one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 313: The Rise of the New Emperor

[Congratulations on collecting the Pirate (Yamata no Orochi) gene!]

"Tsk."

Looking at the prompt on the panel, Mio's eyes flickered, and he sighed. "Another powerful gene."

The gene of Yamata no Orochi—there was no doubt that it was valuable. Unfortunately, there was currently no suitable person to cultivate it, just like the Floating Fruit gene. Otherwise, the Black Crow Pirates would soon gain two more powerful members.

With a snap, Mio snapped his fingers.

Two black shadow soldiers appeared before him.

"Deal with the body," Mio ordered calmly.

The black shadow soldiers bowed respectfully and swiftly dragged away the body and head.

Soon, only Mio and Talos remained in the hall.

"Talos, there is something you need to do next." Mio's smile deepened, a flicker of ambition in his eyes.

"Please give the order," Talos replied, lowering his head.

Mio didn't waste time. "The New World will soon fall into chaos, but after the chaos, it will return to calm—waiting for someone suitable to emerge and usher in a darker era."

"The emperor of the New World is about to appear. Although it's easy for you to become one with your strength, too many emperors will only lead to conflict. The World Government won't allow that, and neither will I. Your task is not just to build your name in the New World, but also to remove yourself from the competition for the throne."

New emperors were bound to emerge.

It wasn't just ambitious figures like Charlotte Linlin who couldn't hold back—Mio was sure the World Government would play their own hand as well.

They wanted peace.

Only a calm sea would allow them to focus on other agendas.

There could be emperors, but not too many. Once the number grew, clashes of interest and power were inevitable. With too many emperors, chaos would return to the seas.

That wasn't what the World Government wanted.

And it wasn't what Mio wanted either.

He too desired calm—so that he could develop his own power in the shadows.

Taros and Qiongqi both had the strength to become emperors, but they couldn't. Even if others didn't uncover their connection to Black Crow, their lack of conflict would raise suspicion.

So Taros and Qiongqi had to dominate the New World in other ways. What way? That was up to Taros.

"I understand," Taros said with a thoughtful expression, considering his next move.

Suddenly, Mio reminded him, "Doflamingo plans to seize a country and become king."

Taros's eyes lit up with sharp brilliance. "What do you think of Wano Country, sir?"

"It's a good country," Mio smiled faintly. "But you don't need to go there. I'll take care of that myself. You should go elsewhere."

"Where?"

"Zou."

"Zou..." Taros murmured, recalling what he knew about it—a moving country on the back of a giant elephant, adrift in the seas of the New World.

It was an interesting choice.

Zou had no special resources, but it housed a formidable race—the Mink Tribe.

The Minks were natural warriors. Every tribe member possessed great strength and the potential to awaken their wild instincts, though that came with the risk of losing control.

Still, they were powerful.

If he could rule such a nation, it would greatly benefit Mio's future plans.

Taros nodded in understanding. "I see. Then, from now on, I will exist in the New World as the ruler of Zou."

"Haha, don't be too proud yet. The Minks aren't humans. They're stubborn, and there are some strong individuals among them. It won't be easy to rule them. I hope you can get them to submit willingly—not through tyranny. Otherwise, their rule won't help us in the long run."

"Don't worry, sir," Taros said with a bloodthirsty smile. "I won't let you down. And even if they don't want to obey, they'll eventually get used to it."

"'Get used to it'... A dangerous thought," Mio chuckled and waved his hand.

Taros nodded slightly and turned to leave.

As he watched Taros's back fade into the distance, Mio shook his head, laughing softly. He drank from his wine again. Once finished, he wiped his mouth and muttered:

"'Getting used to it'... is a terrifying thing." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

He couldn't help but think of the Celestial Dragons.

Powerful. Arrogant. They burned, killed, and looted—no different from pirates.

And yet...

Most civilians had gotten used to it.

Because they were used to it, they didn't resist—some due to fear, others from apathy.

That was habit.

And perhaps, in the future, Mio too would have to make use of this "habit" to achieve his own goals.

He quickly downed a bottle of wine.

Setting it aside, Mio rose to his feet.

The night had grown late—it was time to rest.

But before heading off, he paused. After a moment of thought, he took out a Den Den Mushi and dialed.

Though the night was dark, the Den Den Mushi connected quickly.

"Hiya, ahiya, ahiya! Rare for you to call at this time. What's going on?" Doflamingo's voice came through, casual and teasing. Clearly, he hadn't gone to sleep yet.

In the background, a few women's voices could be heard faintly.

But after Doflamingo's cold "Get out," those voices disappeared.

"It's nothing urgent," Mio said calmly. "Just wanted to give you a heads-up. Get ready. Within ten days, I'll help you take Dressrosa. Bring your crew to the New World soon. I've got something for you to do too. Be prepared—the New World is about to enter turmoil. A new emperor is going to rise."

"A new... Emperor?!!"

Doflamingo's pupils shrank, a flash of shock in his eyes.

Then, he burst into manic laughter.

"Hehehehehehe... I see. So the power in the New World is getting shuffled again?!"