NOVPUB
Chapter 314 - 314: Prelude to the Throne
The next day.
Dark clouds blanketed the Black Crow Sea. Mio stepped onto the balcony, his upper body bare, revealing a strong and well-toned physique. 𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖕𝖚𝔟.𝖈𝖔𝔪
Frowning at the sky, Mio let the cold raindrops fall freely over him as he muttered, "I can finally rest for a few days. It would be best if the weather stays sunny."
Then—
Mio waved his right hand.
With a thought, his ability surged outward.
The dark clouds scattered instantly, and the sun broke through, casting golden rays down upon the island.
Feeling the warmth of the sunlight, Mio's frown eased, and the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile.
Within the castle was an open-air swimming pool, more like a luxurious back garden with exquisite scenery, reserved for relaxation.
For now, Mio had no pressing tasks. He was waiting—waiting for Charlotte's call. Until Millet rang with a message, Mio was to remain on Crow Island.
These days could be considered his rare leisure.
Beside the pool.
Mio reclined on a soft lounge sofa, sipping wine lazily.
To his left, Robin wore a flowing skirt and immersed herself in a book, while Mashi lay next to Mio in a conservative swimsuit, occasionally feeding him fresh fruit.
Everyone else was busy with their own affairs.
When Mio wanted wine, someone poured it. When he wanted fruit, someone fed him. This kind of life, surrounded by strength, beauty, and comfort, was enough to make even Mio reluctant to return to the grind.
Unfortunately, despite possessing power, influence, and companions, he couldn't let go of the crisis that always loomed overhead.
Time flowed quietly.
Three days passed.
On this day—
Mio was sunbathing and drinking as usual when—
Bulu bulu bulu—
The Den Den Mushi beside him rang out.
Mio raised an eyebrow, picked up Millet, and answered.
"Black Crow, you can move out. Those two have already set off for their destination." The voice of BIG MOM came from the line—Charlotte Linlin herself had called.
Hearing that, Mio smiled faintly. "Got it."
Then the Den Den Mushi call ended.
Mio stood up, looked at Warwick beside him, and ordered, "Warwick, gather everyone. It's time to move."
"Understood, sir," Warwick responded promptly before turning to leave.
A quarter of an hour later.
In the grand hall of the castle—
Aside from Lilith, Qiongqi, and Taros—who had already left for Amazon Lily—the rest of the Black Crow Pirates had assembled. Kongo, Olive, and the other core crew members were all present.
Everyone turned their eyes toward Mio, seated high upon the throne, awaiting his command.
"You should all know about Gavro Island by now, right?" Mio asked with a smile.
"Gavro Island?" Katsumata Takeru stroked his chin. "Boss, that island's become quite the hotspot lately. At the last auction, they sold five Devil Fruits in one go. If you hadn't ordered us to stay put, I would've gone to see if I could get one myself."
"Yeah, Saya and Pokken are heading there too," Olive added. "Looks like they're dead set on getting those fruits."
"Heh, those two have been getting awfully close lately. Word is, they might be forming an alliance."
"Boss, now that you bring it up, are we going to Gavro Island too?"
Mio nodded. "Yes, we're heading to Gavro Island."
"If it were just for Devil Fruits, I don't think you'd have waited until now, right boss?" another pirate asked, eyes gleaming. "Is it about Pokken and Saya?"
"Haha! So it's finally time—the boss is making his move!"
"But boss, they're both going with their full crews. Can we really take them both on?"
"What's there to be afraid of? The boss is strong enough, and we've got Lord Asuka and the others. Even if Pokken and Saya team up, we've got this."
As the crew's chatter grew more excited, Mio lifted a hand.
The hall fell silent.
"You're all right. Our goal is indeed Pokken and Saya," Mio said calmly. "Of course, we also have allies. You'll meet them in due time. For now, move out—but don't let Pokken or Saya's people notice. Travel separately and regroup at Gavro Island in two days."
Then, with a glint of anticipation in his eye, Mio grinned. "If this succeeds, you all know what it means. Let's make this count—hahaha."
His words electrified the hall.
"The throne..."
"The New World needs a seat for the boss! If he doesn't become emperor, who can?!"
"Haha, that's right! This is the boss's defining battle—I'm going to slaughter those bastards!"
"Hehehe... Pokken and Sayaka are both top-tier fighters in the New World. I may not be able to kill them, but if I can land a solid blow, I'll be bragging about it for a year!"
"Let's move out! I can't wait to get to Gavro Island!"
The pirates burst into laughter and scattered to prepare for departure.
Soon, only Kongo and Asuka remained behind.
Mio stroked his chin and said, "Kongo, you and your men will remain on Crow Island. Report anything unusual immediately."
"Yes, sir." Kongo bowed respectfully.
Without further delay, Mio descended the steps, eyes gleaming. "Let's go."
"The throne belongs to you. Asuka will cut down all who stand in your way."
"Your Excellency should be emperor already," Hei Yan said solemnly, anticipation flashing in his gaze.
Led by Mio, the crew stepped out of the castle and boarded the Black Glory.
One by one, ships departed the Black Crow Sea from various directions, all heading toward Gavro Island.
At the same time—
In Sky Island—
Renee placed down the Den Den Mushi, her fingers tapping lightly against the table, eyes thoughtful. "So sir is finally going for the throne..."
Her thoughts moved.
Shadow soldiers silently appeared one after another.
She issued a single command. "Head to Gavro Island. There will be a battle. Once it's over, spread the news to the world—Black Crow has become the emperor, on equal standing with Whitebeard."
The shadow soldiers bowed and vanished in an instant.
As for Mio failing?
Renee had never once considered the possibility.
Because in her eyes—Mio would never fail.
