Watching S-Bear and Lilith leave, Jinbe looked down at the device in his hand, the one capable of controlling the Pacifista and Seraphim. His expression grew more serious.
He walked over to Vista and Jozu and said in a low voice, "Lilith just informed me that the God's Knights have arrived. We need to stay alert."
At the same time, on the other side, Lilith brought S-Bear to Vegapunk. Without hesitation, Vegapunk led everyone to an open area, preparing for S-Bear to use the power of the Paw-Paw Fruit to send them away instantly.
Outside, a massive steel robot stood ready. This was Vegapunk Force 1, a creation modeled after the ancient iron giant.
Vegapunk Force 1 was enormous and extremely durable, with advanced mechanized capabilities. Its structure rivaled that of ancient machines, and it was equipped with weapons such as laser beams similar to those used by Kizaru and powerful electromagnetic cannons. It could move across land, soar through the sky with its back thrusters, and even descend into the depths of the sea.
Vegapunk proudly called it humanity's dream.
Soon, Vegapunk, his six satellites, Sentomaru, and Stussy boarded Vegapunk Force 1.
Lilith glanced at him and complained, "Main body, your head has gotten bigger again."
"So noisy," Vegapunk snapped impatiently. After retrieving critical data from Punk Records, his brain had expanded to an astonishing length of several meters.
"Alright, wait a moment. Before we leave, we need to leave this behind."
He tossed a pre-recorded Den Den Mushi onto the ground. It immediately activated, broadcasting his voice across Egghead Island.
"Uh, hello everyone. I'm Vegapunk."
His voice echoed from the dome, reaching both Marines and pirates. The ongoing battle briefly slowed as everyone listened.
"Hello, hello, can everyone hear me? I am Vegapunk, the world's greatest scientist. You can hear me clearly, right?"
Inside Vegapunk Force 1, Vegapunk suddenly panicked. "Oh no, I forgot to set the delay. Why is it playing immediately?"
One of his satellites replied calmly, "It makes no difference. It was going to be broadcast anyway."
Lilith raised her voice, "S-Bear, send us away now. Then follow us."
S-Bear was about to act when a figure suddenly burst out of the laboratory.
It was Saint Shamlok. His expression was cold as he growled, "Don't even think about escaping, Vegapunk."
The rapier in his hand transformed instantly into a three-headed beast, lunging toward Vegapunk Force 1.
Before it could strike, S-Bear raised his paw and struck the robot. With a loud impact, Vegapunk Force 1 vanished, sent flying far away by the Paw-Paw Fruit's power.
Saint Shamlok's face darkened. He turned toward S-Bear, and the three-headed beast attacked again.
But in the next moment, S-Bear struck himself and disappeared as well.
Saint Shamlok's expression turned extremely grim.
Meanwhile, Vegapunk's recorded voice continued to echo across the island.
"Ahem. Marco and the Phoenix Pirates, along with the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates, members of the Three Emperors Alliance who came here to assist me, there is something important I must announce."
The pirates exchanged confused looks.
"What is so urgent that he has to say it now?"
Vegapunk's voice continued, "First, what you are hearing is a pre-recorded message. The God's Knights have already entered the dome and are here to kill me. That is why I prepared this recording in advance."
He paused briefly.
"By the time you hear this, I will have already left Egghead Island."
Both Marines and pirates were stunned.
Far away, Imu's voice carried cold irritation. "To be deceived by insects."
Saint Nusjuro scoffed, "It seems you were completely used. Pirates truly are fools who rely only on strength."
"Damn it," Kaido growled, breathing heavily. Facing the combined assault of Saint Nusjuro and Saint Garling had already put him under pressure, and this news only fueled his anger further.
Vegapunk's voice continued steadily, "I know you will be furious. Please forgive me. If I remained on Egghead Island, I would certainly die at the hands of the God's Knights. I have yet to uncover the secrets of this world. I cannot afford to die now."
"Next, I have a request I cannot avoid. I ask that the Three Emperors Alliance defeat the Marines, the Gorosei, and the God's Knights, and help me reclaim Egghead Island. There is too much valuable data here. Leaving was not my choice."
The battle did not stop, but the Gorosei began to hesitate.
Through their communication, they had already learned from Saint Shamlok that Vegapunk had escaped using S-Bear's ability. Their mission had failed.
Continuing the fight would only waste valuable forces.
Vegapunk's voice went on, "If defeating them is not possible, then retreat immediately. In three days, we will reconnect using a Den Den Mushi."
"And one more thing. I have transferred full authority over the Pacifista and the four Seraphim on the island to a member of your Phoenix Pirates. If you retreat, do your best to take the Seraphim with you."
"Their performance in this battle has proven their value. They are the strongest humans I have ever created."
A brief pause followed.
"That is all. This old man is taking his leave. We will speak again in three days."
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