one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 236: Ripples of Fame

On Nine Snake Island, a secluded training ground lay nestled within the jungle.

At the moment, the three Boa sisters—Hancock, Sandersonia, and Marigold—were in the middle of their daily training. But to call it training might've been generous. Their enthusiasm was noticeably lacking. Without having experienced the horrors of being captured and taken to Marijoa, the trio hadn't developed a desperate thirst for strength. They were still just children, carefree and playful.

Nearby, Elder Gloriosa arrived, gazing at the girls with a resigned sigh. She didn't have the heart to scold them. After all, at this age, playing around was natural.

Expecting them to train seriously was unrealistic.

"Hancock, you can take a break, but you need to continue practicing afterward, alright?" Gloriosa said, her voice helpless yet firm.

"I know, old hag," Hancock replied, rolling her eyes. Unlike others, Hancock had never shown the usual reverence toward Gloriosa.

However, her attention shifted when she noticed the newspaper in Gloriosa's hand. Her eyes lit up with interest. "Is that the news? Let me see, old lady!"

Because of her young age, Hancock couldn't yet leave Amazon Lily, nor was she allowed to accompany the Kuja Pirates on raids across the nearby seas. This limitation only amplified her curiosity about the outside world, and she never missed a single news article.

Without waiting for permission, Hancock snatched the newspaper from Gloriosa and began reading eagerly.

But just a few moments later, her mouth opened in disbelief, eyes wide in astonishment.

"Old lady, didn't you tell us that Whitebeard is super strong?" Hancock asked, her tone full of confusion as she looked up from the paper.

Gloriosa nodded, her face serious. "Yes, Whitebeard is very strong. He's known as the strongest man in the world."

"Then how come this guy can go toe-to-toe with Whitebeard? And he doesn't even look that old!" Hancock puffed up her cheeks and pointed at the newspaper, specifically at the photo of Mio.

"That man is a demon," Gloriosa said flatly, rolling her eyes.

Anyone who could challenge Whitebeard at such a young age couldn't be called anything else.

"Demon? Hmph, I bet he's not stronger than me!" Hancock huffed, clenching her little fists. "Who cares about Whitebeard? I'll defeat him someday!"

"If you want to beat Whitebeard, you'd better start taking your training seriously," Gloriosa replied calmly. She had no intention of dashing Hancock's dreams. Having ambition was a good thing—at least it would give the girl motivation.

Fishman Island

Princess Otohime stood in her palace, a deep frown on her face as she read through the newspaper.

"He's already this powerful..."

She and King Neptune had long believed that the Black Crow Pirates were formidable, but this? Black Crow, or more specifically, Mio, had fought Whitebeard and survived. That alone changed everything.

And now, with Mio's known ambitions regarding Fishman Island, Otohime couldn't help but worry.

If Mio were to use force to claim Fishman Island, they wouldn't be able to resist. For now, they could only wait, watch, and hope.

All across the world, anyone who had ever heard the name "Black Crow" was now discussing the same thing—the battle between Black Crow and Whitebeard.

It caused a global stir.

Crow Island, Black Crow Sea

Inside the grand castle, Mio sat calmly on a throne-like chair, facing Qiongqi.

"What are your plans next?" Mio asked in a relaxed tone.

He had no intention of keeping Qiongqi by his side. It would be a waste of talent. The best option was for Qiongqi to sail out on his own, especially now. He needed experience, battles, and challenges to sharpen his edge.

Qiongqi respectfully bowed his head. "Please give your orders."

"In that case, set out to sea. Form your own pirate crew. Go into the New World under the banner of Black Crow," Mio ordered.

"Yes!" Qiongqi's eyes gleamed with excitement. He had been itching to prove himself, especially after witnessing Mio clash with Whitebeard. The idea of roaming the seas, seeking strong opponents, was exactly what he wanted.

"If you need anything, go to Lilith. She'll handle it," Mio added, then gestured for Qiongqi to go.

After the beast-like warrior left, Mio remained seated in silence.

"It's time for me to move as well," he murmured, eyes glowing faintly with thought.

Since arriving at Crow Island, he hadn't left for quite some time. Now that most things had been stabilized, he felt it was time to set off again.

Still, Crow Island needed someone to protect it while he was away.

Mio had already decided who that would be.

Hei'e.

Even without Hei'e accompanying him, Mio and a few others could handle almost anything. If things went south, they could still escape without issue.

With Hei'e stationed on the island, its safety was assured.

"Time to get ready."

Mio rose and left the castle.

That day, he remained on the island.

That Night

A bonfire crackled under the starlit sky. Mio sat by the fire, sipping a cup of wine.

Suddenly, a woman arrived with Araki. She carried three heads in her hands.

"Lord Black Crow, may I join your crew now?" she asked, kneeling.

It was Olive.

Still as seductive and elegant as ever.

She lowered her head, placing the three severed heads in front of Mio. The eyes of the slain pirates were wide open, still filled with terror.

Mio stared at them, then gave a slow nod.

"You've fulfilled the task I set. You may join. Welcome to the Black Crow Pirates."

"T-thank you, thank you!" Olive's voice trembled with excitement, her face flushed with joy. Her devotion wasn't just to the name Black Crow—but to Mio himself.

"We're all comrades now. No need to be so stiff," Mio chuckled, then looked at Araki. "Go get more wine! We're throwing a party to welcome our new member!"

"Right away, Boss!" Araki replied with a grin and hurried off.

Soon, the pirates of Crow Island were deep in celebration once again—eating meat, drinking heavily, and laughing into the night.

Later That Night

Inside Mio's castle room, Lilith had just escorted him to his chambers. As she was about to leave, she noticed Olive waiting quietly outside the door.

Lilith gave her a knowing smile.

"Tell me, what's your real purpose?"

She didn't sense any killing intent from Olive. The woman clearly had other motives.

Olive bowed deeply. "I want to serve the Lord personally."

"Oh?" Lilith's eyes sparkled mischievously. She stepped closer, lifting Olive's chin and studying her face carefully.

In terms of looks and figure, Olive was indeed impressive—someone she could admit was worthy of their master.

Of course, only to serve. Nothing more.

Lilith tugged on Olive's clothes, quickly tearing them off with practiced precision, then carefully checked for hidden weapons.

Finding nothing suspicious, she nodded in approval and stepped aside.

"Go in," Lilith said with a smile, gesturing toward the door.

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