After chatting with Kuma, Claudius turned his head and saw that Sengoku, Sakazuki, and the others had already returned to their usual expressions.
Only Gion was still struggling to hold back her laughter, which annoyed Claudius greatly.
"Are you seriously still laughing? You couldn't have given me a heads-up earlier? Were you just waiting for me to embarrass myself?" Claudius said, clearly displeased.
Hearing that, Gion could no longer hold back. She clutched her stomach and burst into laughter.
"It's so rare to see you make a fool of yourself—why would I spoil the moment? Ahahaha! Details? Ingenuity? You're killing me!"
The Marines weren't exactly known for their craftsmanship. If anything, they were pure pragmatists—so long as something was powerful enough, the finer details didn't matter.
But just now, Claudius had been acting like some kind of expert, speaking as if he knew all about their designs.
The more Gion thought about it, the funnier it became. She could laugh about this for years.
Sengoku and the others also started chuckling.
After all, they were used to seeing Claudius always in control, always confident.
It was rare to see him blunder like this—especially when he was trying to show off but completely missed the mark.
That kind of awkward failure had its own unique charm.
Which was precisely why none of them had warned him earlier.
These Marines are ruthless…
"You heartless woman! Laugh one more time, I dare you!" Claudius scolded in frustration.
Gion, realizing that he was trying to save face, eventually slowed her laughter. However, her expression was still struggling between composure and amusement. Her big, watery eyes stared at him with an almost pitiful look as she fought back another laugh.
Seeing this, Claudius felt utterly helpless.
With a sigh, he waved his hand and said, "Fine, laugh all you want. I give up."
The moment he said that, Sengoku and the others laughed even harder.
Even Bartholomew Kuma, usually stone-faced, had the faintest smile on his lips.
Speaking of Kuma, he was actually quite grateful to Claudius.
If not for Claudius' quick intervention, he would have truly lost his humanity, becoming nothing more than an emotionless machine.
But because Claudius had taken control of the World Government before the full modifications could be completed, Kuma no longer had to pretend to be a government lackey.
Now, he could openly acknowledge his identity as a Revolutionary Army officer.
His name had been cleared, his past grievances had been rectified, and the Celestial Dragons who once persecuted him were dead.
More importantly, he could now openly be with his daughter.
At one point, Claudius had even asked him if he wanted to reclaim his throne as king, but Kuma had declined.
He believed he could achieve more by staying within the World Government.
---
The sound of laughter must have reached Dr. Vegapunk, as the scientist turned his head in their direction.
His eyes brightened, and he suddenly spoke to the assistants around him.
"That's a good idea. Keep developing along those lines. Saint Claudius is here—I'm going to meet him. Keep working."
With that, Vegapunk stopped what he was doing and walked toward Claudius and the others.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, Claudius turned around and saw the scientist heading his way.
This was their first time meeting.
Although Vegapunk had heard plenty about Claudius, he had also been reminded by Sengoku and the others that Claudius was rather informal and didn't care for excessive formalities.
However, Vegapunk still wanted to show respect.
It was their first meeting, after all.
Proper etiquette was important—otherwise, Claudius might see him as arrogant, and what if that led to a cut in research funding?
As he thought about this, Vegapunk stepped forward, ready to kneel in greeting.
But before he could, Claudius quickly reached out and stopped him.
He wasn't about to let this scientific genius kneel before him.
Are you kidding me?
What if the guy threw out his back and couldn't work anymore? That would be a massive loss.
Claudius had great respect for true talent.
To him, science and technology were the key to progress.
Look at the Sea Train. Look at Seastone ship technology.
How much value had they brought to the world?
Right now, Vegapunk was focused on military advancements, but once the Great Pirate Era was brought under control, Claudius might redirect his efforts toward civilian development.
The potential benefits were unimaginable.
So why would Claudius care about some outdated noble etiquette?
He wasn't some groveling sycophant like Teach.
"There's no need for that, Doctor," Claudius said with a smile. "You're an invaluable asset to the World Government—no need for excessive formalities."
Vegapunk felt a bit relieved upon hearing that.
Sengoku and the others had been right, Claudius was pragmatic.
"Vegapunk, at your service, Saint Claudius," Vegapunk said politely. "It's an honor to meet you."
Claudius smiled and nodded. "I've heard of you for years, but government affairs kept me too busy to visit. I'm glad we finally get to meet."
Vegapunk then glanced at the small pouch hanging from Claudius' waist and asked, "Your Highness, is your handbag still holding up well?"
Claudius laughed, patting the pouch.
"It's been years, and it's still going strong."
Although they had never met in person before, Claudius and Vegapunk had crossed paths indirectly years ago—thanks to Garp's meddling.
After some casual conversation, Sengoku guided Claudius toward the true highlight of the visit—the PX-Pacifistas.
Vegapunk began explaining the finer details.
For example, the high-strength alloy used in their construction made them incredibly durable.
He also spoke about the inspiration behind the design.
Claudius, of course, understood very little of the science, but that didn't stop him from nodding along as if he did.
And naturally, no one dared to ask if he actually understood.
Vegapunk then removed one of the Pacifista's gloves and explained,
"The hands and mouth both house powerful laser weaponry.
To be precise, the PX-Pacifistas aren't just based on Kuma's design, they also incorporate elements from Admiral Borsalino."
Hearing this, Claudius grinned.
"I knew Borsalino wasn't cut out to be the head of the Science Unit. He was a test subject all along!"
Borsalino, who had been silent until now, simply smirked and said,
"It doesn't bother me. I get extra pay and allowances for this, so why would I refuse?"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Claudius took a closer look at the Pacifista's palm.
Sure enough, instead of Kuma's signature paw pads, there was a black barrel-like opening—clearly the laser emitter.
No intricate details. No craftsmanship.
Yep, these Marines have no concept of finesse. Just pure function over form.
Vegapunk continued explaining,
"The eyes are also equipped with electronic scanning and facial recognition systems.
They can identify Marine personnel and distinguish known bounty criminals.
Despite their large size, the Pacifistas are incredibly agile in combat."
Claudius nodded, then asked, "You modeled them after Kuma, but was it really necessary to make them this big?"
Vegapunk answered without hesitation.
"Of course. Robots should be big. That's the romance of robotics!"
Claudius froze.
That's your reason?!
You're a world-renowned scientist, and you're talking about romance?!
But then Vegapunk quickly followed up with a more logical explanation.
"Additionally, the large size serves strategic purposes.
One—it naturally draws enemy fire, allowing Pacifistas to act as shields for Marine soldiers.
Two—a larger frame makes it easier for troops to maneuver behind them, providing cover during assaults."
Claudius nodded.
Now that's the kind of reasoning I expect from a scientist.
Vegapunk then smiled and said,
"Let's activate one. Your Highness should see its firepower firsthand."
(To be continued.)
***
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