one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 196: Demon Power and a Red-Haired Guest

This was the Devil's Power.

Mio didn't know exactly what kind of energy it was, but this power was destructive and completely under his control—similar to how Logia Devil Fruit users could manipulate their elements freely.

In addition to that, this demon energy had a flame-like intensity—its heat was tangible.

He waved his right hand, and the demon power immediately transformed into a long whip in his palm. With a sharp swing, he struck the sea's surface.

Boom!

The whip exploded on contact, sending waves surging outward in a massive splash.

"What incredible power." Mio's eyes widened as he saw the aftermath. That had been a casual attack. If he put his full strength into it, the result would be terrifying.

"The development of Devil Fruits takes too long. This demon power came just in time—it's a great addition to my swordsmanship for combat." Mio smiled, clenching his fist again before suddenly slamming it downward.

What followed was even more intense.

The scarlet energy instantly condensed into the shape of a massive, fiery fist. With a loud roar, it smashed into the sea.

Boom!!

Water erupted as if a cannon had detonated below.

"Eh? What's that?"

Mio suddenly squinted into the distance. A black dot had appeared on the horizon.

Thanks to the one-tenth attribute gain from Hei Yan, Mio's vision had improved significantly. Now, he could clearly see the dot was a pirate ship.

A pirate flag fluttered atop its mast.

And when Mio recognized the symbol on the flag, his surprise deepened.

It was a skull with two swords crossed behind it, and a scar over the upper-left section of the face.

Mio immediately recognized the emblem.

The Red Hair Pirates.

"Red-Haired Shanks?" Mio murmured, a little stunned. He hadn't expected to encounter someone like Shanks here. Still, he remained calm, devoid of strong emotions.

Meanwhile, aboard the Red Hair Pirates' ship...

"Hey boss, I see it. That ship up ahead—it's the Black Crow Pirates," said Yasopp, the sniper, lowering his telescope and turning to shout toward Shanks.

"Really?" Shanks immediately grabbed the telescope, peering through it. His eyes lit up. "Oh ho! It's true, hahaha! We finally found the Black Crow. I've been dying to meet the guy Mihawk keeps praising."

"In that case, I'll head over, Captain," the navigator suggested as he walked forward.

Shanks raised his hand to stop him, grinning mischievously. "First meetings require a proper gift, don't you think? Let's see the 'generosity' of the Black Crow Pirates. They've been drawing a lot of attention lately."

Clang.

With a gleam, Shanks slowly drew Gryphon, his longsword, from his waist.

"Captain, if you do this, you'll offend them right away," a crew member muttered, rubbing his forehead helplessly.

"Haha, relax. I'll control the strength." Shanks laughed heartily—and then slashed his blade.

Swish—!

A tremendous slash burst out, sword aura surging high into the sky.

The clouds parted as if sliced in two. The slash barreled across the ocean, carving a path that even momentarily split the sea surface, headed directly for the Black Glory.

Back on the Black Glory, Mio and the crew noticed the incoming slash.

Several crew members frowned slightly.

Mio's gaze flickered, but he remained unbothered.

"As expected from the Red Hair. That slash is strong—but that's all it is," he muttered.

Clang.

He slowly drew Raikiri, and without hesitation, swung the blade.

Another slash burst forth—this time from Mio.

It cut across the sea and collided directly with Shanks' slash.

BOOM!!

The collision generated a massive shockwave, sending air and seawater surging in all directions. The violent tremor rocked both ships slightly.

The slashes clashed for a moment before canceling each other out.

"Looks like we've got company," Robin commented, standing calmly at Mio's side.

Mio smirked. "No—it's a guest. Let's prepare to receive him. Baifeng, bring out the wine."

"Yes," Baifeng nodded respectfully and turned to head below deck.

Robin tilted her head curiously at Mio. "Guest?"

"Yes. He threw that slash to test my strength, not to provoke me." Mio looked out calmly. "If he were serious, that slash would have been far more dangerous."

After all, Shanks was someone who could clash swords with Mihawk.

His swordsmanship wasn't weak.

Despite being young, Shanks was no pushover. He had once been part of the Roger Pirates as an apprentice—but that crew was filled with monstrous talent. Growing up in that environment meant constant battle and brutal training. It was impossible for someone like Shanks to remain weak.

"The Red Hair Pirates are also well-known across the New World," Lilith commented, eyes fixed on the distant ship.

"I heard from Master that he and Mihawk are close," Erica said, standing beside Mio and watching the approaching vessel.

Soon, the two ships aligned across the waters.

"Nice to meet you, Black Crow!" came a voice from the other deck.

Standing at the edge of the ship was a red-haired young man wearing a straw hat and white shirt.

He exuded an aura of pressure—spiritual and commanding. A hint of Conqueror's Haki leaked out, unrestrained.

Even this trace of Haki was enough to make normal people faint.

"Red Hair—Shanks," Mio responded calmly, his tone flat. "Since this is our first meeting, I'll return the gift."

As his voice fell—

Buzz.

Mio clenched his right fist. A coating of Armament Haki enveloped it, and the Devil's Power surged over it, swirling with heat and crimson energy.

Then, he punched forward.

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Boom!!

The air cracked as a sonic boom exploded outward, the energy roaring across the space between ships.