one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 235: The World’s Attention

Navy Headquarters.

Just as Mio and Whitebeard expected, their battle attracted attention from the moment the Moby Dick set sail.

Even Sengoku couldn't ignore it.

After all, it was Whitebeard.

In terms of destructive range alone, few could match him. And considering Whitebeard's status in the New World, it was impossible not to keep track of his movements—especially when he arrived at Crow Island, the base of the Black Crow Pirates, a rising force in the New World.

So, even as the battle erupted on Crow Island, Sengoku was fully aware.

Sitting at his desk, Sengoku rubbed his forehead with both hands, then looked up at the navy soldier in front of him and asked helplessly, "Do you know why Whitebeard sought out Black Crow?"

"This... I'm not sure." The navy soldier shook his head and reported, "We couldn't get close to Crow Island. We only know that Whitebeard and Black Crow fought there, and the battle ended in a stalemate. After the fight, the Whitebeard Pirates left immediately. We don't know what was discussed before or after the clash."

Hearing this, Sengoku nodded without reproach.

After all, that was Black Crow's territory.

Getting close meant certain death.

But that's what left him feeling helpless.

Without knowing what was discussed, he could only speculate whether a deal was made or if some future plan was formed.

In the end, Sengoku calmed himself and gave the order. "Fine. Relay the order—keep eyes on both Black Crow and Whitebeard. Report on all movements immediately."

He couldn't guess their plans, so all he could do was watch closely. If anything changed, he needed to know first.

"Yes, sir." The navy soldier nodded respectfully, then asked, "Marshal, is there anything else? If not, I'll take my leave."

"There is one more thing." Sengoku said. "The Mad Beast Pirates. Any trace of them?"

The captain of the Mad Beast Pirates, Taros, had previously injured Akainu and returned to Navy Headquarters—an act that had drawn Sengoku's attention. Now, with the Mad Beast Pirates entering the New World, Sengoku had reason to believe, from Akainu's reports and his understanding of Taros, that the man was arrogant and reckless—similar in ways to Kaido.

With such strength and temperament, Sengoku believed Taros would stir up major conflict in the New World.

That's why he was paying close attention.

If the opportunity arose, perhaps the Navy could act in its favor.

The navy soldier thought for a moment and then reported, "According to our last intel, the Mad Beast Pirates were heading toward Wano Country. No new updates have come in yet, but based on speculation, they might cross paths with the Beasts Pirates."

"Oh?" Sengoku's eyes narrowed, and suspicion appeared on his face.

The navy soldier explained, "The Beasts Pirates previously clashed with the Red Hair Pirates on an island near Wano. After the battle, Red Hair sailed deeper into the New World, while Kaido left in a direction near the Black Crow Sea. Coincidentally, the Mad Beast Pirates departed from the Black Crow Sea en route to Wano. If they adjust course midway, there's a high possibility of a meeting."

"In that case, send a team to track the Mad Beast Pirates and Kaido." Sengoku immediately issued the order.

This could be a critical opportunity.

If they met...

With Kaido and Taros' personalities, a battle would almost certainly break out.

Even if the Navy couldn't directly benefit, there was still a chance—maybe they could capture both Kaido and Taros at once.

That would significantly reduce the pressure on the Navy in the New World.

The navy soldier recorded Sengoku's orders and quickly turned to leave.

The Next Day.

As the new day dawned, a new issue of the newspaper flew across the seas of the world.

The headline story? The battle between Black Crow and Whitebeard.

Grand Line.

Crocodile looked at the newspaper in his hand and frowned slightly. Then, his expression relaxed. He tossed the paper aside and muttered to himself, "So that guy's grown strong enough to fight Whitebeard evenly..."

Having once fought Whitebeard himself, Crocodile understood how terrifying the man was.

He wasn't someone ordinary pirates could contend with.

No—most pirates didn't even have the courage to face Whitebeard head-on.

"I need to push myself harder," Crocodile muttered. He clenched his right fist, which instantly became wrapped in Armament Haki.

Amazon Lily.

This island, also known as Daughter Island, was home to a kingdom of women—longed for by many men across the seas.

But located in the Calm Belt, protected by strong warriors and sealed off from the world, no man had ever set foot there.

The inhabitants, known as the Kuja, were a warrior race with strength far beyond average. Their kingdom, Nine Snake Island, was currently ruled by the elder Gloriosa, who served as acting queen after the death of the previous ruler at sea.

At this moment, Gloriosa was staring at the newspaper in her hand with a heavy frown.

Because of their location in the Calm Belt, news rarely reached Amazon Lily. Even seagulls carrying newspapers seldom arrived, so Gloriosa valued every issue greatly.

And today's news shocked her.

"The Black Crow Pirates... Weren't they that supernova crew from a year ago? Their captain was captured and imprisoned in Impel Down. He escaped? And grew this powerful!?"

Gloriosa was stunned.

Her last update on the Black Crow Pirates was a year old, and she'd thought them finished.

Now, not only had they reemerged, but they had clashed with Whitebeard—and the newspaper even described their battle as being evenly matched.

The article also detailed the Black Crow Pirates' rising status in the New World and the terror they now instilled.

"This New World... so unstable," Gloriosa murmured. "Who knows how long it'll last?"

For Nine Snake Island, instability in the New World was actually a good thing. The more chaotic it became, the more powerful pirates would be drawn away to the New World—meaning fewer threats would linger in the first half of the Grand Line.

After all, many pirates had long coveted the mysterious, closed-off island of the Kuja.

Only its fierce defenses and isolated location had kept danger at bay.

But that didn't mean trouble wouldn't eventually come.

Shaking her head, Gloriosa put the matter aside.

She had more pressing matters—like training the next ruler of Nine Snake Island. freewёbnoνel.com

"I wonder how Hancock's training is progressing," she thought to herself.

Hancock.

This girl had been chosen as the next ruler of Nine Snake Island. Gloriosa saw immense potential in her.

And in these chaotic times, that potential was more important than ever.