Celestial Dragon blood, and since we have one right here, it would be a waste not to use it."
Dr. Vegapunk gave a mocking sneer. "Otherwise, why do you think we brought you all here?"
Igaram was left speechless. Having lost their kingdom and possessing no strength, they were beneath the notice of the Immortal Pirates.
"It's fine."
Vivi stepped forward, rolling up her right sleeve and presenting her arm to Dr. Vegapunk. He didn't hesitate, plunging the needle into her arm.
Nearby, Fujitora sensed the density of the spiritual aura in the air and couldn't help but marvel. "Such thickness... if it truly is the concentrated souls of everyone who has died on this land for eight centuries, then this level of power is only natural."
"Alucard-sama, before you consume the souls here, there is something else you should see."
After drawing Vivi's blood, Dr. Vegapunk walked over to Alucard. He suddenly jammed the needle into the ice-blue glowing wall and injected half of the freshly drawn blood in one go.