To this day, the division of territory in the world has become very clear.
Setting aside the New World ruled by the Yonko, the other four seas and the first half of the Grand Line are under the control of the colossal entity known as the World Government. This disparity makes it so that even the four individuals known as the "Four Emperors of the New World" dare not act rashly.
However, most people have overlooked a treasure trove: the territory in the sky, otherwise known as the Sky Islands.
Situated ten thousand meters above sea level, there are only three ways to reach them.
The first is via special sea currents that surge into the heavens. This is how Alucard happened to enter a Sky Island previously. The "Sea Dragon" in Whitebeard's territory in the New World is one such current. The reason Army officers like Momousagi and Shirokitsune, whom Alucard encountered before, were on a Sky Island might also be due to this method.
The second is a rare sea route. Of those who attempt this path, the survival rate is often one in ten, and the way is incredibly difficult to find.
The third is to rely on one's own power to charge straight up.
Those capable of such a feat include Alucard, who previously controlled Jormungandr to enter; Bartholomew Kuma, using the powers of the Paw-Paw Fruit; and Aranea Highwind, the user of the Steam-Steam Fruit and owner of flight armor, whom Dr. Vegapunk sent to investigate.
Beyond them, Doflamingo with the String-String Fruit, Shiki the Golden Lion with the Float-Float Fruit, and Marco the Phoenix could potentially achieve it as well.
The statement Dr. Vegapunk made over the phone was the result of the investigation he had commissioned from Aranea and Kuma.
Lately, the World Government has been increasingly frequent in deploying troops to the Sky Islands. They have even constructed flying warships; though they are not yet fully matured and remain in the experimental stage.
Nevertheless, this has significantly increased the survival rate of troops traveling to the Sky Islands.
Descending from the Sky Islands is even simpler.
The Sky Island specialty, the Octopus Balloon, can be mass-produced just like Den Den Mushi. As long as they are used correctly, the survival rate is essentially one hundred percent.
Aranea, who was originally in charge of the investigation, assumed the Government was frequenting the Sky Islands to mass-purchase Breath Dials, an essential material for flying warships and flight armor.
But this investigation revealed it was far from that simple. Enel, the former ruler, is dead. As the presence of Government forces grows larger, according to the Sky Island residents, the Government has begun purchasing land in bulk. They are even expanding their military bases.
Initially, Alucard had no desire to interfere with the Government's schemes, but Dr. Vegapunk refused to sit idly by while the Government snatched up all the resources he desired.
It wasn't just the Tone Dials, Flavor Dials, Flame Dials, and other various types; there was also Weatheria, the legendary island that produces weather, and the unsolved mystery of why people on Sky Islands have wings. Dr. Vegapunk simply couldn't bear to let these things go.
Of course, with his talent, he could easily return to the Government, and they would welcome him with open arms. But if he did that, Alucard would certainly never let him go.
Thus, Dr. Vegapunk had only one path: persuade Alucard to deploy troops to the Sky Islands and seize ownership of them. Indeed, worthy of being a high-IQ genius scientist, the reason he provided was one Alucard found difficult to refuse.
"Captain, please think carefully."
Dr. Vegapunk's calm voice continued to flow through the mouth of the Den Den Mushi. "When we recruited Kuma, if I hadn't predicted the Government would move against the Kuja, do you think New Amazon Lily would still exist today?"
"Cut the suspense."
Alucard set the receiver aside and poured a fresh glass of Virgin Wine. He didn't intend to say much; he just wanted to hear what kind of grand scheme the old man had cooked up.
"You should know that on the three Great Marine Volcanic Islands, the stockpile of Dyna Stones is still more than sufficient."
Dr. Vegapunk continued, "If this land in the sky falls into the hands of the Government, and they begin dropping clusters of Dyna Stones from ten thousand meters above our territory... what do you think our fate will be?"
Alucard's hand paused just as he was about to bring the Virgin Blood to his lips.
Though in his heart he didn't care much for territory, wishing only to live comfortably, it was impossible for him to feel zero attachment to a place he had inhabited for ten years. More importantly, how could he tolerate the Government pulling such a stunt again?
Alucard put his wine glass back down and said, "Tell me your plan."
"It's simple. Deploy heavy forces and seize ownership of the Sky Islands."
Dr. Vegapunk was blunt and direct. Sitting at his lab bench, he held the receiver in one hand and clenched the other into a fist. "Once we have taken the Sky Islands first, we find a way to make one of the other three Yonko engage in a fierce battle with the Navy. We need to dull the edge of the Government's sharpest blade. Once the sea falls into chaos once more, we take that opportunity to develop our power in the sky and occupy the most troublesome Marine Volcanic Islands..."
At this point, Dr. Vegapunk's tone sharpened. In the empty laboratory, his expression had become exceptionally ferocious, a stark contrast to his usual unflappable demeanor. He growled, "And in one fell swoop, we destroy the World Government!"
At the lab bench, the Den Den Mushi, which bore Alucard's distinct features, including the small circular sunglasses and the blood-red high-top hat, remained silent for a long time. After about half a minute, a soft chuckle came through, then a laugh, and finally, a roar of manic laughter.
"Hehehe... Hahaha... Ahahaha! Ahahaha!"
The laughter echoing from the Den Den Mushi even startled Aranea, who was standing guard outside the laboratory.
After half a minute, the laughter subsided. Dr. Vegapunk held the Den Den Mushi calmly, only to hear Alucard on the other side say, "Did you plan all of this before telling me, Vegapunk?"
"Hardly."
The corners of Dr. Vegapunk's mouth curled upward. "Devising strategies for the Captain is my responsibility as your strategist."
"Heh."
On the small boat, Alucard laughed so hard his body twitched. "Since when did a scientist become a strategist?"