On the Black Glory.
Mio handed Crocodile a copy of the training methods for Armament Haki and Observation Haki, along with some of his own experience regarding Haki cultivation. He handed the materials directly to Crocodile. In truth, this thing wasn't that important.
After all, Mio's own Haki training had reached a considerable level, though it had yet to reach the very top.
So, Mio didn't place too much value on his own experience.
After receiving the Haki training manual, Crocodile prepared to leave.
However, Mio's voice suddenly rang out. "Sand Crocodile, take this too."
Crocodile turned around instinctively, caught the item thrown to him, and frowned slightly. "Den Den Mushi?"
"Maybe we'll have a chance to trade again in the future." Mio grinned.
Hearing this, Crocodile curled his lips. "I don't want such an opportunity."
Although he said so, Crocodile still pocketed the Den Den Mushi before his body turned into sand and disappeared from the Black Glory.
Mio turned his attention to the items removed from Pluto on the deck, his eyes flickering with anticipation. He couldn't help but feel a hint of excitement. He didn't know exactly how powerful the original Pluto was, but he had violently removed some of the core components from Pluto, along with various surface materials, because Mio wanted to study what Pluto was made of.
After instructing Warwick to move everything to the ship's storage hold, Mio went over to Robin and asked, "How's it going? Have you translated the text?"
"It's translated, but…" Robin frowned slightly as she handed the notebook to Mio, a hint of puzzlement on her face.
The content Robin translated was carefully written in the notebook.
Mio took a glance and immediately frowned.
"The master of the Void Throne has gained eternal life."
"The enemy of the D clan is named Im."
The reason for Mio's frown was these two sentences. It was impossible that the entire historical text contained only this little information, but the other parts mainly detailed information about Pluto, which Mio didn't care too much about for now.
And these two sentences…
Im…
Mio wasn't particularly surprised about Im's immortality. After all, since people knew that the Operation Fruit could grant eternal life, it meant that someone must have used it successfully in the past.
Otherwise, how would such rumors even exist?
And the one who likely achieved immortality was Im.
The master of the Void Throne.
The enemy of the D clan.
Frankly, Mio was extremely wary of Im. Now that it was confirmed that Im possessed immortality, it meant he had lived for at least several centuries — possibly from 800 years ago to the present day.
Just think about it: in this world, someone like Whitebeard, who lived only for decades, already achieved overwhelming strength.
How strong would someone be after 800 years of continuous growth?
Top-tier Armament Haki, Observation Haki, Conqueror's Haki — fully mastered?
Perfected physical prowess and techniques?
Fully awakened Devil Fruit abilities?
Perhaps even the ability to consume two Devil Fruits, just like Blackbeard?
This thought made Mio even more cautious.
If true, Im's strength must have reached a horrifying level. The possibility that he had no strength? Mio dismissed it immediately. Without immense power, how could someone control such a massive force as the World Government? How could he command the Five Elders to submit so willingly?
After frowning for a moment, Mio handed the notebook back to Robin.
"Captain, do you know who this Im is?" Robin asked curiously.
"Yeah." Mio nodded and grinned. "A very mysterious figure… and a very terrifying one. Right now, he's the true master of this world."
There was no exaggeration in his words. The navy might be overthrown one day, but the World Government itself? Overthrowing it was almost impossible — for now.
Upon hearing this, Robin opened her mouth wide in astonishment before falling silent.
She was smart. She quickly connected the dots and thought of the World Government.
"Sir, are we heading to the New World next?" Hei Yan approached and asked with anticipation in his eyes.
Mashi hurried over as well, excitement flashing across her face. "Brother, when are we heading to the New World? I heard there are tons of strong pirates there!"
She waved her fists energetically, clearly impatient.
No wonder — a lot of people on the Black Glory enjoyed fighting, and naturally, they were eager for the chaos and gathering of powerful individuals in the New World.
Mio scratched his head with a smile. "Soon. But before that, we'll be staying in the first half of the Grand Line for a while longer."
There were still matters regarding Pluto that needed to be handled.
As for replicating Pluto, it was clear that he needed someone skilled for the task. Vegapunk was not an option — he was too closely monitored by the World Government. If Vegapunk were to act suspiciously, he could be imprisoned or even used by the World Government to reclaim Pluto's secrets.
After thinking carefully, Mio set his sights on the Vinsmoke family.
Although Judge's intellect wasn't at the same level as Vegapunk's, he was still a genius in scientific research.
As for whether Judge would willingly cooperate — or if he might have thoughts of stealing the technology for himself…
Heh.
A cold glint flashed across Mio's eyes. He didn't care.
The Vinsmoke family was powerful, sure, but for the Black Crow Pirates, wiping out Judge would not be too difficult. If Judge didn't cooperate, he would be eliminated and replaced. After all, strength was meant to be used.
At worst, they could head to Vegapunk's hometown for other options.
Mio picked up a Den Den Mushi and made a call.
After a brief conversation, Mio put it away and gave Hanba an order. "Hanba, head eleven o'clock."
"Roar," Hanba responded with a roar and immediately shifted their direction.
Meanwhile, somewhere else on the Grand Line.
Doflamingo, who hadn't yet returned to the North Sea, put down his Den Den Mushi, a thoughtful frown appearing on his face.
"The Vinsmoke family, huh? This guy should be heading to the New World soon. What's he plotting?"
"And… another cooperation? Hehehehe, this should be interesting."
He chuckled lightly.
Waving his hand, Doflamingo summoned Trebol.
Trebol bowed slightly. "Doffy, what's up?"
"Let Diamante, Pica, and you — the three of you — return to the North Sea and invite Judge of the Vinsmoke family," Doflamingo ordered.
Upon hearing this, Trebol frowned and reminded, "That guy won't just come along with us willingly."
"Won't come?"
Doflamingo sneered coldly. "Hey, isn't his wife pregnant? I heard he values the children she's carrying a lot."
"But if we do this, it'll draw the Vinsmoke family's revenge," Trebol warned.
Doflamingo didn't care. He simply said, "Revenge is fine. I'm far more interested in the profit this 'friend' mentioned. Now go."
"I understand."
Trebol didn't argue anymore. He nodded and turned to leave.