Chapter 398: CHAPTER 398: The Immortal Black Crow
"How are the preparations going?" Mio asked Renee as his sharp eyes swept across the central area of Arpaiado, the Island of Gods. Towering walls surrounded the heart of the island, with shadowy figures of soldiers patrolling and watching in all directions.
"Everything is ready," Renee replied with a nod. "We can begin at any time. Also, Linglong Newspaper has instructed their agents to start searching for the Operation Fruit near the Sky Island immediately after the procedure."
There was a rumor about Devil Fruits: when a user dies, the fruit's power reincarnates into a new fruit near the location of their death. Whether this was true or not, Mio didn't care—he was willing to test it.
After all, the value of the Operation Fruit was immeasurable.
"Good. Let's begin," Mio said calmly.
"Yes, please follow me," Renee answered respectfully and took the lead.
Perona hovered in the air using her Ghost Fruit powers, circling Mio playfully. Every so often, she'd sneak glances at him, only to quickly look away in embarrassment when Mio noticed. Her shy and awkward behavior made Mio chuckle softly.
Come to think of it, Perona had grown up under the influence of Renee and Penny. Since childhood, she'd been taught that "Sir is the greatest"—an idea that had taken deep root in her heart. This level of devotion was something Mio had never anticipated.
As they moved forward, Mio soon arrived at the central fortress of the Island of Gods, surrounded by high walls and guarded tightly.
At the fortress entrance, a Sky Island man dressed in a doctor's coat waited with a wooden expression. Recognizing Mio instantly, he bowed slightly and turned silently to lead them inside.
Mio followed casually and asked, "How will the operation proceed?"
"It's very simple. Just remove your clothes and lie down on the platform. I'll handle the rest," the doctor replied calmly.
"How long will it take?" Mio asked again.
"Three days at most."
"Three days… That's not bad." Mio stroked his chin thoughtfully, then nodded. "Alright, let's begin."
Mio stripped off his coat and laid down on the platform. Renee and the others exited quietly, leaving the doctor alone with Mio.
The man inhaled deeply. For over ten years, he had known this moment would come. His fate had been sealed long ago. Now, standing at death's door, he almost felt relieved.
With such thoughts—
Buzz.
A white halo condensed in the doctor's hand and expanded, instantly enveloping both him and Mio. The operation began.
The Operation Fruit was legendary. If used by someone with enough skill, it could grant a human eternal life. But there was a price: the user of the fruit would die after performing the Immortal Operation. It was this ultimate ability that made the Operation Fruit the most coveted Devil Fruit in existence.
Though Mio was conscious, his body had already fallen into a deep "sleep." He could feel faint movements as the doctor worked, but he was powerless to react.
Time slipped by unnoticed.
At some point, Mio felt himself sinking into a deeper slumber.
The fortress grew silent, cloaked in darkness.
Suddenly—
"Aaaahhh!!"
A piercing pain shot through Mio's body. He bolted upright on the platform, veins bulging on his forehead as he gritted his teeth. The pain was excruciating, the kind that would have driven ordinary men insane.
It was as if every cell in his body was being torn apart and rebuilt.
Mio clenched his fists, enduring silently. Looking down at his body, he noticed a lifeless figure on the ground—the doctor who had performed the operation.
The Operation Fruit user… dead.
"Is it… over?" Mio muttered under his breath.
But then, his brows furrowed again as an overwhelming surge of power erupted from within.
Boom!
A terrifying aura burst out of Mio's body, sweeping across the entire Sky Island like a tsunami.
The sky darkened.
On Sky Island, everyone froze in place. Breathing became difficult under the crushing pressure. Some weak soldiers collapsed instantly, their faces pale as though the weight of a mountain bore down on them.
Then, the searing pain in Mio's body melted away, replaced by a comforting warmth.
A boundless vitality surged through his veins.
The storm of Haki and killing intent lasted for nearly fifteen minutes before Mio finally regained control.
Whoosh.
His aura dissipated. The air lightened.
Drenched in sweat, Mio stepped off the platform and retrieved his coat. As he pulled it on, he said calmly, "Come in."
The fortress doors creaked open.
Renee, Penny, and Perona hurried inside, their faces filled with concern.
"Sir, is it over?" Renee asked cautiously, sparing no glance at the dead body on the floor.
"Yes." Mio nodded, excitement flashing in his eyes. He clenched his fists, feeling the immense power coursing through him.
"It's worthy of being called the ultimate fruit… the Surgery Fruit is truly terrifying."
He could clearly feel the difference. Every part of his body radiated vitality—an unnatural, endless life force.
He raised his right hand and summoned a small wind blade. With a flick, he slashed deeply into his arm.
Slash!
Blood welled up… only to stop within a second as the wound closed instantly.
"Interesting." Mio chuckled darkly.
Immortality. Regeneration. This power wasn't just potent—it was monstrous.
If anyone else obtained this ability, they'd surely become an unstoppable monster.
Raising his eyes, Mio stared toward the Red Line, his lips curling into a faint smile.
"I've already reached this level… What about those two sitting atop Mary Geoise? Just how strong are they?"
"And their abilities… I'm curious."
After a moment of thought, Mio ordered, "Bury his body. He gave his life for me. His family has been taken care of, right?"
"Yes, sir," Renee confirmed. "His family was relocated and provided for long ago. I'll arrange to have his remains buried immediately. Also, our agents have already begun searching for traces of the Operation Fruit's reincarnation. Once we locate it, I'll report to you directly."
"Good." Mio nodded. "How much time has passed since the operation finished?"
"Three days," Penny replied softly.
"Three days, huh?" Mio murmured. He turned to Renee again. "And the training of the death warriors?"
"Don't worry, sir," Renee said with a confident smile. "They've been trained for years and are already proficient in medical techniques. With the notes left behind by the Operation Fruit user, once we recover the fruit, they'll quickly be able to master the Immortal Operation."
Immortality wasn't the only thing Mio desired.
If the Black Crow Pirates could secure the Operation Fruit again and replicate the Immortal Operation for their most loyal warriors, they could become an Immortal Pirate Crew.
If they succeeded, and then crushed the world's powers in the next war…
The world would forever remember the name Black Crow.
And Mio's reign would be eternal.
"Leave it to you. If you need anything, let me know immediately," Mio instructed before turning to leave.
"I won't let you down," Renee promised, bowing her head.
Mio smiled faintly, ruffled the hair of the three girls, and then vanished with a single step.
He had to return to the Grand Line.
Besides, he was curious—how much had the original story changed because of his existence?
Would Nami still join Luffy's crew? Or had the tides of fate already shifted?
Mio couldn't wait to find out.
One hour later – Grand Line, Mock Town
On the deck of the Black Glory, Mio appeared suddenly, his presence sending ripples of fear through nearby pirates.
"Sir."
Gardevoir appeared at once, bowing respectfully with a faint smile.
"Where's everyone? Are they on the island?" Mio asked.
"Yes, sir. They're wandering around Mock Town."
"Tell them to return immediately. We're heading straight to the East Blue."
"Understood."
Gardevoir vanished to carry out the order.
Meanwhile, East Blue – A certain tavern
"Hey… are you seriously asking me to be the navigator of your ship?"
An orange-haired girl with sharp eyes stared at the boy in the straw hat before her.
"Yeah!" Luffy grinned widely. "We need a navigator. You'd be perfect!"
Nami hesitated. Though wary, she found herself strangely tempted by the boy's earnest smile.