one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

"Nice to meet you, Lord Kuroko."

Sanji stepped forward to face Mio, his words surprising Zeff and the others, who were about to leave.

Hearing the voice, Mio turned and glanced at Sanji, raising his eyebrows slightly. "You… look familiar."

Of course, Mio already knew who Sanji was. But there was no need to reveal that he recognized him immediately.

(Author's note: From now on, Sanji will continue to be referred to as Sanji!)

"I'm Sanji," the young man replied solemnly. "Vinsmoke Sanji."

"Vinsmoke?" Zeff's eyes widened in astonishment. "Sanji, you… you know where your family is?"

"Sorry, old man." Sanji took a deep drag on his cigarette and exhaled slowly. "I know that place used to be my home… but not anymore."

Zeff's brows furrowed with doubt, but when he caught the sorrow in Sanji's eyes, he seemed to understand. With a soft sigh, Zeff nodded and said nothing more.

"Vinsmoke… now there's a name I haven't heard in a while." Mio chuckled lightly, his golden eyes narrowing. "You're Judge's third son, aren't you?"

"I don't want to admit it, but yes." Sanji nodded, taking another puff of his cigarette. His expression turned melancholic.

At first, he'd considered borrowing the Black Crow's strength to exact revenge on his cold, heartless father. But in the end, he abandoned the idea.

He didn't have the ability.

He didn't have the qualifications.

And Mio… Mio wouldn't bother helping someone as insignificant as him.

"So, what do you want from me?" Mio asked calmly. Though Sanji was an important figure in the original timeline, Mio's interest in him was minimal.

Perhaps Sanji and Zoro possessed great potential and could one day become powerful.

But their growth was too slow.

Why bother with them when Mio could train new subordinates who'd surpass them far sooner?

"I haven't been to the North Blue in years," Sanji said quietly. "It was never my home, but… I still have family there. I want to know how my sister is doing."

His voice softened at the mention of her.

If there was anyone he missed from that cursed family, it was his sister, Reiju—the only person who'd shown him kindness. She had freed him from the dungeon and helped him escape.

If not for her, Sanji might've died in that cold, dark prison.

"Reiju, huh?" Mio's expression remained unreadable as he nodded. "If that's what you want to know, then there's no harm in telling you.

The Vinsmoke family hasn't changed much. They're as ruthless as ever. But your sister… she's alive and well. Honestly, you should consider returning to them."

"I never want to see that disgusting man again," Sanji said coldly, his tone filled with loathing.

He then bowed slightly. "Thank you for the information. Since my sister is safe, I don't have any other requests. Please, allow me to prepare you a meal as thanks."

Mio gave a small nod. "Fine."

And with that, he resumed walking toward the Baratie.

As the members of the Black Crow Pirates and Dracule Mihawk entered the restaurant, Luffy—still lying on the deck—finally struggled to his feet.

Zoro sat nearby, his chest bandaged by Nami.

"It hurts…" Luffy groaned, clutching his abdomen. His eyes narrowed toward the restaurant. "Why… why can that guy hit me like Grandpa? I'm a rubber man…"

"Don't even ask that stupid question right now!" Nami yelled, veins bulging on her forehead. She smacked Luffy on the head, glaring fiercely. "What were you thinking earlier?! Didn't you hear Zeff? That man is so dangerous even the Navy Headquarters doesn't dare touch him! You idiot!"

"So what? The Pirate King will be me!" Luffy protested stubbornly.

Seeing his unwavering determination, Nami pressed her hand to her forehead, groaning.

This boy… She couldn't shake the feeling that staying on this ship would lead to her untimely death.

"L-Let's just leave," Usopp stammered, his legs shaking. "What if those monsters come after us again? We're doomed if they do…"

Just moments ago, a single attack had nearly incapacitated Luffy.

The sheer power difference was overwhelming—and terrifying.

Usopp's despair grew with every passing second.

Inside Baratie

The pirates settled into their seats as waiters cautiously served Donghai wine and platters of food.

Mihawk took a sip of wine, then glanced at Mio. "You've seen those kids now. What's your impression?"

"Average," Mio replied bluntly.

Despite their roles in the original timeline, there was nothing particularly remarkable about them yet—not in strength nor presence.

Perhaps they had potential, but for now, they were ordinary.

"Even so, Shanks saw something in them," Mihawk said. "They must have some hidden spark we haven't seen yet."

"I'm not convinced," Mio said with a faint smirk. He downed a glass of wine in one gulp. "Frankly, I don't care if they ever reach the New World. Right now, I'm more curious about something else… whether Garp will show up."

"Garp?"

Mihawk raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"You don't know?" Mio chuckled. "That boy in the straw hat is Garp's grandson—the son of Monkey D. Dragon."

Mihawk's eyes flickered at the revelation.

"So the grandson of a Marine hero… set sail to become a pirate?"

Mio's grin widened. "Exactly. And knowing that old man, he's probably on his way here already."

Mihawk nodded. "If he shows up, will you fight him?"

"Maybe." Mio's voice was calm, yet there was a dangerous edge to it. "It depends on how he acts."

Suddenly, Mio's golden eyes narrowed. "Ah… speak of the devil."

Outside Baratie

In the distance, a warship cut swiftly through the waves.

Before the ship even docked, a figure leapt into the air and landed with a resounding crash on the Baratie's deck.

"LUFFY!"

A powerful fist came down on Luffy's head, leaving a massive lump.

"Grandpa?!" Luffy yelped in pain, clutching his head.

"Have you completely forgotten what I told you?!" Garp roared.

"W-Why are you here?!" Luffy asked, startled.

"If I hadn't come, you'd already be dead, you fool!" Garp scolded, his voice like thunder.

He then turned his sharp gaze toward Noah, who was stepping out of the restaurant.

"Where's Black Crow?" Garp asked in a low, dangerous tone.

"Lord Mio is dining inside," Noah replied with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Her aura flared to life. "But on his orders, I'm here to ask you to leave."

"East Blue is my home," Garp growled. "And I'll leave only after I learn why Black Crow is here."

Their two powerful auras clashed violently, filling the air with tension so heavy the onlookers struggled to breathe.

Fear spread like wildfire across the deck.

"In that case…" Noah's eyes gleamed with excitement. "We'll settle this the only way pirates and Marines know how—through battle."

And in an instant, she vanished.