one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 182: Rising Tides and Brewing Storms
Chapter 182 - 182: Rising Tides and Brewing Storms
"Don't worry. Since the Black Crow Pirates gave us the address, it means they must have been nearby just now. Have the nearby naval patrols search the area and report back to me immediately upon locating them," Kizaru said lightly.
"Yes, sir!"
The marine soldier saluted sharply to acknowledge the order, then turned and left at once.
The two warships began to slowly depart from the waters near the Sabaody Archipelago.
...
Out on the open sea, the Black Glory was slicing through the waves.
Mio sat at the bow, gazing back in the direction of the Sabaody Archipelago where he had recently hidden. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he muttered to himself, "If there's an admiral leading the fleet, I bet they'll try to chase us down."
Mio was well aware of the threat his pirate crew now posed. The Navy wouldn't let an opportunity like this pass, not when they had the chance to strike early.
From his perspective, if he were a Navy officer and encountered a pirate crew like the Black Crow Pirates—especially after they'd made it to the New World—he'd definitely try to engage them, regardless of the risk.
Success or failure didn't matter. It was the attempt that counted.
"But no matter what happens," Mio mused, the smile on his face deepening, "things will only get more difficult for the Navy from now on."
That much was inevitable.
The Navy already struggled to establish a strong presence in the New World. Now, after they helped capture Katakuri and Cracker, Big Mom's wrath was practically guaranteed. Considering Charlotte Linlin's erratic personality and tendency to go berserk, she might not attack Navy Headquarters directly—but the Navy would certainly face her retaliation in the New World.
The high-ranking admirals might be safe, but patrol squads and intelligence teams? They'd be crushed.
Shaking his head, Mio let the thoughts fade. Instead, he occasionally glanced back at the sea behind him, a look of anticipation in his eyes.
"I really hope an admiral comes chasing after us..."
"When that happens, heh... maybe I can trick the Navy and squeeze some benefits out of them."
Grinning to himself, Mio stood up and began training, simply to pass the time.
...
Meanwhile—
At Navy Headquarters, in the Admiral's office.
Akainu stood before Sengoku, his face dark and expression grim. He spoke in a low voice, "That guy got away."
Sengoku, who had been reviewing documents, paused and looked up, his expression filled with surprise and confusion. "The target is a newcomer. With your strength, it shouldn't have been possible for him to escape, right?"
After Taros had attacked the Celestial Dragons, the World Government issued an order for his capture. Sengoku had personally dispatched Akainu for the job. With the admiral's strength, no mere rookie should have been able to get away.
But now?
"He's stronger than we thought," Akainu said plainly, recalling the confrontation. "But the bigger problem is the complexity of his attack methods—and his body... It's similar to Kaido's."
"What?"
Sengoku's eyes widened in shock. "Similar to Kaido?"
He was no stranger to Kaido. As a former member of the Rocks Pirates and now one of the strongest men on the seas, Kaido's real threat lay in his unique physique and Devil Fruit powers.
That combination—plus what was likely an awakened Zoan fruit—made him nearly unkillable.
And Kaido didn't possess just any Zoan fruit. He had a mythical Zoan: the Dragon Fruit.
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Mythical Zoans drastically amplified physical strength and regenerative capabilities. For someone like Kaido—already fanatical about body training—it was a nightmare scenario.
And now, a newcomer had a similar physique?
Though reluctant to admit it, Akainu nodded solemnly. "In terms of recovery and stamina, he's absurdly strong. He even has something resembling the Momo Fruit, enhancing his speed. It seems to be a Mythical Zoan fruit—some kind of transformation ability, but the exact nature is unclear. His overall strength is slightly below mine, but not by much. I outmatch him, but capturing or killing him isn't simple."
Akainu was proud, but not careless. At his level, every word was considered intelligence. Misjudging someone could cost lives.
"Damn it..." Sengoku swore under his breath, frowning deeply. "Last year, it was the Black Crow Pirates. This year, it's the Wild Beast Pirates. When will this end?"
The Black Crow Pirates were already giving him a headache. Now, with this Talos character entering the scene—barely weaker than an admiral and with Kaido-level physical durability?
What was with all these monstrous newcomers becoming pirates?
Wouldn't things be easier if they just joined the Navy?
Sengoku rubbed his temple in frustration, then asked, "Do we know where Talos is now?"
"He should be near the Sabaody Archipelago," Akainu replied.
Sengoku's eyes narrowed, a contemplative look settling on his face. Then, he gritted his teeth and made a decision. "Forget about him for now. You're to return to the New World immediately."
"But Marshal—" Akainu began, frowning. "That guy's a massive threat. If he's allowed into the New World, he could become another Kaido after some growth."
Sengoku waved his hand. "I know. But listen—Kizaru contacted me earlier. He captured Katakuri and Cracker from the Big Mom Pirates."
Akainu's expression froze in shock.
Before he could respond, Sengoku continued, "You know Big Mom's personality. She'll definitely retaliate. That's why you need to return to the New World. We can't afford for her to disrupt our plans. And it has to be you. Big Mom, Kaido, and Whitebeard all used to be in the Rocks Pirates. Whitebeard can be ignored for now, but Big Mom and Kaido might join forces. If they do, Aokiji and Kizaru alone won't be enough."
He added gravely, "Garp is also in the New World, but his focus is on Whitebeard and Red Earl. The Red Earl has gone quiet, but signs suggest he's resurfacing—and he might be ready to make his move. That's another major threat. So even though Talos is dangerous, we have bigger problems in the New World right now. For the time being, we'll have to let him go."
