Pirates on Rocks' Ship 996

Sengoku shook his head and replied, "This kind of thing... is very likely just a scheme of theirs. When we assess their combat strength, it's best to use the previous assessment method. Otherwise, if we make a mistake even once, it will be a big mistake!"

Chapter 1203 Reina's Decision

After successfully rescuing Dr. Assie and Namuel, Reina finally learned what had happened to them.

Just as Reina had guessed, after entering the ruins, they were attacked by the World Government before they even reached the Golden Palace. Vegapunk's ability to create clones was the first to be destroyed. Because it was a sneak attack, Namur was immediately entangled, and then Dr. Asie was captured by the enemy.

The other party seemed to know Dr. Asie's identity, so they used him to blackmail Namur, which directly led to Namur having no choice but to surrender.

“I suspected there was a spy among us from the other side, otherwise it would have been impossible to be so accurate, even timing our dive so precisely! You know, after we arrived, we didn’t dive immediately. Instead, I went to look for the rabbitfish you mentioned first, because the Doctor was also going down, so I had to clear out any threatening creatures around us! But even so, we were still attacked!” Namuel said with a face full of resentment.

"Do you have any suspects?" Only Reina, Dr. Asie, and Ace were in the cabin, so he didn't need to worry about the conversation being leaked.

Namur shook his head and replied, "The doctor and I are definitely not traitors. The researchers who came with the doctor are basically residents of the island. They have been doing research with the doctor for a long time, and several of them died this time. So finding the traitor among them... I'm afraid it won't be easy!"

"Have you ever suspected Vegapunk's clones?" Reina asked after a moment's hesitation.

“This… that shouldn’t be possible, right? He was the first one to be killed. If he was the traitor, shouldn’t he be alright?” Namuel said, frowning.

“Don’t forget, that’s just a clone. As long as Vegapunk’s original body exists, the clone can be resurrected at any time!” Reina shook his head and replied.

"So, his claim of joining us was a lie?" Dr. Assie frowned. "But based on my interactions with him, he doesn't seem like a spy. How can a researcher be a spy?"

“That’s why none of us doubt him!” Reina said softly.

“This…” Namuel and Dr. Asie exchanged a glance, hesitant to continue speaking.

Because they were afraid that their words would mislead Reina.

However, Dr. Assie still did not believe that Vegapunk was a spy, because he could tell if someone wanted to disguise themselves as a researcher.

In his view, Vegapunk was a true researcher, just like he had been before, and such a person was destined not to do things like espionage.

However, Dr. Assie did not voice his thoughts, because these were just his own ideas, and he did not want his feelings to influence Reina's judgment.

Given Vegapunk's current status and position within the Whitebeard Pirates, his betrayal would pose a significant threat to the crew.

Everyone remained silent until Reina recounted his conversation with Vegapunk, which left Namur and Ace even more astonished.

"His own clone could actually betray him? That's impossible, isn't it?" Ace scratched his head, saying in disbelief.

“No!” Dr. Asie shook his head and said, “Theoretically speaking, it’s not impossible, and there are examples like Buddha! It’s just… no one can explain this kind of thing, because we don’t have the technology yet. Even Vegapunk can’t prove it. If he can’t prove it, then…”

Dr. Assie didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

“Forget it, let’s go back first! Vegapunk was already doing research in the lab before I came out, he should give us an explanation when we get back!” Reina said, shrugging.

However, contrary to his expectations, when they returned to Crescent Moon Island, Vegapunk himself was not among those who came to greet them, nor were any of his clones present.

"What's the situation with Old Man Berlusconi?" Reina asked Frank.

"I don't know. He hasn't come out since he entered the research lab. Shakya and the others have joined in one after another. Now they basically don't leave the research lab anymore. Before, Shakya was the symbol of his movement on the island, but now all his clones have entered the laboratory!" Frank shook his head and replied.

"They're researching whether clones can generate consciousness on their own!" Judge knew a little about what Vegapunk was doing, so when he saw Reina ask, he added a comment.

"So what results do you think his research will produce?" Reina asked, frowning.

“It’s difficult!” Judge shook his head and said, “He may have discovered the truth, but he has no evidence. He cannot prove that his clone developed self-awareness and betrayed himself!”

"So... now it's basically certain that Yu is the traitor, but Old Bei can't prove that he wasn't the one who ordered it?" Reina said after thinking for a moment.

“That’s right!” Judge nodded and replied.

"What did the captain say? Have you reported the situation here?" Reina asked Frank.

Frank nodded and said, "Yes, I've already spoken to Dad! Dad said not to disturb Dr. Vegapunk's research, and then he didn't say anything more!"

“I understand! Remove the surveillance on Old Man Bei, and let this matter rest. Tell everyone not to mention it again!” Reina nodded and said.

Frank had no objection upon hearing this, but Judge looked at Reina with considerable surprise and said, "First mate... isn't this a bad idea? Now that it's been confirmed that Vegapunk is a spy, and Vegapunk can't prove his innocence, even if we don't kill him, we can't remove the surveillance!"

“Until there is no evidence that he has betrayed us, he is family to us, and it is our duty to give our family enough trust! As for whether what he said is true or not... it doesn’t matter! Because we are family!” Reina said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Dr. Assie and the other captains couldn't help but laugh.

This is Whitebeard's style, and one of the reasons why they respect and love their old man.

"But……"

"It's alright. If he really betrays us, then he will inevitably suffer a fatal blow from us! The Whitebeard Pirates don't care about such a defeat!"

Judge wanted to say something more, but Reina stopped him.

Although Judge was puzzled, he seemed to understand something; at least he no longer opposed Reina's opinions.

Chapter 1204 Vegapunk's Determination

After Frank and the others hosted a welcome banquet for Dr. Asie, Crescent Moon Island seemed to return to its former peace. Marco, Ace, and the others went to the front lines, leaving Reina to guard Crescent Moon Island.

However, he knew that this matter was not truly over yet, because at the banquet to welcome Dr. Asie, Vegapunk's clone did not appear; only his true form showed up.

Therefore, Reina had to postpone his training and go to the laboratory to talk to Vegapunk first.

He didn't want this incident to create any rift between Vegapunk and the Whitebeard Pirates.

But before he could get to the lab, Dr. Assie found him first.

"You mean Vegapunk locked up all his clones? And plans to destroy them?" Reina asked Dr. Asie in surprise.

“That’s right, he’s already figured it out. Although there’s no evidence, it’s probably Vegapunk’s clone who betrayed us this time! He’s doing this to prevent his clone from causing any more trouble!” Dr. Asie sighed and said, “Although I’ve tried to persuade him, he seems to have made up his mind!”

"Let's go take a look!" Upon hearing this, Reina immediately got up and walked towards the laboratory with Dr. Asie.

When the two arrived at Vegapunk's laboratory, Reina first saw several clones that had been locked inside the mechanical hatch.

"Old Bei!"

Seeing Vegapunk operating the machine, Reina quickly called out.

"Ah~ it's you guys!" Vegapunk turned around, saw Reiner and Dr. Asie, and greeted them with a smile.

"What are you doing?" Reina asked knowingly.

Vegapunk paused for a moment before replying with a smile, "Hehehe... I plan to destroy them!"

"Why? Because of desire?" Reina frowned and said, "The clones you created based on your own personality only represent negative emotions, namely evil and desire. Now that desire has been destroyed and evil has not yet awakened its own will, wouldn't it be better not to create these two clones? As for the other clones, they have already awakened their own consciousness. If you destroy them, wouldn't that be the same as killing someone?"

Vegapunk shook his head helplessly and replied, "That's not how it works. After they awakened their own consciousness, although the personalities I gave them are the majority, they will still develop more emotions as they learn! I can't guarantee what they will become. If something like this happens again, I don't know how to explain it!"

“Old Man Vegapunk, this isn’t your fault. Even a normal person could have ulterior motives. The reason we ended up like this is because we didn’t know what was going on and because we were careless! So don’t take all the blame on yourself!” Dr. Asie stepped forward, patted Vegapunk, and said.

"That's why everyone has placed such trust in me, and I can't let them down!" Vegapunk shook his head and said firmly.

“How about this? You keep Zheng, Zhi, and Xiang, and destroy the rest! We won’t treat them as your clones, but as normal people. That way there won’t be any problems. What do you think?” Reina said after thinking for a moment.

"But……"

Vegapunk wanted to say something, but Reina waved his hand to interrupt him.

“Just do as I say! They can help you with your experiments, but you need to keep a close watch on them. As long as they don’t send messages outside, that’s fine. Anyway, you’re unlikely to leave Xuan Yue Island. If you need to leave, we’ll talk about it later!” Reina pointed to Shakya and the others who were imprisoned and said.

"Sigh~ Alright then!" Vegapunk nodded and said.

In truth, Vegapunk was somewhat reluctant to destroy his clones. Firstly, they could indeed help him with many things, and secondly, as Reina said, they had already developed their own consciousness, so destroying them at this point would be tantamount to murder.

So after Reina made the suggestion, Vegapunk hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

After seeing that Shakyamuni and the others had been released, Reina smiled and left, knowing that he didn't need to worry about what happened next.

After learning what had happened through the brain of the original body, Zheng, Xiang, and Zhi all found time to find Reina and express their gratitude.

After leaving the lab, Reina found Frank and gave him some instructions. He told him that the spy incident was over, but he shouldn't let his guard down because Vegapunk was only speculating that he was a spy and there was no actual evidence. He should just keep a close eye on things.

After making all the arrangements, Reina entered the Tower of Trials again to earn points while training his physical strength. He always believed that the reason he couldn't use his Sharingan was because his physical strength couldn't keep up, which was why the system sealed his Sharingan.

That's right, Reina felt that his Sharingan was sealed by the system. He had realized this long ago. Even the Rinnegan itself could not break through that seal. His eye power could not activate the Sharingan at all.

However, he felt that if he could further improve his physical abilities, he might be able to break through the system's seal and use his eye power to activate the Rinnegan.

"Phew~" Reina exhaled, looked at the wounds on his body, and chose not to continue, but to return to reality.

He had cleared ten levels of the Tower of Trials, which were levels before the thirtieth, but he was already covered in wounds. Now that the extraterrestrial visitors could launch an attack at any time, he couldn't afford to get too badly injured.

Back at his home on Xuan Yue Island, Reina took a bath first, and then had a maid bandage his wounds. After the wounds were bandaged, food was ready.

He can use food to heal his injuries by returning his life, but he rarely does so unless there is an emergency. He usually lets his wounds heal on their own, which not only enhances his resistance to blows but also improves his recovery ability.

After finishing his meal, Reina first found Frank and asked if anything had happened since he left, before heading to the lab.

"Olga, what are you doing here?" At the entrance of the laboratory, Reina unexpectedly encountered Olga and Perona, who were playing there. He frowned and said, "The laboratory is not a place for you to play!"

"Hmph! We're not playing around!" Olga wrinkled her nose, snorted, and said, "I have a feeling that Vegapunk has ill intentions, so Perona and I are here to keep an eye on him!"

Upon hearing this, Reina's face darkened, and he said, "Alright, I'll handle Old Man Beelzebub's matter. You don't need to monitor me here! All the crew members are family. Have faith in your family!"

"But……"

Olga wanted to say something, but Reina chased her away. Perona didn't say a word either; she didn't want to get involved in such troublesome matters. If Olga hadn't called her over, she wouldn't have come at all!

Chapter 1205 The Revolutionary Army's Plea for Help

After sending Olga and Perona away, Reina went straight into the laboratory.

"What brings you here?" Dr. Asie, who was drinking with Vegapunk in the tavern, asked with a smile when he saw Reina enter.

"I mainly came to see if Old Bei needed any help!" Reina said with a smile.

“Hehehe... How did you know I needed help right now?” Vegapunk replied with a smile.

Reina shrugged and said, "Your clones have decreased, but you haven't had any work, so you're probably finding it a bit difficult to adjust!"

“It is indeed a bit difficult to get used to, but Shakya and the others are working very hard to help me, which is why I have time to drink here! By the way, I changed the defense system of Xuan Yue Island. I made the change after I cut off all the connections between my clones. Even if the World Government finds out about the previous defense system from clone Yu, it doesn’t matter!” Vegapunk said seriously.

Reina was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and nodded, saying, "You're so thoughtful. I had quite a haul from my trip, so if you need any materials or equipment, just go to Frank. I've already given him all that gold!"

"Hehehe... This is really a timely help! But for now, let's prioritize building the defense system! Now that we've broken ties with the World Government, they probably won't give up easily!" Vegapunk said with some worry.

"Hehe..." Reina chuckled and said, "This time you could say they suffered a loss, but you're right, those guys are best at sneaking around and doing dirty tricks!"

"How's the situation at the front?" Dr. Asie asked after seeing that Reina and Vegapunk had finished their conversation.

"Frank said things are relatively stable right now. Our forces are mostly on the front lines. Unless the extraterrestrials launch a full-scale attack, there shouldn't be any changes!" Reina shook his head and replied.