one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 325: Waves of the New Emperor

West Blue.

In a small town on an island.

A shadow soldier appeared in front of a middle-aged man, holding out a newspaper.

"Oh? News?" The man was drinking, and when he saw the shadow soldier, surprise flashed in his eyes. He took out a Bailey, handed it over, and accepted the newspaper.

The shadow soldier disappeared immediately.

The man chuckled and shook his head. "Are all news agents this weird now?"

This kind of entrance and exit was something he'd never seen before.

Soon after, he looked down and began reading the newspaper.

The headline caught his attention right away, and he looked stunned. "New Emperor?"

His eyes scanned through the article beneath the bold title.

Moments later, he put down the paper, a smirk forming on his face. "Interesting. The new era's monsters really are terrifying. That guy Saya actually died just like that? And so easily? What terrifying strength."

"The sea's gotten interesting. Should I go out for a stroll? But... now doesn't feel like the right time."

The middle-aged man's lips curled slightly, deep in thought.

Just then, a villager waved to him from a distance and called out, "Hey, Jabba! Come have a drink!"

"Hahaha! I was waiting for you to say that, but you're treating!" the man named Jabba laughed heartily, quickly standing up and heading toward the village bar.

Grand Line.

In a certain sea area, aboard a ship.

Lilith held the newspaper, eyes gleaming with joy. "So, sir succeeded? Looks like I need to return quickly and celebrate with him."

Beside her were three little girls who stared at Lilith with puzzled expressions, curious about what made her so happy.

Lilith didn't explain. She simply stood up, turned to the Kuja warriors on board, and ordered, "Speed up. Head to Sabaody Archipelago. We're heading to the New World immediately."

At the same time—

Sabaody Archipelago.

Inside Shakky's bar.

Rayleigh set down the newspaper, his tone surprised yet amused. "Unexpected. Didn't think it'd happen so soon."

"You saw this coming, didn't you?" Shakky exhaled a puff of smoke and spoke softly.

"Ah, it was inevitable," Rayleigh replied calmly. "With Black Crow's strength, no one can stop him from becoming an emperor if he wants it. That ship of his—more than one terrifying powerhouse sails with him. Even Whitebeard couldn't have stopped him."

"Becoming an emperor, huh?" Shakky chuckled quietly. "I have a feeling he's going to stir up quite a storm."

"I'm looking forward to it." Rayleigh shrugged and smiled. "No matter what, anything he does will definitely not be in the World Government's favor."

"Do you think he's the one you were waiting for?" Shakky asked.

"No." Rayleigh shook his head, paused in thought, and sighed. "He's capable, yes. But his mindset and style aren't what I was hoping for. He's not me. He's not Roger. But... this guy has potential. Maybe..."

He didn't finish the sentence.

Rayleigh sipped his wine, eyes showing both expectation and concern.

Black Crow wasn't the one he was waiting for—but he feared that if the person he was waiting for ever did appear, they might not be able to stand against Black Crow.

Because the Black Crow Pirates... were terrifying.

...

New World.

Wano Country...

Moby Dick...

Every island and faction received the news almost immediately. Reactions ranged from shock to disbelief, to envy.

In the end, they all tossed the newspapers aside and began waiting for Black Crow's next move.

On a certain island—

Under a cloak, Dragon read the newspaper, frowning slightly before lowering it. "Black Crow has become an emperor."

"So now he's on equal footing with Whitebeard? That's good news for us, right?" Ivankov asked, serious-faced. "The stronger Black Crow is, the more help he might be in the future."

"There are always two sides to a coin." Dragon shook his head. "Black Crow is a double-edged sword. Yes, he might help us fight the World Government—but who's to say he won't turn against us, or worse... replace the World Government altogether?"

"How could he do that?" Ivankov was shocked. "Replace the World Government? Black Crow? That's impossible."

"Why not?"

Dragon's tone was calm. "Tell me—across the world, is there any pirate with more terrifying potential than Black Crow?"

Ivankov fell silent.

Thinking carefully, there wasn't anyone who came to mind.

Still, he couldn't bring himself to believe Black Crow could truly become the next World Government. If that were true... then Black Crow might be more dangerous than the current regime.

"Let's go. It's time we head to Green Bit. The Tontatta Kingdom might be a useful ally," Dragon said as he turned and departed, Ivankov and the others following close behind.

No matter what, the Revolutionary Army still needed Black Crow's cooperation.

At least for now, the two sides wouldn't become enemies.

But in Dragon's heart, his wariness toward Black Crow began to grow.

Emperor.

For most pirates, it was the pinnacle of ambition.

But Black Crow wasn't as old as Whitebeard—he was still young.

To become an emperor at such a young age... could Black Crow's ambition really stop there?

No.

At least Dragon didn't believe so.

In his view, Black Crow's ambition would only continue to expand.

He just didn't know yet—would Black Crow pursue the title of Pirate King?

Or would he aim to become something even greater—the next World Government?

...

Mio, naturally, knew nothing of Dragon's suspicions, nor of the global discussions centered around him.

At this moment, on the island of Gavro—

Rumbles echoed.

The island shook violently.

The battle between Poker and Big Mom was still raging.

But Big Mom's expression had darkened. Again and again, her gaze flicked toward Mio, a trace of fear in her eyes.

Even after the battle had ended, Black Crow remained on the island—a fact that made Poker uneasy. He didn't know why Black Crow stayed, whether his intent had changed, but the feeling it gave was not good.

Boom!

A powerful punch—Poker's fist clashed directly with Big Mom's.

The shockwave tore through the air, rippling across the battlefield.

Big Mom's physical power was no joke. She had destroyed an entire village of giants in her youth, earning the title of a natural-born destroyer. If Poker didn't possess his Devil Fruit, he likely wouldn't be able to match her in raw strength.

After the collision—

Poker backed off a few steps, keeping his distance.

Then, with a glint in his eye, he asked, "What's this, Big Mom? Are you so confident you can beat me? Planning to celebrate your coronation with Black Crow once I'm out of the way?"