One Piece: Talent Copy System!

Chapter 178: The Eccentric Scientist

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A Noitem remnant led Noir to a sheltered corner of the base.

A nondescript building stood there, its scale reminiscent of a large chemical plant from Noir's previous life.

The guide knocked twice on the door. Noir expected it to open automatically, as others had, but instead, it creaked open manually.

A nervous-looking man emerged, bowing deeply to Noir. "Your Highness," he said, "The Scientist is in the laboratory. Please follow me."

A high-tech automated entrance to the base, but a manually operated door here?

Noir was slightly bemused but followed the man inside.

The interior of the "factory" was disappointing. Instead of advanced technology, Noir saw only an array of greasy machinery and scattered parts.

The impressive facade of the base seemed to have vanished.

This eccentric scientist is probably some grimy, unhygienic brute, Noir thought to himself.

The guide led him to an office within the factory and knocked hesitantly. "Doctor ( alias for scientists too )" he announced, "His Highness wishes to see you."

...

Silence. The air grew still.

Noir raised an eyebrow. No response? Lost in research, or intentionally ignoring me?

Patience is key when dealing with eccentric geniuses.

Noir stepped forward and knocked himself. "It's Noir," he said. "May I come in?"

Finally, there was a response – a flurry of chaotic noises from within, as if something had been knocked over. Then, a surprisingly loud explosion!

Noir smirked, casually disabled the lock with a flick of his wrist, and pushed the door open.

"What the?!"

A dark mass hurtled towards him, burying him and his companions under a pile of debris.

Noir struggled out of the junk heap, staring in disbelief at the chaotic state of the room. Was this a landfill?

Even for an eccentric scientist, this was excessive.

The spacious room was overflowing with clutter, leaving barely any space to stand.

Noir looked around, but there was no one in sight. "Did the doctor get buried alive in his own trash after the explosion?" he muttered.

That would be a tragic end.

Wait, why is there a strand of... pink hair... in the garbage?

Intrigued, Noir reached out, grasped the hair, and pulled. A small figure emerged with a yelp.

Noir blinked, staring at the creature he'd unearthed. Their eyes met. The air crackled with... something.

A pink-haired little girl, with a fluffy ahoge sticking up from her head, stared back at him. She wore an oversized lab coat, her face smudged with grime, but her features were undeniably angelic.

Noir, his face expressionless, tossed the unidentified child aside.

This has to be a dream. Maybe she's the doctor's daughter?

"Ouch!"

The dazed child landed outside the door, clutching her backside. Two figures rushed to her side. "Doctor, are you alright?!"