one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 306: A Show of Power at the Tea Party

"Then Miss Stussy better get ready." Mio smiled. Though this undercover agent of the World Government was indeed beautiful and seductive in his eyes, he had no intention of getting involved.

He wouldn't dare touch her.

After all, sweet words didn't always equate to real interest.

Especially considering her age—something shrouded in secrecy. The way she casually addressed Charlotte as "Xiao Lingling" without rebuke suggested that Stussy's true age was not what she appeared. It was strange, to say the least.

Mio curled his lips, saying no more.

He simply continued eating.

Truth be told, the desserts on Cake Island were excellent. Charlotte Linlin was a known gourmand when it came to sweets, and Cake Island was her stronghold. To say it housed the finest desserts in the world was hardly an exaggeration.

As they ate and drank, the heavy atmosphere in the hall lightened somewhat, replaced by idle chatter and polite conversation.

Then it happened. ƒreewebɳovel.com

Big Mom suddenly stopped eating. Her eyes locked on Mio. Ignoring everyone else, she asked with a toothy grin, "Black Crow, you know why I invited you here, don't you?"

"I have a guess or two." Mio shrugged.

"Then you must know—I will give you what I promised, but I expect a return. I believe this exchange will benefit both of us."

"Just say what you want to say," Mio said, unimpressed.

"Alright then." Big Mom's eyes gleamed with excitement. She laughed loudly. "I can't wait anymore. I want to rise to the top, but you know my current situation. Both Sayar and Bullett are targeting the Big Mom Pirates. To reach the summit, I must deal with one of them—but only one. You'll handle the other. And whatever you get, you keep. I'll hold up my end of the bargain."

"Oh?" Mio turned to her, lips curling into a mocking grin. "And what, you're unsure whether I can handle Sayar or Bullett?"

Big Mom grinned but didn't deny it. The Black Crow's presence and reputation were undeniably formidable, but this was about her ambitions—about power and control. She needed certainty.

Others in the hall turned their attention toward them. No one was surprised by Big Mom's proposal—it was what many had already guessed. But now they waited, eager to see what Mio would do next.

Clearly, Big Mom wanted proof of Mio's strength.

And everyone in the room was just as curious.

"If you want a demonstration, I'll give you one." Mio flashed a cocky smile, slowly setting his wine glass down.

Without another word, Mio turned, raised his fist—and struck.

No hesitation. No restraint.

The blow was aimed directly at Big Mom.

To her credit, Big Mom was prepared. She met his punch with one of her own.

The collision of fists unleashed a shockwave, blasting air through the hall and scattering tables and chairs like paper.

But in the very next instant—

Big Mom's eyes went wide.

The force behind Mio's punch was monstrous. Her massive body was hurled backward, smashing through wall after wall. She crashed out of the castle entirely, sliding across the ground until she finally came to a stop more than ten seconds later.

"Mama!!"

"How dare you!!"

Several of Big Mom's sons, unaware of the arrangement, roared in fury and sprang forward.

But before they could take another step—

Swish.

A gleam of silver.

Their heads hit the ground.

Blood splattered.

"You'll pay for raising your voice at the gentleman," said Asuka, sheathing her Seven Star Sword and calmly wiping her mouth with a napkin. Her tone was cold—devoid of emotion.

"What terrifying speed..." Stussy's eyes narrowed, alarm flashing across her face.

She hadn't even noticed when Asuka struck. By the time she registered anything, it was already over. The gap between her and this woman from the Black Crow Pirates was staggering.

Others were equally shaken.

The strength of Black Crow's crew was now as terrifying as their captain's.

Charlotte Armande—the third daughter of the Charlotte family and Minister of Nuts—watched her brothers fall with horror. Her eyes darted to Katakuri. Was Black Crow declaring war?

"Mother won't be angry," Katakuri said firmly, shaking his head.

He knew his mother's nature and her ambitions. Strength was everything.

At the center of it all, Mio sat back down and raised his wine glass.

"Big Mom, you don't mind if a few disrespectful fools were taken care of, do you?"

Rumble.

The ground trembled as Big Mom returned to the castle, brushing dust from her dress. Her eyes swept over the bodies without so much as a blink. "Trash that doesn't know their place. Dispose of them."

The deaths of her children didn't faze her.

Unless it was someone like Katakuri, she wouldn't care in the least.

"Now, is that enough?" Mio asked casually, swirling the wine in his glass.

Big Mom's lips curled into a ferocious grin. "It is."

"Since I've met your conditions, it's your turn to meet mine." Mio's smile deepened.

"Name it." Big Mom's tone was steady. She hadn't minded the punch that sent her flying—on the contrary, it proved Mio could stand against Sayar or Bullett.

Mio lifted his hand.

Asuka and the rest of the crew stood up immediately.

Lilith stepped forward, scanning the crowd. Hundreds of wind blades shimmered into existence around her. Her once-cheerful voice dropped several degrees.

"Everyone—clear the hall!!"