Logia-type Devil Fruits are unique. Upon consumption, the user's body undergoes a complete transformation into another element, essentially placing them in a semi-awakened state by default. Once fully awakened, the likes of Aokiji and Akainu were able to permanently reshape the landscape of Punk Hazard.
Whether it's Enel's lightning, Trebol's liquefied mucus, or Pierre's transformation from a bird to a horse, they all rely on lineage factors as a medium for their abilities.
Moreover, while Vegapunk publicly declared his replication of the Fish-Fish Fruit a failure to appease the World Government, the truth is—it was a success.
Future creations like the Pacifistas, the Seraphim, and even Judge's five genetically modified children all demonstrate the potential of lineage factors.
This means that Devil Fruits themselves are not the key, nor is the so-called "will of the Devil." What truly matters is the lineage factor acting as the medium.
If that's the case… then could the theoretical "Wire-Wire Man" actually exist? Could there be a "Dragon-Wire Man" as well?
But that raises another question—how did Vegapunk resolve the conflicts between the multiple lineage factors embedded in the Seraphim's bodies?
"Boss, this is our latest breakthrough."
Ignoring the ruckus Enel was causing nearby, Doflamingo turned his attention to Judge, who handed him a tiny, gray-blue stone.
A flicker of excitement flashed across Doflamingo's face as he gripped it firmly.
In the next moment, a faint sense of weakness spread through his arm, causing him to arch a brow.
'Huh? Feels a bit weak… Is the purity off? The quantity too little? Or is it because my body, strengthened by years of training in seawater, has built some resistance?'
"Enel, come here. I've got something interesting for you."
For the past two months, Enel had only felt gratitude, admiration, and devotion toward Doflamingo—the man who had pulled him from despair and granted him power.
Without hesitation, Enel responded, "Sure."
In a flash, he appeared before Doflamingo, curiously eyeing the small stone in his hand.
"Young Master, what is this?"
"Here, take it."
Though puzzled, Enel accepted the seastone without hesitation.
Thud!
The next second, his malnourished body collapsed straight to the ground. Panic flashed across his face.
"What the hell?! Young Master, I—I can't transform!"
'So, not all bodies react the same way.'
Watching Enel's dumbfounded expression, Doflamingo smirked.
"Fufufufu. Enel, this is seastone—the bane of all Devil Fruit users. Consider this your first lesson. From now on, when you're not in combat, you'll carry it with you."
Turning to Judge, he commanded, "Now, let's conduct a full examination on him."
"Yes, Boss."
"Nooo! Young Master, have mercy!"
...
The Divine Palace
"Trebol, Diamante, guard Skypiea well. Keep a close eye. I'm heading to Punk Hazard—one of the World Government's research sites—to see what I can loot. There's a chance Cipher Pol agents might show up, so make sure you stay vigilant."
"W-W-World Government?!" At the mere mention of those words, Trebol nearly lost his composure, his body dissolving into a pile of mucus.
"C-C-Cipher Pol?!" Diamante was equally terrified.
While they had once acted with impunity in the North Blue, their training under Doflamingo had given them a basic understanding of the World Government's overwhelming power. The thought of facing it head-on was unthinkable.
'Tch. A couple of useless cowards.'
Doflamingo adjusted his sunglasses, his usual smirk fading as veins bulged on his forehead.
His intention in educating them about the World Government was to provide context—to give them a frame of reference for the highest echelon of power.
Not to scare them witless at the mere mention of its name.
Everyone faces failure and setbacks in life. What matters is how one responds to them.
But these two? They were already paralyzed by fear, crippled by their dread of losing. They were only good for easy victories.
'They need more training. If they can't improve, I'll have to abandon their combat training altogether.'
"This sky island," Doflamingo mused, his smirk returning, "holds remnants of ancient technology and abilities. It's an untapped treasure trove, but we'll need specialists to unlock its full potential. That's why I'm going talent-hunting."
He waved a hand dismissively. "No need to worry. Skypiea has stood for 400 years, untouched by the World Government. Another 400 years won't change that. Just focus on guarding our turf."
...
Ten Days Later
Doflamingo soared over the Red Line aboard his newly built, mini flamingo-shaped ship, entering the New World.
Why was he moving so fast?
Simple—flying was just too convenient.
No storms to worry about, no need to navigate treacherous currents. Just pick a direction and go.
And crossing the Red Line? Not an issue.
After all, in the original timeline, Germa 66 had scaled the Red Line in just three weeks to invade the East Blue's Cacao Kingdom.
The Celestial Dragons might call Marie Geoise their "holy land," but they didn't control the entire Red Line.
As for why he needed a mini flamingo ship? Well, while Doflamingo could use his String-String Fruit to create footholds and walk on the open sea, he couldn't exactly carry all his loot from Punk Hazard on his back.
Punk Hazard
Located in the first half of the New World, near the Red Line, Punk Hazard housed three research bases under the jurisdiction of the World Government. As the head of all three facilities, Vegapunk's orders were followed, even if most scientists couldn't comprehend his genius.
Of course, there were exceptions.
"Logia-type Gas-Gas Fruit, just waiting to be claimed… The World Government sure has a rich collection."
A twisted smile spread across the face of a man in an orange suit beneath his lab coat, his ram-like horns casting a shadow over the eerie, glowing fruit in his hands.
"Whether it was at MADS or the Government's science division, I was always second-best. I've had enough of it, Vegapunk. Now, I'll surpass you!"
With a crazed glint in his eyes, Caesar Clown shoved the Devil Fruit into his mouth.
"Ugh… disgusting."
He grimaced. Even the toxic gases he had personally engineered tasted better than this.
Then, something changed. A surge of energy coursed through his cells, an uncontrollable sensation spreading through his body. He let his instincts take over.
Boom!
Caesar's form expanded, transforming into a massive, poisonous gas cloud that swirled through the lab.
Fortunately, his experiments had long since driven away any other personnel.
"Shurorororo! So this is a Devil Fruit's power! Vegapunk, with this, I'll become the greatest weapon scientist in history!"
Drunk on his newfound power, Caesar swelled with ambition.
Then…
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
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+100 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg