one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

For Judge, regaining control of the North Blue was more important than anything else.

And the only man capable of helping him achieve this goal was Black Crow.

Judge understood well that those who had cooperated with Black Crow for any length of time knew the truth—Black Crow was terrifying beyond measure.

He also understood that his "cooperation" with Black Crow would never truly end. The nature of their agreement made it impossible for Black Crow to simply let Germa go. Their alliance was one Judge would have to maintain indefinitely.

And yet, Judge didn't resent this.

On the contrary, he felt relief.

He knew Black Crow's ambition stretched far beyond the North Blue.

For Germa, ruling the North Blue was a goal—but for Black Crow, it was merely a stepping stone.

Judge didn't mind even sending his own daughter to Black Crow if it meant binding Germa's fate to his. To Judge, ruling the North Blue was no longer a dream. Under Black Crow's shadow, it was practically guaranteed.

But what about after?

The World Government would never tolerate a kingdom controlling an entire sea. When that time came, Germa would surely face retaliation from the World Government.

And so Judge resolved to throw everything behind Black Crow. If Black Crow succeeded in his ambitions, Germa would, in Judge's mind, become the servant of a dragon.

Sending Reiju to Black Crow was, to him, a small price to pay—a bond that would strengthen their alliance.

Judge was self-aware enough to recognize his own limitations and wise enough to understand Black Crow's temperament. So long as he didn't cross Black Crow's reverse scale and continued to prove his worth, Black Crow would have no reason to destroy Germa.

The seas were on the brink of a massive upheaval.

For Germa to survive, they needed the right partner.

And Black Crow was the perfect choice.

"There are many slaves recently purchased by Germa," Judge said with a smile.

"If you're interested, you may choose from them. They are all fresh acquisitions: princesses from conquered kingdoms, daughters of nobles, even the daughters of gang leaders whose organizations we destroyed in the North Blue. They're yours for the taking."

"It sounds… intriguing," Mio replied, a faint smile on his lips. "But I'll pass."

He took a slow sip of wine and added calmly, "Let Reiju accompany me instead. I'll stay in Germa for two or three days before leaving the North Blue."

"Understood."

Judge's smile broadened, though there was a cold glint in his eyes as he turned to Reiju.

"Reiju, do your utmost to serve Lord Black Crow from this day onward!"

"I understand, Father."

Reiju sighed inwardly but nodded and sat obediently beside Mio.

Across the table, Judge's other children kept their heads bowed, silent.

In the vast hall, only Mio and Judge's voices could be heard as they discussed the state of the seas and secret plans.

Time passed swiftly.

Unnoticed, Mio's three-day stay in Germa came and went.

During this time, Reiju followed Judge's instructions and remained by Mio's side, serving him in every way. Mio, for his part, enjoyed the "taste" of a character he remembered from the original world.

Three days later…

The Black Glory set sail, slowly pulling away from Germa's floating fortress.

On the deck, Lilith clung to Mio's arm and asked with a mischievous smile,

"Sir, aren't you going to take that girl with you?"

"Reiju?" Mio raised an eyebrow.

"Yes."

"There's no need for that—for now."

Mio's voice was calm, almost indifferent.

Having lived in this world for so long, Mio no longer placed much importance on women. With his power and influence, he could easily obtain Hancock, Kozuki Hiyori, or even high-ranking female marines if he wished.

But the only women Mio deemed worthy of keeping at his side were those he personally trained and molded.

As for the others…

They could wait until this world belonged entirely to the Black Crow.

With that thought, Mio picked up a Den Den Mushi and made a call.

The receiver clicked, and a deep, booming voice answered.

"This is Umit!"

"It's Mio," Black Crow said smoothly.

The sound of shuffling footsteps came from the other side, followed by Umit's more respectful tone.

"I didn't expect to hear from you, Lord Black Crow. What can I do for you?"

"I have a shipment that needs to be transported to the New World," Mio said evenly.

"These ships must avoid detection by the Navy and the World Government."

"Ships, huh?"

Umit sounded puzzled, then thoughtful.

"It's possible… but I can't guarantee the World Government won't catch wind of it."

Mio's voice turned icy.

"Umit, this cargo is critical. If anything happens to it, you know the consequences."

Umit, one of the kings of the underworld and the so-called "Shipping King," controlled the largest and most discreet transport network across the seas.

The other end of the line fell silent as Mio's words sank in.

After a long pause, Umit spoke again.

"I'll do everything in my power."

"No."

Mio's tone sharpened like a blade.

"I don't want your best effort. I want absolute success.

If anything happens to the cargo, there will be no place for you in this world."

A chill ran down Umit's spine.

But Mio's next words changed his tone entirely.

"Of course, if you succeed, you'll receive a reward worthy of your effort.

I'll even grant you access to the seastone trade as a gift. What do you say?"

Umit's eyes widened in shock.

The seastone trade was one of the Black Crow's most lucrative monopolies, with only a few trusted allies allowed a share of its immense profits.

This was a rare opportunity.

His breath quickened, and after a moment, Umit replied in a deep voice.

"I understand. Rest assured, there will be no accidents."

"Good."

Mio smirked faintly and relayed the transaction details before ending the call.

Stowing the Den Den Mushi, Mio turned to Bai Feng.

"Set a course for Amazon Lily."

"Yes, my lord!"

The Black Glory accelerated, heading toward the Grand Line.

One Week Later

"The Straw Hats broke into Enies Lobby?"

"This year's supernovas are insane."

"Their captain's bounty shot up to 300 million berries. Looks like the number one rookie has been decided."

"Bah, supernova or not, let's see which Yonko devours him first."

Across the seas, newspapers fluttered in the wind, carrying shocking news that sparked waves of discussion.

On the Black Glory, Mio read the paper with a faint smirk.

"Straw Hat Luffy…"

"The journey to Water 7 is over. Next up, the Sabaody Archipelago."

Mio set the newspaper aside and sipped his wine.

The Black Glory sliced through the waters, steadily approaching Amazon Lily.

At that moment, Hei Yan approached, carrying a Den Den Mushi.

"Sir, Ace has been defeated by Blackbeard and handed over to the Navy.

It seems Blackbeard struck a deal with them."

"Hmm?"

Mio's eyes narrowed in surprise, and his expression darkened slightly.

"So he's already in their hands?"

"Yes."

Mio fell silent, deep in thought.

Just then, Lilith approached with a Den Den Mushi ringing in her hands.

"Sir, a call for you."

Mio glanced at the familiar device, took it, and answered coolly.

"Is there something you want from me?"

"There is," said a deep, gravelly voice on the line.

"I need your consent for something."

"Speak."

"It's about Amazon Lily," the voice replied.

"I want my son to go there."

"You mean Luffy?"

"Yes. He's too inexperienced. If he heads straight for the New World now, he'll die.

I want him to train and learn Haki on Amazon Lily."

Mio's lips curled into a cold smile.

"I refuse."

"…I understand."

Without another word, the man on the other end—Dragon—hung up.

Mio's eyes glimmered as memories of the original story surfaced.

"Dragon still watches over his son.

But Amazon Lily isn't the same place it was before—it belongs to me now."

He tossed the Den Den Mushi to Lilith.

"Keep tracking the Straw Hat Pirates.

If they reach Sabaody Archipelago, inform me immediately."

"Yes, my lord."

The Black Glory cut through the calm waters of the Calm Belt at incredible speed, propelled by Hanba.

Before long, the distant shape of an island appeared on the horizon.

Amazon Lily was in sight.