Juno closed the newspaper, setting it aside as he leaned back in his chair. His mind churned with thoughts about his future. Pirates? No, he had already decided against that path. Marines? He scoffed. The strict discipline and absolute loyalty to the World Government weren't for him in this life or his past one. The CP agencies? Even worse—an organization that acted in the shadows, doing the dirty work of the World Government.
"This world is really..." Juno sighed, rubbing his temples. "So it's either work for the World Government or be against it."
That left the Revolutionary Army, but the problem was... it didn't exist yet. If his understanding of history was correct, the year was 1477. Monkey D. Dragon, the future leader of the Revolutionary Army, might not even be born yet, or at best, he was an infant. The movement that would one day shake the foundations of the World Government was nothing more than a distant idea at this point.
As he sat deep in thought, a loud, triumphant laugh rang through the lab, breaking his concentration.
"I did it! I made an object eat a Devil Fruit!" Vegapunk's excited voice filled the room.
Juno turned his head to see the eccentric scientist holding a sword that had partially transformed into an elephant. The other scientists gathered around, marveling at the spectacle with laughter and applause.
Juno stared at Vegapunk, then sighed as he slapped his forehead. He had been so caught up in thinking about his future that he had overlooked the biggest cheat code in the One Piece world—Vegapunk himself.
With Vegapunk's knowledge, the possibilities were endless. The scientist had created Pacifistas, Seraphim, Artificial Devil Fruits, the Lineage Factor, and even manipulated DNA to enhance humans. His work wasn't just limited to weapons; he had unlocked the very building blocks of life itself.
Juno's eyes gleamed with realization. If Vegapunk could create cyborgs and genetically modified humans, what was stopping Juno from enhancing his own body? More endurance, more energy, stronger muscles—these weren't just distant dreams; they were scientifically achievable.
"Human Enhancement Projects…" Juno muttered under his breath. "That's the key. If I can make my body stronger, I'll have more stamina, which means I can use my system more efficiently."
A grin spread across his face. This was it. While the rest of the world struggled to gain strength through battle and training alone, he had a shortcut. With Vegapunk's genius and his own system, he could become something entirely new—something beyond human.
Juno didn't waste time mulling over his options. The world of One Piece was vast, and every choice had consequences. He needed to act quickly before he got tangled in a web of power and politics he couldn't escape.
The laboratory buzzed with energy as Vegapunk and his team continued to marvel at the new creation—the Devil Fruit-infused sword. Juno stood from his chair, stretching his limbs as he thought about his next move.
He couldn't just waltz up to Vegapunk and ask for human enhancement. It wasn't just a matter of scientific curiosity—there were dangers. Vegapunk's work had already attracted the attention of the World Government, and they weren't known for their tolerance of independent minds. If Vegapunk's knowledge of genetics and cybernetics fell into the wrong hands, it would make the Pacifistas look like child's play.
Juno took a deep breath, walking toward the cluster of scientists. He needed to be subtle—charming, even. If he were to convince Vegapunk to let him experiment with the latest research, it would require more than just showing off his intellect. He needed to forge a connection, gain the old man's trust.
"Professor Vegapunk," Juno called out casually as he approached, hands in his pockets. The eccentric genius turned, a delighted grin spreading across his face at the sight of Juno.
"Ah, my son! What brings you to the lab today?" Vegapunk greeted, his voice high with enthusiasm. His eyes twinkled with the thrill of discovery, and his white lab coat fluttered as he gestured to the team around him.
Juno raised an eyebrow. The "father" thing was a bit much, but he wouldn't let that distract him. "I've been thinking a lot about your work recently. The Devil Fruit experiments are impressive, but... I'm more interested in your other research. The human enhancements, the modifications."
Vegapunk's face lit up. "Oh-ho-ho, you want to get into my specialty, huh? The future of humanity, or rather, the future of human evolution! It's a fascinating subject, but dangerous, mind you. Very dangerous. These aren't experiments to be taken lightly."
Juno smiled, his tone calm and confident. "I'm aware. But I've been thinking. I'm not exactly... normal, right? I have certain abilities that others don't. I've heard rumors about your experiments on the Lineage Factor, about how you can manipulate DNA and enhance the human body. I want to be stronger, faster, more capable. If you could help me with that—"
"More than just capable?" Vegapunk interrupted, eyes gleaming. "You want to be something... beyond human, yes?"
Juno nodded, his gaze firm. "Exactly. I don't want to settle for ordinary. I've been given a second chance at life, and I'm not going to waste it."
Vegapunk stroked his chin thoughtfully, his gaze intense. "You're a peculiar one, Juno. You've inherited my curiosity, I see. But you also must understand the risks. Enhancing the body beyond its natural limits comes with its own set of challenges. There are ethical questions, safety concerns, and physical limitations we've yet to fully explore. But don't be in a hurry—my research in that area has just begun. In a few days, some colleagues will arrive, and then we'll start. Dr. Vinsmoke Judge from Germa mentioned he has data on successfully cloning and genetically engineered superhumans, and Dr. Queen has some understanding of cybernetic enhancements."
Juno's eyes widened slightly. "Judge... Queen... Is that the MADS team from the original story?"
Thinking about these two names, he knew what their arrival meant. Once MADS was fully formed, the World Government would take notice. With Vegapunk as the most valuable scientist in the group—and Juno as his so-called son—it was only a matter of time before the World Government set its sights on him.
If he didn't act soon, his dreams of freedom and power would shatter. The World Government would never let him roam free if they saw him as a key to controlling Vegapunk. He needed a plan—a way to break free from their grasp before it was too late.
He clenched his fists. I have to figure out a way to escape this fate.