one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 262: The Might of Replica Pluto and the Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 262 - 262: The Might of Replica Pluto and the Calm Before the Storm

"Judge, I hope you can bring me some surprises this time."

On the shore of the island, Mio looked at Judge in front of him and spoke calmly.

Feeling the pressure from Mio, Judge nodded, a flash of excitement and anticipation flickering in his eyes. "Don't worry. Although I haven't tested the full power yet, I don't think I'll disappoint you."

With that, Judge turned around and led Mio and the others toward a certain direction.

A wide river stretched across the island.

Docked along the river was a massive dark ship. The ship's towering hull exuded a heavy aura, as though forged entirely from steel.

Its body was pitch-black, instilling an imposing sense of solemnity. freёwebnoѵel.com

At the bow of the ship was a snake-shaped figurehead, and from the snake's gaping mouth protruded a thick, black gun barrel.

Judge began his explanation. "Based on my modifications, while this replica of Pluto isn't quite as powerful as the original, it's not far off. Additionally, the energy source has been altered—it now absorbs solar energy. The light absorbed each day is sufficient to fire five rounds."

"Of course," he added, "to avoid drawing attention from the World Government or Navy, I haven't tested its full capabilities yet. I've been waiting for you to arrive."

"Show me," Mio said with a smile.

He was quite curious to see the power of the replica Pluto.

The original could annihilate an entire island with a single blast. Even if this one couldn't match that, it should at least be capable of obliterating a large ship.

"Understood." With Mio's approval, Judge eagerly boarded the ship, followed by several clone soldiers.

Once on board, Judge immediately began the launch procedures. The replica Pluto slowly navigated from the river out to sea, turning gradually until its cannon aimed at the open ocean.

Golden energy began to gather at the muzzle.

Then—

Boom!

A golden energy shell fired out, hurtling through the sky at astonishing speed.

In the distance—

Boom!

A massive explosion erupted, followed by a shockwave. A mushroom cloud rose from the sea as waves burst skyward in all directions.

"Impressive, though still far below the Pluto of legend," Lilith remarked, observing the distant detonation.

"True, but it's enough," Mio nodded, visibly satisfied.

Considering that the original design blueprints of Pluto were unavailable, this level of power was already remarkable. And more importantly—it could be mass-produced.

Had Roger agreed to team up with the Golden Lion back then, and equipped his fleets with these weapons, perhaps the Golden Lion could have truly ruled the world.

With his ability to float ships, the Golden Lion could've turned Pluto into an aerial bombing fortress.

That sort of destructive power would've been terrifying.

Though the Golden Lion was now dead, Mio had inherited his power. When the time was right, and enough replicas had been built, he could even create his own "Golden Lion."

A fleet of replica Plutos might even pose a threat to Navy Headquarters.

After its test fire, the replica Pluto returned to the river.

Judge disembarked with an excited grin. He was clearly satisfied with its performance.

Mio hesitated briefly before asking, "How long does it take to build one replica Pluto?"

"At least two months," Judge responded quickly.

"Not bad." Mio nodded. That speed wasn't fast, but it was acceptable.

He paused again before continuing. "Keep building them. Consider weakening the output power on some and selling them—but under no circumstances can the World Government or Navy catch wind of this, or even suspect any connection to the real Pluto. As for the ones you've already completed, don't move them. I'll send someone to retrieve them when the time comes."

"Understood." Judge agreed immediately.

With that, Mio turned and walked toward the shore. "Let's go. Keep working on the research—see if you can someday restore Pluto's original firepower."

"I'll do my best," Judge answered cautiously, unwilling to promise, but clearly motivated.

Once Mio and his crew had fully departed, Judge returned to his research lab and ordered the replica Pluto to be hidden deeper within the island.

Though he longed to restore Germa 66 to glory, he knew now wasn't the time. While the replica Pluto was powerful enough to dominate the North Blue, using it prematurely would bring disaster.

If the World Government realized what it was, Germa might end up like O'Hara.

Judge could only bide his time and wait for the right moment.

Moreover...

Even deploying the replica Plutos would require Mio's permission.

After all, in a world where top-tier powerhouses reigned supreme, mere weaponry wasn't enough to guarantee survival.

...

After leaving the island, the Black Glory sailed directly toward the New World.

Aside from stopping briefly at Sabaody Archipelago for coating, the ship didn't dock anywhere else, heading straight toward Crow Island.

Half a month passed, and the ship finally returned to the Black Crow Sea, and docked at Crow Island.

Back on land—

Mio's return stirred excitement among Araki and the others.

After all, everyone knew that Mio had slain the legendary Golden Lion—an enemy on par with Whitebeard in the previous era. This only reinforced their belief that following him had been the right choice.

A grand feast was held that night on the island, lasting till dawn.

The next morning—

Mio opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling, a flicker of thought in his gaze.

He reached over and gently nudged the woman beside him. "Get out," he said coldly.

"Yes." Olive, fully nude, rose without hesitation. She pulled on some clothes casually and exited the room.

Once she was gone, Mio picked up Millet, the Den Den Mushi, and made a series of calls.

He dialed numbers for half an hour straight before finally stopping.

Then, he stood, walked to the window, upper body bare, and gazed out at the endless blue sea. Bathed in warm sunlight, he squinted slightly and murmured.

"Now, we wait for the opportunity to come."

"Even if it takes time, I'll use it to grow stronger."

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