After the Valley of the Gods incident, the World Government spared no effort to cover it up. Though many of Rocks' remnants still roamed the seas, a tacit understanding seemed to exist among them, avoiding mention of past events.
Pirates continued to disrupt the seas, and tales of the heroic Marine, Garp, circulated, but Rocks and the Valley of the Gods faded from the world's memory. Even old newspapers and wanted posters were systematically collected and destroyed.
On a sea where information traveled slowly, this approach proved highly effective.
But Vegapunk, a Brain-Brain Fruit user, possessed an eidetic memory. With a single glance, he recognized her identity and explained it to Oran.
"I know. A former member of the Rocks Pirates, right?"
"You know about Rocks…"
Vegapunk hadn't planned to mention Stussy's past, seeing no point, but Oran brought it up directly.
He'd assumed Oran, living in the South Blue, wouldn't know such things.
"Everyone has secrets, Punk. That's trivial. I know more than you might think. What she's after—that's the real question."
"You two, I've been waiting quite a while. It's hardly polite to keep a lady waiting outside like this."
Seeing the key figures arrive, Stussy stood. As MADS ventured into the Grand Line, Du Feld began leveraging his connections to promote his sponsored "charitable" organization, giving Oran and Vegapunk some renown.
Though not widespread, those attuned to such matters had heard of them.
"You're the one being impolite, showing up unannounced. We've had no prior dealings. What exactly do you want?"
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Buckingham Stussy, with a keen interest in scientific research. I'm here to commission a project from you.
This isn't the place to talk, though. If it's convenient, let's move inside."
Glancing at the researchers on deck, Stussy gestured toward the ship's cabin, as if guarding a secret.
Seeing her insistence, Vegapunk and Oran exchanged a look before agreeing. MADS's ability to navigate the Grand Line safely wasn't just due to Du Feld's influence.
The underworld's loan shark king carried weight, but pirates were lawless. Top-tier pirates might spare Du Feld for trade reasons, but ordinary ones wouldn't hesitate to rob if the prize was big enough.
MADS relied on its own technological weapons for safe passage.
Compared to the open deck, the cabin's confined space better showcased their tech, especially Caesar and Queen's creations, which thrived in enclosed environments.
"You're both renowned scientists, so I'll get to the point. I heard about your recent experiment on Roslin Island—a cloned sheep.
It's undoubtedly a major scientific breakthrough. I'm here today to ask you to clone a human."
The cloning experiment, a successful and publicized MADS project from their travels, had inspired Stussy. Lacking the means to pursue it herself, she sought Oran and the others to realize it.
"I have some scientific knowledge myself. These are the samples I've prepared—theoretically sufficient for cloning."
Compared to MADS's experts, Stussy's scientific skills were limited, but the sea's educational disparities were vast. Against most, her expertise held up, and she'd made preparations based on her ideas.
"Whose sample is this?"
Curious about what drove Stussy to seek them out, Vegapunk eyed the item she produced from a specialized case.
"That's a lady's private secret. It's the DNA of someone I deeply love, but sadly…"
"Buckingham Stussy, former Rocks Pirate. You think we'd buy that nonsense? Tell us your real goal, or there's no point in talking."
Seeing Stussy's evasive act, Vegapunk exposed her past and activated the cabin's defense systems. He wasn't about to let his guard down.
The situation didn't faze Stussy. Since they were willing to talk, there was room for negotiation.
"You've come this far, so you must be committed. Without honesty, we can't collaborate. Secrets won't earn you discounts, Miss Stussy."
Oran's tone was gentler as he urged her to open up, though the weapon in his hand might've undermined the effect.
"Fine. You've probably heard of him. This DNA belongs to Whitebeard—Edward Newgate. Since you know I was part of that pirate crew, you should know Whitebeard was too.
I was the woman he loved most, so this DNA is absolutely legitimate."
After the Rocks Pirates disbanded, Stussy traveled with Whitebeard for a time, but various differences led to their parting.
Stussy's greed clashed with Whitebeard's focus on family over treasure, creating an ideological rift.
Yet Whitebeard thrived without Rocks, becoming a new sea emperor, while Stussy lacked that strength. This birthed her plan: she wanted a new Whitebeard, fully obedient to her, with power equal to the original.
"Oran, what do you think? Human cloning is a step we'll take eventually. Cloning a powerful pirate sounds like an intriguing challenge."
"I'm fine with it, but what's the payment? This'll take significant time and effort. I'm not working for free."
Stussy had hoped to save money by pitching it as a rare new project, given her miserly nature, but she failed.
Even without Oran, Vegapunk wouldn't work for nothing. Even Du Feld's funding couldn't sway them with mere money.
"What exactly do you want?"
"I want you."
"What?!"
Stussy recoiled at Vegapunk's words, then snapped, "I'm the woman Whitebeard loved most! If you try that, he'll crush you!"
"What are you thinking? I want your blood. Your personality intrigues me, so I'd like to use you as a sample for another clone."
Relieved, Stussy relaxed. Blood was cheap—almost like getting it for free.
But Vegapunk quickly upped the ante.
"Oran, I'm good. Any demands on your end?"
"Relax, Miss Stussy. I'm not after your money either. I want two things: the method to train Haki, and the DNA of your former crewmate, Charlotte Linlin."