one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

Time passed slowly.

The Black Crow Pirates had long since left the East Blue, and three months had quietly slipped by.

During this time, the seas remained calm—eerily calm.

North Blue

In a certain part of the North Blue, the Black Glory sailed steadily through the waters. Any ships that spotted its flag in the distance would quickly change course or hide, unwilling to risk an encounter.

Unlike the East Blue, the pirates in the North Blue were far more familiar with tales of the New World and understood the terror that the Black Crow name invoked.

On the deck of the Black Glory, Hei Yan stood before Mio, giving his report.

"My lord, the Straw Hat Pirates are almost at Water 7."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Mio, who was reclining lazily on Lilith's lap, opened his eyes and showed a flicker of interest.

"Water 7, huh…"

Recalling the events of the original story, Mio's golden eyes glimmered as he asked, "And what about Blackbeard?"

Hei Yan nodded, his tone calm.

"Blackbeard defected from the Whitebeard Pirates a few months ago, just as you predicted. He killed Thatch and stole the Dark-Dark Fruit.

Ace left the New World soon after to hunt him down. We intercepted intel on Gaya Island—Blackbeard tried to capture Luffy but failed, as you expected. Now he's set his sights on Ace. It won't be long before the two of them cross paths."

"Good."

Mio's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Have Renee keep a close watch on both of them. If a fight breaks out, I want to know immediately. Also, issue orders for some of our forces to prepare."

His eyes flashed coldly.

"It won't be long before we can begin our true operation."

"Yes, my lord!"

Hei Yan gave a respectful bow and left to carry out the command.

Mio sat up slowly, a look of expectation forming on his face.

"It looks like in another month or two, everything will be ready…"

For the past three months, the Black Crow Pirates had sailed across various seas, waiting patiently for the perfect moment—the war at Marineford.

The so-called War of the Best, a cataclysmic clash between the Four Emperors and the Navy, was the key.

Mio wasn't foolish enough to underestimate the Navy.

While they posed no immediate threat to the Black Crows, the sheer size of their forces—three admirals, countless vice admirals, hundreds of thousands of soldiers—was an obstacle.

If no one held them in check, a conflict with the World Government would grow far more dangerous.

Originally, Mio worried that his presence might alter the flow of events and prevent the war from ever happening.

But over these three months, he noticed something important.

The main story of this world seemed to follow a fixed path.

Even with his interference, the Straw Hat Pirates were still retracing their original journey:

East Blue → Alabasta → Skypiea → Water 7…

It was worth noting that Skypiea now belonged to the Black Crows.

The Straw Hats had barely set foot on the island before being blasted down by the Black Crows' defenses.

"Perhaps the timeline will even speed up," Mio murmured.

"There's no point in the Thriller Bark arc anymore. Moria is under my command.

After Water 7, the Straw Hats will likely head straight to Sabaody Archipelago.

Perhaps in less than a month, the war will erupt."

Mio's golden eyes narrowed as he looked at Bai Feng.

"Set a course for Germa."

"Yes, my lord."

Bai Feng nodded, and the Black Glory turned, accelerating toward Germa's floating fortress.

Amazon Lily

Meanwhile, on Amazon Lily, in the heart of the Calm Belt, Boa Hancock reclined on a soft sofa in her palace, a Den Den Mushi in her hand.

"I understand," she said calmly, before hanging up.

Her eyes hardened as she turned to Granny Nyon.

"Old woman, how many combat-ready warriors does Amazon Lily currently have?"

"Seventy thousand," Granny Nyon replied, her expression complicated.

"Are you certain about this, Hancock?

If we fail, Amazon Lily will vanish from the world forever."

More than a decade ago, Amazon Lily had begun secretly building up its forces under Mio's orders. Thanks to their isolation in the Calm Belt, no one had discovered their growing army.

Granny Nyon was well aware of Mio's grand plan, and despite Hancock's growth and newfound maturity, she couldn't suppress her worry.

"It won't fail."

Hancock stood, her voice resolute.

"Failure is not an option—and we don't have the luxury of refusing."

Granny Nyon fell silent, then gave a helpless nod.

Indeed…

Refusing Mio wasn't a choice.

If they dared defy him, he could wipe Amazon Lily from existence with terrifying efficiency.

As Granny Nyon departed, Hancock watched her leave and whispered softly.

"I never wanted to refuse…"

Wano, Zou, and Fishman Island

Elsewhere, in Wano Country, on Zou, and even on Fishman Island, leaders of key territories put down their Den Den Mushi receivers.

Each began mobilizing their forces in secret.

Years of quiet development had transformed Mio's hidden army into a force of overwhelming numbers and power.

Germa 66

The Black Glory soon docked at Germa's massive war fortress.

Led by a clone soldier, Mio strode into the castle's grand hall.

Waiting there were Judge's children.

Reiju and her siblings stepped forward respectfully.

"Lord Black Crow."

"Where's Judge?" Mio asked, his calm gaze settling on Reiju, who was as beautiful and poised as ever.

"Father is handling important matters but will arrive shortly.

Please, take a seat. If you require anything, allow us to assist you."

Reiju's voice was gentle, but her underlying caution didn't escape Mio's notice.

Germa 66 was officially a "partner" of the Black Crows.

But everyone knew the truth: this alliance was unbreakable.

Should Germa attempt betrayal, Mio wouldn't hesitate to erase them from the map.

Mio sat down lazily on the sofa.

Reiju quickly approached with a bottle of fine red wine, pouring him a glass.

"Lord Black Crow, Father has arrived."

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hall.

Judge entered, his masked face hiding most emotions, though excitement burned in his eyes.

"How's the progress?" Mio asked with a faint smile.

"We've made excellent progress," Judge reported eagerly.

"But as per your earlier orders, we've kept Germa's forces restrained in the North Blue.

When can we begin our campaign?"

"Right now," Mio replied without hesitation.

"R-right now?"

Judge's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"Of course," Mio said, his tone calm but sharp. "But you know which targets Germa may seize and which are off-limits."

"Of course.

We'll target only nations outside the World Government's alliance—small, war-torn states.

With the true Pluton at our disposal, their conquest will be simple."

"How powerful is Pluton?" Mio asked.

Judge straightened.

"We haven't unleashed its full strength yet, but it should rival the Pluton of legend.

Rest assured, I won't use the real Pluton unless absolutely necessary.

The imitation Plutons are more than enough for most battles."

Mio nodded slightly.

"That's good to hear. Now, one more task for you."

"Please, go ahead." Judge's tone grew serious.

"In the coming month, I want you to draw the World Government and Navy's attention to the North Blue."

Judge's eyes flashed with realization.

"I understand. What about Pluton's transport?"

"I'll contact the Shipping King to handle it," Mio said calmly.

Judge exhaled, relief and excitement mixing in his expression.

"Understood. Leave it to me."

As the sky darkened, a grand feast was laid out in the castle hall.

At the dinner table, Judge spoke warmly.

"Lord Black Crow, if you're not in a rush, why not remain in Germa for a few days?

There's much to see in the North Blue.

Reiju can be your guide—and assist with anything you may need."

His tone carried unspoken implications.

Reiju sighed softly and added, "Yes, Lord Black Crow. Please don't hesitate to ask. I will do everything to satisfy you."

Mio smirked faintly, shaking his head.

Judge was truly ruthless.

To solidify Germa's bond with the Black Crows, he'd even offer his daughter?

Mio's gaze swept over Reiju—tall, alluring, and undeniably beautiful.

"Heh…"

Though amused, he said nothing, swirling the wine in his glass.