one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 180: The Empress’s Wrath and Crow Island’s Shadow

Charlotte Linlin wasn't an idiot. She had once served under Rocks D. Xebec. She didn't get to her position through luck or impulse. Since Whitebeard became the undisputed Emperor of the New World, Charlotte had desired to follow his path and claim her own throne. But the road to emperorship was steep and bloody.

It demanded more than overwhelming power.

It required a dominant crew...

And most importantly—a record that would shake the world.

Without a history of decisive victories, no pirate crew in the New World would acknowledge a new Emperor. Whitebeard had fought his way up, fist by fist, battlefield by battlefield. He wielded the Tremor-Tremor Fruit and remained in his prime, capable of splitting both sky and sea.

That strength was no joke.

Even Kaido and Charlotte Linlin had no objection to Whitebeard being recognized first—because they understood the terror that man represented. Lightning, fire, even oceanic manipulation... none of it worked against that titan.

Charlotte already possessed great power.

Her crew was formidable.

All she needed was a defining moment—a trophy victory that would silence any doubters.

That's why Pokken became her target. A rising force in the New World. Defeating him and absorbing his influence would be the catalyst to expand the Big Mom Pirates' territory and dominance.

And after that...

She'd head for Raftel. She wanted to see the secrets of the last island herself.

Becoming one of the Four Emperors?

That was just the beginning.

With her ambition reignited, Charlotte's rage settled. She turned to Cracker with a malicious grin. "You're right, my son. Bring Kakutari back to me first, then prepare to eliminate Pokken. As for the Black Crow Pirates..."

Her voice turned to ice. "One day, I will crush them with my own hands."

As she spoke, the sky above Cake Island darkened. Thunderclouds swirled and crackled. A tsunami surged around the island's perimeter. Flames licked the edge of the waves, and serpents of lightning danced in the sky.

This was the storm that always followed Charlotte Linlin's fury.

Elsewhere...

Mio had no idea what was happening on Cake Island.

Even if he had known, he wouldn't have cared.

Right now, the young captain was sitting in his quarters, leaning over a sea chart, tapping his chin in contemplation.

He was thinking about the future of the Black Crow Pirates. More specifically, where to set up a permanent base in the New World. Unlike Roger, Mio wasn't focused on reaching Raftel—at least not yet. He was curious, sure, but lacked the Road Poneglyphs, and more importantly, the desire to rush there.

For now, his goal was simple—growth and stability.

He needed a stronghold. A place to operate from.

And he had just the place in mind.

Crow Island.

An island shaped like a crow, surrounded by flocks of the ominous birds. It was practically tailor-made for the Black Crow Pirates. In the bizarre ecology of the New World, Mio wasn't surprised such a place existed.

But it was far—deep into the New World, well beyond the Kesia Islands.

It would take about a month to reach it.

"As for the throne..."

Mio's gaze grew thoughtful. He understood now—the quickest way to end the throne war was simple.

Kill.

Reduce the competition until only a few powerful crews remained. Those survivors would naturally become the Four Emperors of the New World.

"There's still time. No need to rush," Mio muttered.

"Captain, dinner's ready," Robin called as she stepped from the cabin, her calm voice breaking his thoughts.

Hearing her, Mio smiled and stood, rolling up the sea chart. "Alright, I'm coming."

He stretched and made his way inside to enjoy the meal.

Five days later...

A pirate ship approached the Kesia Islands.

Standing on the deck, Bai Feng narrowed his eyes at the distant flag and turned to Mio. "My Lord, they're here."

"Tsk, finally." Mio appeared at the bow in a flash. "They kept me waiting nearly a week."

The flag was unmistakable—the symbol of the Big Mom Pirates.

At the front of the opposing ship stood a young man, tall, armored, and glaring coldly. Mio instantly recognized him—Cracker, one of the Three Sweet Commanders.

"Black Crow!"

Cracker's eyes locked on Mio, murderous intent practically pouring out of him. This was the man who had killed his brother, and Cracker made no effort to hide his hatred.

But the moment that killing intent surged...

Whoosh!

A barely audible sound tore through the air—fast, sharp, and deadly. Something sliced by Cracker's neck so close that the hair on his skin stood on end.

For a split second, he thought he had died.

His eyes widened in horror. Whatever had just passed him... it was inches from separating his head from his shoulders.

From the Black Crow's ship, Bai Feng spoke coldly.

"If you don't want to die, I suggest you put away your murderous intent."