one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

The calm sea became lively again as time passed.

The reason was clear—there were quite a few supernovas this year, coming from all corners of the sea. With so many gathered together, their arrival in the New World was bound to stir up chaos. Although the first half of the Grand Line was considered a paradise for pirates, the strong here were not as formidable as those ahead. Yet, to be named a supernova meant these individuals were the cream of the crop among pirates in the first half of the Grand Line this year.

They were all promising seeds for the future.

Naturally, some powerful forces sought to recruit these supernovas.

"Come to think of it, weren't the Black Crow Pirates supernovas back then?"

"Ah, yes, I remember it clearly. Even as newcomers, the Black Crow Pirates slaughtered several incredible figures as soon as they entered the New World."

"Right. The Black Crows back then were terrifying, nothing like typical rookies."

"Hahaha, there are quite a few supernovas this time. I wonder if any of them will rise like the Black Crows did. Newcomers never get an easy welcome in the New World."

"Tsk, don't kid yourself. Not everyone is qualified to become like the Black Crows."

People whispered in taverns, on decks, and across islands.

But in the New World, another matter entirely had caught everyone's attention.

A piece of explosive news from the Navy was deliberately printed in the Navy's newspaper and circulated throughout the seas.

[Portgas D. Ace, captain of the Second Division of the Whitebeard Pirates, has been captured and imprisoned in Impel Down. His public execution is set to take place at Marine Headquarters in fifteen days!]

The newspaper bore a photo of Ace, his hands bound in seastone cuffs as Navy soldiers escorted him toward Impel Down.

Beneath the photo, the article painted Ace as a monstrous threat to the world, emphasizing his devil fruit abilities and portraying him as a menace that had to be eliminated by execution.

"Portgas D. Ace… wasn't he the new guy Whitebeard picked up a few years ago? A Logia user, absurdly powerful, and rose to become the Second Division Commander in such a short time. The Navy's motives can't be simple."

"Whitebeard protects his sons fiercely. And Ace's position in the Whitebeard Pirates isn't ordinary."

"The seas are about to get rowdy. What will Whitebeard do?"

"Interesting."

"Hahaha, looks like things won't be boring for a while."

New World, Beehive Island.

The massive Kaido had just returned from yet another failed suicide attempt in the deep sea. Sitting in a cavern, he chugged wine from a colossal gourd while his subordinates read the newspaper aloud.

When they finished, Kaido grinned, baring his teeth in excitement.

"Quinn, what do you think the old man Whitebeard will do?"

"Boss, you already know the answer," Quinn replied with a shrug. "Ace isn't some small fry. He's the Second Division Commander, and Whitebeard treats every crew member like his own son. If one of his sons is in trouble, Whitebeard won't just stand by."

"Are you saying Whitebeard will go to war with the Navy?" Kaido's voice rumbled like distant thunder.

"It's not impossible." Quinn nodded. "The Navy clearly released this news on purpose to bait Whitebeard. It's a trap. The question is whether Whitebeard will bite. And, boss, you know… Whitebeard is old."

"Yeah… HAHAHAHA!" Kaido threw his head back in laughter. "You're right. That old man doesn't have many years left."

For ordinary people, what Whitebeard chose to do was irrelevant—they'd simply watch events unfold like spectators at a play.

Even Charlotte Linlin wouldn't care much.

If an Emperor fell, there were still three others. And if necessary, a new Emperor could rise. Or maybe… the throne could vanish entirely.

But Kaido was different.

He cared because he had been waiting for the opportunity Mio had predicted.

Kaido wasn't reckless—at least not entirely. He recognized the storm Mio had warned about, and the thought of it made his blood boil.

Though not a fool, Kaido was undeniably battle-hungry. The prospect of a war that could reshape the world made his veins burn with excitement.

"Bring me the Den Den Mushi to contact that guy, Hei Yan. I need to ask him something. And…" Kaido's voice grew louder, filled with a rising intensity. "Where's Yamato? Find Yamato and tell my son there's going to be a war. I'll be taking him with me—HAHAHAHAHA!"

Sabaody Archipelago.

Pirate ships streamed into the island, their crews buzzing with anticipation.

Some were ordinary pirates.

Some were supernovas.

All came here on their way to the New World.

To enter that sea, the Sabaody Archipelago was a mandatory stop for ship coating, just like Fishman Island.

Area 13.

"Wow! Is this the Sabaody Archipelago? So beautiful!"

A group strolled along the road, marveling at the vibrant bubbles floating in the air.

It was, of course, the Straw Hat Pirates—eight members strong.

In the original history, there were nine, but Nico Robin was now a member of the Black Crow Pirates. She had no ties to the Straw Hats anymore, nor any interest in traveling with them.

"I heard each area of the Archipelago has different shops. We can probably buy all kinds of rare stuff here," Chopper said while scanning his notes.

"I hope there's good booze," Zoro muttered.

"Ahh, and delicious ingredients too," Sanji added, a cigarette dangling from his lips.

But then—

"Straw Hat! I've been waiting for you."

A sharp voice cut through the air.

Luffy turned his head.

Two figures stood across the road, eyes locked on him.

"Who're they?" Usopp frowned, flipping through a bounty list. "Wait… they're supernovas too. That's Eustass Kid, captain of the Kid Pirates. Bounty: 315 million berries. And the other one's his right-hand man, Killer. Bounty: 162 million."

"They're waiting for us," Sanji said, narrowing his eyes.

"Yeah, you're right."

Kid smirked, stepping forward. "I waited here because I wanted to see for myself what kind of man this so-called Straw Hat is. But looking at you now, I'm disappointed."

"Are you looking for a fight?" Zoro asked, a sharp glint flashing in his eye.

"Damn right." Kid's smirk grew darker. "I heard you crossed paths with Vice Admiral Gion in the East Blue, Straw Hat. Impressive for a rookie."

"Vice Admiral Gion?" Chopper blinked, recalling Garp's warning back in Water 7. "Wait, are you guys with the Black Crow Pirates?"

"No." Killer shook his head. "But after Kid defeats you, we're heading to the Black Crow Sea to join them."

"Crushing two other supernovas will boost my chances of being accepted into Hei Yan's crew." Kid's eyes gleamed with fanaticism as he recalled the Black Crow's legendary exploits from the newspapers of his childhood.

"I'm starving. I don't want to fight." Luffy scratched his head. "Let's get some food instead."

"WHAT? You're the second-highest bounty among us supernovas and you're running away? Don't you feel ashamed?" Kid roared.

"It's you picking this fight, not us." Nami scowled.

"Hmph. So what? I stayed on this island an extra week just to take you down. Otherwise, I'd already be in the New World." Kid snorted, raising his hand. Metal objects flew toward him and fused into massive mechanical arms. "Now, let's see if you're strong enough to destroy Enies Lobby like they say."

As Kid lunged forward—

Clang!

A figure appeared in a flash, intercepting Kid's strike with an ordinary katana. The blade, coated in Armament Haki, stopped the mechanical arm cold.

The newcomer's lips curved into a gentle smile.

"Kid, would you mind postponing this fight? I have business with Straw Hat first."

"Wh-what?!"

Kid's expression twisted as he recognized the man. His mechanical arms froze, unable to push forward an inch.

"Pluton… Rayleigh."

"Come on, Killer. Let's go."

Kid gritted his teeth but made no move to resist. The mechanical arms dissolved as he turned his back.

Though confident in his own strength, Kid wasn't foolish enough to challenge Silvers Rayleigh, the former first mate of the Pirate King.

A reputation like his was no mere rumor.

Kid wasn't ready—not yet.