On a nearby island, a large number of marine soldiers were busily transporting construction materials, their energy and enthusiasm palpable.
Not only that, but many marine elites, including rear admirals and vice admirals, were actively directing operations.
For particularly labor-intensive tasks, they even lent a hand themselves. All around, countless construction workers were hard at work.
With so many naval personnel assisting, the speed of their masonry and construction was remarkably swift.
After all, those who could be at Naval Headquarters were all exceptionally skilled and doing physical labor was naturally well within their capabilities.
The entire island was bustling with activity.
"Whew, this is quite the rush. What on earth is going on? Why did the Fleet Admiral suddenly ask us to help build factories and laboratories?" Among them, Vice Admiral Momonga wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking puzzled.
At that moment, Vice Admiral Onigumo stood beside him.
Not far away, Vice Admirals Bastille and Strawberry were directing operations on-site.
Meanwhile, the giant vice admirals, John Giant and Lacroix, were personally involved, using their massive frames to help construct the factory as if they were playing with building blocks.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku had actually summoned all the idle vice admirals at Headquarters to assist in the construction.
"I have no idea what's going on either, Marshal Sengoku hasn't said anything…" Onigumo also looked confused.
"Vegapunk clearly has his own experimental island. So, who is this massive laboratory and factory being built for?"
Even as vice admirals of the Headquarters, they were completely in the dark about this.
They were simply following orders.
"Forget it, let's just obey the orders. We'll find out soon enough." Vice Admiral Momonga shook his head.
With that, they continued directing their naval subordinates in their work.
***
Thanks to the large number of elite naval personnel joining in and the command of the vice admirals, the experimental island was transformed rapidly.
The island's large laboratory, spacious factory and residential buildings were successfully completed in just three days.
"Finally finished! I wonder who this was built for." Vice Admiral Momonga smiled.
"We'll find out soon. Maybe it's a brilliant scientist the Navy has brought in from somewhere in the world!" Vice Admiral Bastille said with a grin.
"Yeah, I heard Marshal Sengoku has already brought someone over. We'll soon meet the owner of this experimental base." Vice Admiral Dalmatian, wearing a spotted dog headpiece, also showed curiosity.
This large group of vice admirals gathered at the edge of the island, gazing into the distance at a warship approaching from Headquarters.
Onboard was Sengoku, along with the mysterious owner of the laboratory they had built!
Soon, the warship slowly docked.
"They're here!" With Vice Admiral Momonga exclamation, the many vice admirals turned to look.
Meanwhile, the naval personnel below the rank of vice admiral and countless construction workers had already been dismissed.
Before long, the warship came to a stop at the island shore.
"Marshal Sengoku!" The vice admirals saw Sengoku slowly disembark. Behind him was a small child.
"Hmm? Why is it just Marshal Admiral Sengoku and that child?" Everyone was taken aback.
They naturally recognized Leon.
After all, many had stirred rumours when Kizaru bringing Leon into the Navy Science Division.
"Marshal Sengoku!" Everyone greeted him.
"Hmm." Sengoku nodded in acknowledgment.
"Marshal Sengoku, why didn't that scientist come along?" Vice Admiral Momonga curiously asked.
"That scientist? Which one?" A look of confusion crossed Sengoku face. But then he slightly turned his body and glanced at Leon. In an introducing tone, he spoke to the vice admirals.
"Everyone, this is Dr. Leon."
With that, he looked at Leon.
"Leon, what do you think? Are you satisfied with the laboratory and factory?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the vice admirals were momentarily stunned.
In the next moment, they all reacted in unison!
The laboratory and factory had actually been prepared for this child standing before them!
Instantly, everyone was left dumbfounded!
So, all their frantic efforts over the past few days, responding to Sengoku orders, had been to create an experimental base for an eight-year-old child!
It sounded utterly absurd.
"Hmm, satisfied." Leon nodded in a childlike voice, his face beaming with a smile.
The vice admirals exchanged glances, utterly speechless.
But in front of Sengoku, they couldn't voice their thoughts. They could only show helpless expressions. All along, they had believed Marshal Sengoku to be both wise and courageous.
They never expected him to fall into such a common trap.
Yet this time, it truly seemed a bit out of touch.
Perhaps it was because of Kizaru influence! They exchanged wry smiles.
But suddenly.
"Hmm?" Vice Admiral Bastille let out a surprised exclamation. "What is that?"
Hearing Bastille shout, everyone turned to look behind Leon.
There stood a child who bore an uncanny resemblance to Kizaru.
However, this child had brown skin and a pair of black wings sprouting from his back, with flames swirling around them.
"That is… a Lunarian?" Vice Admiral Momonga showed a look of astonishment.
"Indeed! But why does he look so much like Admiral Kizaru?" They were filled with uncertainty.
After all, according to their knowledge, the only remaining Lunarian in the world should be one of the calamities of the Beast Pirates, King.
How could another one appear? And furthermore, in appearance…
As they were lost in thought, suddenly a light gathered behind Sengoku.
It quickly coalesced into a figure. It was Kizaru!
"Admiral Kizaru!" The vice admirals exclaimed.
"Hmm…" Kizaru leisurely surveyed the crowd. Pouting, he slowly spoke.
"Everything you see and know today… Everyone present is strictly forbidden from sharing outside, including this Lunarian and my brother Leon." He continued.
"Understood?"
Kizaru rarely showed such a serious expression.
In an instant, everyone present felt a tightening in their chests. They instinctively glanced at Sengoku.
Seeing Sengoku remain silent, they understood.
This matter had been tacitly approved by Sengoku! It might even have been Sengoku directive!
If that's the case… This eight-year-old kid is no ordinary child!
At the very least, he is connected to the Lunarian who just appeared!
They looked deeply at Leon, who resembled a porcelain doll, their hearts filled with shock.
No wonder!
No wonder Admiral Kizaru dared to disregard others' opinions and bring this eight-year-old child into the Navy Science Division.
It turned out this kid was hiding something else!
"Yes!" As vice admirals of the Navy, they naturally knew what to say and what not to say.
Although they were currently unaware of the specifics, it did not affect their speculations about Leon…