one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 382: The Battle of Zou Ends, Shadows Move in the New World

Chapter 382: Chapter 382: The Battle of Zou Ends, Shadows Move in the New World

The situation here was extremely tragic.

There were corpses everywhere—not only of the Fur Tribe but also of Talos’s men. Of the hundreds who followed him, only a few dozen were still standing.

Talos sat cross-legged on the ground, looking at Cat Viper and Inuarashi as they struggled to rise. He casually tossed aside a bloodied member of the Fur Tribe he had been holding in his hand. The wounds on his own body had already begun to heal.

Talos grinned. "It seems you’ve finally recognized reality."

"Ahem..."

Cat Viper coughed up blood, clutching at his wounds. He looked over at Inuarashi, who was also seriously injured, and let out a weary sigh before gritting his teeth. "You win."

Hearing this, Talos’s grin widened into a crazed smile. "Since I won, then the entire Fur Tribe should acknowledge me as their king. Is there a problem?"

Before Cat Viper or Inuarashi could respond, Talos continued. "You should be grateful. At least I gave you a chance to resist instead of simply crushing you and taking control. If it had been Kaido or Charlotte Linlin, you wouldn’t even have been given that much. You’d have either surrendered or died. So yes, you should thank me. Under my rule, Zou won’t have to fear being targeted or plundered again."

Inuarashi curled his lips in disdain. Though Talos’s words weren’t entirely false, asking for gratitude after this massacre was absurd.

Looking at the countless bodies of his fellow tribesmen strewn across the battlefield, Inuarashi understood that further resistance was pointless.

Talos’s strength was overwhelming. So overwhelming it made them despair.

To prevent further bloodshed, the battle could not continue.

Inuarashi let out a deep sigh and said solemnly, "From today forward, the Furry Principality will be under your rule. We... will obey your orders."

"Hahaha! Excellent!" Talos laughed heartily, rising to his full imposing height as his savage aura flared. He swept his gaze over the surviving Fur Tribe warriors and sneered. "As long as you work for me, I won’t mistreat you. You’re all valuable fighters. But remember—don’t even think about rebelling."

"Should any sign of defiance arise..."

Talos’s eyes darkened, and a murderous aura surged forth. "Zou will cease to exist. I’ll wipe the Fur Tribe from history."

"You should know by now that I have the strength to do it."

As his chilling words faded, Talos waved his hand with a grin. "Now then! Light the bonfires! Eat, drink, and celebrate our victory and bounty!"

"Hahaha! Long live the boss!"

"Hiss... it hurts like hell, but bring me a drink!"

"Cheers! Long live Talos!"

His men erupted into wild cheers and laughter.

As a notorious pirate, Talos was hardly short on wealth. His conquests had yielded countless treasures, and although his loyal core crew was small, the promise of riches and indulgence kept others willing to follow him even into hell.

This battle was no different.

As the dark clouds over Zou began to part, bonfires were lit amidst the carnage, and drunken revelry filled the air.

Meanwhile, the Fur Tribe tended their wounds in silence, their eyes filled with grief and helplessness.

Cat Viper and Inuarashi sat before Talos, their injuries severe but their spirits unbroken as they waited to hear his intentions for Zou’s future.

The Fur Tribe’s value was undeniable.

On the black market, a male fur tribe slave sold for about 700,000 Beli—less than a fishman, but still significant. Female fur tribes, especially those with appealing appearances, fetched prices in the tens of millions.

Such potential profit weighed heavily on the minds of Cat Viper and Inuarashi.

Talos noticed their unease and sneered after downing a barrel of wine. "Relax. I have no intention of selling you off for a few coins."

"Compared to capturing giants, selling fur tribes is pocket change."

Indeed, giants commanded far higher prices: around 50 million for males and 10 million for females. For Talos, enslaving the Fur Tribe for profit would be laughable.

Relieved by his words, Cat Viper and Inuarashi exchanged glances. freewebnoveℓ.com

"Then, what do you want from us?" Inuarashi asked gravely, wincing as he pressed against his bleeding side.

"Simple," Talos replied, tearing into a slab of roasted meat. "I want warriors. You’ll fight for me when needed. And I’ll make sure you’re trained properly. Right now, your strength is pathetic for a so-called warrior race."

"Just... fighting?" Cat Viper asked cautiously.

"Of course." Talos’s lips curled into a playful smirk. "Unless, of course, you’d rather offer up a few women from your tribe for my amusement. I wouldn’t mind."

"Humph." Cat Viper growled but said no more, unwilling to engage in Talos’s provocation. "If it’s only fighting, we’ll obey. But don’t forget your words today—don’t ruin Zou."

With that, Cat Viper stood and limped away.

Inuarashi followed shortly after.

"Fools." Talos watched them go, his grin unfading as he reached for another barrel of wine.

The Fur Tribe’s submission didn’t worry him. Given enough time, he’d break their defiance. And if not? Then he’d make good on his earlier threat.

He had no use for a race of traitors.

Nor did Mio.

The adults didn’t need them either.

Talos’s eyes flashed coldly, then the darkness in them faded as he chuckled and called for more food and drink.

Meanwhile, back in the Fur Tribe’s settlement...

"Don’t worry. He only wants us to fight for him," Inuarashi told the survivors.

As he sat down, clutching his wounds, he called out, "Carrot, come treat my injuries."

"Ah! Y-Yes, Lord Inuarashi!" The young rabbit mink with short golden hair and large ears hurried over.

As she worked, Carrot asked hesitantly, "He... he’s not going to sell us, is he?"

"No," Cat Viper growled. "If that bastard ever tries, we’ll rise and fight to the last."

They had bent the knee to save their people from slaughter, but they would never accept slavery.

Thus ended the Battle of Zou.

The sea calmed once more... but currents stirred in the shadows.

The clash between the Black Crow Pirates and two admirals had shocked the world, reaffirming the terrifying might and mystery of Mio, the Black Crow.

In the underworld, kings schemed to renew their alliances with Mio.

The Navy and World Government were also moving swiftly, adjusting their strategies to counter this rising threat.

Mio, however, was unaware of all this—for now.

Two nights later...

Above Crow Island, a golden ark soared through the skies before descending into the forest with a heavy thud.

Boom!

As it landed, Mio stepped off calmly, followed by his crew.

Warwick and the others were already waiting, and Hei’er swooped down from the sky, landing on Mio’s shoulder and nuzzling his cheek affectionately.

Mio stroked the crow’s head and turned to Hei Yan. "Anything happen while I was away?"

"No, sir," Hei Yan replied. "The seas are calm, but the Navy’s been moving aggressively in the New World. They’ve arrested many pirates recently."

"And the Emperors?"

"They’re unusually quiet."

"Good. Let’s return. I want a full report on Zou afterward." Mio nodded, then instructed Hei’er, "Hide the golden ark."

The crow squawked, and tens of thousands of birds descended, covering the ark like a black tide until it vanished from sight.

Mio and his crew proceeded to the castle.

Inside, Mio took his seat on the throne as Hei Yan approached with a report.

"Sir, Zou has been secured by Talos. The Navy will likely leave it alone for now, but it will take time for the Fur Tribe to willingly serve him. As for Xiaoqi and Xiaoliu’s appearance... it’s drawn attention. Several underworld figures attempted to make contact while you were away, but I declined on your behalf.

"There’s also the Revolutionary Army—"

"Enough." Mio raised a hand. Hei Yan fell silent.

After a moment, Mio spoke. "Summon the Revolutionary Army. It’s time to cooperate with them. The timing is right; we’ll avoid unnecessary attention this way."

"Yes, my lord." Hei Yan bowed and departed.

Mio looked over the rest of his crew and smiled faintly. "We’ve been out for quite a while. Go and rest."

One by one, they left until only Mio and Asuka remained.

Mio picked up a Den Den Mushi and made a call.

Buru buru... click.

"My lord," Talos’s voice came through.

"How is Zou?" Mio asked.

"All secured," Talos reported confidently. "They may not serve me willingly yet, but survival comes first. In time, they’ll bend."

"Good. Train them well. The Fur Tribe’s fighting potential is valuable—they’ll be an asset to us in the future."

"Yes, sir. I’ll mold them into fine warriors."

"See that you do." Mio hung up, deep in thought.

Zou, Amazon Lily, Wano Country.

Three islands. Three warrior nations.

All now under his influence—or soon to be.

To challenge the World Government, Mio needed an army. Even ants, in great numbers, can bite an elephant to death.

Wano would be next.

But Kaido’s presence complicated things. Perhaps the Revolutionary Army’s help would make the conquest swifter and quieter.

And then there was Kaido’s son... a child born of Kaido and Charlotte Linlin’s bloodline. Even now, at only ten years old, his potential was frightening.

"Kaido’s son... I’ll need to keep a close eye on him," Mio murmured.

Footsteps echoed in the hall as Hei Yan entered.

"My lord, the Revolutionary Army’s leader will arrive on Crow Island shortly."

"Good." Mio nodded. "Prepare wine and food."

"Yes, sir." Hei Yan bowed and left.

Mio leaned back on his throne, waiting patiently.

Soon, the next phase of his plan would begin.

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