one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 260: Tensions in the New World

"Can't you hold it in?"

In a certain area of the North Sea, Mio looked at the newspaper he had just bought and couldn't help but murmur.

The newspaper detailed news from the New World. Just yesterday, a battle broke out between Charlotte and Saya. As a result, both sides suffered losses.

This was also a sign.

At least for the foreseeable future, Charlotte might no longer be able to suppress her ambitions. She wanted to make moves and stir up the New World again—looking for the right opportunity to act. Whether it was Saya, Poken, or himself, Charlotte would surely make a move on someone.

In doing so, she could further solidify her position—

As an Emperor of the Sea.

However, no matter who Charlotte chose as her target, it wouldn't be an easy task.

Mio wasn't worried. After all, it had little to do with him. With Hei Yan stationed on Crow Island, and Mio not currently present in the New World, Charlotte wouldn't be foolish enough to stir up trouble there. That would only result in heavy losses for her—more harm than gain.

With a flicker in his eyes,

Mio casually tossed the newspaper into the sea.

Ahead in the distance, a pirate ship had already come into view.

As the two ships drew closer, a figure leapt from the other vessel and landed in front of Mio.

Doflamingo bowed slightly and smiled. "Black Crow."

"Mingge, lead the way. Once matters here in the North Sea are settled, I should return to the New World," Mio said calmly.

"Hehehehe... In such a rush? But it's true—the New World is growing restless again," Doflamingo replied with a wicked grin. His gaze swept across Asuka, who stood beside Mio. His pupils contracted slightly in surprise, but he quickly concealed it.

"Please follow me. The destination is a bit far from here—it'll take a few days to arrive. Also, once you return to the New World, you may want to pay a visit to Judge. You might come across a few surprises."

"Oh?" Mio raised an eyebrow, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "Now that you mention it, I'm a bit curious."

"That guy is quite capable when it comes to science," Doflamingo chuckled and shook his head, then turned and returned to his pirate ship.

His ship led the way.

The Black Glory followed closely behind.

Doflamingo occasionally glanced at the Black Glory with a deep, contemplative look. Secretly, he was astonished. "Another monster... A new crew member? That aura, that killing intent... terrifying strength."

But that was a good thing.

At present, Black Crow was Doflamingo's greatest support in the New World. The stronger Black Crow became, the more the Donquixote Family could flourish under his shadow. That suited Doflamingo just fine.

"But... Hehehe... those fools in Marijoa probably didn't expect Black Crow to grow this fast, huh?" Doflamingo sneered inwardly.

The potential of the Black Crows was frightening, but what shocked Doflamingo more was the speed of their growth. New powerful figures emerged constantly, and it was nearly impossible to trace their origins.

Each crew member aboard the Black Crows seemed like a newcomer who had just set sail—but their strength was already comparable to the heavyweights of the New World.

Perhaps in the future...

When the people at Marijoa finally decided to take action against the Black Crows, they'd be stunned by the overwhelming power that confronted them.

Time passed as the ships sailed onward.

Four days slipped by.

Eventually, the two vessels arrived at their destination—a remote and secluded island.

As expected, the location of the Poneglyph was quite special—either difficult to access, heavily guarded, or cleverly hidden.

Now, the ships drew closer to the island.

Mio disembarked from the Black Glory with Robin and Erica in tow. Doflamingo followed closely behind.

"Lead the way," Mio said with a small smile.

"Alright. Follow me," Doflamingo nodded.

The group stepped onto the island. A dead volcano towered before them. Inside the crater lay the historical text they sought—accessible only through a cavern entrance.

At the entrance of the cave, several pirates stood on guard. They were clearly Doflamingo's men.

Mio followed Doflamingo into the cave. As they moved deeper, murals began to appear on the cave walls.

Robin examined the murals carefully, silently reading and absorbing the content. She didn't translate anything aloud—after all, Doflamingo was still present.

Eventually, they reached their destination.

A massive stone Poneglyph stood before them.

Robin's eyes lit up as she hurried forward. She pulled out her notebook and began to translate the ancient script, recording everything carefully. She also took out a camera and snapped several photos.

Doflamingo glanced briefly at the Poneglyph, then turned his gaze to Mio and spoke.

"The World Government is extremely wary of Poneglyphs. As far as I know, while many are scattered around the world, a few key ones are kept hidden at the World Government's headquarters."

"I suspected as much," Mio nodded, unsurprised.

Since the Poneglyphs record information the World Government considers taboo, it was only natural they'd prevent those records from leaking.

Even if they couldn't gather all the stones, keeping just a few with vital content would be enough to keep secrets buried.

Just like the four red Poneglyphs—signposts to Raftel. If even one of them was held by the World Government, they wouldn't have to worry about anyone finding the way.

Whether or not the World Government actually possessed one of the red stones was another matter.

But ordinary Poneglyphs? That was almost certain.

Mio looked at Doflamingo and asked calmly, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Fufufufufu..." Doflamingo grinned wickedly. A glint of coldness flashed in his eyes as he said, "I just thought you might be the one who could show me the sight of those fools in Marijoa being dragged off their thrones."

He hadn't forgotten the twisted, arrogant faces of those Celestial Dragons.

Of course, Doflamingo understood well how deeply rooted the World Government's foundation was. As a former Celestial Dragon himself, he knew the sheer scale of their power. It was unfathomable.

A power that inspired both fear and fascination.

That was the World Government in Doflamingo's eyes.

But now, he saw the same kind of threat—the same aura of chaos and change—in the Black Crow Pirates.

So he didn't mind revealing bits of information. Things that might be insignificant to him, but crucial for someone like Black Crow.

After all, who knew?

Maybe Black Crow was the next Rocks Pirates.

Doflamingo was very familiar with that name—the only man to ever rule the seas.

In his eyes, the Black Crows were more terrifying... and more dangerous... than Rocks ever was.