Chapter Fifty-Six: Judge's Secret

“Jijijijijiji! Judge, are you joking? Everyone knows that those who have undergone lineage factor modification are completely obedient to you. I think you’d better give up on that idea. If, however, you’re willing to use this technology to negotiate with Buffon, I can discuss it with him!”

Upon hearing this, Buffon’s appreciation for Moria’s negotiation skills grew once again. When it wasn’t his place to speak, Moria wouldn’t utter a word. Now, when they reached the heart of the matter and Buffon found himself at a loss for words, Moria simply cut Judge’s plan off at the root with a single sentence.

“What a waste that he’s not in business!” Buffon secretly praised in his heart.

“This technology is absolutely confidential. I can guarantee with my own integrity that I will never give Buffon any commands,” Judge said solemnly.

“Jijijijijiji! What’s the use of a mercenary leader’s integrity? As long as the price is right, I bet you’d even agree to attack Mariejois!” Moria pressed on relentlessly.

At this point, Reiju, who had remained silent, finally spoke: “Buffon’s medical skills are the finest I’ve ever seen, but lineage factor modification is based on the foundation of blood. I don’t think zombies have any blood left in them. Even if my father is willing to exchange this technology, it probably won’t be of much use to you.”

Reiju truly lived up to her reputation as a woman skilled in diplomacy. With just this one statement, she not only praised Buffon but also deftly blocked Moria’s argument.

Buffon agreed in his heart—it was just as she said. Lineage factor modification wouldn’t benefit zombies, and Moria’s crew didn’t possess the wealth of the Vinsmoke family to field an army of clones.

“This woman is no simple character,” Buffon thought to himself.

“Jijijijijiji! In that case, there’s nothing left to discuss. Why don’t we talk about Wapol metal instead? I think your combat suits would make an excellent trade!” Moria continued, making another ambitious demand.

From his perspective, if he could get a combat suit, Buffon’s combat power would be drastically improved. And Wapol metal wasn’t a unique resource—if Judge agreed, it would be a fair trade.

“Impossible. The combat suits are exclusive equipment for members of the Vinsmoke family!” Judge refused once more.

Seeing that the negotiation had reached an impasse, Reiju spoke again: “Father, why don’t we take this opportunity to witness Buffon’s medical skills firsthand? Although the Germa troops are fearless, still…”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but it was clear to any discerning listener that she was advising her father to retreat in order to advance, and if the deal failed, to win Buffon over directly.

She believed that Germa’s future prospects were far brighter than Moria’s, and anyone with sense could see that.

Reminded by her words, Judge quickly understood.

He then said, “Very well, let us see for ourselves what Buffon’s medical skills can do!”

“Moria, could you show me around your ship? I’ve always been curious about the largest pirate ship at sea,” Reiju said at just the right moment.

“Jijijijijiji! No problem!” Moria agreed readily.

He knew perfectly well they wanted to get him out of the way to give Buffon and Judge a chance to talk privately. But he didn’t mind. Ever since his previous analysis, his trust in Buffon had reached an unprecedented level.

He believed that if Buffon, with all his talents, still chose to stay aboard, then no offer from anyone else would tempt him.

Once the two had left, Judge removed the cloak from his combat suit, revealing a gruesome scar on the left side of his neck.

“It really couldn’t be easier,” Buffon thought with satisfaction, then gestured for Judge to lie down on the operating table.

“Do you need anesthesia?” Buffon asked offhandedly.

Judge waved his hand.

Buffon nodded and began. For him, a wound like this was a trivial matter—he could stitch it up with his eyes closed.

But as he uncovered the wound, even Buffon, knowledgeable as he was, felt a ripple of surprise—he had discovered a secret never revealed in the original story.

Judge was a cyborg!

And not just any cyborg, but the same type as Kuma—modified by Vegapunk himself, though to a lesser degree and with all modifications hidden beneath the skin.

Sensing Buffon’s hands pause for a moment, Judge glanced at him.

Catching that look, Buffon was certain Judge had done this deliberately.

In order to win him over, Judge was even willing to reveal such a secret—a gesture that left Buffon somewhat moved.

Still, it was useless for Buffon. He pushed the matter aside and continued the operation.

In less than five minutes, Buffon had stitched up the wound on Judge’s neck.

As expected, Buffon gained the knowledge of lineage factor modification from Judge.

Judge sat up and examined his neck in the mirror. At last, a barely perceptible smile flickered across his usually icy features.

He had always deliberately concealed the fact that he was a cyborg, covering the scar on his neck with a cloak. He wanted the world to believe his power came from lineage factor modification, not Vegapunk’s cyborg technology.

This not only showcased his strength and status but also prevented others from discovering his weaknesses through Vegapunk.

“This technique is truly astonishing!”

Judge, in a rare moment, voiced his admiration, but Buffon showed no reaction.

Seeing Buffon remain silent, and with only the two of them present, Judge spoke directly: “Buffon, I greatly admire your abilities. Would you be willing to join the Vinsmoke family? Moria’s dark domain can never contain your ambitions. I can teach you the lineage factor technology without reservation—we could create even greater, stronger warriors together.”

Buffon shook his head without hesitation.

“There’s no need, I already have the knowledge myself,” Buffon thought, though outwardly he replied, “No, let’s get back to the price of the alloy.”

Seeing Buffon unmoved, Judge pressed on: “The world out there is so vast and exciting. Someone like you can’t possibly spend your life cooped up on this monstrous ship. You should go out and make your mark! If you agree to research new lineage factor modifications with me, the entire Germa Kingdom will stand behind you.”

“I already turned down Whitebeard—why would I agree to Judge?” Buffon mused inwardly.

“That’s not something I’ll consider. As for your earlier offer to perform lineage factor modification on me, I accept, but you must also include a combat suit. All you’ll get in return is Wapol metal,” Buffon replied, deliberately flashing a proud smile.

Hearing this, Judge thought to himself, “Young man, don’t think that just because you’re strong and skilled in medicine you can escape my control after modification—you underestimate the power of the lineage factor!”

But aloud, he answered decisively, “Very well, we’ll go to my ship shortly, and I’ll perform the lineage factor modification for you!”