one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 206: The Favor of the Monster

Truthfully, Boken was weak in Bullett's eyes. If Mio had asked him to burn his favor on Boken instead of someone like Whitebeard or Kaido, Bullett would've gladly accepted. But Mio refused.

That meant Bullett would probably have to use that favor in a future clash against one of the monsters of the New World—Whitebeard, Kaido, or someone just as terrifying. Though he wasn't afraid, he couldn't help but feel a bit reluctant.

Still, Bullett wasn't someone who went back on his word.

Slowly rising to his feet, he downed the last of his wine in one gulp and prepared to leave. Since Mio didn't need his help, he wouldn't stick around. He had originally come here to buy something and hadn't even done that yet. He had no interest in watching a battle either.

Thinking of this, Bullett casually tossed aside the bottle and said, "What a pity. I'll be on this island for a few more days. If you want me to act, just come find me."

With that, Bullett leapt away and disappeared.

"Alright, let's continue," Mio said with a grin, turning to face Boken. Fighting spirit surged through his body. He reached for Raikiri at his waist with his right hand. Instantly, the massive scarlet giant enveloping him raised a devilish arm, condensing a massive crimson blade in its grasp.

"Damn guy," Boken cursed under his breath, glancing in the direction Bullett had vanished, unease and the urge to retreat filling his heart.

Although Mio said he wouldn't let Bullett act, that didn't mean Boken believed him.

Unless he had absolute confidence that he could win in a two-on-one situation, he wouldn't gamble his life here. He had come a long way and wasn't about to throw it all away—he feared death.

"Black Crow, you got lucky today," Boken growled. "But watch your back. One day, your head will be mine."

He shot a subtle glance at his subordinates before clenching his right fist. His arm muscles bulged, and Armament Haki coiled around them violently.

"What? Planning to run?" Mio grinned with mockery. "I really overestimated you. Unfortunately for you, you're not leaving."

As his voice fell—

Mio swung his blade.

A terrifying wave of sword energy burst forth, forming a massive slash.

"Hmph, if I want to leave, you can't stop me!" Boken barked in disdain. He punched forward, releasing a destructive force that shattered the slash head-on.

But at that moment—

Mio's figure appeared behind Boken, still shrouded in the giant scarlet entity. In a split-second, the massive devilish giant raised its blade with both hands and swung down at Boken.

Sensing the danger behind him, Boken didn't flinch. He spun around and punched back.

BOOM!

The impact shook the earth.

Their blows clashed and momentarily locked in stalemate.

But the next moment—

"Extreme Explosion!"

Boken roared. As his voice rang out, it was as if a massive heart thumped through the air. Suddenly, terrifying energy erupted from him. The explosive force sent Mio flying backward across the battlefield.

Even the giant scarlet phantom surrounding Mio faded slightly under the impact.

Taking advantage of the opening, Boken clenched his fist again, eyes blazing. He suddenly punched the ground beneath his feet.

BOOM!

Cracks splintered across the terrain, spreading like a spider's web in every direction. The earth trembled and began to cave in. It felt as though a violent earthquake had struck.

Dust exploded outward, clouding the battlefield.

Many onlookers struggled to stay on their feet.

Even Mio had trouble keeping his balance in the chaos.

From within the dust, there was a sudden sound—something slicing through the air.

Mio narrowed his eyes. A massive rock was hurling toward him.

Without hesitation, he swung his blade, cleaving the rock in half. But he couldn't help but curse under his breath. "Damn it, Bullett... you showed up at the worst time."

Using Observation Haki, he quickly realized—Poken had vanished.

Even his subordinates were gone.

Mio raised his left hand. A halo formed in his palm and spread out, and with a single thought, he activated his influence ability. A gust of wind erupted, sweeping through the battlefield and clearing the dust.

But as the dust dispersed, it became clear—Boken and his crew were no longer there.

"Lord Black Crow! They ran that way!" Araki shouted, removing the arm that had shielded his eyes moments earlier. He pointed toward the direction the enemy had fled.

"Lord Black Crow, shall we pursue them?" Katsumata Takeru called out, his eyes full of fervor.

Though Bullett's appearance had spooked Boken into retreating, it only made Katsumata and the others admire Mio more. The fact that even someone like Bullett owed Mio a favor—and that Mio didn't even cash it in here—solidified their belief.

With the strength of the Black Crow Pirates and the presence of their commanding and composed captain, they truly believed the crew had a shot at conquering the New World.

———-

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