At the port of New Naia Island.
This was an island without a Marine base.
As a ship slowly docked at the harbor, people nearby began to display looks of unease and fear. Even some pirates, upon seeing the pirate flag flying above the ship, froze in place.
"Am I seeing things? That looks like… the Black Crow Pirates' flag!"
"It's really the Black Crow Pirates. I can't believe they're here."
"What an honor. That guy has a bounty of 500 million. The total bounty of the crew is over 1 billion. I never thought I'd see them with my own eyes. I wonder if I could even join them…"
Some pirates were in shock, others were terrified, and a few were visibly excited.
At that moment…
On the deck—
Mio and the others had gathered, preparing to disembark.
But then, the sound of the Den Den Mushi rang out.
Mio took out the Den Den Mushi, his eyes flashing. Sitting down cross-legged, he connected the call.
"What do you think of the gift I gave you?" Vegapunk's gentle voice came through.
"Very satisfied." A smile tugged at the corner of Mio's lips as he thought of Talos.
As the call connected, the deck quieted down.
To avoid disturbing the conversation between Mio and Vegapunk, Lilith quietly approached the port, placing a finger to her lips. "Shh."
The meaning was clear.
"Did you have something specific to discuss with me this time?" Mio got straight to the point.
"Not exactly. I just received the items you asked Hall to bring back. This was the first opportunity I had to contact you." Vegapunk sounded impressed. "The genes you provided are incredible. You might not realize it, but to me, their allure is no different than the attraction ONE PIECE has to pirates—completely intoxicating."
"Speaking of which, I'd like to request the genes of Mashi on your ship. I suspect hers are even more special and… alluring." Vegapunk's tone held excitement.
Mio responded with a faint smile. "You'll get them in the future. But since you contacted me, I do have something I need your help with."
"Go ahead," Vegapunk replied, intrigued.
"I want you to cultivate a group of little ones with giant genes. Mass production—no need for uniqueness. Ideally using the same species as the base body. Think you can do it?" Mio asked.
Vegapunk sipped tea on the other end of the line and frowned slightly. "The giant genes aren't a problem, but creatures compatible with them are likely limited to ancient species. That would require an ancient island as the research site."
While Mio was speaking with Vegapunk—
At that moment, Diamante arrived at the port, approached the Black Glory, and looked at Lilith.
"The young master asked me to invite Mr. Mio over," he said in a deep voice.
"Wait a moment, sir. He's handling something important right now," Lilith replied with a pleasant smile.
Diamante nodded, stepping aside respectfully. But inwardly, he was shocked.
What alarmed him wasn't just Lilith—it was the faint pressure she emitted. And not just her. Every crew member standing on the Black Glory gave off a sense of overwhelming presence.
"In just one year, everyone in the Black Crow Pirates has become so strong!" Diamante was visibly shaken.
"As expected of someone the young master holds in high regard."
Mio, unaware of Diamante's thoughts, continued his conversation. After hearing Vegapunk's comments, he chuckled. "For the World Government, if you ask for it, I doubt they'd hesitate to hand over not one but two or three ancient islands."
Vegapunk laughed. "That may be true, but I need to deliver research results. Otherwise, they won't keep supplying me with resources. And frankly, what I'm doing for you doesn't align with their goals. They're pressuring me to develop artificial Devil Fruits—especially Logia types."
He paused, then said, "But since you asked, I'll help. I just need to produce two legitimate research outcomes. In exchange, I hope you'll provide Mashi's genes afterward."
"Alright. But you already know my conditions," Mio nodded.
"Don't worry," Vegapunk said. "Anything developed using your genes won't be shared with the World Government. I won't help them gain strength. I'm a man of my word. Besides, you're the only one who gives me what I truly want."
"Then we're good. I've got other things to do, so let's talk again later." Mio ended the call and put away the Den Den Mushi.
Stroking his chin, Mio smiled with anticipation.
He hoped Vegapunk would reach out again soon. When that day came, it would mark the true beginning of his army's rise.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Mio stood up.
"Let's go. Let's not keep our friends waiting." Mio descended from the Black Glory with a calm smile.
Behind him followed Hei Yan and several other crewmates, some of them cloaked.
As they disembarked, a light but undeniable aura radiated from them. Pirates nearby instinctively stepped back, clearing a path. On either side, pirates stood like spectators at a royal procession.
"Mr. Mio, the young master is waiting for you," Diamante said the moment he saw him.
"Lead the way."
"Please follow me," Diamante nodded and turned to guide them.
Before they departed, Nico Robin looked back at the ship and shouted, "Hanba, keep an eye on the ship."
"Roar."
A deep growl echoed from beneath the sea in response.
As Mio and his group left the harbor, the pirates nearby exchanged stunned glances.
"As expected of the Black Crow Pirates… just their presence feels like death."
"This is the aura of a true great pirate."
"That voice from underwater… was that Hanba? One of their crew? I really want to see him in person."
The chatter continued among the stunned crowd. In the first half of the Grand Line, pirates with bounties exceeding 100 million usually headed straight for the New World. Most pirates here had bounties of only a few tens of millions.
So Mio, with a bounty of 500 million, was naturally seen as a legendary figure—a true great pirate.
In the town—
Mio and his companions, guided by Diamante, arrived at the tavern entrance.