one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 326: The Fall of Poken and the New Emperor’s Reign

"Hahaha, you're scared, Poken."

Big Mom easily saw through Poken's test. She laughed loudly, flames and thunder entwining her punch as she struck out with immense force.

"I'm not afraid!" Poken shouted in a deep voice, launching his own punch to meet her attack head-on.

Another earth-shattering collision cracked the ground beneath them.

A savage grin spread across Big Mom's face. She sneered, "Really? Then let me tell you something. You're going to die today. Even if I don't kill you, Black Crow will. Do you know why he joined this fight? It's not just for the five Devil Fruits. More importantly—both you and Saya were meant to die by his hands."

"In other words, you're not getting out of here. You're just another stepping stone for me to ascend the throne."

As her voice fell, she swung her right hand. A massive whip of flame burst forth, lashing toward Poken.

"Damn it!" Poken dodged the strike with a flash, his expression dark and grim.

He glanced at Mio, clearly not expecting this to be the true reason Black Crow hadn't left. Doubt and dread began to bloom in his heart.

Retreat.

That thought crept into his mind. He wanted to be Emperor—but not at the cost of a meaningless death. Especially one without hope.

Mio grinned, noticing his hesitation. "Big Mom, he's already thinking about escaping. You'd better end this quickly. If not, I won't mind stepping in. After all, I don't want him getting away."

"Black Crow, stay out of my battle," Big Mom growled, her face cold as her right hand swept upward. Thunder roared through the skies and came crashing down on Poken.

"Do as you like," Mio shrugged, completely indifferent. "But if he really tries to flee and you can't stop him, I'll step in."

With that, Mio sat cross-legged, calmly watching the battle unfold.

Time passed.

One day.

Two days.

Three days.

By the third day, most ships near Gavro Island had withdrawn. Only a few remained to observe from a distance—and among them, just a single warship held its position.

The island itself had nearly collapsed, leaving only a shrinking patch of ground suitable for battle.

On that battleground, Big Mom and Poken still fought with devastating force.

Poken's subordinates were long gone, eliminated by Asuka and the others.

Poken looked battered and worn—burns, lightning injuries, open wounds—his entire body was marked by battle.

Big Mom, though injured, fared far better. The difference in power was apparent.

Boom!

Big Mom's punch erupted with flames and lightning, cloaked in Armament Haki.

Poken gritted his teeth, blocking the attack as he muttered with heavy resolve, "Big Mom, I surrender. Let's end this battle."

He backed away, eyeing her, waiting for an answer.

He knew the outcome if they continued. He would lose.

Face mattered—but his life mattered more.

Big Mom didn't respond with words. Instead, she opened her mouth and released a piercing scream infused with Conqueror's Haki.

"Damn it!"

Poken winced. The shrill sound rang through his skull. He could feel his eardrums nearly shattering.

The answer was clear.

Big Mom would not accept surrender.

With a furious shout, Poken clenched his right fist and struck the ground beneath his feet.

"Explode! Extreme Power!"

Boom!

The last stable piece of Gavro Island shattered beneath the strike. In the next instant, Poken shot into the sky, utilizing Moon Step-like movements to escape at full speed.

He was running.

"Damn it, Poken! Don't even think about escaping!"

Big Mom roared with fury.

"The Spear of Elbaf—Weiguo!!"

Her bicorne hat transformed into a massive sword, and Big Mom swung with all her might. It was a technique from the Giants—one that could split seas.

The massive slash soared forward.

The ocean parted in its wake.

In a flash, it reached Poken.

Slash!

A deep wound tore across his back, blood spraying through the sky.

Poken's body, still mid-flight, plummeted into the sea.

Mio's eyes narrowed—this was the moment he'd been waiting for.

He moved.

In a blink, he appeared above the ocean, grabbed the falling Poken, and vanished again—reappearing aboard the Black Glory.

Mio looked toward Big Mom and grinned. "Looks like you won, Big Mom."

"Hahahaha! That's right—I won!" Big Mom laughed maniacally, her massive form radiating an overwhelming aura.

"In that case, I'll take Poken's life," Mio said with a faint smile. He didn't waste any more words.

With one hand gripping Poken's throat—crack—he snapped his neck.

A notification echoed in his mind.

[Congratulations on collecting the Pirate (Burst) Gene!]

Big Mom didn't interfere. She simply smiled, watching Mio execute Poken.

"Black Crow, I'm heading back to Cake Island. Are you interested in attending my grand coronation event?"

Mio raised an eyebrow. A grand event?

He curled his lip in disinterest.

"Sorry, I don't have time or energy to spare. I've got too much to deal with. This is where we part ways."

"Hahaha! Then I won't force you. Katakuri, we're leaving!" Big Mom turned, boarding her ship with a thunderous laugh.

Her vessel set off at high speed.

Mio stood on the deck of the Black Glory, glancing back at the shattered remnants of Gavro Island. Then he looked toward the distant warships and ordered, "White Wind, return to Crow Island."

"Yes!" White Wind responded respectfully.

The Black Glory turned and began its journey home.

Big Mom was returning to Cake Island to host her grand ceremony.

But Mio had his own plans.

Crow Island would soon be bustling as well—after all, the new Emperor had risen.

And with that title came power, fame, and a new wave of followers.

To be on par with Whitebeard... that was no small feat.