The Strongest Lunarian in One Piece

"Not bad. While the Pacifista's combat capabilities still leave something to be desired, the progress is much faster than expected."

In the futuristic laboratory, El watched as the researchers began inspecting and repairing the damaged PX-1. Turning to Ryan, Vegapunk, and Dr. Tsukimi, he asked:

"What's the current progress on the 'Pure Gold' research?"

This was one of his top priorities—not just for himself, but also for the core members of the Fallen Angel Pirates. Although many of them were still in their prime, the passage of time would inevitably take its toll.

Time, after all, is the most relentless force.

Among his women, those like the Mythical Zoan Vampire Fruit user Linlin, the mermaid Ily, Helen, and Gerd didn't need to worry about aging anytime soon. However, others such as Tsuru, Sally, Baka, and Lillian were already in their early thirties. Had Nef, Stussy, Toki, and Furiko not traveled through time, they would be around the same age now.

Thanks to Dr. Kureha, a master of longevity and wellness, they maintained youthful appearances, looking no older than their mid-twenties. Even as they aged, their beauty only deepened, showing no sign of decline. Under her guidance, they might even retain their youth well into their fifties.

But El preferred to plan for the future. He didn't want to enter his golden years while his companions slowly faded into old age.

Moreover, his ambitions extended far beyond preserving his immediate circle; any chance at longevity was worth pursuing.

The legendary "Pure Gold," known for emitting a light capable of drastically slowing aging and granting near-immortality, was one such opportunity. The material, said to have limitless applications, came with minimal drawbacks.

According to ancient records, over a century ago, a scientist on Alchemi Island in the North Blue succeeded in creating a substance akin to Pure Gold. However, the brilliant light it emitted attracted a colossal lanternfish, which devoured most of the island before vanishing into the sea.

As a result, El had long instructed his research team to investigate Pure Gold. At the same time, he tasked Lillian—using her Glare-Glare Fruit ability—and the Fishman forces to search for the legendary lanternfish that might still hold traces of it.

"Pure Gold… does that thing even exist?" Afar asked skeptically.

Over the years, he had heard scattered rumors of the material, but the idea of a light capable of granting immortality seemed far too fantastical.

"Based on the various records and accounts we've collected, Pure Gold definitely exists," Ryan replied with a shrug. "However, its creation and refinement involve numerous unknowns. With the scant data we have, our progress has been minimal."

"Even with the Munch-Munch Fruit, which theoretically allows us to accelerate our work, it's not something we can perfect quickly," he added. "If we could recover a sample of Pure Gold from the giant lanternfish you mentioned, I'm confident we could analyze its composition and recreate it in no time."

"No rush. Do your best," El said calmly. "Aside from Lillian frequently using her Glare-Glare Fruit to aid the search, I've already deployed an extensive Fishman and Sea King force to comb the oceans for any trace of it."

Sitting back in his oversized chair, El was far from disappointed. Narrowing his eyes with a determined gleam, he said, "Once it shows itself, I'll make my move personally."

Regardless of whether Pure Gold could be mass-produced, the reserves inside the lanternfish were something he was determined to obtain.

"The allure of immortality… it seems even someone like you can't resist it," Vegapunk remarked, stroking his oversized head with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Of course not. Human desires are insatiable," El replied calmly. "It's precisely that hunger that drives exploration and progress."

El harbored no illusions about his lofty goal of immortality—perhaps even true godhood. While ruling the world was his immediate target, his ultimate dream was eternal life and total dominion over everything. One step at a time, he reminded himself; there was no point in being overwhelmed by distant goals when the present still had plenty to conquer.

"That same pursuit could also lead to self-destruction," Vegapunk noted bluntly. "As you've mentioned, the reckless use of ancient weapons may have caused rising sea levels, drowning entire lands and civilizations."

"Perhaps," El conceded with a slight shrug. "But that's why I have brilliant scientists like you—to plan ahead and mitigate those risks."

Shifting gears, El asked, "Speaking of progress, how is the Artificial Devil Fruit Project coming along?"

This was one of many top-tier projects on his agenda, alongside research into bloodline factor modification, Pacifista development, and Pure Gold refinement. These initiatives consumed astronomical sums of money—resources El spared no expense in funneling into Totto Land's scientific endeavors.

Prime Minister Tsuru often complained about the ballooning budget, pointing out that the funds spent in the last few years were enough to construct an entirely new Totto Land Kingdom from scratch.

"There has been some progress," Ryan admitted. "But so far, we've only managed to produce basic Zoan-type artificial Devil Fruits, including a few ancient varieties."

"However," he continued, "these have some glaring flaws. They're far from perfect and offer limited benefits to the user. Worse, there's only a 20% success rate. If someone fails to assimilate the fruit properly, they lose the ability to express emotions other than laughter—regardless of how angry, sad, or pained they might feel."

"And even if they succeed," Ryan added, "the user can't consume another artificial fruit to correct or enhance any abilities. On top of that, individuals with artificial Zoan fruits are susceptible to the Paramecia Dango-Dango Fruit we recovered from Wano. Eating one of its dumplings makes them completely obedient to whoever provides it, for at least a month."

"So, the research continues," he concluded.

"Progress is progress," El remarked with a small nod. Then, with a knowing grin, he asked, "Tell me, can these 'flawed' artificial Devil Fruits be mass-produced?"

Ryan was taken aback, but before he could speak, Vegapunk's brow furrowed as he interjected, "Wait. You're not planning to hand these out to your subordinates, are you?"

El scoffed. "Of course not. I intend to sell them."

"Sell them?" Vegapunk and the researchers exchanged uncertain looks.

"They're of limited use to us, but for others, they could be priceless," El explained. "Besides, Tsuru won't stop complaining about our spiraling research costs. She's even threatening budget cuts."

"Sell them?" Vegapunk echoed, still processing the idea. "Won't that risk giving potential enemies an advantage?"

El smirked. "That's the beauty of it. We possess the Dango-Dango Fruit. Anyone who eats an artificial Devil Fruit can be subdued with one dumpling. If we market these fruits strategically, we'll not only generate revenue but also expand our influence—by turning potential enemies into loyal assets."

The researchers fell silent, clearly taken aback by El's audacious plan.

Eventually, Ryan spoke. "To mass-produce artificial Devil Fruits, we'll need your direct involvement, El-sama. The Tontatta Tree and other resources allow small-scale production, but they're far too slow for mass distribution. With your Quetzalcoatl form and its plant-based abilities, you could boost our output significantly and improve success rates."

~~~

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