one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 327: Rise of the Emperor

"Big event, big event!"

"The battle of Gavro Island in the New World is finally over. Boken was seriously injured by Big Mom and fled, only to be killed by Black Crow."

"Sayar and Boken died within just a few days of each other!"

"Their territories were also plundered. Nearly ninety percent of the land once ruled by Sayar has been taken over by the Black Crow Pirates!"

"Two new Emperors have emerged. I wonder if there will be more to follow?"

On this day...

The world buzzed with discussions.

The battle of Gavro Island had concluded, and two new Emperors had risen in the aftermath: Black Crow and Big Mom.

That meant from this day onward, two individuals equal in status to Whitebeard had officially entered the fray.

Two new rulers of the New World had taken their thrones.

The day after the battle, celebrations erupted on Cake Island. A large number of pirates arrived, eager to join the Big Mom Pirates and pledge allegiance to the newly crowned Emperor.

Following an Emperor was vastly different from following an ordinary pirate. The Emperor's name alone served as protection; few would dare to provoke someone under their banner.

Naturally, many pirates also had their eyes on Black Crow.

But unfortunately for them, Mio—Black Crow—had no interest in such rabble.

Crow Island

The day after Mio returned to Crow Island...

Inside the towering castle.

Numerous figures had gathered.

Mio sat on the throne, calm and composed, looking down at the crowd below with a faint smile. "So, tell me, why have you come?"

There were six people in the hall—none of them particularly special. Just pirates.

One of them stepped forward immediately, respectful and without hesitation. "Lord Black Crow, this is a gift from Boss Umit in honor of your ascension. It's a Zoan-type Devil Fruit—his way of showing respect."

Umit—the Shipping King—was one of the seven rulers of the underground world, in control of extensive marine transport networks, and a powerful man in his own right.

As the first pirate made his offering, the others followed suit, each presenting gifts from one of the kings of the underground world.

This was the benefit of becoming an Emperor.

Status and power underwent a qualitative change. It was no small feat to slay figures like Sayar and Boken.

Mio had all the qualifications to sit atop the New World—strength, influence, and ambition.

It was natural that these kings sought to curry favor.

As a result, more pirates would inevitably flock to Mio.

If Mio willed it, more than fifty pirate groups would follow his banner in no time. But to Mio, most of them were trash—not even worth considering.

After listening to their offerings, Mio gave a light nod. "Understood. I'll accept the gifts. You may leave."

"Yes, Lord Black Crow."

Without delay, the six pirates turned and departed.

The Seven Kings of the Underworld

Only seven kings ruled the underground world.

Stussy did not send anyone. Her position was... unique. Mio understood that well. Perhaps that's why she had refrained.

The remaining six were just as they were in the original timeline:

Umit, the Shipping King

Lufield, the King of the Golden Pavilion

Giberson, the Storage King

Jigura, the Organ Dealer

Drag Pearcro, the Undertaker

And the current News King—though not Morgans (yet)

Each of these underworld rulers was fearsome, not solely due to strength, but because of their vast networks.

Tens of thousands of followers, connections spanning the globe—this was what made them dangerous. Not one of them could be dismissed lightly.

Of course, Mio didn't care about any of that.

They were driven by profit, not ambition. That made them predictable. As long as the benefits flowed, they'd stay loyal.

Even if they weren't... Mio had no problem cutting them down.

Back to the Castle

After the gifts were received, Mio turned to Erica, who stood at his side. "Go. Bring that guy here. It's time for a little talk. I imagine he brought something good with him."

"Yes." Erica nodded, promptly leaving.

Not long after, she returned—leading someone behind her.

Doflamingo.

"Fufufufu... Congratulations on ascending the throne, my friend," Doflamingo chuckled, that sinister grin playing on his lips as he looked up at Mio seated high on the throne.

In his hand was a miniature pink house. It looked like a child's toy.

Mio's eyes immediately locked onto the object and he smiled. "It seems you've brought me exactly what I wanted."

"I thought you'd like it," Doflamingo shrugged, grinning. He handed the small house to Erica, who then passed it to Mio.

Mio opened it—and his eyes lit up slightly.

Inside, a tiny bed sat nestled in a corner. On it, a miniature girl lay resting.

She had long orange hair and wore a delicate skirt.

Perhaps sensing movement, the small girl stirred, opened her sleepy eyes, then sat up groggily. When she spotted Mio, she shrank back timidly, clearly afraid.

Mio said nothing.

Instead, Doflamingo spoke. "That's the princess of the Tontatta Kingdom—Mansherry. She ate the Heal-Heal Fruit, a Paramecia-type that allows her to heal injuries and restore stamina. I assume this is the ability you were interested in, yes? Fufufufufufu..."

"Not bad," Mio replied with a calm nod. "It's certainly a useful power."

Doflamingo's grin deepened. "So... about what you promised me—"

A gleam of anticipation flickered beneath his sunglasses.