Special Content Egghead Island

[Kaka]

The two men decided it would be best to stay on the low on this unknown island full of mystery - preferring to stay out of trouble for now. To this end, they decided not to fly up to the strange looking cracked open egg shaped structure that towered above the clouds. Instead, they went the forest route. They started to walk, entering the woods that started to span out in front of them. One of the men had his Kenbun-shou no Haki on high alert, hoping to sense and identify any danger that could, and definitely will, come their way on this journey. The first few minutes or so, their trek would be calm. The forest was as any other - there were animals around, but there was nothing strange about them, or anything else. However, suddenly, the calmness of their trek would be broken.

H-H-H-H-HEEEELLLLPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!

Out of absolutely nowhere, a woman's high pitched shriek could be heard from a few hundred meters away. If the two men decided to go check it out, they'd find a woman in a sitting position, her back up against a tree trunk.

H-H-H-HEEEELLLPPPP! IT'S A MONSTER!!!

The woman shrieked, the corners of her eyes forming tears. She was clearly in severe distress. Standing ten or so meters away from her, staring her dead in the eyes, here deep in the dark forest, was a strange creature of absolute madness. A monster, straight from a nightmare. And what's worse - Hagiri wouldn't even be able to sense the monster's presence. What in the world was it? Should the two run away and abandon the woman? Should they try to save her from the monster and then run away? Or should they attack this monster, which could potentially wield unknown and unfathomable powers? The two men were faced with a highly consequential decision, right at the start of their journey on Egghead Island.

 

[Ichimonji]

Egghead Island - #8
@Gambit @Kaka ​

Egghead Island Shore
Hagiri and Sun made their plan to go on foot. They had been attacked by a warlord of the Sea, told to flee. With no knowledge of anything else, the two opted to be on their guard. Though this was a Government Island, things had already gone awry. They weren't supposed to have been attacked. Had Egghead Island been compromised. Hagiri asked bout the discrepancy, prompting Sun to respond before going into the forest.

[Sun Wukong] "Yes. Bartolomew Kuma is a Warlord, an ally. Yet, he seemed different. That's why we must be on our guard. Who knows what could have gone awry."​

​

Sun Wukong turned to Hagiri before continuing. He looked him straight in the eye with a serous face and made one last statement before going forward.

​

[Sun Wukong] "Danger lies ahead, of this I'm sure. Hagiri, if you'd like to leave, now is the time."​

Sun would walk forward. It would be Hagiri's decision on whether to follow.

The duo opted to move forward on foot, using Hagiri's exceptional Observation Haki to field their journey. They entered the forest, untouched by the cold. The climate control was unreal. Sun was already aghast with the technology he did not see, that he was confounded by the one he saw. The trek was peaceful until a scream shook Sun to the core. Sun picked up the pace and saw the woman against the tree.

The reaction was almost a reflex. The agent quickly moved between the woman and the unknown figure. Was this an enemy? Or was the girl the enemy? Whatever the case, it was Sun's reflex to step in and help when asked. Hagiri was still the eyes.

​

[Sun Wukong] “Stay behind me!"​

 

[Gambit]

The two would-be allies had started questioning the animosity from the time they set foot on the island. Hagiri touched on the idea of random firing from a Warlord. Sun Wukong did not ignore this notion and agreed they had to be on high alert. Something Hagiri would prompt not to differ. The agent turned to the sniper and continued talking, a dead stare in his eyes, "You want me to leave a lousy man like you here? Nah, I am not desperate to face Kuma once more after what I saw. Things. Some things have to be checked here."

Sun strode and so was the sniper. The latter's observation Haki stretching further every minute. And yet, to no avail. No danger was spotted. They entered the forest, with no hostility. Many more walks and minutes and the serenity of their trek would be disturbed. A screeching scream detonated the calmness of the forest and not for long, a woman held by the tree would erupt before their eyes, prompting the two to react defensively.

Sun asked Hagiri to stay behind him but he'd object and said, "No! My Haki has been active ever since but I did not sense their presence at all."

"Tch!"

Hagiri's eyes glared at the monster. Dice and marbles on his hands. The two figures stood side-by-side.

 

[Kaka]

The alien-esque monstrosity growled in a terrifyingly low tone, its voice reverberating to the point where it could reach the soul of any who heard it. Its large, glowing, beady eyes glared at the woman, who was squirming up against the tree trunk. Her voice shaking, her body sweating, adrenaline rushing through her body, her hand found a rock by chance. She picked it up and heaved it over Sun, who stood in the way, aiming to hit the monster. However, that only served to provoke this terrifying creature.

In an instant, the creature disappeared, moving with, literally, the speed of light. In the blink of an eye, it was gone - and with Kenbun-shoku no Haki unable to sense it, much less keep track of it, the creature's movements were truly terrifying to behold. In an instant, the creature had gotten past Sun as if it teleported, and was upon the woman, towering over her menacingly. The creature's right arm was raised up into the air, and its hand and arm had unraveled into a number of tree branches. The tree branches then twisted and intertwined, forming a wooden spike out of the creature's hand.

Letting out another low toned growl, the creature swung its hand downward, aiming to impale the woman's chest. The woman screamed, her life flashing in front of her eyes.

N-No! H-hel-!!!

 

[Ichimonji]

Egghead Island - #9
@Gambit @Kaka ​

Egghead Island Shore
Sun Wukong, Cipher Pol Agent, had gotten between the monster and the lady. He had told the woman to get behind him, but the woman failed to do so - whether because she was frozen in fear or distrust, one could not deduce. Sun was on full alert, hands in position to engage. The terrifying monster turned when a rock hit him. Sun made a "tch" sound. He had also been thrown rocks for who he was. The reaction from the being was predictable. Suddenly, the being was gone. Sun looked around, his eyes starting in the sky. Suddenly, the sounds of branches forcing as hands behind him quelled any doubt as to where the being was.

Sun turned, his speed in tune with the woman's heartbeats most likely. Sun's right hand had turned brown with haki and flown to intercept. The Humandrill hand, moving with Shigan-speed, aimed to intercept the monster's hand as it came down.

[Sun Wukong] "Now, now. Can't we all talk about this? I'd hate to see violence."​

​

​

​

The agent's hand had been enveloped by a mud gauntlet, fortified by hardened mud and haki. The hair on his hairy arm had moved like tendrils, similar to the branches the monster employed, these aimed to wrap around the monster's attacking arm and "branches", also hardened with haki and covered in mud. As one would guess, this mud was sticky, clinging to what it touched. With strength of an ox, the agent aimed to hold the monster back. The move, however, did not employ damage, other than the force to hold the arm back. There was bladed tendril, impact, or cut that came. A power that protected rather than hurt.

Sun had moved right beside the being, looking straight at him. There was no fear, no hate, no judgment. Simply hands. An unnerving calm the agent possessed. One may believe it was belief of his own strength, but perhaps he had faith in Hagiri backing him up as support.

At the same time, Sun’s free hand turned to the woman. A equally serious voice rolled forth to her.

​

[Sun Wukong] “That goes for you as well, lady. Don’t move. Stay your hand.”​

Spoiler: DPS/Techniques

Sun DPS: 120. 5. Town Level (Strength) + 2 (defensive haki) + 2 (B rank) = 9. Small Country Level

Note: This is NOT a damaging attack. More of a grappler bind. I.E. Strength of the grip trying to hold hand back.​

Kami Shibari (literally meaning "Hair Bind"): Kumadori lengthens his hair and manipulates it to bind his opponents. It can also be used as spears and Shigans.
Requirement: 51 Mastery, 41 Vitality
Rank: B

Armor of Numa: The user can encase himself in hardened mud, rocks, and soil. By doing this, he not only covers himself in thick armor, he can also then use his entire body as an offensive weapon. One can even manifest it in small portions, for example, around his right arm as a gauntlet. While the armor increases durability, it decreases the user's speed at the same time.
Rank: B
Effect: +10 dura temp boost / -5 speed temp boost
Requirements: 61 Devil Fruit & 61 strength/stamina.

Note: Durability rises to 111.​

 

[Gambit]

"Huh?!"

"So fast!"

Those were the words Hagiri uttered under his breath when the monster vanished from his sight and not leaving a trail. However, he was left in awe when Sun moved even faster and in turn, grappled the eerie creature before them. The sniper remained aware of the situation through the use of his Haki. And even more surprisingly, what he felt amidst this dire situation was the strangest feeling we ever experienced.

This calmness despite the situation. Just what type of person are you Wukong?

I remember what someone told me about becoming an assassin. The mysterious man's voice rang inside his head, recalling the conversation, "Young man, you cannot become an assassin if your presence is disturbed and agitated. You must always remain calm in every execution to finish the job."

"That goes well with becoming an investigator or a detective. To arrive at the most viable decision-making, one has to be well-versed in controlling the situation and not escalating it further. Pacify the matter."

I can see that this man has truly mastered the art of being an agent. Most people in the same line of business would respond differently, but he did. Sun Wukong is built differently. On another note, that technique he used with his hair, there's no way it's at the same park as his mud-conjuring ability.

When Sun Wukong spoke to the woman, Hagiri stopped his thoughts and came back to awareness. Eyes on the monster. Presence on the woman.

 

[Kaka]

The situation was tense. The danger was eminent. And so everyone's brains worked on pure instinct. Sun ''saw'' the rock hit the monster. Sun moved to intercept, looking the monster dead in the eye, while ''holding the monster's arm back with the strength of an ox''. Neither happened, pure adrenaline masking the truth for a mere instant. After Sun took a breath to relieve the tension, he would notice the details. The rock had hit the ground without ever having made contact with the monster. And Sun's hand was not holding the monster's arm back. There was no pressure coming from the struggle. In fact, they were not even in physical contact. If Sun's eyes broke eye contact with the monster and looked over toward the monster's hand, he would see that the monster's hand had passed right through his own, like an illusion.

Suddenly, a playful laugh.

Nyahahaha, alright alright I give up. The test was called ''Mr. Goody Two Shoes'', and you passed!

The terrified woman was no longer so, and the monster stopped moving completely - as if turned into a statue. With a smile on her face, the young woman stood up, dusting herself off. She walked over toward Sun and the terrifying monster. She grabbed the monster by the cheek, spun it around a few times and then hurled it off into the distance. The monster dissipated into thin air, again, like an illusion.

That was just a good ol' monster hologram. You can't interact with it physically...

Well... unless you got these Light-Pressure Gloves.

The girl said cheekily, raising her right arm to show the glove, pointing to it with her left hand's index finger.

Spoiler

I'm Dr. Vegapunk... and you're crazy. Who goes and throws themselves in front of a scary monster just for some stranger?

 

[Ichimonji]

Egghead Island - #10
@Gambit @Kaka ​

Egghead Island Forest
The situation turned grim quickly. With a second thought, Sun jumped in to save the woman. Yet, his approach took a non-violent measure, keeping suspicious of the woman as well. Appearances ca be deceiving. And how this was deceiving. Suddenly, Sun realized the arm that Sun was "holding" was thin air. Nothing. As if the body was not corporeal, yet the vision was still very real. The agent's face was something to see. there was terror on his face - a terror that stuck out lie a sore thumb. A playful laugh broke the tension, as the damsel in distress turned out to be a fox in the henhouse. The woman stood and dissipated the image. As if she had full control. Then, came the explanation.

Yet, in the middle of the woman saying the word "illusion", a comically high-pitched voice rang out, right s Hagiri would be thinking how impressive Sun was.

[Sun Wukong] "AHHHH! IT"S A GHOOOOOOOSTTTT! SAVE ME, HAGIRI! HAVE MEEE!!!!"​

​

The Humandrill comically jumped towards Hagiri, getting behind him. Those hairy palms grabbed Hagiri's shoulder and he ducked behind the man. He looked around frantically. If asked, he would retort that his biggest fear was ghosts. After all, he was still an animal in the core. A monkey. What they cannot explain is a source of fear.

The once illustrious agent shook comically behind Hagiri.

Spoiler: OCC

I swear I posted in this thread a week ago. I think I responded in my mind.

 

[Gambit]

Sun had dealt with the monster without launching any offensive manoeuvres. Had it been Hagiri, he would have rolled the dice and flicked them all in. But the agent his senior was calm yet alert. And there lay a huge crevice between them. All these years, Hagiri, albeit not hurting any human, had pirated many islands to survive ─ as was their way of living.

Following the threat, the woman to which Hagiri's attention was suddenly turned to glee. What is going on?

A test?!, Hagiri's mind boggled and so on it did when the girl strode the monster and held its chin before it dissipated into the wind. Sorcery!!!

Everything the woman said after that would be played in the background when Sun Wukong rolled to the grass, comically concealing himself behind the sniper.

[Sun Wukong] "AHHHH! IT"S A GHOOOOOOOSTTTT! SAVE ME, HAGIRI! HAVE MEEE!!!!"

"G- Get off me! There is no such thing as a ghost!", said the young man with a severe disgust towards the hair grappling his forearm.

Not quite familiar with idioms, Hagiri followed up with a stupid remark, "Here I always thought that Vegapunk is a fat guy with glasses. Indeed. Appearance can be this EVENING."

 

[Kaka]

The girl snickered and laughed, observing the two goofs. One was trembling with fear of ghosts, the other demeaning him. Were they really capable of good teamwork? The two looked like embodiments of drama and mishaps. Either way, their good intentions and pure hearts had been confirmed by Dr. Vegapunk, who turned out to be a young girl. The island and its strangeness seemed to come right down to the very identity of Dr. Vegapunk, which seemed strange as well. Either way, it was time to get moving.

Anyway you goofballs, I hear you came here to talk to me. Unfortunately, there is some danger coming here, so we've had Sentomaru-kun guard the island...

Hence the attack on you earlier. Once the order had been given, it couldn't have been cancelled via Den Den Mushi.

Dr. Vegapunk explained, before continuing.

You could say you guys waked into an automatically triggered trap. But, we're fine now. Let me show you to my home... where we can talk.

If the two agents obliged, Dr. Vegapunk would turn around and walk away, the two agents presumably following.

 

[Ichimonji]

Egghead Island - #11
@Gambit @Kaka ​

Egghead Island Forest
The Cipher Pol agent cowered behind Hagiri. Ghosts. Imagine that. The young man comically responded in anger stating there was no such things as ghosts. But then again, they had just seen one. The woman's words were mostly lost in translation as Sun cowered. One thing did slip through the fear: she claimed to be Dr. Vegapunk. Hagiri pointed the obvious confusing statement, correctly stating Dr. Vegapunk was thought of as a man. The woman averted the question, instead posing that there was a perceived danger that took them to high alert.

Once Sun got composure, he followed the woman, before asking questions of his own during the way. But first, introductions. He would let Hagiri introduce himself if he wished.

[Sun Wukong] "My name Sun Wukong, Cipher Pol 9. However, my business here is not from the Pols. It's personal."​

​

The Humandrill would leave it at that. He too would leave the woman with a mystery. With introductions out of the way, Sun would then move to the next obvious question. He comically referred to the woman not as Vegapunk, for he did not truly believe her, but as something else.

[Sun Wukong] "Once we get to your home, I am curious to hear what the 'danger' is about, Dr. Ghost. Any help we can provide is yours."​

 

[Gambit]

Teamwork: this is something out of the equation at the moment. The young sniper and the seasoned agent had only just met and the former still questions his place in this mission. In his alone, he's still a captive playing along. But things could change over time. Sniper has seen the intent of the man or he's been fooled all this time.

The Doctor named herself and the sniper questioned its legitimacy but she continued to talk and explained the situation. Another party was in play. Wukong introduced himself and so was he, "My name is Hagiri. I am a Pi─"

His speech was interrupted by himself before things could go worse and so he rode along again, "Piper."

"I was a piper before going here."

He gazed at Wukong and remembered the severity of his fear towards ghosts. "Doctor, how many ghosts do you still have there?"

"Old man right here is getting fond of them."

 

[Kaka]

Dr. Vegapunk, whose true identity seemed to be that of a young girl, turned around and started to walk, Sun and Hagiri following closely behind. As they walked, traversing the forest, Sun introduced himself, stating that he was a Cipher Pol 9 agent. Oddly enough, he also stated that he was not here on an official mission, but rather for personal business. He also inquired about the incoming dangers that Dr. Vegapunk had mentioned earlier. Hagiri was the second to introduce himself, asking how many ghosts Dr. Vegapunk still had, and saying that Sun was getting fond of them. Clearly not the truth - Sun was terrified of them, and Hagiri was trying to mess with Sun by having the doc pull up more of those ghastly creatures. The girl snickered at Hagiri's question, finding his playful nature funny.

I have a lot of them, I could bring out a few more.

Dr. Vegapunk said, glancing over at Sun to see if he would shiver immediately.

Anyway, Cipher Pol huh... and here for personal business. Don't get that often...

Well, I won't ask you about it yet.

Dr. Vegapunk said, before answering Sun's question.

As for oncoming danger... apparently they're out to get me.

Dr. Vegapunk said, leaving it at that. Just as Dr. Vegapunk said those words, the group finally reached the edge of the forest and walked out. Spanning in front of them was the massive technological city of Egghead Island. The giant, cracked open egg shaped structure placed above the clouds that they had seen from the shores, was now fully above them, towering. In front of them was the city - or rather, the Fabiriophase.

As the group entered the city, there were workers and robots running and flying all over the place, getting work done. It was a busy day on Egghead Island - but then again, every day was a busy day here. Every day, there was a new discovery. Every day, every individual on this island was spurred on by their curiosity, to find something new - discover something that had never been seen or known before. As the group walked, an individual walked out from a shadowy backstreet, cutting the group off.

It appears the danger was not a false alarm. It is happening.

The individual said, looking at Dr. Vegapunk. The individual then looked over toward Sun and Hagiri, bowing slightly and introducing himself.

Spoiler

I am Dr. Vegapunk. Follow me.

A strange turn of events - a second Dr. Vegapunk appears.

 

[Ichimonji]

Egghead Island - #12
@Gambit @Kaka ​

Egghead Island Forest
The trio walked through the forest path the portly woman laid out for them. On the way, introductions. Awkward, but introductions nonetheless. When Hagiri mentioned that Sun liked ghosts, the monkey shot him a comical death stare. A death stare followed by a shudder and a frantic look around, teeth chattering. All in all, the two seemed agreeable, and not at all troublesome. Perhaps a bit foolish, particular the large money man who claimed to be from the world's best assassin squad. Soon, the odd trio would be out of the forest. What awaited them was something that could scarcely be put in words.

Fabiriophase. Sun's eyes and mouth slowly widened.

[Sun Wukong] "N-N-No way... How is this even possible?"​

​

To a Humandrill, this was absolute fiction. The Pols' records did not speak of this. The man's eyes spoke of the tale of shock. The cracked egg was the cherry on top of the very scientific city. Robots handled the bustle city. Sun would be so flabbergasted, it would be up to Hagiri to react and ask questions. What's more, Sun was on edge, for the lady who called herself Vegapunk said she had more ghosts. And then, a ghost came.

From the shadows, another impossible figure appeared, calling himself Vegapunk.

[Sun Wukong] "AHHHHHH! ANOTHER GHOOOOSTTTT! BEGOOOOOOOONE EVIL SPIRIT!"​

​

​

​

Sun's hands morphed into brown, allowing salt to pass through, thrown at the figure's face that surprised them. Comically, Sun threw the salt and jumped back, cowering behind the female Vegapunk. Vegapunk?! Sun shook his head and turned his head from the lady to the man.

[Sun Wukong[ "OH! SO SORRY! I-I-I how can there be two people on the same name?!"​

Sun inquired.

 

[Gambit]

The female, Hagiri and Sun's group finally reached the boundary of the forest and walked out. And when Vegapunk answered his query, Hagiri left out a grin and a chuckle in one when Sun exhibited his foolest reaction about the ghosts.

But all these would be transcribed differently when they finally, a city traversed before their very eyes came out to be the most advanced place the young ex-pirate could ever think of. He was more than flabbergasted when it spanned in front of him. His jaw dropped as a massive egg-like structure cracked open whilst afloat amongst the clouds. He looked above and around. A child lost in Disneyland.

"This. T- This is beyond Master Gairom's inventions!", and then he wondered and wandered, thinking of his former master and scientist of their pirate crew. Master, do you see this? This is exactly what you dreamed about. A city of the future!

"Lady!"

"Are these all your inventions? I can't believe what I see. This technology..."

"Th- They are... They beyond what men are capable of today."

"And where are these ghosts─"

Hagiri's sentence would be cut when a man suddenly emerged, shocking Sun. But the sniper was more than surprised when Sun acted like a teenage girl, throwing salt against the face of a man naming himself the same.

"Another Vegapunk!?"

"What in the world is happening here?"

"Sun! Watch out! This could be another ghost. I will deal."

 

[Kaka]

A silhouetted man walked out of a nearby alley, bowing slightly and introducing himself as Dr. Vegapunk. Little did he know, the moment he said those words, all hell broke loose. Sun screamed like a little girl, swinging his arm. His hand morphed into goo and from it, salt was catapulted, straight into the man's face. The amount of salt was large, so it almost looked like a pie was thrown into the man's face - until the grains finally lost form and sprinkled down to the ground in front of the man's feet. If the man had a face, his facial expression would be that of dumbfoundedness - bu alas, he did not have a face nor a subsequent facial expression. Instead, a monotone 01 was shown on a display screen that replaced his face.

I guess I should have seen that coming.

The new Dr. Vegapunk said, while the previous one, the young girl, snickered and laughed.

This monkey man is crazy... huahaha...!

Anyway, can we get serious here...?

The male Dr. Vegapunk said, bringing the comical situation back to seriousness.

I'm not a ghost...

And we're both Dr. Vegapunk. Follow us.

The two Dr. Vegapunks said, staring to walk. Questions would not be answered for now, and if Sun and Hagiri followed, they would be taken through the Fabiriophase, or rather, the futuristic city. At some point, they would reach an escalator, which had a metallic door. Both of the Dr. Vegapunks walked straight through the metallic door, which turned intangible to let them pass. Another mysterious invention.

You can enter as well, come.

The female Dr. Vegapunk said. For a moment, she thought about having the metallic door turn tangible when Sun tried to pass through, but then decided against it. Would've been fun, but time for fun was not now. Once both Sun and Hagiri entered, the escalator would immediately start to ascend, taking them up toward the cracked egg shaped structure in the sky. The Labophase - specifically, Building B section of the Labophase. After stepping out of the escalator, Sun and Hagiri, with the two Dr. Vegapunks, would arrive inside Building B, which was a large lab focused on the production of weaponry. There was a strange, sciency couch to sit on, and the four were ready to have a talk. The two Dr. Vegapunks would sit across from Sun and Hagiri, with a small table inbetween them.

Alright then... welcome to Egghead Island. What is it that you came here for?

 

[Ichimonji]

Egghead Island - #13
@Kaka @Gambit ​

Labophase - Building B
The jeers and snickers made the monkey-man's antics even the more awkward. The Humandrill was legitimately scared, which made the whole thing even more comically absurd. Technology made the Humandrill, having grown up in the woods, nervous. An explanation to the unknown always went into the divine. The '0' faced newcomer, calling himself Vegapunk, was as cool as a ghost would be in this situation. That raised even more suspicion. Sun would slant his body behind Hagiri, still using him as protection, before whispering in his ear.

[Sun Wukong] "Not a ghost? Yeah, yeah, that's what a ghost would say..."​

​

Two opposite personalities, the two "Vegapunks", led them through the futuristic town. They boasted they were both Vegapunk. Sun would, for the moment, not inquire about that nonsensical fact. Instead, the Humandrill inquired as t the city as they walked. If indulged, the agent would be fascinated by the explanations, pointing at almost all he saw. Truly, the city was a marvel. To be ahead of its time would be an understatement. Eventually, the group entered the Fabiriophase. Sector B would be their end, finding comfortable couches to sit on. Sun comically touched them first to see if they were real, or another ghostly fabrication.

The robotic Vegapunk asked their business. Sun would ponder for a second, before taking a sigh. There was a significant shift in the air: from comical to serious, any could feel.

[Sun Wukong] "To speak with Dr. Vegapunk about a 'proposition'."​

​

[Sun Wukong] "Please understand. The files of Cipher Pol are many, but none explain this conundrum of several Vegapunks. The information is sensitive only for Dr. Vegapunk's ears. I cannot risk it falling to the wrong hands, particularly when there is 'oncoming danger'."​

​

The agent's words were to the point. He was here to speak with Dr. Vegapunk with a proposition. However, only he would be trusted with the information. As newcomers, two futuristic beings claiming to be Vegapunk on an island that, by their own admission, had 'danger', was understandably suspicious. Particularly for one who deals in espionage and agentry. Sun would have an explanation, a proof of trust. However, the agent was not ignorant. Sun Wukong would make a showing of trust on his own, tactfully used.

Sun took an envelope addressed to Dr. Vegapunk. On it's face the name and signature of someone most people would recognize was written: Leonard Burns.

​

A calculated risk. Even if this was an enemy, Leonard Burns was still an Instructor for the Marines. His allegiance to the world was not ousted. It would not be terribly suspicious that Sun had correspondence from him: Pols were used for tactful communications, and going to Egghead Island certainly qualified. More so, Sun felt no ill will from these two. However, if Sun's suspicious were correct, Vegapunk knew about Pangea, and the Burns name had many implications.

​

 

[Kaka]

Egghead Island - #13
@Kaka @Gambit ​

Labophase - Building B
The jeers and snickers made the monkey-man's antics even the more awkward. The Humandrill was legitimately scared, which made the whole thing even more comically absurd. Technology made the Humandrill, having grown up in the woods, nervous. An explanation to the unknown always went into the divine. The '0' faced newcomer, calling himself Vegapunk, was as cool as a ghost would be in this situation. That raised even more suspicion. Sun would slant his body behind Hagiri, still using him as protection, before whispering in his ear.

[Sun Wukong] "Not a ghost? Yeah, yeah, that's what a ghost would say..."​

​

Two opposite personalities, the two "Vegapunks", led them through the futuristic town. They boasted they were both Vegapunk. Sun would, for the moment, not inquire about that nonsensical fact. Instead, the Humandrill inquired as t the city as they walked. If indulged, the agent would be fascinated by the explanations, pointing at almost all he saw. Truly, the city was a marvel. To be ahead of its time would be an understatement. Eventually, the group entered the Fabiriophase. Sector B would be their end, finding comfortable couches to sit on. Sun comically touched them first to see if they were real, or another ghostly fabrication.

The robotic Vegapunk asked their business. Sun would ponder for a second, before taking a sigh. There was a significant shift in the air: from comical to serious, any could feel.

[Sun Wukong] "To speak with Dr. Vegapunk about a 'proposition'."​

​

[Sun Wukong] "Please understand. The files of Cipher Pol are many, but none explain this conundrum of several Vegapunks. The information is sensitive only for Dr. Vegapunk's ears. I cannot risk it falling to the wrong hands, particularly when there is 'oncoming danger'."​

​

The agent's words were to the point. He was here to speak with Dr. Vegapunk with a proposition. However, only he would be trusted with the information. As newcomers, two futuristic beings claiming to be Vegapunk on an island that, by their own admission, had 'danger', was understandably suspicious. Particularly for one who deals in espionage and agentry. Sun would have an explanation, a proof of trust. However, the agent was not ignorant. Sun Wukong would make a showing of trust on his own, tactfully used.

Sun took an envelope addressed to Dr. Vegapunk. On it's face the name and signature of someone most people would recognize was written: Leonard Burns.

​

A calculated risk. Even if this was an enemy, Leonard Burns was still an Instructor for the Marines. His allegiance to the world was not ousted. It would not be terribly suspicious that Sun had correspondence from him: Pols were used for tactful communications, and going to Egghead Island certainly qualified. More so, Sun felt no ill will from these two. However, if Sun's suspicious were correct, Vegapunk knew about Pangea, and the Burns name had many implications.

​

The two Dr. Vegapunks sat down across the two visitors, getting straight to business - after all, there was danger looming, and there was little time. The male Dr. Vegapunk, the one sporting the 01 across his face, questioned the two men, asking them why they had come to Egghead Island. This, however, put Sun in a tough situation. Were the two Dr. Vegapunks even, really, Dr. Vegapunk? How could there be two of them? And why did one of them look like a little girl, while the other one looked like an edgelord? Handing out information to these two had the potential to become a mistake - especially with danger, supposedly, looming. And yet, Sun did not have much leverage. After all, HE was the one who came all the way here, and HE was the one who needed something from Dr. Vegapunk - whether it was a favor or something else. And so, when Sun spoke, stating that the information was sensitive and that he could not just give it out thoughtlessly, Dr. Vegapunk did not react. Worst case, Sun would simply leave, and Dr. Vegapunk's day would go on.

Sun made the first move, showing some trust - even if it was only based on intuition. Bringing out an envelope, Sun slid it across the table, in front of the two Dr. Vegapunks. Written on the envelope was the name of a certain man.

Hero of the Navy, Vice Admiral Leonard Burns.

Oh my... well that's a development.

The male Dr. Vegapunk said. Suddenly, the female one spoke up.

I will come in person.

She said, her words likely strange and riddle esque to Sun and Hagiri. Nothing else was spoken of for minutes, perhaps leading to awkward silence. Then, suddenly, a pod opened up, and an old man walked into the room.

Spoiler

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

I am Dr. Vegapunk.

A phrase that Sun and Hagiri had heard three times now, to the point where it was almost annoying. And yet, this time, it felt different. It was him.

Dr. Vegapunk walked over to the table, picking up the envelope.

Information of his exploits of Pangea had reached my ears. And eyes...

Dr. Vegapunk said, shockingly revealing that he even had visual access to Pangea? A man of scientific mystery, to say the least - unparalleled in the world of science.

Leo-kun... I have met him before. He was my bodyguard one time. A powerful man... bossy too.

Dr. Vegapunk said, unsticking the envelope and opening it. What was inside?

 

[Ichimonji]

Egghead Island - #14
@Gambit @Kaka
​

Labophase - Building B
The Cipher Pol agent took a calculated risk. A letter addressed to Vegapunk, handwritten, was slid across the desk. Hero of the Marines, Leonard Burns. A prominent figure of the Marines that would raise implications, but if these two were the real deal, it would reveal even more. Sun was calm through the interaction, a testament to his experience in tense situations. Yet, a flicker of excitment broke when the the female Vegapunk said “I will come in person”. The silence would be a robust welcoming to the figure that was birthed from the pod.

Dr. Vegapunk.

[Sun Wukong] "It really is him…”​

​

For a member of a secret agency, Sun Wukong looked bewildered, as in the presence of a celebrity. While he did not voice it, when he saw Vegapunk he knew it was him. A unique combination of his Cipher Pol intel and stories from Leo assured him this was the real deal. A brain that got too big for his body. The smartest man in the world. Without a second though, Sun simply categorized the two other “Vegapunks” as bodyguards or ghosts, though the explanation will surely come soon.

They waited for Dr. Vegapunk to read the letter, Sun still staring at Dr. Vegapunk in disbelief. The letter had been unopened. Sun had not read it. Whatever message Leo had written for Dr. Vegapunk, it was strictly between them two.

Once Dr. Vegapubk finished, Sun would interject, like a child piping in a room with his idol.

[Sun Wukong] “Dr. Vegapunk. Please lend me your ear as wel!”​

​

[Sun Wukong] “When I was a young child, my only friend, a human, saw his kingdom in Kuragaina Island engulfed in a Civil War. A war for resources. Borne was my biggest regret, failing to lend a hand, racism at the helm. From that point on, my mission has been to unite all races. The Sage Squad was born from that dream."​

​

The agent's words turned into a heartfelt story. The agent went into more detail from that fateful day. The agent then continued and spoke how he recruited the Sage Squad, a group of like-minded individuals working towards peace between all races - every non-human race is identified in the ranks. It was clear from the agents tone the group has infiltrated the World Government to utilize their vast resources to achieve their goal of equality. Unrestricted access to Vegaunk. Detail that showed Sun's trust in Hagiri and Vegapunk. It was clear: if Leo trusted Vegapunk, so did Sun, unfettered. There was sincerity in Sun’s words, for if Dr. Vegapunk was not an ally, Sun’s decades-long effort would have all been for nothing.

Yet, the proposition was missing. With an aura still as honest and true as ever, the agent looked into his surroundings and Dr. Vegapunk’s inventions

[Sun Wukong] "Yet, dreams without goals, are just dreams. The naivety of my youth has been shaken. I now know understanding alone cannot stop war. At the center of every war, there is a struggle for power, for resources. That is why Civil War erupted in Kuragaina Island. Leo-san said if anyone can create unlimited energy, and eliminate the greatest cause of war in our world... it is you, Dr. Vegapunk."​

​

A world without struggle for resources. What a world that would be. Perhaps we could see past our struggles and come to understand each other. To see each other not as opposition to our own survival, but as brothers to the world. A world in which energy is abundant. The world is positivity brimming with it. A lofty dream.

Sun continued, his excited positive demeanor turning serious and capable.

​

[Sun Wukong] "The World Government will never allow it. One day, they shall come for you, Dr. Vegapunk. One day, they shall come at you with full bite. I know... I am the fangs."​

​

[Sun Wukong] "Allow me to be your sword. Allow me to be your shield. Your ace. To watch and defend your work from within, from within Cipher Pol Aegis."​

​

A double-agent. Sun Wukong's proposition was to exchange his services for Dr. Vegapunk's continued research, in hopes of literally saving the world from itself. The Sage Squad would be the ace. The Cipher Pol agent's decades-long mission to infiltrate the World Government was at its crowning moment with his inception to Cipher Pol 0. A perfect position to monitor the movement of the World Government, the classified, from within.

The air would likely be thick with pause, surprise. Sun clad a confident grin, not unlike what Dr. Vegapunk might have seen from Leonard Burns' younger years. Spirit, not of Kings, but of the People, would coat the air. A stark difference from the fool scared of ghosts. A charismatic assassin of death. The fangs of the World Government showed.

[Sun Wukong] "A man of science lives by fact, not conjecture. Allow me thus to show my utility as fact, Dr. Vegapunk. I shall exterminate this 'danger' upon your land."​

​

 

[Gambit]

Sun and Hagiri followed the two Vegapunks as they were taken to the Fabiriophase - the city of the future. Hagiri looked around. The place was surrounded by trees and futuristic structures. But the most catch one is the giant, cracked open egg-shaped structure that towers above the clouds.

They strode through the metallic door in which Hagiri thought to be dodgy. Thereafter, they would draw close to an elavator which began its ascent to the Labphase. A laboratory within the giant egg that sits on a manufactured Island Cloud. Different weapons could be seen from the get go and one of them caught Hagiri's eyes - a gun. He couldn't withdraw his eyes on it until the two Vegapunks decided to sit on a couch. He followed.

When asked what their purpose was, he let his senior discuss it for he is only a tag along at this point. He listened carefully. Sun drew an envelope directed to the scientist. On its surface, there inscribed a name 'Leonard Burns', he spoke in his mind.

Not for long, an old man walked into the room and claimed to be another Vegapunk. What in the world?, he asked himself.

The man opened the eveloped, revealing something of strangest things he heard.

Information of his exploits of Pangea had reached my ears. And eyes...

"??!"

He gazed at the old man then at Sun Wukong. The young sniper was clueless. He began to think whether he's welcome to hear all that. But no objection was set. He continued to lend his hears. It was at this point where he felt Sun's emotions once more. The same feeling he felt when the Humandrill unravel his story to him and the man he used to befriend. A man he claimed to be similar as him.

[Sun Wukong] “When I was a young child, my only friend, a human, saw his kingdom in Kuragaina Island engulfed in a Civil War. A war for resources. Borne was my biggest regret, failing to lend a hand, racism at the helm. From that point on, my mission has been to unite all races. The Sage Squad was born from that dream."

After all this, Sun offered his proposition to the doctor. He saw the man's determination to offer his life to the man whom he claimed to be capable of harnessing an unlimited energy and carve a path towards a better world.

Hagiri stood up. "I am still clueless about what's happening here. I was a pirate all my life and taken by this man - trusted. I want to rewrite the stars by making moves necessary to achieve what he conspire with you. One gentleman could not do it all alone. I am not as strong as you are but please allow me to be part of something of value."

"And more importantly, I need a gun.", as he turned back to the weapon calling him.