Chapter 393: CHAPTER 393: The Strength of Black Crow and Red Hair’s Proposal
"Extract abilities."
Mio's mind moved.
A total of eight trainings, which meant eight abilities could now be extracted—along with a massive enhancement to his overall attributes.
Mio's eyes glimmered with anticipation.
As his voice fell, a series of prompts began flashing across the panel before him.
"Starting extraction… Extraction successful! Congratulations on obtaining the ability [Resilience] and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!"
"Starting extraction… Extraction successful! Congratulations on obtaining the ability [Agile Reaction] and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!"
"Starting extraction… Extraction successful! Congratulations on obtaining the ability [Sea Affinity] and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!"
"Starting extraction… Extraction successful! Congratulations on obtaining the ability [Breath of the King] and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!"
"Starting extraction… Extraction successful! Congratulations on obtaining the ability [Flesh Regeneration] and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!"
"Starting extraction… Extraction successful! Congratulations on obtaining the ability [Intuition] and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!"
"Starting extraction… Extraction successful! Congratulations on obtaining the ability [Storm Control] and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!"
"Starting extraction… Extraction successful! Congratulations on obtaining the ability [Vast Body] and one-tenth of the cultivated creature's overall attributes!"
An overwhelming surge of power erupted from Mio's body, sweeping across the surrounding sea. His physical attributes skyrocketed, while several new abilities became a part of his existence.
Almost instantly, Mio muttered, "I'll leave for a while."
The words had barely left his lips when his figure vanished in a flash.
After briefly stopping at the Black Crow Castle to inform Hei Yan, Mio continued disappearing in leaps, crossing vast stretches of sea in mere moments. He finally arrived at a remote and uninhabited ocean. There, he let himself sink into the water.
Eight new abilities coursed through him.
The Sea Affinity allowed him to move and breathe underwater like a Fishman.
The Agile Reaction synchronized his body's movements with his nervous system's instantaneous responses.
Resilience and Flesh Regeneration accelerated his recovery from wounds—even severed limbs could regrow.
Breath of the King enhanced his Haki and radiated an imposing aura.
Intuition sharpened his senses to perceive threats more easily.
Storm Control gave him dominion over winds and waves.
Finally, Vast Body dramatically boosted his stamina, endurance, and physical power.
Aside from Storm Control, the rest were akin to passive abilities—triggered naturally as conditions demanded.
Mio had chosen this isolated region for one reason: the immense upgrade in his attributes and strength. If he practiced in the vicinity of Crow Island, he might inadvertently reduce it to rubble.
Familiarizing with Power
Rumble…
Beneath the sea, Mio waved an arm. The simple gesture sent out currents strong enough to form massive whirlpools and generate violent storms on the surface.
Waves as high as mountains began pounding outward, disturbing ships far away. Some vessels teetered on the brink of capsizing due to the unnatural tempests.
Two days passed in a blur as Mio mastered his newfound strength.
The Arrival of Red Hair
Back on Crow Island, a ship slowly approached the port.
"Welcome, everyone. Please follow me."
Noah stood at the harbor, smiling warmly at the crew disembarking from the Red Force.
"I didn't expect Noah herself to greet us. You honor us," said Shanks with a grin. A flicker of wariness danced in his eyes as he regarded her.
The Black Crow Pirates' strength was no secret in the New World. Some members rivaled admirals, and others exceeded them. Noah, standing before him, was infamous for her destructive might. Three years ago, she had shattered an entire uninhabited island into the sea with three casual punches—merely to dispose of a group of pirates.
"Please, the castle has prepared fine wine and food," Noah said, gesturing politely.
"Fine wine? That's excellent." Beckman exhaled a puff of smoke from his cigar.
The Red Hair Pirates followed Noah towards the castle.
Along the way, Shanks and Beckman repeatedly frowned in surprise as they passed by.
"Those… Are those your new crewmates?" Shanks asked with a smile, referring to several unfamiliar faces he had sensed earlier. Their auras had left a deep impression on him.
"Ah, you mean Wanshe and the others? Yes, they've recently joined us," Noah replied candidly.
"I see…" Shanks muttered, hiding the turbulence in his heart.
Those newcomers… Each radiated overwhelming power.
"This kind of force… Could they really topple the World Government someday?" Shanks thought, his expression momentarily darkening.
Beckman, noticing Shanks' unease, said nothing but silently shared his captain's concerns.
By the time they reached the castle, their unease had only grown.
A Deal with Red Hair
Inside the grand dining hall, Lilith awaited their arrival.
"Sir Red Hair, welcome. However, the master left two days ago. He should be returning shortly. Please make yourselves comfortable," she said with a courteous smile.
"That's fine," Shanks replied with a laugh. "All the more time to enjoy this wine and food. Hahaha, dig in, everyone!"
His crewmates didn't need to be told twice. With roars of laughter, they devoured the feast and guzzled the exquisite wine.
Half an hour passed.
Outside, two figures appeared.
"Sir."
Asuka approached Mio and asked curiously, "Is it done?"
"Of course." Mio clenched his fists and grinned. "I've completely mastered it, though… a few islands didn't make it."
Yashan, standing beside him, scratched his head sheepishly.
He and Mio had spent the past two days sparring in remote seas, gradually mastering their tremendous strength. The price? Four uninhabited islands obliterated.
"Congratulations, sir. Your strength has ascended even further," Asuka said with admiration.
"Hahaha! It certainly has." Mio laughed heartily.
Without further words, Mio strode into the castle.
"Seems like you've been enjoying the food and drink." Mio's voice rang out as he entered the dining hall.
"Ahahaha! Indeed." Shanks tossed a wine bottle to Mio, who caught it with one hand and took a deep swig.
The room went silent as Shanks's eyes locked onto Mio. A shiver ran down his spine—an instinctive sense of life-threatening danger.
And then his gaze shifted to Yashan, towering silently beside Mio.
"A new crewmate of the Black Crow—Yashan," Mio introduced casually.
"I see…" Shanks murmured, masking the shock in his heart.
"The Black Crow's power grows stronger by the day," he said aloud.
Mio smiled faintly. "That's the way of the world. Those who don't grow stronger are destined to fall behind."
The Proposal
"I'll get to the point," Shanks began gravely. "You likely already know why I'm here."
"The rookie in the East Blue?" Mio asked nonchalantly.
"Yes." Shanks's eyes narrowed slightly.
"That boy… is special."
"Special?" Mio echoed with faint amusement.
"Yes. His name is Luffy, and I believe he'll shake the world someday," Shanks said confidently.
"Oh? I'm curious. What would make a Yonko wager his arm on this 'special' boy?" Mio's tone was calm but piercing.
Shanks chuckled softly. "You'll see."
"Tell me, what do you want from me?" Mio asked.
Shanks exhaled slowly. "Your influence extends across the Grand Line and New World. If Luffy ever crosses paths with your forces, I ask you not to target him."
"And what do I gain from this?" Mio's eyes glinted.
Shanks smiled knowingly. "The location of a Road Poneglyph. The last one Roger found before reaching the Final Island."
Mio raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "A Road Poneglyph?"
"Yes. I thought you'd be interested."
After a moment of contemplation, Mio nodded.
"Very well. I accept. But there's someone even more concerned for Luffy's safety than you."
"The Revolutionary Army's leader?" Shanks guessed.
"Correct." Mio smirked.
"He has nothing as valuable as what I've offered," Shanks said confidently.
"Perhaps not," Mio admitted. "Lilith will handle the details. I'll send someone to copy the Poneglyph later."
"Also, when you're in the first half of the Grand Line, you might run into Hawkeye. He's been roaming there recently," Shanks added.
"I'll keep that in mind."
An Overwhelming Presence
As Shanks and his crew departed late that night, Mio stood at the castle gates watching the Red Force fade into the distance.
"Lilith, how are the preparations?" Mio asked.
"The location has been confirmed. We'll dispatch a team immediately to make a copy," Lilith replied.
"Good. I'll also check on Robin's translation of the Poneglyphs we found earlier. Perhaps there's something of interest."
With that, Mio's figure vanished into the night.