one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

On the Sabaody Archipelago.

  Those with considerable strength and sharp Observation Haki almost instantly sensed the arrival of an overwhelming aura.

  Area 13.

  In Xia Qi's tavern, the atmosphere was tranquil yet heavy with an unseen tension. Three people occupied the room: one carried a black blade on his back, another had long silver-white hair and an aged face, and the last was naturally the owner of the tavern, Xia Qi. The two visitors were none other than Hawkeye Mihawk and Silvers Rayleigh.

  Hawkeye, known for his strength and prestige as the world's greatest swordsman, frequently traveled between the New World and the first half of the Grand Line. Familiar with both Rayleigh and Xia Qi, he often stayed at this tavern to drink during his stops on Sabaody.

  "That man came faster than I expected." Hawkeye, sipping wine, suddenly stopped mid-motion. A flicker of surprise passed across his usually calm face.

  "It seems he has business in this part of the Grand Line," Rayleigh said with a knowing chuckle, noticing the same presence. "Someone like him doesn't visit these waters for leisure. This sea is a paradise for rookies. For someone at his level, it's far too dull."

  "Maybe not. It's been over a decade since he left Crow Island. Perhaps he just wants to revisit old places and reminisce about his journey through these seas."

  A familiar voice came from the doorway, interrupting them.

  As the door swung open, Mio stepped inside, grinning at the three figures. "After all, I passed through here on my way to the New World all those years ago."

  Whoosh.

  A bottle of wine sailed through the air.

  Mio casually caught it one-handed, took a long swig, then patted Shen Fei, the enormous creature standing beside him. "Wait outside and keep watch."

  Shen Fei nodded silently and did not enter the tavern.

  Mio strode toward Hawkeye, seating himself at the table. "You look surprised to see me."

  "Of course." Hawkeye nodded, his tone even. "Your very presence stirs waves across the seas. Even leaving Crow Island draws countless eyes, let alone venturing to the first half of the Grand Line."

  "Well, that's unavoidable." Mio shrugged with a wry smile.

  "You're not here for a vacation, are you?" Rayleigh probed lightly, though his eyes gleamed with curiosity.

  "You're right," Mio admitted. "I'm here to deal with a few minor matters… and to see the so-called 'newcomer' that Red-Haired Shanks mentioned."

  Rayleigh's brows furrowed for a moment before easing. "You're interested in a rookie?"

  "Not just any rookie." Mio's voice was calm but carried a weight of authority. "Anyone who could make Shanks sacrifice an arm is worth a glance. But don't worry—unless he provokes me, a mere rookie isn't worth lifting a finger against."

  Rayleigh relaxed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He already knew about Luffy, the young man entrusted with Shanks' straw hat, and feared Mio might intervene. But hearing Mio's words, his worries eased.

  "Are you heading to the East Blue then?" Hawkeye asked with interest.

  "Perhaps. But first, I have other stops."

  "If you're heading that way, I could accompany you," Hawkeye offered. "The seas have been too quiet lately. No worthy opponents anywhere."

  "You could challenge Asuka." Mio smirked knowingly.

  Hawkeye's expression soured instantly. "Forget it. I've no interest in getting crushed. That woman's madness in battle isn't something I wish to endure."

  Mio chuckled but didn't press the issue, instead joining the two legends in sharing drinks and discussing the state of the seas.

Meanwhile, at Sabaody's Port.

A flamboyant figure stepped off a ship. Cloaked in pink feathered fur, Donquixote Doflamingo gazed at the bustling archipelago with a sly grin.

  "Fufufufufu… Looks like things are about to get interesting today. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

  He cast a glance toward a ship anchored nearby. A massive figure stood upon it, radiating a fierce and intimidating aura.

  "Have our 'friends' arrived?" Doflamingo asked Trebol, who stood behind him.

  "Yes, Young Master," Trebol replied, his voice sticky and raspy. "They're in Area 13. Nearly all the Black Crow Pirates are here this time. Should we approach them?"

  "No rush." Doflamingo's grin widened. "Let's see how things unfold. I have a few questions for our friend Mio… but first, I want to enjoy the show."

  Over the past decade, Doflamingo's influence had grown significantly. With spies planted in the Navy, World Government, and the underground world, he had access to sensitive information—like today's unexpected convergence of powers on Sabaody.

Back in Xia Qi's Bar.

As night fell, Sabaody grew livelier. Pirates, Marines, underworld brokers, merchants, nobles, and civilians all mingled in a chaotic dance under the glowing bubbles of the archipelago.

In the bar, Mio now sat surrounded by his trusted subordinates. Gardevoir, Manabu, and Gangqiu had arrived from the Black Glory to accompany him.

The rest of the Black Crow crew, having been confined to Crow Island for so long, seized the opportunity to explore the bustling island, eager to shop and indulge in its pleasures.

"My Lord," Gangqiu said with a wide grin, finishing his drink. "I think I'll wander around a bit and see what this island has to offer."

"Go ahead," Mio said lightly, waving him off.

He understood Gangqiu's true motive.

The Sabaody Archipelago, despite its surface prosperity, was rife with hidden darkness. Jealousy, greed, and desire churned in every corner. These vile emotions, Mio knew, were the perfect fuel for Gangqiu's unique ability—allowing him to grow stronger by feeding on the evil thoughts of others.

Perhaps, tonight, Gangqiu might ascend to the level of a Navy Admiral.

"I'll meet you at the port tomorrow," Gangqiu said before departing, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

"Strength isn't everything," Wanshe muttered under his breath as he watched Gangqiu leave. "A strong man with no taste for wine isn't much fun at all."

Gardevoir, ever poised and graceful, stayed silently beside Mio, pouring wine for him with refined movements. Yet even in her quiet, Hawkeye and Rayleigh could sense her suffocating presence.

"This crew's foundation is far more terrifying than I imagined…" Rayleigh thought grimly. "There's no doubt now—Black Crow is beyond even the World Government's control."

Trouble Brews.

Suddenly, Hawkeye put his glass down with a faint smirk. "It seems tonight's about to get even more lively."

"Hm?" Mio and Rayleigh both frowned, sensing a surge of powerful presences nearby.

Mio's Observation Haki flared. "Tch… Three Shichibukai on the island at once? What's this, a Navy trap? Are they trying to provoke me?"

"Don't be absurd," Hawkeye replied flatly. "The Navy may be reckless, but even they aren't foolish enough to challenge you without their full force."

"Doflamingo is one of the three. He's likely here to see you. But… Gunther is here as well. Strange…"

"Gunther?" Mio raised an eyebrow.

A loud bang interrupted their conversation.

The tavern door slammed open. A hulking figure stood silhouetted against the dim light, followed by a throng of men—at least a hundred strong.

The bald man leading them had a deep scar across his face and muscles like coiled steel. His eyes scanned the room, lingering briefly on Hawkeye before narrowing on Gardevoir. A flicker of lust and ambition danced in his gaze before he finally locked eyes with Mio.

"Lord Black Crow," Gunther said loudly, his voice filled with forced bravado.

"Do you need something?" Mio asked calmly, lifting his bottle of wine and draining it in one smooth motion.

"I do," Gunther replied, stepping forward with a grin. "As a Shichibukai, I sometimes follow Navy orders. They've asked me to investigate your purpose here. And personally…" his grin widened, "I want to see how far the gap is between myself and one of the emperors of the New World."

His aura flared with fighting spirit.

But Hawkeye couldn't help but laugh derisively, shaking his head.

Mio sighed, placing his bottle down with deliberate slowness. "I thought the Seven Warlords were supposed to be clever. Seems I was wrong."

He turned slightly, as though too bored to waste his time. "Deal with him quickly," he ordered.

Wanshe rose, but before he could act, a soft yet chilling voice interrupted.

"Allow me," Gardevoir said coldly. Her emerald eyes locked on Gunther. "I dislike the way he looked at me."

Wanshe smirked and sat back down. "As you wish."