Can the World Government really let go of the sole greatest factor in the technological superiority they hold over those who roam the seas?

For even the most powerful individuals residing in the world of One Piece, there is no question of defying the World Government’s authority on any grounds, especially when it comes to matters concerning the Void Century. In fact, conducting any sort of research into this murky period in history is considered the ultimate taboo, equating to an immediate death sentence for all parties involved. Such was the fate of the scholars of Ohara, who took this risk in the pursuit of knowledge and paid dearly for it.

Now that Dr. Vegapunk, the world’s foremost scientist in One Piece, has been found guilty of the same taboo, a similarly bleak future awaits him since he has been targeted for assassination by both Cipher Pol and Admiral Kizaru. The Egghead Incident has devolved into a situation of utter chaos, with the Straw Hat Pirates facing off against an Admiral and even one of the Five Elders. In all this confusion, the World Government’s objective of eliminating Vegapunk remains the same, but can they really afford to go through with it?

Losing Technological Superiority

Besides the overwhelming military might at their disposal, one of the ways in which the World Government has been able to maintain some modicum of control over the seas is with the aid of the superior technology Vegapunk has developed on their behalf. This extends to even the most seemingly mundane inventions such as the use of Seastone hull ships, which allow the Marines to navigate through the Calm Belts without being attacked by Sea Kings.

Such an invention would not have been possible without Vegapunk’s ingenuity, which is why he is so indispensable to the World Government. At higher levels, he has been responsible for the creation of the Livestream Den Den Mushi, gas-proof suits, living weapons from Devil Fruits as well as Artificial Devil Fruits, and even island wide climate control mechanisms. Most importantly, he was the mastermind behind combining the art of cloning with the replication of Devil Fruit powers to create the Pacifista and the Seraphim.

Both projects had their roots in Vegapunk’s discovery of the Lineage Factor, and would not have been possible without him. In fact, the invention of the Seraphim was such a landmark achievement that it partially contributed to the abolishment of the Seven Warlords system, as they are cybernetic clones of the Warlords themselves. Hence, without Vegapunk’s contributions to their arsenal of weaponry, the Marines would not be able to keep incredibly strong individuals such as the Four Emperors under control, and maintain the balance of power on the seas.

A Threat Of Stagnation

Since the start of the series’ narrative, there have been definite upgrades in the World Government’s arsenal of weaponry which are the direct result of Vegapunk’s work with the Marine SSG (Special Science Group). Much of this progress was built on the genius scientist’s research as the leader of MADS, an illegal research institute that included renowned minds such as Vinsmoke Judge of the Germa Kingdom, Caesar Clown, and Queen, a future member of the Beasts Pirates.

Since none of the other members of this institute have any reason or intention to ally with the World Government, the loss of Vegapunk’s scientific innovation would present a serious conundrum for the Marines. Each of the other members of MADS went on to ally with organizations such as the Donquixote Pirates or the Beasts Pirates, in direct opposition to the World Government, or used their research in a way that defied its authority, as was the case with Judge.

Prior to the current situation on Egghead Island, the World Government’s only real option to keep up with the achievements of such individuals was to work with Vegapunk and entice him with near unlimited funding and resources to fuel his own research. Now, since Vegapunk might defect from the Marines on his own, there is a risk that Judge or Caesar might surpass Vegapunk’s contributions to the World Government’s armory in due time, especially if Vegapunk himself is no longer on their side to fine tune and enhance his inventions further. There is a very real threat of technological stagnation within the Marines for this very reason, as no one within the organization is anywhere near Vegapunk’s level of genius.

Unleashing The Mother Flame

Throughout the conflict on Egghead Island, there has been one particularly intriguing development concerning Vegapunk’s relationship with the Five Elders. It has been confirmed that the invention known as the Mother Flame, which Vegapunk had a hand in creating, was responsible for the destruction of the Lulusia Kingdom in the aftermath of the Levely.

Most notably, the Five Elders are now desperate to protect Vegapunk’s satellite York from harm, as she represents the only means for them to get their hands on another version of the Mother Flame. Considering how important this invention seems to be in the World Government’s plans for the future, such that they would go so far as to grant York the title of a Celestial Dragon in exchange for betraying Vegapunk’s main body, there is no doubt that the Five Elders desperately want another version of the Mother Flame.

While York may be able to develop another sample like the one she shared with the Five Elders, it is doubtful that she would be able to perfect this creation to the same level as Vegapunk and his other satellites can while working as a collective. This is the final most important factor in why Vegapunk’s assassination order is a grave mistake on the part of the World Government, especially since he will now likely set out to sea with the Straw Hat Pirates and lend his talents to their efforts to reach Laugh Tale and expose the true history of the world.

Src: gamerant.com