one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

Compared to more than ten years ago, the current Fishman Island was thriving far more than in the original timeline.

Thanks to the power and influence of the Black Crow, and Fishman Island's deep ties with Mio, peace and prosperity had blossomed. Recently, rumors spread that the princess of Fishman Island would become the apprentice of the Black Crow himself. That alone made it clear how important this place was to him. Pirates and slave-hunting groups no longer dared set foot on Fishman Island. And if any did, they were swiftly discovered and annihilated.

Over the years, sightings of mermaid slaves had drastically decreased.

The residents of Fishman Island now lived comfortably, free from fear, enjoying a peace they had never known before.

On the island, flags bearing the symbol of the Black Crow Pirates fluttered proudly. Some were planted by Mio's crew, while others were crafted and hung by the residents themselves—adorning homes and businesses as a show of their gratitude and respect.

Members of the Black Crow Pirates could eat and drink for free anywhere on Fishman Island.

It was a testament to how revered they had become.

At that moment, in the deep waters just outside Fishman Island, Mio sat at the bow of the Black Glory, watching the enormous pink-haired Shirahoshi swimming ahead to guide their ship.

A smile tugged at his lips. "Shirahoshi, have you decided what ability you want to master?"

"Huh?" The towering mermaid princess swam closer to the ship, her expression nervous. "I-I don't know yet."

Mio had met Shirahoshi on the way to Fishman Island. Since he had already planned to travel to the first half of the Grand Line, Mio didn't ask Shirahoshi to return to Crow Island. Instead, he brought her along, intending to teach her during the journey and help her control her power over the Sea Kings.

"Is that so?" Mio nodded. He didn't seem bothered and simply said, "Then I'll start by teaching you Haki."

"Haki? What's that?" Shirahoshi asked curiously.

She knew very little about the outside world. Protected as the treasured princess of Fishman Island, Shirahoshi hadn't been exposed to much beyond her own home.

With a smile, Mio explained, "Haki is a power that every true warrior in this world must master. It comes in three types—Armament Haki, Observation Haki, and Conqueror's Haki. Not everyone can awaken Conqueror's Haki. Only those born with the disposition of a king can wield it. But you…" Mio paused, staring intently at her. "I think you're capable of mastering all three."

Shirahoshi blinked in surprise.

She was a Sea King, the ruler of all sea creatures. It was natural she would possess the qualities of a king.

"I'll listen to you," Shirahoshi replied softly, a shy smile gracing her lips.

"You should call me 'Master,'" Mio teased.

"Y-Yes, Master," Shirahoshi said quickly, her cheeks turning crimson.

Although Mio had remained on Crow Island for over a decade, his bond with Shirahoshi had never weakened. She occasionally visited Crow Island and often kept in touch with him via Den Den Mushi.

"Master, we're almost at Fishman Island," Shirahoshi suddenly said.

"Yeah." Mio's gaze shifted forward. In the distance, an island bathed in sunlight appeared beneath the sea. Fishman Island looked as breathtaking as ever—like a dreamscape beneath the waves.

"Oh, by the way…"

Shirahoshi seemed to remember something. Turning to Mio with a shy yet proud smile, she said, "Master, I can now communicate with the Sea Kings perfectly."

"Oh?" Mio's brows lifted in pleasant surprise.

Years ago, he'd asked Shirahoshi to practice speaking with the Sea Kings so she could better understand her connection to them. As the Sea King, she was destined to command their loyalty.

"Those big guys used to scare me, but now that I know them, they're actually pretty cute," Shirahoshi said innocently.

"Haha. Good. Keep communicating with them—they're your people, after all." Mio chuckled.

"My people?" Shirahoshi asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"I'll explain later." Mio shook his head, not bothering to elaborate for now.

The Black Glory drew closer to Fishman Island.

Even from a distance, Mio could see the residents gathered at the entrance, waving flags bearing the Black Crow emblem and cheering loudly in excitement.

"It's the Black Glory! Lord Black Crow has arrived!"

"Look! That's really him—Lord Black Crow is finally here again!"

"It's been more than ten years since we last saw him!"

"This time, we have to show Lord Black Crow how much Fishman Island appreciates him!"

The cheering crowds created a festive atmosphere as Mio's ship sailed into the island.

Mio stood at the bow, smiling warmly at the residents. His gaze soon landed on Shark Star, who approached with a more commanding presence than a decade prior. As the prince managing Fishman Island, Shark Star had matured into his role.

"Lord Black Crow!" Shark Star greeted with a broad smile. "It's been so long since your last visit. The residents are overjoyed. This time, we want you to experience our full hospitality so you'll be encouraged to visit more often."

"Haha, I appreciate it." Mio chuckled. "I've been quite busy with many matters to handle."

"I understand completely." Shark Star nodded. As one tasked with managing Fishman Island, he knew all too well the weight of responsibility Mio carried as the leader of such a powerful force.

"We've prepared fine wine and a feast in Ryugu Palace. Please, follow me."

"Then I'll impose on your hospitality." Mio nodded. "I'll be staying on Fishman Island for two days before setting sail again."

"If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask. Fishman Island owes you a great debt, and we're always eager to repay it," Shark Star said sincerely.

"It's nothing major. I'm just passing through to settle some minor affairs in the first half of the Grand Line. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to speak to the Black Crow members stationed here. They'll handle it." Mio patted Shark Star on the shoulder.

Shark Star nodded, though inwardly he thought, If something troubles the Black Crow, it's probably far beyond what Fishman Island could ever resolve.

Without further words, Mio and his entourage followed Shark Star to Ryugu Palace.

There, a sumptuous banquet awaited them, complete with fine wine and mermaid attendants.

While enjoying the festivities, Mio also gathered updates on Fishman Island's situation.

As he had suspected, the island had remained remarkably stable and prosperous.

Over the next two days, Mio immersed himself in Fishman Island's "local customs" and also taught Shirahoshi the basics of Haki. Despite his usual self-discipline, he found himself reluctant to leave—the mermaid girls' enthusiasm made it difficult to stay focused.

"The land of gentleness really is the graveyard of heroes…" Mio mused on the morning of their departure, sipping wine with a wry smile. The faint strawberry marks on his neck bore silent witness to the mermaids' ardent affections.

Shirahoshi's progress surprised Mio greatly. In just two days, she had developed an exceptional affinity for Observation Haki, already reaching an intermediate level.

As for Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki, the former was still in its early stages, while the latter awaited the right moment to awaken.

At the island's exit, Jinbei—a whale shark fishman and former follower of Tiger—bowed respectfully. "Lord Black Crow, I'll escort you on the next leg of your journey. I've traveled extensively in the first half of the Grand Line, so if there's anything you wish to know, please ask. Also, there's a matter I need your advice on."

"Go ahead." Mio gestured for him to continue.

Jinbei hesitated before speaking. "The Navy invited me to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

"Oh?" Mio's eyes narrowed in intrigue. "The Navy invited you? Even though the current Shichibukai roster is full?"

"Yes. They told me that one of the existing Warlords would soon be removed and promised to release the imprisoned Fishman Pirates from Impel Down, as well as many of our enslaved compatriots, if I agreed to join."

Mio's expression turned thoughtful. "I see."

He could easily guess the Navy's motives. They likely intended to use Jinbei's appointment to infiltrate Fishman Island and monitor Black Crow activity.

"You can accept their offer," Mio said after a moment.

"Yes, Lord Black Crow." Jinbei bowed deeply. With Mio's blessing, he felt far more confident in his decision.

"Are we heading to Sabaody Archipelago next?" Jinbei asked.

"That's right," Mio replied with a grin. "We're stopping there to meet some old friends before heading to Sky Island."

"By the way," Jinbei added, "I heard that Hawkeye Mihawk is currently in Sabaody."

"Oh?" Mio's grin widened. "Then it's the perfect opportunity for a drink with that old swordsman. Hanba, speed up!"

At his command, Hanba roared as it dragged the Black Glory forward with renewed speed.

Jinbei marveled at the monstrous creature pulling the ship. The sheer power displayed by the Black Crow Pirates left him awestruck.

Every crew member he encountered seemed capable of easily matching or surpassing his own strength—and he was no pushover. Even the so-called "pets" on the ship radiated terrifying power.

"This man… really is in a league of his own," Jinbei thought.

As the ship emerged from the deep sea, sunlight bathed the deck in gold. In the distance, the vibrant bubbles of Sabaody Archipelago shimmered like jewels on the water.

Mio stood at the bow, savoring a sip of wine before murmuring, "Let's go. It's been too long since I last saw Rayleigh and Shakky."

"Shen Fei."

At his call, Shen Fei appeared, soaring through the air before landing before Mio.

"After you dock the ship, resupply and let the crew enjoy themselves," Mio instructed Lilith. "Anyone who wants to join me can come. The rest can explore the Archipelago."

"Yes, my lord." Lilith smiled knowingly.

Without another word, Mio climbed onto Shen Fei's back. In a blur of motion, they shot toward Sabaody Archipelago, his Observation Haki spreading out to scan the entire island.

In the bustling streets below, several people looked up at the shadow streaking through the sky.

"Isn't that… the Black Crow?"

"So the rumors were true—he really left the New World."

"Does this mean something big is about to happen again?"