116 Chapter 116: Wash-Wash Fruit
A shocking scene unfolds in a factory with seven conveyor belts. Men and women work on removing the protective membranes from the hearts of Kabane's corpses. Around him, army soldiers are carefully monitoring the situation.
This was originally a factory used by Iwato Station to repair steam guns and small steam boilers, but now it has become a processing factory for Kabane's heart membranes.
It can also be regarded as an experimental project of the World Government.
After Crocodile and his elite army cleared Iwato Station of the Kabane, they accumulated a large number of corpses around this factory. Then they hired local survivors to work on it.
It is important to mention that the army did not force anyone. They just showed a notice to everyone.
The notice said that by removing a membrane, one would earn a thousand berries, which could be used to buy more bread, milk, canned meat, and medicine to treat minor injuries.
...
Yomogawa Ayame was examining a document containing surprising information. In front of her sat a man dressed in a black suit, with two assistants behind him.
"It turns out... a government that rules more than 170 countries in other world..." Ayame murmured to himself in disbelief.
The man in black opposite the two people was also looking at Ayame.
"I assume you now understand the information about the World Government, so let me introduce myself."
The man in black in front of Ayame said, "My name is Ranold, and I am a Senior Director of the Administrative Department. My role will be to advise you in the management of this country and ultimately what we call the Kabane World."
What?!" Ayame exclaimed before rushing to explain: "Perhaps there has been a misunderstanding, Director Ranold. I am just the governor of Aragane Station. The true ruler of all of Hinomoto is the Shogun."
"We didn't misunderstand. Instead, we decided to cancel the position of shogun of Amatori Okimasa, and then you, Yomogawa Ayame, will take the position. Do you understand now?"
"This..." Ayame was completely stunned. She would never have imagined that she would witness such a bold betrayal.
"You... you really want to rebel against the shogunate!"
"Rebellious?"
Ranold looked at her strangely, spread his hands, and said with a smile. "I think the word reception is more appropriate."
"From the moment we came to this world, whether in the current Hinomoto or in foreign lands, the oceans and the skies, everything is under the banner of the World Government. Amatori Okimasa just wasn't on our priority list."
Silence filled the room after his words.
Then Ayame suppressed the panic in his heart and asked in a trembling voice: "Then why me?"
"Because you were the first to draw our attention as Governor and earned our recognition. You are lucky." Ranold smiled.
"Is it just because of luck..." Ayame said with a bitter smile.
"Only...?" Ranold gave a serious lesson. "It seems that you are still too young. You must understand that luck is something comparable to a miracle. Don't underestimate it!"
Ayame bit her lip and unconsciously looked at Kurusu who was behind her.
At that moment, Kurusu saw Ayame looking at him for help, and immediately nodded towards her, conveying his trust in her.
Seeing this, Ayame felt relieved and turned her head to look at Ranold resolutely.
"Let me ask you, can the World Government behind you ensure that the citizens of Hinomoto have enough food, shelter, and are no longer threatened by the Kabane?"
The Dimensional Gate Base welcomed three special guests today.
Two men and one woman appeared on this land belonging to other world.
Addison, as the top official here, quickly walked over and greeted with a smile: "Welcome, Marshal Raymond, Minister Tsuru, and General Sakazuki, for your inspection!"
"Sure enough, it's just as the information said. This world is really ordinary and disappointing!" Raymond looked at the blue sky above, the pure white clouds and the golden-red sun and smiled.
"There are still some differences. The climate here is quite stable, similar to the Four Blues, although there are often earthquakes and typhoons."
Addison explained politely, then looked at Tsuru and Sakazuki and said with a smile: "But the biggest difference is related to people like you, Devil Fruit users."
"Oh?" This really aroused the curiosity of the two people.
"Tell me."
"According to the research results of our scientists, the water of this world does not contain the substance called 'Pyrobloin', which means that you two can experience the sensation of swimming here."
"What? That is incredible!" Tsuru exclaimed, while Sakazuki also showed amazement.
"Why is there no such content in the information?" Sakazuki asked in a deep voice.
"Because these results are recent and there probably has not been time to include them in the official materials." Addison explained.
"In this case, I must try it later..." Tsuru said full of emotion.
"Okay, take us to see this 'Kabane' or whatever. I've heard it's something unique in this world, and I can't wait to see it!" Raymond ordered.
"Sure, this way." Addison quickly responded. He then personally led the way to the entrance of the Biochemistry Research Institute.
Director Fritz, who had already received the news, was waiting with Ron and other members of the team, as well as Dr. Arata Soue.
After some greetings, the two parties entered the building together.
Soon everyone arrived at the small prison used especially to house experimental subjects.
"Marshal Raymond, Minister Tsuru, and General Sakazuki, please take a look. These living corpses with burning hearts are common Kabane. They have the ability to…"
Director Fritz began to explain the various characteristics of the Kabane, and then the three were taken to the cell where 'Blue Heart' was, brought by Crocodile.
"It is the core that can create the 'Fused Colony' of Kabane aggregates, and its blood is the main material used to create 'black blood' and 'white blood'."
"The 'black blood' can be used to create the 'Nue' form of Kabaneri, which is a very powerful Kabane warrior!"
"Really, how strong is it?" Raymond asked nonchalantly.
"The energy bombs ejected by Kabaneri in the form of 'Nue' have the power to destroy all buildings within a straight line distance of two kilometers in one strike!"
"The most important thing is that it can be manufactured in batches!"
Then Director Fritz looked at Tsuru expectantly. "According to our observations and experiments, we found that the Kabane virus causes the most negative emotions in those infected. Mainly, fear and, to a lesser extent, bloodlust and cruelty."
"So we thought that if we could suppress or eliminate these negative emotions, we could allow the Kabane to regain their consciousness and become true Kabane warriors."
Tsuru pursed his lips and chuckled. "So they thought of my Wash-Wash Fruit ability. It is a very feasible idea. Why wait any longer? Let us begin. I'm also curious to see if my ability affects these otherworldly creatures."
"Perfect! Then let's get started."
Director Fritz excitedly instructed Ron and his team to get ready.
Ron was very efficient. He immediately locked an ordinary Kabane into an empty cell, and then carefully placed a clothes drying rack inside.
Under everyone's gaze, Tsuru walked into the cell with a smile. The Kabane was excited to see this new source of fresh blood. His grotesque face reflected his lust for blood.
In the next instant, she activated the Wash-Wash Fruit's ability. After the Kabane's body was restored, he sat on the cold ground, staring at his own hands in shock.
After a moment, he slowly raised his head and with a trembling voice, he asked: "Where am I…?"
"Wow!"
"It worked!"
Ron and several other senior researchers from the Institute of Biochemistry cheered.
Fritz could no longer hold back the joy in his heart and laughed. After laughing, he stopped paying attention to the other party and turned to look at Tsuru.
"Tests have proven that your ability can indeed help Kabane regain consciousness, but we also know that with your identity and status, it is impossible to waste time on these ordinary Kabane."
"So can you please go and see the 'Blue Heart' again? If its consciousness can be restored, then in the future we will only ask you to 'wash the heart' of Kabane in the 'Nue' form."
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