One Piece: Rayquaza of the Beasts Pirates

"I can't tell you. Because I'm the world's most tight-lipped man!"

Sentomaru immediately straightened his chest, his face filled with an undeniable seriousness.

But the next second, before anyone could react, he casually pointed to the center of the arena: "The Doctor is waiting for you inside."

Everyone: "..."

After a brief silence, the corners of the mouths of several naval elites twitched in unison.

Hasn't that already been said?

What kind of "keeping your mouth shut" is that?!

Seeing Sentomaru's self-righteous and oblivious attitude, Kizaru, who had watched him grow up, was already used to it. He simply pushed up his sunglasses with a slightly helpless expression and then led the group to continue walking inside.

Soon, a man wearing a helmet with the number 01 printed on it and a dark blue jacket appeared in everyone's sight.

Kizaru introduced, "This is Dr. Vegapunk."

"Good morning, everyone." The man nodded slightly.

"Huh? He... he's Dr. Vegapunk?!"

Everyone was dumbfounded.

In their stereotypes, someone as learned as Vegapunk should be an old man with white hair.

The man in front of me, though his face was covered by a helmet, didn't seem to be old at all, judging from his voice and physique.

"Don't worry about it."

The man calmly explained, his voice coming through the helmet with a flat, mechanical quality: "I am one of the clones created by Dr. Vegapunk, codenamed 'Shakya'."

"The entity is currently processing a set of critical data in the core laboratory and is unable to come in person. I will guide the subsequent receipt and testing of the results on its behalf."

After giving a concise explanation, Shakyamuni said no more, and simply raised his hand and clapped it twice.

"Boom...boom...boom..."

Heavy, rhythmic footsteps echoed from a deep passage behind Shakyamuni.

Everyone's attention was involuntarily drawn to it.

From the shadows of the passage, ten extremely burly figures slowly emerged.

They stood in a line, their steps perfectly synchronized, like soldiers being inspected.

Each one is nearly seven meters tall, like a small, mobile fortress, its massive size bringing a silent sense of oppression.

They all have the same appearance: wild, rugged blond hair, two long, white beards pointing skyward, and wearing identical, specially made combat suits.

"Edward Weevil?"

Gion couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

Chapter 196 Seraph! Operation Save Private Vegapunk begins!

Yes, the ten enormous figures standing before everyone bore striking resemblance to Edward Weevil, the current Shichibukai who called himself "the son of Whitebeard."

"Admittedly, Edward Webull had significant intellectual disabilities."

Shakya seemed to see through the surprise and doubt in everyone's eyes and calmly explained, "But in terms of pure physical strength alone, Edward Weevil is undoubtedly the pinnacle among the Seven Warlords of the Sea. This is precisely why the Doctor chose him as the 'base template'."

What's even more interesting is that while a lack of intelligence is a disadvantage for Seraphim who pursue 'growth potential', it's a huge plus for Pacifistas.

The pacifists were designed from the outset as war machines of absolute obedience and high efficiency.

They only need to execute commands perfectly; they don't need, and shouldn't need, any extra thoughts.

"Now, please allow me to formally introduce to you the PX series of pacifists."

Shakyamuni turned slightly to face the ten towering figures and said to the naval officers, "They will be a vital force for the navy in dealing with the great threats at sea in the future."

"The Pacifista is a combat robot without independent consciousness, modeled after Edward Weevil and incorporating Admiral Kizaru's laser abilities."

Kaji stroked his chin, looking at the ten obviously expensive machines, and asked curiously, "These guys don't look cheap. How many Berries would it cost to build one?"

Shakyamuni replied casually: "If we don't take into account the initial research and development investment, the cost of each Pacifista is roughly equivalent to that of a standard large naval warship."

"One large warship? That's all?"

A naval vice admiral standing nearby couldn't help but gasp and exclaim in shock.

As a military personnel, he knew all too well what the cost of building a capital warship meant.

The navy only launches a few warships each year.

"Please rest assured."

Shakyamuni's tone remained calm, yet it revealed a powerful confidence: "The strategic value they bring far exceeds their cost. Seeing is believing."

He didn't offer any further verbal explanations, but instead led everyone to the observation area at the edge of the testing field.

He then turned to one of the Pacifistas and issued a concise command: "PX-1, target A-7 to A-10 area, demonstrate attack mode, intensity level: standard annihilation."

"Command confirmed."

The pacifist who was called out flashed a red light in his eyes and emitted a dull, synthesized electronic voice.

Its massive body turned toward the target area with an agility disproportionate to its size, the movements fluid and precise, without any clumsiness.

The next second, a stunning demonstration began.

PX-1 raised its thick arm, and the armor plate on its palm slid off, revealing a complex energy gathering device inside.

A blinding golden light rapidly converged, accompanied by a high-frequency "buzzing" charging sound. Even from a great distance, one could feel the powerful energy poised to be unleashed.

call out--!

A dazzling golden laser beam shot out and accurately hit the heavy target, which was modeled after the armor of a warship, a kilometer away.

boom!

A huge explosion rang out.

After the smoke cleared, a huge hole was clearly visible on the target.

This is not over yet.

PX-1's palms flashed continuously, and beams of laser light poured out like a sudden storm.

Before long, several targets in the test area were riddled with holes.

Then, the PX-1 demonstrated its terrifying close-combat capabilities.

Its massive body suddenly lunged forward, throwing a punch that was simple and direct, yet carried terrifying kinetic energy capable of shattering mountains and splitting rocks.

A perfectly intact warship armor target was smashed, leaving it deeply dented and twisted.

Then it kicked another heavy target to the side, sending it flying like a toy, crashing into a distant metal wall with a dull thud.

The entire demonstration lasted only two minutes.

When the red light in PX-1's eyes went out, it stopped and stood still, returning to silence, the test area, which was originally filled with various solid targets, had been almost completely "plowed" through, leaving only a scene of devastation.

The observation area was deathly silent.

Gion's red lips parted slightly, her beautiful eyes reflecting the ruins, filled with disbelief.

It's not that the Pacifistas are so powerful; judging from their current performance, the elite lieutenant generals at headquarters could do the same, or even better.

But the problem is, it's a robot!

It's a robot that can be produced on an assembly line!

The navy only has a few vice admirals like that.

What is the cost of building a large warship?

Compared to the strategic power this humanoid weapon could bring, enough to alter the course of a local battlefield, and the potential reduction in naval casualties...

Shakyamuni was right.

This is simply... such great value for money!

The powerful Gion was able to maintain a relatively calm analysis, but the several lieutenant generals behind her were already sweating profusely.

The instantaneous firepower density, accuracy, and close-combat destructive power demonstrated by such a Pacifista could, in a real naval battle, likely deliver a fatal blow to a standard naval warship on its own in a very short time, or even... annihilate it.

If such robots exist, what purpose do they serve?

How did my job start to crumble while I was away on a business trip?

Kuzan's narrowed eyes widened slightly, taking in the astonishment and underlying unease of his colleagues.

He spoke slowly, his words carrying a deeper meaning: "The power of the pacifists is indeed impressive. However, no matter how powerful a force is, if it lacks the mind and will to wield it, it is nothing more than a pile of expensive metal."

"Yes."

Shakyamuni nodded frankly: "At this stage, pacifists can only accept pre-set or brief tactical instructions. Complex battlefield judgments, situation analysis, and even the formulation and adjustment of strategic objectives still require the experience and wisdom of commanders."

The naval vice admirals' tense shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly.

I knew it! How could a cold machine possibly replace a human officer who has been tested by blood and fire?

However, before he could fully exhale the breath he had just managed to release—

"Therefore, in order to make up for the shortcomings of pacifists in terms of autonomy and adaptability to complex environments, and at the same time to pursue more comprehensive and stronger individual combat capabilities."

Shakya calmly stated, "The doctor simultaneously spearheaded the development of another project—Project Seraphim."

After saying that, he raised his voice slightly: "Come out, Seraphim."

Snap... Snap... Snap...

Footsteps echoed through the passage again, but this time, the sound was completely different.

The steps were no longer uniform like drumbeats, but rather carried subtle differences—some were light and quick, some were slightly sluggish, some had a stable stride, and some had a casual, bouncy feel.

This "disorder" actually conveys a disturbing sense of liveliness.

Kuzan, noticing this detail, gradually became serious, and his languid demeanor became somewhat more composed.

Soon, the seven "children" emerged from the shadows one after another.

They varied in size, height, weight, and appearance, each with its own distinct features.