Before long, Vegapunk arrived at a hidden laboratory. He glanced at Zephyr, who was stuffing already-packed equipment into his body, then shifted his gaze to someone curiously observing a huge ancient robot.
That was indeed the boss of the Umbrella Corporation, the king of the West Blue, Ian.
Yesterday, Ian had already arrived on Egghead with others, but to avoid drawing the World Government's attention, he had temporarily hidden.
Vegapunk hurried over, standing beside Ian without hesitation, and said directly, "The Straw Hat Pirates have arrived. We can begin operations, right? Time is very tight. If the World Government finds out, it'll be troublesome."
"The World Government already knows!"
Vegapunk: "...?"
"Didn't I tell you?"
Ian looked at the stunned Vegapunk beside him, blinked, then frowned and said, "Before we arrived, the World Government already knew. Not only did they dispatch the Marine Headquarters fleet, but they also sent CP0 specifically to monitor you. By this time, the fleet from Marine Headquarters should be arriving as well!
"Damn it, why are you only telling me this now for something so important?"
Even Vegapunk, who was usually very composed, couldn't help but curse.
Then, with an anxious tone, he continued, "So what do we do now? We should have moved the equipment sooner! At this point, it wouldn't matter even if that guy, York, found out! Or… shall we just go now?"
"Don't panic."
Noticing Vegapunk's worries, Ian sighed helplessly and tried to comfort him, "Don't you still have a lot of equipment to move? Waiting a little longer is fine. Besides, I think York has probably already received orders from the World Government."
Vegapunk: "...?!"
At Ian's words, Vegapunk froze for a moment, then suddenly seemed to remember something and raised his head sharply.
Sure enough, he saw an energy dome covering the entire island. Panic instantly appeared on his face.
"The Frontier Dome?"
At this moment, urgent voices came through the communication device on Vegapunk's body.
"Vegapunk, York has activated the Frontier Dome. The entire island is sealed off."
"Not only that, CP0 has already quietly landed on the island, and the Seraphim has been activated as well."
"That guy…"
Before the next sentence could be said, a current of electricity sounded.
Following it was a lazy yet selfish-sounding voice.
"Oh my, have I already been discovered by everyone!"
It was… York's voice.
Vegapunk: "...?!"
Vegapunk's expression turned grim as he shouted to his communicator, "Why are you doing this, York?"
"Sorry, I want to become a Celestial Dragon. Also, this sea only needs one Vegapunk. So… can you all just die?"
Facing Vegapunk's anger, York didn't seem to care, still speaking lazily, "I already know where you are."
As soon as these words were spoken, the communication was cut off. Vegapunk finally understood the situation.
He quickly turned to Ian beside him. "York has already figured out I'm here. We must…"
But before Vegapunk could finish, a crackling sound echoed as the tightly closed research facility doors slowly opened.
This time, Vegapunk could no longer contain himself. His expression darkened as he stared at the slowly opening doors.
In a low, serious voice, he said, "I'll find an opportunity to open the Frontier Dome…"
But before he could finish, Ian stopped him directly.
"No need."
Ian looked at the flustered Vegapunk, exasperated. "Why are you panicking?"
Vegapunk: "...?"
Vegapunk froze, then looked at Ian, as if recalling something.
That's right, what should he be panicking about?! The one who should be panicking is York, the one who has to find this place!
Just as he thought this, the doors fully opened, and a figure appeared in the doorway.
York, the embodiment of greed, seemed very interested in teasing her target, moving like a cat playing with a mouse.
The door opened slowly, and the figure walked in leisurely, swinging slightly and laughing happily.
"Vegapunk…"
But before she could finish speaking, York seemed to notice something wrong. Dozens of gazes from inside made her freeze in place.
Confused, she stared at the people in front of her.
Especially when her eyes fell on the figure radiating warm light while smiling warmly at her, her whole body shivered instantly.
Without hesitation, she bent forward and said with a cheerful smile, "Sorry for the intrusion! Please rest assured, I will never tell the World Government your secret!"
Just as she was about to run…
"Whoosh!"
A bolt of lightning suddenly appeared in front of her.
Then, as expected, this clone was captured directly.
At this moment, York finally understood the situation. Angry, she looked at Vegapunk. "So, you didn't plan to let the Straw Hat Pirates take you away, but secretly contacted the Umbrella Corporation? Damn it, you actually tricked your own clone?"
"No, it should be you who betrayed us, York!"
"I… I…"
York's face darkened. "When did you find out?"
"A few days ago. Honestly, at first, I couldn't believe my own clone would betray me."
Vegapunk sighed deeply, his tone full of reflection. "I didn't expect greed to cause so many unexpected events."
"You… you… damn it!"
York's face turned black instantly, but she quickly turned to Ian, forcing an innocent, cute smile. "Mr. Ian, I am also Vegapunk. Please give me a chance. Whatever he can do, I can also…"
However, Ian ignored her and looked at Vegapunk. "I'll leave it to you to handle!"
"I understand, sigh…"
Vegapunk sighed deeply. "Don't worry, I will handle it properly. Also…"
He then adopted a serious expression. "CP0 has already infiltrated this research base secretly, and the Seraphim has been activated. Even though you are indeed strong, the Seraphim was specifically designed to counter you. If the World Government gets involved… no, we must leave here immediately!"
"If you're anxious, that's fine!"
This time, Ian did not refuse. He stroked his chin, thought for a moment, then looked at Vegapunk. "You, the others, and the equipment should leave first!"
Vegapunk: "...?"
Vegapunk froze, looking at Ian in confusion. "You're not leaving together?"
"Me?"
Ian didn't hide it. He nodded, then turned his head and looked at the huge moss-covered robot behind him.
Before he could say anything, Vegapunk seemed to understand his intention.
"Because of this robot?"
Vegapunk frowned with regret in his tone. "If it's because of this robot, there's no need for you to stay. This robot seems to lack a certain kind of energy. It cannot be activated at all. Even if you stay, you won't see any change."
"I know, but I have a premonition… this robot might still be activated."