After the Egghead incident subsides, the futures of many characters will be in flux. Particularly, Bonney, Kizaru, Sentomaru, Stussy, and Vegapunk, most of whom have already defected from the WG. This arc has illustrated the relationships between this group, indicating that their futures are intertwined. Since invading Marines have a ludicrous amount of firepower, the most likely outcome for Luffy and his allies is an evacuation. Once they're off Egghead, the WG won't cease their chase for the defectors. So, where will these stragglers go? The recently established NEO-MADS presents a compelling option.
The biggest indicator that NEO-MADS will have some relevant role to play is in the presentation of the Germa 66 cover story. No previous cover story has been as relevant to current events, and it hasn't officially concluded (1078 had the last installment, but every previous cover story has ended with a clearly defined final volume). The reason for this gap in cover stories could be because the next plot threads are tied to some of the defecting characters. It would make sense, since many of them have scientific background, or were involved with MADS in the past. Not all of the listed characters may join NEO-MADS, but some of them definitely will. So, let's look at each character and see where they'd come into play.
Stussy
Stussy will absolutely have some involvement with NEO-MADS, as she is a clone of a core MADS member. It is unknown if NEO-MADS will try to recruit Queen, but if they get Stussy's clone, why not have the whole band back together again? It could also be a great opportunity to elaborate on the mechanics of cloning, and answer a few mysteries surrounding Weevil's true parentage.
Vegapunk
Vegapunk also has a history with MADS, but that history spawned internal strife. The fate of Vegapunk is uncertain, but if Stella were to try and join NEO-MADS, Caesar and Judge would probably do worse things to Stella than what the WG is currently trying to do. Despite technically being Vegapunk, the remaining satellites likely wouldn't face the same issues, since they are distinct from the original. This would provide them with an environment to continue their research, and Lillith's evil nature would fit right in with Judge and Caesar.
Sentomaru
The world's self proclaimed best defender is in an odd spot, as he isn't a man of science. He is still driven by a lifelong debt to Vegapunk, so even if Stella perishes at Egghead, he will likely continue to protect the remaining satellites. His future involvement will ultimately be predicated on whatever Vegapunk decides to do.
Kizaru
Kizaru is an outlier, as he has yet to defect. His concerns for Bonney and Sentomaru, as well as his recently revealed history with Kuma, indicate that Kizaru will either openly defect, or will discretely muddle with the Marine's affairs while retaining his position. If he does join NEO-MADS, he'd remain with his closest friends, and NEO-MADS could get his assistance in creating laser based weaponry to counter the Pacifistas.
Bonney
Bonney's involvement with NEO-MADS is very uncertain. If Bonney doesn't join the Straw Hats, then she'll probably seek refuge with this group of characters. Ironically, Bonney is like her fruit in that her future in the series is uncertain and could go in a lot of direction.
Once the Germa 66 cover story continues and the Egghead arc concludes, we'll know the outcome for this group. While not all of them may join NEO-MADS, it is a promising refuge and will certainly be relevant in the future.
Feel free to leave your personal speculations below.
The biggest indicator that NEO-MADS will have some relevant role to play is in the presentation of the Germa 66 cover story. No previous cover story has been as relevant to current events, and it hasn't officially concluded (1078 had the last installment, but every previous cover story has ended with a clearly defined final volume). The reason for this gap in cover stories could be because the next plot threads are tied to some of the defecting characters. It would make sense, since many of them have scientific background, or were involved with MADS in the past. Not all of the listed characters may join NEO-MADS, but some of them definitely will. So, let's look at each character and see where they'd come into play.
Stussy
Stussy will absolutely have some involvement with NEO-MADS, as she is a clone of a core MADS member. It is unknown if NEO-MADS will try to recruit Queen, but if they get Stussy's clone, why not have the whole band back together again? It could also be a great opportunity to elaborate on the mechanics of cloning, and answer a few mysteries surrounding Weevil's true parentage.
Vegapunk
Vegapunk also has a history with MADS, but that history spawned internal strife. The fate of Vegapunk is uncertain, but if Stella were to try and join NEO-MADS, Caesar and Judge would probably do worse things to Stella than what the WG is currently trying to do. Despite technically being Vegapunk, the remaining satellites likely wouldn't face the same issues, since they are distinct from the original. This would provide them with an environment to continue their research, and Lillith's evil nature would fit right in with Judge and Caesar.
Sentomaru
The world's self proclaimed best defender is in an odd spot, as he isn't a man of science. He is still driven by a lifelong debt to Vegapunk, so even if Stella perishes at Egghead, he will likely continue to protect the remaining satellites. His future involvement will ultimately be predicated on whatever Vegapunk decides to do.
Kizaru
Kizaru is an outlier, as he has yet to defect. His concerns for Bonney and Sentomaru, as well as his recently revealed history with Kuma, indicate that Kizaru will either openly defect, or will discretely muddle with the Marine's affairs while retaining his position. If he does join NEO-MADS, he'd remain with his closest friends, and NEO-MADS could get his assistance in creating laser based weaponry to counter the Pacifistas.
Bonney
Bonney's involvement with NEO-MADS is very uncertain. If Bonney doesn't join the Straw Hats, then she'll probably seek refuge with this group of characters. Ironically, Bonney is like her fruit in that her future in the series is uncertain and could go in a lot of direction.
Once the Germa 66 cover story continues and the Egghead arc concludes, we'll know the outcome for this group. While not all of them may join NEO-MADS, it is a promising refuge and will certainly be relevant in the future.
Feel free to leave your personal speculations below.
