one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 299: Future Underwater Army

Mio left the Fishman Island Square.

Meanwhile, the minister began discussing with Shark Star how to announce to the Fishman Island citizens that Black Crow would be taking Noah away.

In truth, the minister clearly understood that Black Crow's ability to protect Fishman Island was an unexpected blessing. With Black Crow's strength, even if he had seized the island by force, no one could have stopped him. But that would have been unpopular.

Therefore, regarding Noah, the minister had no intention of refusing Black Crow, only of hesitating—because he needed a way to explain things to the people. After all, Noah did not belong to the royal family alone—it belonged to every resident of Fishman Island.

But what the minister had told Mio earlier was no lie. If it were anyone else trying to take Noah, they'd have no chance of getting the island's consent without using force, even if some residents had forgotten Noah. freёnovelkiss.com

But if it was Mio—Black Crow—then things were different.

Because now, Black Crow was the protector of Fishman Island.

Most residents would agree to his request.

"Once Lord Black Crow takes Noah, we should just be honest about it," Shark Star suggested.

"Yes." The minister nodded. That was the best path—to speak the truth. He believed their fellow citizens wouldn't mind.

Besides, eight hundred years was a long time. Noah had already been largely forgotten. In a few more decades, people might even come to resent it, considering how much space it takes up.

...

At that moment—

Mio arrived at Fishman Street.

Following him were Asuka and Erica.

The two women trailed Mio as he entered the infamously lawless area.

Fishman Street had once been an orphan shelter, but now it was a nest of crime. Many of Fishman Island's future infamous names—Tiger, Jinbei, Arlong—were born here.

As Mio stepped into the area, many Fishmen noticed his arrival and quickly became excited.

"That's Lord Black Crow!"

"It's really him!"

"Hello, Lord Black Crow!"

Hearing the greetings, Mio smiled and nodded as he walked forward.

Just then, several short figures rushed up to him, their faces filled with excitement. The little one in the lead spoke respectfully.

"Lord Black Crow! I—I'm your fan, Hody Jones! No, not just me—all of us! We want to join your pirate crew! Please!"

"Oh?" Mio's eyes flashed with interest as he looked at the small group of fishmen. There were six of them in total, and they all looked like future members of the infamous New Fishman Pirates.

He hadn't expected to meet them here—much less to learn that they were his fans.

With a chuckle, Mio asked, "Since you're my fans, you must know the requirements for joining the Black Crow Pirates, right?"

"Of course!" the octopus fishman Bao Zang nodded excitedly. "Black Crow only recruits elites!"

"That's right. Only elites." Mio nodded. "Not only do I recruit only elites, but so do all the captains under me."

As he spoke, Mio raised his right hand and gently waved it.

"Look."

Hody Jones and the others followed his gaze. In the deep sea beyond Fishman Island, the seawater stirred as Mio's ability activated. A massive underwater tornado formed, swirling with terrifying force. Everywhere it passed, coral reefs shattered instantly.

Another wave—and the tornado dissipated.

"Amazing!" Hody and the others exclaimed in awe.

Mio squatted down, though even then, he still looked down at Hody Jones.

Since he intended to develop Fishman Island, he couldn't allow these boys to become a threat as they would in the original timeline. In fact, their potential could be of great help to him in the future.

Mio smiled. "You're still too young. Too weak. You've got a long way to go before you can join Black Crow."

"We—we'll become strong!" Hody declared, eyes burning with resolve. The others nodded quickly, just as determined.

"You're far from it," Mio said, standing up. "Only those who stand at the top of the sea belong on the Black Glory. But I'll give you a chance."

"A chance to join the Black Crow Fleet."

"Really?!" Hody and the others lit up with excitement.

"Of course. But whether you can do it or not is up to you." Mio smiled. "Later, when you form your own crew, make it your mission to protect Fishman Island. If your bounty ever exceeds 100 million, I'll let you join the Black Crow Fleet. How does that sound?"

"Seriously?" Hody could hardly believe it.

"Seriously." Mio nodded and ruffled his hair. "But you'll have to earn it."

"We'll definitely do it!" Hody shouted, full of energy and conviction.

"Then I'll be waiting for that day," Mio said with a smile. "But I hope your goal will be to protect Fishman Island—not just to chase after me."

With that, Mio turned and walked away with Asuka and Erica, heading toward Noah.

Hody Jones and the others stared in admiration as he left.

Then, Hody clenched his fists and said determinedly, "Bao Zang, Hammond—let's go train. Once we're stronger, we'll form our own crew. When we've fulfilled the conditions Lord Black Crow gave us, we'll go to the New World to find him!"

"Yeah!" Hammond nodded, eyes shining.

These young Fishmen had great potential, but in the original timeline, their hate—fueled by the events surrounding Tiger and Arlong—twisted them into villains who brought chaos to Fishman Island.

But Mio believed they could change.

He hoped these boys would one day grow strong and lead a powerful crew of elite Fishmen.

In that case, he would have his own underwater army.

And with the Sea King Shirahoshi destined to awaken and grow—

Mio would have the strength and confidence to challenge even the World Government.