Genius Like Vegapunk Can’t be Lost!

One Piece Chapter 1068 Review/Recap

If it wasn’t already clear, now it’s official: Dr. Vegapunk no longer works for the World Government. The genius has outlived his usefulness, and since he knows too much to be left alive, they seek to kill him. Given how CP0, their deadliest group of assassins, is after him, not even Vegapunk could stop them. However, the Straw Hats are one of the genius’ trump card and best chance to fulfill his dream. 

Recap

CP0 arrives on the shores of Egghead Island, ostensibly to return the Kuma Seraphim. However, Vegapunk knows their goal is to assassinate him, and refuses to let them dock. Regardless, Rob Lucci orders CP0 to prepare to land anyway. Realizing they’ve got a fight on their hands, Shaka calls everyone to battle stations. In addition to evacuating the civilians, Shaka deploys the Seraphim they have on the island and for Atlas to get back to the lab.

Meanwhile, Vegapunk explains why he wants Luffy to get him off the island. In essence, his dream’s to provide the whole world with free energy. However, his quest to do so led him to research the Ancient Kingdom, leading for the World Government to mark him for death. While Luffy doesn’t understand, he agrees to take Vegapunk with them. The Dr agrees to meet with them at the Lab Stratum, and the genius takes his leave. 

Amidst all this, CP0 makes landfall on Egghead Island and try to hunt down Vegapunk. While the defenses keep them from getting to the lab, Punk Atlas tries to fight them herself. As a result, Lucci horrifically injures her. As everyone begins to panic and evacuate, Luffy’s group arrives on the scene, with Luffy and Lucci recognizing each other.

Review

Well, that escalated quickly. It looks like the World Government’s not playing around about killing the smartest man in the world. Then again, given how much of a genius Vegapunk is, bringing your A-game is a requirement. And as we’ve seen since Dressrosa, CP0 are the deadliest assassin’s the World Government has. 

Exhibit A: one of their agents killed Izo, a former commander of the Whitebeard Pirates and a samurai of Wano Country. That alone is scary. 

Exhibit B: Another agent got the drop on Luffy while he was fighting Kaido. I still haven’t forgotten about that.

And given how Kaku and Rob Lucci are among the agents invading Egghead Island, Vegapunk’s defenses won’t stand a chance. Best case, they would slow them down. What I’m more concerned about is the Seraph of Kuma they have in their possession. We’ve already seen how dangerous they are at Amazon Lily and, more recently, Egghead Island itself. However, this chapter confirms my worst fears: Vegapunk’s not only managed to perfect his artificial Devil Fruit recreation, he’s found a way to give it to other beings even when the real fruit’s still in production. In other words, that Kuma Seraph has the real one’s Paw-Paw powers.

Fortunately, Vegapunk has three wildcards up his sleeve: the Straw Hats, the Seraphs, and Kuma himself.

The Straw Hats Aren’t Even Vegapunk’s Best Option

The World Government wasn’t expecting the Straw Hat Pirates to arrive on Egghead Island right before they showed up. While I doubt that Luffy’s newfound status as a Yonko will deter them, they should know by now that when the Straw Hats get involved, things go bad for them. In addition, they’ve beaten Rob Lucci and Kaku in the past. While the two have gotten stronger, so have Luffy and the others. It will come down to who’s gotten stronger, and I’m betting on the Straw Hats.  

In addition, Vegapunk seems to have a number of Seraphs already present on Egghead Island. Unless the World Government has control over them, they’ll fight for his side. However, the biggest wildcard might end up being the real Kuma himself. This chapter saw him use his powers to teleport away from the Revolutionary Army. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s heading towards Egghead Island to protect Vegapunk. Whether this is of his own free will or the result of a failsafe Vegapunk added remains to be seen. Either way, it’s convenient for the plot.

The Genius of Vegapunk Must Not Die

I’ve already respected Dr. Vegapunk for a long time now. Despite working for the World Government, all he’s wanted to do is make the world a better place. His genius is such that he wants to give the world unlimited energy so that no more wars over resources need to be fought. That’s something I wish would happen in our world. However, the World Government’s so desperate to keep control that they’re willing to crush that dream. For the sake of the world, the genius of Vegapunk must not die.

I don’t know if Vegapunk will truly join the Straw Hat Pirates, but if he does, Luffy will be getting a powerful ally. What matters is keeping him safe from the World Government. The fight to protect a genius is on, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the Straw Hats will do.

I Give “A Genius’ Dream” a 4/5

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