Juno sat across from Dr. Vegapunk, eyes gleaming with curiosity. He had spent the last few days absorbing as much information as possible about the world of One Piece, and now, a particular concept had captured his attention—the fusion of Devil Fruits with objects.
"Dr. Vegapunk," Juno began, "I need you to explain your research on fusing Devil Fruits with objects."
The scientist stroked his apple-shaped hat, deep in thought, before nodding. "It's a fascinating subject, my boy. The process is complex, but here's the general idea."
Vegapunk pulled up a schematic and pointed at various diagrams as he spoke.
Zoan-type Devil Fruits:
"These are the easiest to fuse with objects because their ability revolves around transformation. Since Zoans naturally shift between forms, an object can inherit this trait without requiring additional energy to sustain it. A sword that eats a Zoan fruit, for example, could take on an animalistic form at will."
Paramecia-type Devil Fruits:
"These fruits grant unique abilities, but they require stamina to maintain. Since an object has no life force or stamina, it cannot naturally sustain a Paramecia fruit's abilities. That's why Paramecia fruits haven't been successfully integrated into objects in the same way Zoans have."
Logia-type Devil Fruits:
"These are nearly impossible to fuse with objects because the fruit's power is fundamentally tied to the user becoming an element. An object cannot 'become' fire, ice, or smoke. The nature of Logia fruits prevents them from working without a living host."
Juno tapped his chin in thought. "So the reason only Zoan fruits work is because they don't require constant energy to maintain their transformations?"
"Exactly," Vegapunk confirmed. "Paramecia's abilities require active control, which objects lack. However, if we could provide an object with an energy source and an intelligence capable of controlling the power, theoretically, a Paramecia fruit could work."
Juno's eyes widened. "Then that's what we need to do."
Vegapunk chuckled. "Easier said than done, my boy. First, we need an object with a continuous energy supply. A fruit's power doesn't run on magic—it requires fuel, just like a living being's stamina."
Juno frowned, deep in thought, when his gaze landed on Vegapunk's enlarged head. An idea struck him like lightning.
"Dr. Vegapunk…" Juno said, his voice filled with excitement. "Your Devil Fruit—the Brain Brain Fruit—enhances your intelligence and computational power, right? Doesn't that make your brain like a supercomputer?"
Vegapunk shivered as Juno's sparkling eyes focused on him with an almost predatory enthusiasm. "I know my brain is amazing, but please stop looking at me like that."
Juno shook his head, dismissing the crazy idea of stealing Vegapunk's fruit. Instead, he had a more practical approach.
"Doctor, where is your first computer?"
"In my laboratory. Why?"
"Let's go," Juno said, dragging the scientist along.
Inside the lab, Vegapunk presented an old, bulky machine. "Here it is, my first creation. A relic of my childhood dreams."
Juno examined the machine, unimpressed. "This looks… outdated."
Vegapunk laughed. "Oh, it is! It lacks wireless communication and connectivity. It functions in complete isolation."
Juno frowned. "Why didn't you improve it?"
Vegapunk's expression grew nostalgic. "When I was young, I built this to push the boundaries of science. But then I ate the Brain Brain Fruit… and everything changed. My mind became so powerful that no machine could keep up with me. By the time I turned 37, I could outthink any computer. Machines no longer fascinated me—the mysteries of life and Devil Fruits did."
Juno nodded in understanding. "So you abandoned artificial intelligence in favor of biology."
"Exactly," Vegapunk said with a grin. "The true frontier isn't machines—it's life itself. Devil Fruits hold the key to evolution."
Juno turned back to the computer. "But what if this machine could evolve too?"
Vegapunk raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Juno took a deep breath. "What if we fused a Paramecia Devil Fruit with this system? We could provide electricity as a power source to sustain the fruit's abilities, and the computer could control them like a living user."
Vegapunk's eyes widened. "You want to turn a machine into a Devil Fruit user?"
Juno grinned. "Why not? If an object lacks stamina, we replace it with electricity. If an object lacks intelligence, we integrate AI. If it can't grow stronger, we design it to learn and evolve with time."
Vegapunk rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Theoretically… It's possible. The energy from electricity could sustain the fruit's powers, while the computer's processing power could enhance control."
Juno's excitement grew. "And with AI, the machine could improve its use of the ability over time, just like a human gets better with experience."
Vegapunk let out a booming laugh. "Hah! You mad genius! This could revolutionize how we think about Devil Fruits and technology!"
Juno grinned. "So, Doctor… how do we begin?"
Vegapunk's eyes gleamed with excitement. "We need to conduct experiments. First, we must find a Paramecia fruit suitable for this project. Then, we'll test how electricity interacts with its powers. If we succeed… we might just create the world's first artificial Devil Fruit user. Bring that Kilo Kilo Fruit and a suitable device, and let's start!"
Two days later…
Dr. Vegapunk wiped his brow, frustration was evident on his face. "We've been at this for two days, Juno. I can feel my brain burning out trying to integrate the Kilo Kilo Fruit's power with the electric stick. The power dynamics just aren't syncing. The button system doesn't seem to respond properly to the fruit's weight-altering effect."
Juno turned the electric stick over in his hands, deep in thought. "Yeah, it keeps going haywire. I thought the button would control the weight in increments, but the energy from the battery is... unstable. When we try to increase the weight, the power overloads, and when we decrease it, nothing changes. The Kilo Kilo Fruit's ability isn't supposed to behave like this with electricity, but there has to be a way."
Vegapunk sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know, I know. I thought the fruit's effects would be able to combine with electrical energy in a more controlled manner, but the results have been unpredictable. Maybe the fruit and the battery aren't... harmonizing properly. We might need a whole new method to merge the two components."
Juno stared at the electric stick, turning it over in his hands. "I still think we're on the right track. The electric stick should be able to fuel the Kilo Kilo Fruit's effects. We just need the right way to manage the energy flow... But what if we tried manipulating the energy source differently? Maybe it's not about the button or the battery... but what's the way to solve this?"
Juno stopped suddenly, an idea forming in his mind. He glanced toward Vegapunk. "I need your help, Father. I need you to come closer."
Vegapunk, curious yet slightly puzzled, stepped forward. "Of course, Juno. What do you have in mind?"
Juno placed his hand on Vegapunk's shoulder, closing his eyes and focusing intently. Vegapunk observed his son, unsure at first, but followed his lead. The atmosphere became quiet as Juno began to concentrate.
Suddenly, the Visionary Device activated, glowing as a digital panel appeared next to Vegapunk, displaying his abilities:
User: [Vegapunk]
Brain Brain Fruit (Shinjuro no Mi) – Level 67
Observation Haki – Level 59
Armament Haki – Level 5
Mechanics – Level 47
Biology – Level 68
Bloodline Factor – Level 35
History – Level 38
Devil Fruit Knowledge – Level 73
Techno-Biology – Level 60
Genetics – Level 70
Artificial Intelligence – Level 15
Weapon Engineering – Level 50
Quantum Mechanics – Level 20
Medical Science – Level 55
Chemistry – Level 45
Psychology – Level 40
Additional Potential Categories:
Energy Manipulation – Level 55
Cyborg Development – Level 62
Dimensional Theory – Level 30
Juno's eyes widened. "Whoa... Is this Dr. Vegapunk's panel?" He recalled Sengoku's words about Vegapunk being hundreds of years ahead of his time. "Now let's try first... what is that? Dimensional Theory – Level 30?" He tapped on it, and an explanation appeared:
Dimensional Theory – Level 30
Theoretical knowledge of dimensional travel or manipulation of reality is still in the very early stages, though he can study and theorize about other dimensions and how Devil Fruits can affect or manipulate them.
Juno raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's useful... but not now. Here's what I need." He clicked on Devil Fruit Knowledge – Level 73, and another explanation appeared:
Devil Fruit Knowledge – Level 73
Dr. Vegapunk's deep understanding of Devil Fruits is key. He knows how these fruits work on a biological level, including how they interact with living beings and how their powers might be integrated with non-living materials. This knowledge helps him understand what is needed for fusing the fruit's power into an object.
"Can I focus on just Paramecia fusion and not the whole category?" Juno concentrated, filtering the information. Another panel appeared:
Paramecia Fusing with Objects – Level 32
Juno took a deep breath. "Alright, let's raise it. Visionary Device, don't let me down."
He channeled his stamina into the Visionary Device, instructing it to level up Paramecia Fusing with Objects to a higher level. A wave of exhaustion hit him instantly—his face paled, sweat beading on his forehead. Before he could see the final level, his vision blurred, and he collapsed.
Vegapunk barely managed to catch him. "Juno!" he exclaimed, but before he could check on his son, a torrent of knowledge surged into his mind, momentarily stunning him.
Minutes later, Vegapunk took a deep breath, his eyes filled with shock. He stared at his son, then at his own hands. "What did you do...? What method was that? I can feel it now... I can directly fuse the fruit!"
Looking at his unconscious son, Vegapunk couldn't contain his excitement. "I don't know how you did it... But you truly are my son! Hahaha! This is amazing! Let's do it!"
After examining Juno's condition and confirming that he had only fainted from exhaustion and would recover with rest, Vegapunk carried him to bed. Then, without wasting any time, he rushed back to his research, eager to put his newfound knowledge to use.