one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 272: An Invitation from a Yonko

"Then I wish you good luck," Mio said in a deep voice.

"Ah, don't worry, my friend. I'll be fine," Tiger nodded seriously, then added, "Friend, you're a pirate now. You'd better leave quickly. If the Navy or the World Government finds you here, it will be dangerous for you. You've already helped us enough. We'll handle the rest."

"Yes, benefactor."

"We can take care of ourselves from here."

"That's right, benefactor. Go."

Even some of the fishmen nodded hurriedly, gratitude shining in their eyes as they looked at Mio.

"Okay. Take care," Mio replied solemnly and returned to the Black Glory. The two ships slowly began to part ways.

Mio watched the large ship sail away until it disappeared beyond the horizon. Then, patting his cheeks, he turned to Lilith and the others beside him and asked with a grin, "How was my acting?"

"Perfect," Lilith said with a chuckle, covering her mouth.

"It's that fishman named Tiger. He's a bit too honest," Robin commented with a sigh. "He's the kind of guy who'd thank you while you sell him off."

"So, sir, what's next? Are we heading to Fishman Island?" Asuka asked.

"No," Mio shook his head and glanced toward the cabin, then looked at Baifeng. "Head to Sabaody Archipelago."

The three sisters still needed to be returned first. ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Once that was done, they'd likely have to head to Sky Island to settle the matter of the Ope Ope no Mi.

Baifeng nodded.

The Black Glory sailed swiftly toward the Sabaody Archipelago. Along the way, Mio contacted Shakky to inform her about the three sisters. If all went well, the old woman would already be making her way to the Archipelago.

Rumble.

Just then—

The sky, once sunny, was suddenly overtaken by storm clouds. Thunder cracked above, lightning snaked across the sky.

And in the distance, a pirate ship came into view.

The vessel drew nearer to the Black Glory. The flag on its mast was one Baifeng recognized. Squinting, he turned to Mio. "Sir, it's someone from Big Mom's crew."

"Hmm?" Mio raised an eyebrow and walked to the bow of the ship.

Indeed, the flag was unmistakable. Big Mom's pirates.

And they were heading straight for them.

This wasn't normal—Big Mom's people rarely left the New World. If they did, it was usually only to roam around Sabaody or Fishman Island. This was far out of their usual zone.

"Let them come," Mio said calmly, lifting a wine cup and taking a sip.

Baifeng nodded and kept a close watch, but didn't attack.

Soon enough, the pirate ship drew close.

A man jumped lightly from its deck onto Mio's.

His eyes immediately locked onto Mio, and without hesitation, he bent down in a respectful bow. "Nice to meet you, Lord Black Crow. I'm Moscato. I've come on my mother's orders."

"What does she want?"

Mio's tone was calm as he gazed at the man before him.

The rain poured down heavily, soaking everything. Mio stood still, unbothered. Soon, Erica stepped up beside him and held an umbrella over his head.

Moscato remained respectful. "My mother asked me to deliver this invitation."

He pulled out an ornate invitation and presented it to Mio with both hands.

Robin stepped forward, glanced at it, and handed it to Mio. "It's an invitation to Big Mom's tea party."

"Heh." Mio gave a quiet laugh as he read it. "That crazy woman, Charlotte, actually invited me? She's obviously up to something. Go back and tell her—I don't have time. I'm not coming."

"Please don't refuse so quickly, Lord Black Crow," Moscato said, unsurprised. He clapped his hands once.

A second man stepped off the ship, cradling a box. He quickly brought it over and handed it to Moscato.

Moscato opened the box and offered it to Mio. "Mother heard you've been collecting Devil Fruits. This is a gift she asked me to bring."

"Interesting." Mio raised an eyebrow, the corners of his lips curling as he looked down at the Devil Fruit within the box.

He hadn't expected Charlotte Linlin to resort to flattery.

It seemed this tea party invitation had a deeper motive. Was she preparing for someone to take the Emperor's seat?

Mio's eyes narrowed in thought. His recent actions had no doubt drawn attention from the Yonko. Perhaps Charlotte couldn't afford to wait anymore—especially not a madwoman like her.

After a moment, Mio waved his hand.

Asuka stepped forward and took the Devil Fruit.

Mio then said, "Tell Charlotte that I still have business in the first half of the Grand Line. Once I've dealt with it, I'll head to the New World. She'll hear from me then."

"Understood. I'll relay the message to Mother. This is her Den Den Mushi. Cake Island will be honored to welcome you."

Moscato placed his right hand over his chest and bowed again.

He wouldn't show this level of respect to just anyone—but this was Black Crow. Even Charlotte Linlin feared him. Moscato knew better than to be arrogant.

Mio accepted the Den Den Mushi and turned away.

Moscato bowed once more, then turned and left without another word.

His ship sailed away, disappearing into the stormy horizon.

Inside his cabin, Moscato pulled out a Den Den Mushi and made a call. The line quickly connected.

"Mom," he said respectfully.

"It's Moscato. So? Did the man accept?" Big Mom's gravelly voice crackled through the Den Den Mushi.

"Yes, Mother. He accepted, but he said he still has matters to settle in the first half of the Grand Line. He'll return to the New World afterward and will contact you then."

Back on Cake Island—

BIG MOM sat in her castle, her expression unreadable as she listened. Then, with a wide grin, she responded as if she had expected it. "That's fine. That guy stayed quiet for two years. Now he's on the move—he's obviously got things to do. Let's delay the tea party and wait for his message. You did well. Come back."

"Yes, Mother."