Chapter 149: Dr. Tsukimi, Future Country Baldimore

"Ryan, Stussy..."

"I didn't expect it to be the two of you!"

"Have you returned after completing your studies in the Future Country?"

"Welcome back to the crew!!!"

The veteran members of the Fallen Angel Pirates—Rock, Nef, Barry, and others—were clearly familiar with the pair Moss had brought back, greeting them warmly and with surprise. Meanwhile, the newer members—Tsuru, Rufe, Mad, and Lillian—looked on in confusion, unsure who they were.

"El-sama, I am honored to say that I have completed my training under Dr. Tsukimi!" declared Mead Ryan, a slightly stocky young man, as he stepped forward to address El. His eyes shone with deep respect and gratitude, and his expression conveyed visible excitement.

Ryan had been kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery. Later, he was rescued by the Hell Trading Company and sent to the Dreamland in the Calm Belt for training. Though he didn't possess a natural talent for combat, he showed remarkable intellect and an exceptional memory, able to recall almost everything he read. Upon learning that he wished to become a scientist, El-sama, who had given him this second chance at life, spared no expense in providing him with the best mentors. Six years ago, the Hell Trading Company arranged for him to study in the Future Country under Dr. Tsukimi, a renowned scientist of the Grand Line.

By generously funding Dr. Tsukimi's research, El persuaded the scientist to take Ryan on as a disciple. Although he obtained the opportunity through El's support, Ryan's dedication and achievements impressed Dr. Tsukimi, who recognized the young man's potential and taught him all he knew. Recently, Ryan had completed his training, having served as Dr. Tsukimi's assistant on various scientific projects. Yesterday, he received El's call, prompting him to leave the Future Country and rejoin the Fallen Angel Pirates, eager to use his skills to repay the one who had given him a new life and a chance to fulfill his dream of becoming a scientist.

"El-sama, I've completed my training as well..."

Stepping up beside Ryan, Buckingham Stussy blinked her bright blue, jewel-like eyes and smiled, her gaze toward El filled with admiration and passion.

"Hmph, Stussy, stop trying to take credit," Ryan muttered, glancing at his companion with exasperation. "If I hadn't helped you finish that experiment, you wouldn't have met Dr. Tsukimi's requirements—you'd still have at least a few more years to go!"

"I'm an Arms-Arms Fruit user; I don't need to be a full-fledged scientist. How was I supposed to know Dr. Tsukimi would make me do complex biological experiments..." Stussy replied, unbothered, and continued matter-of-factly, "Besides, I spent a lot of time honing my Six Powers and Haki skills and developing my fruit abilities—I wasn't solely focused on scientific research like you!"

Five years ago, Stussy had joined the Hell Trading Company of her own accord, hoping to make a living. She soon discovered that the company was secretly controlled by the Fallen Angel Pirates. After passing a series of rigorous tests and proving her exceptional abilities, she was given the chance to join the crew.

From the moment she first met El, she was captivated by his striking appearance and powerful presence. Later, El gifted her the Arms-Arms Fruit, acquired by the Hell Trading Company on the black market, and sent her to study under Dr. Tsukimi in the Future Country, where she could gain the scientific knowledge necessary to fully harness her Devil Fruit abilities.

"Don't make it sound like I wasn't training either!"

Ryan gave Stussy an exasperated look and retorted, "Every day, you were hiding in your room drawing portraits of El-sama, covered in ink. You thought I didn't know?"

"What?!"

"What were you up to, Stussy...?"

"Unbelievable! You hopeless fangirl..."

Linlin, Nef, Gerd, Lily, and the others widened their eyes, glaring at Stussy with disapproval. They all knew Stussy's personality quite well—though she was proud and beautiful, she was irresistibly drawn to strength. Ever since she had seen El demonstrate his incredible power, she had been infatuated, utterly fixated on him, and often devised schemes to be near him. Sometimes, she'd even spy on him during training with a dreamy smile on her face.

If it weren't for Linlin and Gerd keeping a close watch, she might have sneaked into El's quarters by now.

"Lies!"

Stussy's cheeks flushed as she jumped up, delivering a swift kick at Ryan. "You—how dare you spy on me!"

"Tekkai!" Ryan's stout body recoiled like a spring, bouncing off a tree trunk before rebounding back. He might not have possessed natural combat talent, but he had learned a few techniques over the years, especially Tekkai, which he could execute effortlessly.

"Pervert! Stalker! Shameless creep!"

"Hey, I wasn't spying! Don't ruin my reputation like that," Ryan protested, ducking behind El for cover. "It was Dr. Tsukimi's daughter, Sasha, who told me!"

"Sasha?"

Stussy clenched her teeth, storming over to land a few more kicks. "That little brat betrayed me! And after I bought her all those snacks!"

As she ranted, she turned to El, attempting to explain, "El-sama, please don't listen to him—I definitely wasn't doing that!"

"Alright, enough," El sighed, giving Stussy a sidelong look.

Stussy did have some scientific talent, but compared to Ryan, her aptitude didn't quite measure up. El hadn't expected her to become an exceptional scientist. Though she was a bit of a fangirl, she wasn't merely decorative; she had real skill in weapon design. This was why he had granted her the Arms-Arms Fruit and sent her to study under Dr. Tsukimi in the Future Country to enhance her capabilities.

"Future Country? Scientists?"

Both Tsuru, the tactician, and Dr. Kureha, with her broad knowledge, looked at El with surprise. Neither had expected him to already have personnel trained in advanced science.

"Forethought and planning go a long way," El replied with a shrug and a smile. "Relying solely on my Devil Fruit abilities isn't sustainable—science is the real power."

He couldn't afford to overlook such an important field. Even if they someday persuaded Dr. Vegapunk to work with them, having trained experts was essential for oversight and loyalty.

"This is your reward for completing your studies: the Paramecia-class Munch-Munch Fruit," El said, signaling Lily to bring over the Devil Fruit he'd recently acquired from Drum Kingdom. It was a deep purple-black fruit that resembled a carnivorous plant.

Seeing Ryan's expression of surprise and excitement, El continued, "As a scientist, you understand the immense value of this ability."

Originally, El had hoped that Ryan might bring back Dr. Tsukimi's other disciple, Vegapunk, as well. However, that young genius, only ten years old, was reluctant to leave the Future Country. For now, El decided to be patient.

"Munch-Munch Fruit? I remember reading in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia that it allows the user to consume anything, integrate it into their body, or even combine things to create something new..."

Grasping the fruit in his hands, Ryan's face lit up with joy. It was the ideal power for a scientist.

"I won't disappoint you, El-sama!"