one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 278: Gene Harvest and Shadows in the Deep

The Black Glory surged forward swiftly, leaving the Sabaody Archipelago behind and setting course for a nearby island teeming with giant beasts.

More than ten hours later, the Black Glory arrived at its destination.

Mio and Asuka disembarked, making their way deep into the forest. As they walked, a scarlet blood mist rose from Asuka's body, rapidly spreading in every direction.

Within ten minutes, the entire forest was blanketed in the ominous mist.

In response, the eyes of every beast, insect, and giant creature within the forest turned blood-red. Controlled by Asuka, they began charging madly toward Mio, their minds lost to primal rage and bloodlust.

As the chaotic horde approached and nearly 70% of the creatures had gathered, Mio slowly raised his right hand.

Buzz.

A wind blade formed in the air beside him.

Then, hundreds—no, thousands—of wind blades appeared at once, darkening the sky.

Shlck—!

In a single moment, the wind blades vanished, and the bodies of the wild beasts and insects collapsed, cleanly severed and lifeless.

Before Mio, notification prompts appeared one after another.

"Congratulations on collecting the 'Saber-Toothed Tiger' gene!"

"Congratulations on collecting the 'Lion' gene!"

"Congratulations on collecting the 'Black Panther' gene!"

With a thought, Mio dismissed the panel.

Turning to Erica, he said calmly, "Let's go."

"Okay," Erica replied. As the mist withdrew, the overwhelming blood-red hue vanished from the island. The two returned to the ship, which resumed its voyage toward the next destination.

The island behind them now reeked of death and carnage. Within a few months, the central region would likely be buried beneath layers of bones.

Meanwhile, far beneath the sea, Fisher Tiger had already arrived at Fish-Man Island. Within Ryugu Castle, he stood face to face with Queen Otohime and King Neptune.

Tiger held a unique and revered status among the Fish-Men, and he was well-acquainted with Otohime's dream, which he supported wholeheartedly.

"Tiger, I thought you had continued your sea adventure for the past two years. I didn't expect this..." Otohime murmured as her eyes landed on the mark burned into Tiger's flesh.

The Celestial Dragon Hoof.

It resembled a clawed emblem—an unmistakable mark of the Celestial Dragons, branded onto their slaves.

Tiger gently traced the scar on his body, his expression serene. Whether through acceptance or resignation, he showed no sorrow.

Facing Otohime and Neptune, he spoke in a low voice. "Your Majesty, Queen Otohime, I only came to visit briefly. To avoid bringing danger to Fish-Man Island, I'll be leaving shortly."

"But you're currently wanted by the World Government," Neptune objected with a frown. "Staying on Fish-Man Island may be safer. The Navy and the Government wouldn't dare act so easily here."

"No," Tiger said firmly, shaking his head. "I won't endanger my people for my own safety. If I remain here too long, the World Government may very well send an army. I know what I must do."

The three of them continued their discussion within the royal palace.

Eventually, Tiger prepared to leave.

Before departing, he looked at Otohime and spoke earnestly. "Madam Otohime, I still support your dream. If you ever need help, come to me. During my time away, I realized not all humans are evil. I made a true friend—though a pirate, he's one of the kindest people I've met. He helped me escape slavery."

"Who is it?" Otohime asked. "Someone like that should be welcomed on Fish-Man Island."

"Kurokawa Mio," Tiger replied with a smile. "You've probably heard of him. He's gained a lot of fame lately."

He gave a small wave and left Ryugu Castle.

Otohime remained silent, her expression caught between disbelief and frustration.

Black Crow?

That's your friend?

A kind human?

If she were the type to curse, she might have laughed out loud in disbelief.

Neptune, standing beside her, sighed with visible resignation. "So it was Black Crow who saved him... This complicates things."

Now, they could no longer share their concerns about Black Crow's potential plans for Fish-Man Island with Tiger. Without solid proof, they risked creating conflict and distrust between Tiger and the royal family.

Even their suspicions that Black Crow was behind the earlier rumors circulating through Fish-Man Island remained just that—suspicions.

"Let's just observe for now," Otohime said with a sigh.

What she didn't know, however, was that upon leaving the castle and returning to Fishman Street, Tiger gathered the younger fishmen who looked up to him.

He told them about his friend Black Crow, who had saved him and who, in his view, supported Otohime's ideals.

Moved, Tiger even began to cry, emotionally declaring that not all humans were evil.

"Black Crow?" one of the fishmen asked. "Wasn't he the one who killed the Celestial Dragons?"

"What? He killed the Celestial Dragons?" Tiger was stunned.

"Yeah! Two years ago," another fishman confirmed. "As expected of Brother Tiger's friend—he even dared to strike down those vile nobles. Black Crow should be Fish-Man Island's ally!"

"Right! If Lord Black Crow ever comes here, I'll welcome him with the best wine."

"I want to join his pirate crew! I'll help him wipe out those damn nobles!"

All around, the young fishmen expressed their admiration.

And in the shadows...

A shadow soldier faded silently into the dark.

Elsewhere, disguised "fishmen" subtly spread the news: Tiger had been saved by Black Crow.

Unbeknownst to the general populace, their fear and distrust toward Black Crow began to dissolve, replaced with curiosity and even admiration.

The seeds of influence had already been sown.