Outside the tavern, footsteps sounded.
Then, the door of the tavern was pushed open, and Mio walked in first.
"It's you!!"
As Mio just stepped into the tavern, Judge couldn't help but stand up with a look of shock. Although he had only met Mio once, Judge still remembered Mio's appearance very clearly — in fact, he was deeply impressed.
Because this guy had some kind of transaction with Vegapunk.
And Judge was very clear about Vegapunk's wisdom.
In addition, Mio was already famous across the world, which made Judge remember him even more.
"Do you know each other?" Doflamingo asked, looking at Mio with interest.
"We've only met once," Mio said flatly as he sat down in front of the two.
Judge looked gloomy and spoke in a cold voice. "Tell me, what do you want from me? I don't have time to waste here."
He glanced at Mio and at Erica and the others standing behind Mio, fear flickering in his eyes. After all, he still remembered Erica's terrifying sword. The Black Crow Pirates had grown even stronger, and he didn't want to make an enemy of Mio.
"Hey, hey, hey, I'm also very interested in the cooperation you mentioned." Doflamingo laughed.
He didn't yet fully understand Mio or the intelligence network Mio commanded, which made him even more curious about this cooperation.
"No hurry."
Mio smiled, taking a sip of the wine that Trebol had brought him as soon as he sat down, then said slowly, "First of all, let me make it clear — I value this cooperation very much. And I think you two will be very interested in what's coming."
"What is the cooperation you're talking about?" Judge frowned.
"Pluto. Have you heard of it?" Mio grinned.
The words had barely left his mouth when even Doflamingo's eyes widened. He sat up straighter, leaning forward slightly.
"Hiya, one of the three ancient weapons?" Doflamingo said, excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Do you have the blueprints for Pluto?" Judge asked in disbelief.
"No," Mio immediately shook his head and laughed sarcastically. "Even if I had the blueprints, would you dare to build it?"
"Hiya…"
Hearing that, Doflamingo chuckled and said nothing, while Judge curled his lips. Honestly, he wouldn't dare. He wanted to dominate the North Blue, not die at the hands of the World Government.
Build Pluto?
If the project started today, the Buster Call might arrive tomorrow.
"I don't have the blueprints," Mio said casually. "But I do have Pluto's dismantled power structure, along with all its technical data."
Hearing that, Doflamingo's eyes flashed, his brows furrowed slightly. "You want to… replicate Pluto?"
"Exactly." Mio nodded, turning to Judge. "That's why I need you, Mr. Judge. I need you to study the core principles of Pluto's power structure."
"It's said that Pluto can destroy an island with one shot. Even if the replica only has a tenth of its power, it would still be terrifying, right?"
As Mio finished speaking, Judge's breathing became rapid.
He had always longed for power — that's why he created the clone army and experimented on his own sons to strengthen Germa. Mio's words ignited that desire completely.
Mio tapped the table lightly and said, "So? What do you think of this cooperation?"
"Hehehehehehe, if what you say is true, then I'm very interested," Doflamingo replied without hesitation.
Judge also nodded silently.
Seeing this, Mio didn't waste time. He snapped his fingers.
In the tavern, shadows rose from the ground. Shadow warriors materialized, carrying pieces dismantled from Pluto. They stood silently, waiting for Mio's command.
This move startled both Doflamingo and Judge. They exchanged a deep look at Mio.
However, Judge's attention was quickly drawn to the mechanical parts in the shadow warriors' hands. He could tell at a glance — these were indeed removed from Pluto. His hands itched to study them immediately.
Unfortunately, just as he was about to approach, a tentacle wrapped in Armament Haki appeared in front of his forehead.
Hei Yan stood calmly, tentacle extended, staring coldly at Judge.
It was clear: if Judge moved even slightly closer, Hei Yan would pierce his head without hesitation.
A chill ran down Judge's spine, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
Doflamingo smiled faintly, a glint of shock flashing in his eyes. As expected, none of the Black Crow Pirates were ordinary.
Mio spoke in a calm tone. "The cooperation hasn't been finalized yet. Mr. Judge, you'll need to be patient. These things will be handed over to you later."
"…Huff."
Judge took a deep breath and returned to his seat. "Please continue."
"First, I want the largest share of this cooperation, and you two will fund the project," Mio said without hesitation. "If Pluto can be replicated, I want ten ships. As for selling copies of Pluto, the power must be reduced again for the market version, and I want 50% of the profits."
Hearing this, Judge's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Mio to be so greedy — making them fund the research and construction while claiming half the profits.
Almost without thinking, Judge was about to refuse.
But Doflamingo spoke faster. "I agree."
"Hiya, if I don't agree, can I even leave here alive?" Doflamingo asked with a grin.
Mio took another sip of his wine, but didn't answer.
However, Doflamingo's words made Judge instantly swallow his refusal. He was sweating buckets now.
Mio continued slowly. "I'm asking a lot, yes. But you'll still earn enough to make it worthwhile. Once the research succeeds, the profits will be astronomical. Even if a ship sells for tens or hundreds of millions of berries, pirates will scramble for them."
"There's no shortage of pirates at sea. Even if they're broke, they'll rob and plunder to get what they want."
Judge fell silent.
But before he could reconsider, Mio added casually, "If Mr. Judge is unwilling, I'll just head to Baltigo."
Baltigo — the birthplace of Vegapunk.
But the murderous intent underlying Mio's tone made Judge's back break out in cold sweat. Without further hesitation, he nodded quickly. "I agree too."
Everyone at the table was a smart man. They had ambition, yes, but unlike reckless fools like Crocodile, they weren't stupid enough to provoke certain death.
Mio also wasn't worried about Doflamingo or Judge secretly contacting the World Government. They knew better — if the World Government found out they had information about Pluto, real or fake, they would all be executed on the spot.
What Mio needed to do was simple: warn them, suppress any hidden ambitions, and ensure no one got any ideas about mass-producing imitation Plutos and betraying him.
As for Doflamingo, Mio had never been worried.
Because Doflamingo was a true schemer — a man who understood how to survive.
"I don't think I need to stress how important the imitation of Pluto is," Mio said lightly. "I'll be heading to the New World soon, so I'm leaving this project in your hands."
He leaned back and smiled coldly. "Of course, I hope you both know what to do and what not to do."
"Some things… are far more complicated than you think."
After speaking, Mio set the wine bottle down with a soft clink and gazed calmly at the two men in front of him.
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Pump up the power stone if you guys want mass release