NOVPUB
Chapter 318 - 318: The Emperor’s Path
"Huh."
Looking at the endless sea in front of him, Mio said with a thoughtful expression, "Does Water 7 know about it?"
"Yes," Hei Yan nodded. After all, Water 7 is a very famous island in the first half of the Grand Line. It once produced the ancient weapon Pluton. It's obviously impossible that they wouldn't know.
"You should go alone for this matter. I believe that with your strength, you should be able to handle it easily," Mio said in a deep voice.
"Please give your orders," Hei Yan bowed respectfully.
"If nothing unexpected happens, the fish-man Tom will soon finish building the sea train, and then he'll be executed. That old guy holds the design plans for Pluton. I originally planned to wait for the right moment to retrieve them. Now, the opportunity is here." Mio's lips curled into a sneer. "Once the battle on Gavro Island breaks out in a few days, it will definitely attract global attention. The World Government, the Marines, and even the Revolutionary Army will all be watching."
"This is the perfect time. You'll go to Water 7 and retrieve the Pluton blueprints."
"Understood." Hei Yan nodded, looking forward to the mission.
After all, he now fully understood the significance of ancient weapons to Mio.
And the blueprints of Pluton—one of the ancient weapons—were incredibly valuable. Their importance was unquestionable.
If he could carry out the mission flawlessly, he would surely please Mio.
While Hei Yan was still contemplating, Mio reminded him, "By the way, you can make a move, but remember to eliminate all traces. Don't leave anything that could tie this back to us. If necessary, you can ask Renee to assist."
"I understand. With Renee's help, there shouldn't be any problems," Hei Yan said respectfully. "I'll also take care of the CP9 organization stationed there."
"Good." Mio nodded and waved his hand, signaling dismissal.
Although Mio had already mastered imitation technology to replicate Pluton, its power was not even half of the original. That's why he still longed for the true Pluton.
While the World Government remained uncertain whether Tom truly possessed the blueprints, Mio was certain of their existence.
This opportunity would ensure the World Government couldn't trace the operation back to the Black Crow.
Once this mission concluded, the real Pluton could finally be created using the authentic blueprints.
"Sir," Erica approached and said, "Hawkeye is here."
"Hmm?" Mio's eyes flickered with a hint of surprise. He stepped to the side of the ship and looked out. Immediately, his eyes lit up. "This guy... he came at just the right time."
"Hey, Hawkeye! Get over here!" Mio waved energetically.
Hawkeye, seated on his small boat, twitched his eyelid at the sound of Mio's voice. He had a bad premonition but still sped up to approach the Black Glory.
With a leap, Hawkeye landed on the Black Glory, his weapon slung across his back. He looked at Mio and asked, "I was heading toward Crow Island and happened to run into you. Judging from your course, you're going to Gavro Island?"
"Even you know about Gavro Island? Looks like Big Mom's doing her job well." Mio chuckled in amusement, then added, "That makes sense. It's the only way someone like Saya or Poken would believe this wasn't orchestrated behind the scenes."
After all, Big Mom could spread such information through the underground networks she dominated via the Tea Party.
"Big Mom?" Hawkeye's brow furrowed slightly in confusion.
Since Hawkeye and Mio were on friendly terms—and Hawkeye remained neutral—Mio grinned and explained, "You might as well join me. Though I'm headed for Gavro Island, I'm not after the five Devil Fruits being auctioned."
"Then what is it? Aside from those Devil Fruits, what else could be so attractive on Gavro Island?" Hawkeye asked, intrigued.
"Heh."
Mio smirked. "To become an Emperor."
"Become... an Emperor?"
Hawkeye was momentarily stunned, but then he nodded in realization. "That's right. With your strength and influence, you certainly qualify. But Gavro Island is about to become a battlefield drenched in blood."
Even so, he found himself intrigued—eager to witness it firsthand.
"It'd be a shame not to witness your rise," Hawkeye said. He didn't doubt Mio's ability to succeed. In his eyes, Mio's strength was truly terrifying, and he was certain Mio still had countless hidden trump cards. What Black Crow had revealed to the world so far was likely only the surface.
"Then let's go together," Mio said with a smile. With Hawkeye aboard, he'd finally have someone worth drinking with.
"Yeah," Hawkeye agreed. Then, after a pause, he added, "If you need help, I'll assist you—just once."
"Hmm?" Mio was clearly surprised. He hadn't expected Hawkeye to make such an offer, especially since it meant being publicly associated with Black Crow.
But Mio merely shook his head and smiled. "No need. The strength of Black Crow is unstoppable in the New World."
His voice brimmed with unshakable confidence.
And rightly so.
The number of top-tier fighters within Black Crow was overwhelming.
Even Whitebeard himself wouldn't be able to take them all down.
But of course, no one knew that.
For the next leg of the voyage, Mio and Hawkeye drank together often, enjoying the calm before the storm.
Two days later.
Gavro Island.
A massive island, teeming with activity.
At the island's port, dozens of pirate ships were docked. The nearby town, a pirate stronghold, was bustling with activity.
Today, Gavro Island was especially lively. At least seventy or eighty pirate ships filled the port—some under the command of Poken and Saya, and many others who had come for the auction.
Unfortunately for them, disaster loomed. These pirates were nothing more than cannon fodder for the coming conflict.
From the deck, Mio scanned the ships.
He could spot several vessels under his own banner.
Shaking his head and smiling faintly, he gave the order. "Go ashore and find a place to wait."
Big Mom hadn't arrived yet—or perhaps she was already nearby, simply biding her time until the auction began to minimize attention.
Still, she had already placed many of her crew members on the island, including people involved in the auction.
Just then—
After Mio disembarked, a woman approached and quietly said, "Lord Black Crow, I was sent by Mama. I will escort you to your destination. The battle may erupt there."
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Pump up the power stone
