Meanwhile, in the monitoring room at the base's core, chaos reigned.
The underground facility had borne the brunt of Garp's earlier attack.
A whirring alarm echoed through the underground base, while flashing red lights indicated the base's critical condition.
"Dr. Vegapunk, the power supply system has sustained severe damage."
"Dr. Vegapunk, Test Subject No. 76 has lost vital signs due to power failure," reported several scientists dressed as researchers.
Garp's sudden outburst had caught Vegapunk off guard.
In his original plan, he expected Garp to gradually navigate through obstacles or skip a few checkpoints before locating him.
Instead, Garp had leaped directly from the first stage to the final stage.
The base lacked substantial defensive measures—against someone who could effortlessly penetrate soil and base exteriors like Garp, everyone inside was as vulnerable as chicks.
"Alright, no need to resist. Pack our equipment—we'll continue our research elsewhere."
Vegapunk had previously discussed this with Raleigh.
Back then, Vegapunk believed that since he knew the Marines would come for him, designing his own defenses would prevent easy breach.
However, Vegapunk vividly recalled Raleigh's faint, knowing smile and his remark, "Good luck, Doctor," after he shared his plan.
Now Vegapunk understood completely.
This world was far more complex than he had imagined—some individuals possessed strength that defied human comprehension.
From a logical standpoint, the possibility of a powerhouse directly piercing through soil and base structures did exist.
Yet, compared to entering through the base's official entrance, such an approach was considerably less probable.
Perhaps it was Vegapunk's misfortune to encounter an unreasonable fellow like Garp.
Patting his head that had just been rattled by the shock, Vegapunk decided he might as well sit here obediently and wait to be transported back to the Grand Line.
It didn't take long before the sound of military boots stepping on the ground echoed through the quiet environment.
Vegapunk sighed.
The last time military boots were heard in this base, he had also been captured.
From the darkness emerged the figures of Garp and Kuzan.
Looking at the young Vegapunk sitting in the chair, Garp said with a serious expression:
"Dr. Vegapunk, I regret to inform you that you're under arrest."
Seeing this, Vegapunk could only pretend to be dejected!
"I never expected that a small fry like me would warrant the personal attention of the Navy hero, Vice Admiral Garp."
"It seems the Navy values me quite highly."
Looking at the spotless laboratory, the neatly arranged instruments and experimental samples, and the scientists quietly awaiting their fate, Garp felt countless emotions stirring in his heart as he observed the top-tier scientist before him who was also accepting his destiny.
"To be honest, I didn't take this seriously before coming here. I just thought I was providing backup for Kuzan, since this place is located in the Calm Belt. But now my interest in you has grown significantly."
"Your talent far surpasses any other scientist in this world. If we continue to leave you unchecked in the outside world, it could very well create unfavorable circumstances for the Navy."
"Organize all the materials and personnel equipment properly. We'll be relocating all of you to the Grand Line."
Vegapunk nodded, then instructed several researchers standing behind him to go and pack up.
He then took a remote control from his pocket and commanded all the mechanical creatures on the island that hadn't been destroyed by Garp to shut down.
Since the Navy soldiers were isolated outside the Calm Belt, Garp had no way to escort these scientists and could only let them manage themselves.
Fortunately, after Vegapunk said a few words to them, they calmly accepted their fate and began happily moving things, one after another.
"Garp-san, why does it feel like they're actually quite happy to be leaving this place?"
Kuzan leaned in and said with a sneaky expression.
"Really? Maybe they also think life in the Calm Belt is too boring."
Garp picked his nose, completely dismissive of what Kuzan was saying.
He didn't care what these scientists wanted to do anyway. His mission was simply to bring these scientists back to the Grand Line.
If not for this mission, Garp might be fighting Roger again right now.
The thought of Roger happily traveling around the New World made Garp feel extremely frustrated.
"Uh, alright then, Garp-san."
Although Kuzan sensed something wasn't quite right, he figured if Garp said it wasn't important, then it probably wasn't a big deal.
In the ship's cabin, groups of scientists sat obediently in their seats, discussing quietly among themselves.
"Did you hear what the chief said? Once we join the Navy, we won't have to worry about funding anymore."
"Yes, the chief said we can continue all the research projects we couldn't pursue deeply before due to funding constraints."
"That's wonderful. The project to replicate the Devil Fruit was abandoned from the very beginning due to excessive funding waste, but now we can finally proceed."
"Not only that, the leader said the World Government is incredibly wealthy. I believe our research on humanoid war weapons can also move forward."
The discussion between the two scientists ignited the enthusiasm of the entire group, and all the scientists fell into intense debate.
Upon hearing that the World Government would not restrict research funding, each of them began crafting promotional pitches for their own projects in order to secure more funds.
Meanwhile, Vegapunk, who had revealed all this information, leaned against the railing, gazing at the small island where he had lived for many years.
"Dr. Vegapunk, are you reluctant to leave this place?"
The tall and lanky Kuzan approached, speaking to Vegapunk's back.
"Of course, I'm reluctant. Everything here was built after I founded the MADS organization."
"In order to avoid prying eyes and focus on our research, we created ships capable of sailing in the Calm Belt and came here."
"To ensure our projects could proceed smoothly, we researched weapons, sold them to the Mafia in the North Blue, and used the funds to acquire resources for further research."
"This place has truly consumed too much of my heart and soul. It's only natural to feel some reluctance when leaving it all behind."
Vegapunk turned around and looked at the young but exceptionally powerful Marines rear admiral before him.
Kuzan clenched his fists tightly, then quickly relaxed them as he asked,
"Dr. Vegapunk, I sensed earlier in the base that some of your laboratories are using live human subjects. Don't you find that cruel?"
Hearing this, Vegapunk was momentarily taken aback, then seemed to understand something.
He pursed his lips into a slight smile and said.
"So that's what you came to ask me about, Kuzan-san."
"I can answer that question. Originally, there were two scientists in our organization researching bacteria who enjoyed testing on civilians. But after they were arrested, no one has been capturing civilians anymore."
"Our current research on life factors has reached its final stage, which requires the use of live humans. However, these subjects are all pirates that our organization has purchased. We have connections with some underground forces, and the Mafia in the North Blue is very willing to handle this matter."
After hearing Vegapunk's explanation, Kuzan felt somewhat relieved.
If they were pirates, then Kuzan had no sympathy for them at all.
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