One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

Alpha folded her arms across her chest and raised her chin proudly, projecting an image of absolute confidence. But her occasional glances in Luffy's direction and the nervous tapping of her fingers betrayed her inner anxiety.

While she genuinely believed in Vegapunk's capabilities, the unanimous opposition from everyone—including her own sister and Luffy—had planted seeds of doubt in her mind. However, these uncertainties were swiftly dispelled the moment Vegapunk delivered his answer.

"Well, this is a little difficult," Vegapunk's voice crackled through the Den Den Mushi, "but if we have all the necessary equipment, it's not impossible to accomplish."

"See, even Dr. Vegapunk—" Luffy began, preparing to announce Alpha's defeat, but his words died in his throat.

His entire body went rigid, and his eyes widened in shock as he stared at the transponder snail in disbelief.

"Doctor, what did you just say? Could you repeat that?!" Luffy exclaimed, suddenly animated.

Vegapunk sounded slightly confused by Luffy's reaction, but he clarified nonetheless: "It's no problem. During my research on transferring Devil Fruit powers to objects, I discovered a viable method for extraction as well. I don't currently have the apparatus to implement this technology, so constructing it would require some time, but the theory is sound."

It wasn't just Luffy anymore—everyone except Alpha sat frozen in place, as if they'd been petrified by the Mero Mero no Mi.

In the stunned silence, Alpha leapt from her seat with a jubilant shout, pumping her fist triumphantly.

"YES! I was right! I won the bet!" she cheered, dancing around the table before snatching the Den Den Mushi from Luffy's slack grip.

Vegapunk, still unaware of the context surrounding his revelation, continued to explain: "You start capturing pirates with Devil Fruit abilities. I can definitely assist with this project."

"Thank you, Doctor! You're absolutely brilliant!" Alpha gushed.

"What's going on? Why this sudden interest in Devil Fruit extraction?" Vegapunk inquired, perplexed.

Alpha's smile turned smugly victorious, but she kept the details of their wager to herself. "Never mind that. You wouldn't understand even if I explained. Just focus on preparing whatever you need for the extraction process. We'll capture someone with Devil Fruit powers and contact you when we're ready."

"I understand," Vegapunk replied. "But before you go, there's one condition."

His tone shifted to something more serious. "What about Luffy? Tell him I can build this extraction device for you, but in the interests of scientific advancement, he needs to reconsider my proposal. I can modify the arrangement entirely according to his preferences to minimize any discomfort. If he agrees to this, I'll begin work on your extraction device immediately."

"You mean about Lilith, right?" Alpha responded without hesitation. "I accept on his behalf. I look forward to your good news, Doctor!"

Click.

With their terms established, Alpha ended the call. She turned to face the table of astonished faces, strutting back to her seat with the swagger of a conquering hero.

She clapped her hands loudly to recapture everyone's attention. When she was met with stunned silence, her lips curled into a mocking smile.

"Why so quiet? Yamato, you were laughing so happily before. Keep laughing now!" she taunted.

Yamato glared at her with barely contained fury, but under Alpha's triumphant gaze, her resolve crumbled. Like a defeated stray dog, she lowered her head in humiliation.

Having savored Yamato's surrender, Alpha shifted her attention to Kalifa, who had struck her earlier. She blew dramatically on her right hand and, before Kalifa could react, delivered a swift flick to her sister's forehead.

Kalifa covered the spot in disbelief, staring at her suddenly emboldened sister with shock as indignation flared in her eyes.

"What are you staring at? That was payback," Alpha declared. "Do you see where you went wrong now? CP9 agents like you have no brains whatsoever."

Kalifa's teeth audibly clenched as rage coursed through her. In all their years together, this was the first time her supposedly dim-witted sister had so thoroughly humiliated her.

Watching Kalifa's furious yet helpless expression, Alpha felt as refreshed as if she'd downed an ice-cold drink on the hottest summer day.

Having dealt with her two primary tormentors, Alpha surveyed the rest of the women with undisguised contempt. Her gaze finally settled on Luffy.

"Luffy," she began with exaggerated sweetness, "you heard my conversation with the doctor. Didn't you say you'd agree to any one request I made? Well, all I ask is that you cooperate with Dr. Vegapunk and contribute to the advancement of science. You have no objections, right?"

"What the hell?!" Luffy exploded internally, desperately wishing he could travel back in time and slap some sense into his past self. This is what happens when you make careless bets! What was I thinking?!

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