one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 342: The Rise of Dressrosa and the Road to Zou

The New World.

Zou.

This is a gigantic ancient elephant whose enormous body rises so high that even the sea cannot submerge it. Zou is an island that cannot be located by a record pointer. The Furry Kingdom rests atop its back, isolated and proud.

As a behemoth that has lived for over a millennium, its size and terrifying power make people hesitate to even think of attacking the Furry Kingdom. The main reason is simple: nobody wants to be trampled by the giant elephant. Of course, there are exceptions—like Jack the Drought, one of Kaido's Three Disasters, but even he facing the likes of Sengoku and Fujitora alone was simply suicidal.

The Furry Kingdom, on the back of Zou, is the domain of the Beast Warriors and the Mink Tribe.

They despise humans and have never shared their land with them, making the kingdom highly secluded.

There are only about 100,000 Minks in the entire country.

At this moment, a pirate ship had somehow made its way next to the moving giant elephant and anchored beside Zou.

Staring up at the massive creature, even Talos couldn't help the awe that filled his gaze.

"What a colossal being..."

Talos marveled, and a flicker of ambition danced in his eyes before quickly vanishing.

He knew his captain's ambitions well, and his first thought was whether this giant could be tamed and presented to Mio for training.

But he gave up the idea quickly.

It was too enormous. So massive that it sparked despair.

Sure, something so large might move slowly, but its strength was unmatched.

Talos was certain—if this elephant struck him even once, he would be gravely wounded.

This was a true force capable of shattering islands.

"But just because it's impossible now doesn't mean it will be forever. What a perfect target... I think the captain will be interested." Talos muttered to himself, before grinning wide. "Alright, you lot, get ready to go ashore. From today forward, the Furry Kingdom belongs to us."

"Hahaha! Zou, the mythical kingdom—we've dreamed of this day!"

"Let's take it!"

"Haha! We're finally about to have our own territory! I can't wait!"

Behind Talos, pirates of all shapes and sizes roared with excitement. This secluded nation was about to welcome its new rulers.

...

Three days later.

A shocking headline spread across the world through newspapers.

[Riku Doldo III, King of Dressrosa, Deposed by Civil Unrest! The Don Quixote Family Reclaims the Throne After 800 Years—Doflamingo Crowned King!]

This headline immediately drew global attention.

The content was simple and direct.

The people of Dressrosa had rebelled, and King Riku was ousted. Doflamingo, of the Don Quixote family and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, assumed the throne.

The article also investigated the historical ties between the Don Quixote lineage and Dressrosa.

The news shocked many.

After all, Dressrosa wasn't some backwater kingdom—it was a major power in the New World. And a pirate had just become its king.

To many, it was enviable.

Grand Line.

On an unknown island, Crocodile, another of the Seven Warlords, sneered as he read the newspaper. "Stealing a country? Only weaklings stoop to that."

With those words, the newspaper in his hands crumbled into dust as his ability activated. In front of him, a towering beast reeled back from a Haki-infused punch.

Marine Headquarters.

The World Government.

The entire New World buzzed with discussion about the bold takeover.

Meanwhile...

Dressrosa.

At the island's port, a new ship had docked.

It was the Black Glory.

At the port, Doflamingo personally came to welcome the arrival of the Black Crow.

At this point, he hadn't yet obtained the Childlike Fruit, but all who resisted him had been executed, leaving him in firm control of the kingdom.

While there were no dwarves enslaved this time, Dressrosa was still poor. But for Doflamingo, wealth was easy to come by—he was a major player in the black market.

Arms, Devil Fruits, and more—he had the means to make the kingdom flourish.

"Fufufufu, welcome, my friend," Doflamingo grinned as he approached the Black Crow, who had already stepped off the ship.

"Nothing urgent to do, so I figured I'd visit and relax a bit," Mio replied coolly. "I heard you haven't dealt with all the remnants of the Riku family yet?"

"Some of them managed to escape." Doflamingo admitted, a flash of cold intent in his eyes.

"Heh. Then you'd better clean them up quickly. I don't want any surprises later when I need this place." Mio's voice carried a clear warning.

"Fufufu, please don't worry." Doflamingo nodded seriously. "They won't get away. Within a week, I'll have them all eliminated."

Had Mio not said anything, Doflamingo wouldn't have cared.

But Mio's warning made him take the matter seriously.

If the Black Crows were to use Dressrosa as a base someday, any trace of rebellion would ruin everything. He didn't want to be responsible for such consequences.

"See to it," Mio said simply and walked ahead.

"Of course. And to thank you for stopping Garp back then, how about I handle the arrangements for the next few days? I promise you won't be disappointed." Doflamingo offered with a grin.

Mio smiled faintly and nodded, not refusing.

He was here on vacation after all. There wasn't much else of value in Dressrosa for now.

Doflamingo led the way toward the royal palace of Dressrosa.

As he walked, he waved a hand, and Trebol came over immediately.

In a cold, commanding tone, Doflamingo ordered, "Did you hear that? Ten days. I want all members of the Riku family who escaped captured. I'll kill them myself. I won't rest easy until then. I can't afford the Black Crow's wrath."

"Understood, young master." Trebol responded seriously. "We'll have information soon. The entire kingdom is sealed. They can't run far."

"If anyone is sheltering them—kill them too. Leave no one behind. Anyone who dares to threaten my throne... dies!"

After issuing his orders, Doflamingo continued leading Mio without another word.

When it came to murder, Doflamingo had never hesitated. He had already razed towns in the past—killing more meant nothing to him.

Soon, the group arrived at the royal palace of Dressrosa.

Rows of maids stood ready, smiling warmly as they welcomed them. Whatever method Doflamingo used, he had managed to suppress most of the civilians' resistance and maintain peace.

——————-

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