one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 283: The Brewing Storm Beneath the Surface

[Cultivation was successful!]

[Unnamed!]

[Abilities: Huge Strength (Its strength is very strong), Agility (Its body is very flexible), Super Speed (Although it is large, its speed is not slow), Tough (Its skin is so hard that ordinary weapons may not be able to cut it), Furious (When fighting to the extreme, it will fall into a violent state and its strength will double), Fierce (It has a violent aura that makes weak people feel scared), Fearless (No matter how strong the enemy is, it cannot feel fear), Endurance (Its physical fitness is very strong, allowing it to maintain long-term combat).]

[Strength: Major of the Navy Headquarters! (Ultimate Combat Strength: Lieutenant Colonel of the Navy Headquarters!)]

[Potential has not yet been developed!]

This was the first cultivated gorilla. On the surface, its panel seemed average—neither weak nor outstanding. But considering that two thousand or nearly three thousand of these beings would be cultivated, this was already quite terrifying.

Quantity could lead to a qualitative transformation.

Especially when the baseline power was already impressive.

Mio nodded in satisfaction. He didn't rush to extract any abilities and instead released the character he had just cultivated.

A muscular man appeared in front of Mio, looked at him, and respectfully bowed his head. "Master."

"Stand aside," Mio said with a wave of his hand, unsheathing Raikiri and slicing one of the gorillas with a single strike, severely injuring it before continuing its cultivation.

No one knew how long it would take to cultivate all three thousand gorillas. Fortunately, once it was complete, Mio's overall strength would reach a terrifying level. Even if he didn't gain any overwhelming abilities, the amplified attributes alone would significantly increase his combat capability.

One gorilla after another underwent cultivation.

Almost all of them possessed the same panel and abilities—no variations.

Their strength was identical.

It was entirely an assembly line process of cultivation.

While Mio was immersed in this work, events across the Grand Line also began to shift.

A Certain Island

Judge looked at Doflamingo and asked, "Are you heading to the New World?"

"Ah, the Donquixote Family is moving to the New World next," Doflamingo replied with a nod. Having helped Mio obtain the Operation Fruit, Doflamingo had no plans to linger. He was preparing to stake his claim in the New World.

Judge raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised, before his eyes flickered with emotion. "Planning to take back Dressrosa?"

Over the years, Judge had come to understand Doflamingo a bit and knew about his connection to Dressrosa and the origins of the Donquixote Family. If Doflamingo was heading into the New World, there was no doubt he planned to reclaim his throne.

It reminded Judge of the North Blue.

Germa once ruled the North Blue.

Now, though he had the power to reclaim it, he didn't dare act recklessly.

After all, Black Crow hadn't granted him permission to deploy the imitation Pluto ship in the North Blue.

Without Black Crow's approval, he dared not act.

The consequences would be disastrous for Germa.

"You know that man's character. He doesn't hesitate to kill—regardless of who it is," Doflamingo said with a grin, catching the flicker of envy in Judge's eyes.

"I know," Judge replied with a deep nod. He didn't need Doflamingo's warning. Especially after two top-tier powerhouses, Qiongqi and Talos, appeared in the New World to retrieve a replica of Pluto on Black Crow's behalf. That event alone made Judge deeply aware of just how terrifying Black Crow truly was.

Who would've thought those two monsters were under Black Crow's command?

Judge had been stunned when he saw them.

And it only deepened his understanding of Black Crow's overwhelming strength.

"But since you're free now, can you help me send a ship to Black Crow?" Judge asked suddenly. The replica of Pluto wasn't the kind of thing to be sold off freely. Its power far surpassed the general versions. Judge wasn't concerned about that. The issue was that if the navy or the World Government encountered it and a strong figure wasn't present, it could easily be seized.

If something like that happened, the consequences would be grave.

But with Doflamingo escorting the ship, the risk of an accident was much lower.

"Oh?" Doflamingo raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Sure. Coincidentally, I also have something I want to discuss with Black Crow."

He knew Black Crow was currently somewhere in the first half of the Grand Line. He didn't know exactly what the man was planning, but this trip might give him a chance to find out.

Fishman Island

"Damn it! The World Government bastards actually killed Boss Tiger. Just like I thought—humans are all scum except for Lord Black Crow! They all deserve to die!"

"I'll slaughter every single one of them to avenge Boss Tiger!"

"Nobles, the World Government, the Navy—just wait! I'll wipe you out!"

In Fishman Street, every fishman bore expressions of grief and rage. Fisher Tiger had held immense status across Fishman Island—especially in Fishman Street, where he was revered like a hero. His death sent waves of sorrow and fury through every heart.

And it wasn't just Fishman Street.

All of Fishman Island mourned his passing.

In Ryugu Palace, Queen Otohime rubbed her forehead, her expression full of sorrow. Tiger's death had struck both her and King Neptune deeply, but she knew that no matter what happened, Fishman Island's standing in the world needed to improve.

It had been her life's goal.

Despite widespread anti-human sentiments that had surged in recent years, Otohime had continued striving to build bridges. She had even begun collecting signatures to request migration to the surface world.

But now, with Tiger's death, hatred toward humans had reached an all-time high.

She hesitated—unsure if she should delay her plans.

Elsewhere, in a Grand Line Sea Area

A luxurious ship sailed gracefully through the waves.

A Celestial Dragon lounged on deck, enjoying the company of two beautiful women as he turned to a subordinate. "I've visited the Sabaody Archipelago many times. This time, let's head for Fishman Island."

"Yes, sir. I'll make preparations immediately," the man replied.

Unbeknownst to them, a small figure was hidden in the shadows of the ship, eavesdropping on the conversation. As soon as the Celestial Dragon spoke, the figure quietly slipped away.

Sky Island

Renee read through the report brought by the small figure and nodded.

"So... a Celestial Dragon is heading to Fishman Island?"

The little one gave an affirming nod.

"Perfect," Renee said with a glint in her eye. "This is an opportunity. With Fishman Island's current hatred of Celestial Dragons, once one arrives, they'll be shunned. But the Celestial Dragon won't tolerate such treatment. So what will Otohime do then?"

"No matter what her choice is... this time will be the time of her death."

As her voice fell, Renee raised her right hand.

Shadow soldiers emerged from the darkness one by one.

"Go," she commanded calmly. "Follow the plan. But now, include the Celestial Dragon in the target. Adjust accordingly."