"Mr. Cidril, as the director of the MADS Institute, I formally invite you to join us. I believe this nation's environment will only limit your talents. Breaking free from these constraints will allow you to better realize your ambitions."
Vegapunk extended the invitation with great sincerity, though as he spoke, his tongue drooped like a tie. Besides his oversized head, a long tongue was another of his distinctive traits.
At this point in time, Vegapunk was in his prime, still able to retract his tongue when not speaking. As he aged, it would hang out like an external accessory, much like a tie.
At this moment, the Sorbet Kingdom's beach was nearly deserted. Local residents had long returned home to rest. Under the quiet sea breeze, voices carried far, including to Judge and Queen, who lay exhausted on the sand.
Before Oran could respond to Vegapunk's words, the two jumped up.
"Vegapunk! What are you talking about?! You're inviting him?"
"That robot just beat us up! Didn't you see?"
Their pent-up resentment seemed to restore their energy, but Vegapunk paid it no mind.
"Doesn't that just prove Cidril's technology surpasses yours?"
MADS didn't explicitly ban internal conflicts, but comparisons were based on technical achievements. A victory demonstrated superior skill.
Judge and Queen often clashed themselves, but this time, Blitzcrank had taken them both down.
Vegapunk's words struck like a hammer to their hearts. The hardest thing for them to accept was admitting their technology was inferior.
"If you're not convinced, build one just like it. If you can, I'll share a portion of my research funds with you. Want to try?"
Du Feld's sponsorship was substantial but fixed, not increasing with more members. Fewer researchers meant more funds per person.
Ordinary assistants didn't matter—they couldn't touch the main budget. But Vegapunk's personal invitation signaled he valued Oran's abilities. If Oran joined, their funding would surely be reduced.
That's why they opposed it this way, but Vegapunk's reasoning left them speechless.
"Vegapunk, remember those words. There are two of us!"
After a moment of dejection, Queen seemed to have an idea and glanced at Judge.
"Judge, let's team up for now. Together, we can definitely surpass these guys. We'll split the funds evenly!"
"I agree. Let's collaborate. We'll start now. If it comes to it, we'll pull in Caesar too."
"Muhahaha, you're pretty sharp at times like this. Caesar's a loser who'll take a cut, but as long as we can beat Vegapunk and his pick, it'll be worth it!"
Supporting each other, they laughed as they headed toward the MADS research ship.
Mentally, Judge and Queen had already convinced themselves of victory, acting as if they'd already succeeded.
"Blitzcr, I think we should find another chance to beat them up. They didn't learn their lesson at all.
Guys like that actually think they're better than Oran."
"Blitzcrank concurs with your view, but a reason is required."
Nearby, smoking fish, Kate and Blitzcrank witnessed the exchange, already plotting their next move. Meanwhile, Vegapunk's gaze lingered on them.
A robot with near-human reasoning fascinated him more and more.
"So, what do you say, Mr. Cidril Oran? I'm very serious."
"Join you… what's in it for me?"
Oran wasn't mind joining the research group—it could benefit him significantly. A ready-made high-quality ship and competent research assistants were already a major advantage.
Moreover, MADS's projects included one of the sea's greatest mysteries—the Lineage Factor.
Having come to this sea, Oran wouldn't pass up studying such things. Starting from scratch was less appealing than building on existing research.
"Funding, materials, equipment. We can also explore new ideas together. Your robot's power supply seems… intriguing. What if we scaled it up?
This organization aims to contribute to peace. Conflicts arise from resource disputes. So, with an endless energy source, couldn't people set aside their wars?
Oops, I got carried away. That's my personal goal. Don't mind it."
"Nice goal, but unrealistic. Human ambition is boundless. Once it starts, it never stops. Even if you created such an energy source, some would just develop even greater ambitions."
"Without trying, how can we know if it's right or wrong?"
Neither Oran nor Vegapunk criticized each other's ideas, merely offering perspectives based on their views, recognizing their differing philosophies.
Vegapunk's conditions met Oran's needs. The Sorbet Kingdom couldn't provide vast funds or access to research materials. Devil Fruits seemed common but were rare on the scale of the entire sea.
Unknown Devil Fruits with unclear names fetched at least 100 million Berries, affordable only by major powers.
Though inclined to join, with Vegapunk making the offer, Oran seized the chance to negotiate more terms.
"No one interferes with my research. I need an independent lab and ample funding."
"That's only natural. Your robot already proves your caliber. The exact amount depends on the sponsor's situation."
To Vegapunk, this demand was reasonable, not excessive.
"Second, I need Devil Fruits for research, any type."
The Sorbet Kingdom lacked channels, but Oran believed MADS could procure them.
"That's one of our research projects, so it's not an issue. But if you want exclusive use of a fruit, we'd need to discuss it, as these resources are limited."
Vegapunk agreed to both conditions without much thought, seeing them as hardly challenging.
"One last thing. I need an operating room.
A sterile, fully equipped operating room with sufficient medical staff."