one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

"Hey, hey, hey, I don't plan to fight."

Garp sneered, but his body shifted naturally into a fighting stance. Deep down, he knew there was no avoiding this clash. The East Blue was his home, and he couldn't allow the Black Crow Pirates to move around freely here. Likewise, the Black Crows wouldn't let him hover over them without resistance.

After all, the Black Crows weren't like the Red Hair Pirates.

Though the Red Hair Pirates had once sailed the East Blue, they hadn't yet risen to the status of an Emperor back then. The Navy could keep an eye on Shanks, and Shanks himself didn't mind being watched.

But the Black Crows were a different beast entirely.

Boom!

In an instant, Noah's figure appeared before Garp, his fist shooting forward and cloaked in Armament Haki. The sheer force radiating from the punch split the air.

Garp didn't hesitate. He met the punch head-on with his own fist.

The two blows collided with a thunderous shockwave that blasted outward, stirring the waves and sending a powerful gale across the deck.

The sea churned violently.

Garp's expression darkened as his eyes flickered with surprise.

He'd known Noah's reputation—powerful enough to rival an admiral—but he hadn't expected this level of raw strength.

That punch… he'd barely blocked it.

"Hmph!"

Taking a deep breath, Garp suddenly unleashed his strength, forcing Noah backward a few steps. As they each regained their footing, Garp narrowed his eyes and spoke in a deep voice.

"Even if we're going to fight, this isn't the place. That guy, Black Crow, is eating inside. If a battle breaks out here, your captain won't get to enjoy his meal."

"You're right." Noah smirked, relaxing slightly. "In that case, let's wait until the gentleman finishes his food before we start."

"Humph."

Garp snorted coldly, his gaze shifting toward Luffy.

"Luffy! Whatever you're planning, leave now!"

"But Grandpa…" Luffy rubbed his head sheepishly. "I still owe this restaurant money for the food…"

"GET OUT!" Garp's voice boomed like cannon fire. "If you don't leave right now, I'll drag you back to Navy Headquarters myself!"

Hearing this, Luffy straightened, gulped, and immediately turned to leave without another word.

With Luffy gone, Garp exhaled heavily and glanced at Noah again.

"If it's not too much trouble, let me speak to your captain," Garp said calmly.

"Please." Noah gestured politely. "But don't forget—this is Black Crow's territory. Even if you're Garp the Hero, you wouldn't leave here alive if you tried anything foolish."

Garp said nothing more. Waving at the Marines to remain on the warship, he strode toward the Baratie's entrance.

"Th-that's Vice Admiral Garp, right?!"

"It has to be! Who else could give off such a terrifying aura?"

"I didn't think even Garp would come here. This pirate crew must be unbelievably dangerous for someone like him to act so cautiously."

"Quick, let's get out of here before things turn ugly!"

Garp was a legend in the East Blue.

Many of the onlookers recognized him instantly, but seeing his brief clash with Noah had left them shaken. Without waiting to see what came next, several people rushed to flee the area.

Inside Baratie

Mio and Mihawk sat at a table, casually enjoying their wine and food.

As expected from the Straw Hat Pirates' future cook, Sanji's culinary skills were impressive. The dishes were delicious, even by Mio's standards.

"Black Crow."

The restaurant's doors swung open, and Garp strode inside, his heavy steps echoing across the room. Without asking permission, he sat directly across from Mio, grabbed a bottle of wine, and took a deep swig.

"Should I ask why you're in the East Blue?"

"Purpose?"

Mio chuckled lightly, his golden eyes gleaming.

"Garp, I'm a pirate. Even if I have a purpose, why would I reveal it to a Marine?"

"Fair enough." Garp nodded. "But if you don't tell me, I'm afraid I won't leave so easily."

"So what?"

Mio shrugged, his voice calm yet sharp. "You're not a threat to me, Garp. Stay if you want. What difference does it make?"

"Then you should know this: if I stay, whatever your plans are in the East Blue—they're as good as ruined.

The first half of the Grand Line and the Four Seas belong to the Navy and World Government. Your Black Crows may be powerful, but if needed, we can muster enough force to bury you all here."

Garp's voice carried the weight of authority, the truth undeniable.

Here, the Navy and World Government's influence ran deep. Reinforcements could be summoned swiftly.

Mio leaned back in his chair, his smile fading slightly.

"Threats won't work on me, Garp."

His eyes glinted coldly.

"And even if the World Government rallies its forces, how many of their people are willing to die to stop me? I'm just one man, and I don't fear death. But your Navy… can it survive what I bring?"

The air grew heavy as Mio's words sank in.

Garp remained silent for a moment, his face unreadable.

"Gulp."

He took another deep swig from his bottle, then let out a hearty laugh.

"Haha! Damn it, you're a bold one, Black Crow. Let's skip the nonsense. Tell me your real reason for being here. Neither of us wants a fight that'll leave us both worse off."

"Tch."

Mio clicked his tongue softly.

"You're not wrong. I've no grand schemes here. After spending too long in the New World, I wanted to take a look at the outside seas.

And since I heard Shanks talk about a promising newcomer from the East Blue, I decided to check for myself. Turns out that kid is your grandson."

"Don't you dare lay a hand on him, Black Crow."

Garp's face darkened, his tone filled with warning.

"Why?" Mio asked, smirking. "You're a Navy hero. Why would you care about the life of a pirate?"

"I may be a Navy man, but I'm also his grandfather."

"Well said." Mio nodded indifferently. "Relax, I have no interest in him. He's too weak to be worth my time.

Just make sure he doesn't provoke me."

Though Mio was a pirate, Garp could sense there was no deception in his words. He exhaled in relief.

"Fine. I'll take your word for now. But listen carefully—I'll remain in the East Blue until you leave. The longer you stay, the more likely things will spiral out of control."

Garp stood, placing the empty bottle on the table.

"Don't make me regret not bringing reinforcements."

With that, he turned and walked out of the restaurant.

As Garp's figure disappeared, Mio let out a small sigh of boredom.

"Guess it's time to leave the East Blue. This sea is far too dull anyway."

"Where next?" Mihawk asked quietly.

"Not sure. Maybe the North Blue." Mio's lips curled into a faint grin. "There are a few things I'd like to check there."

"The North Blue…" Mihawk nodded.

"And you?" Mio asked.

"I'll return to Kraikana Island," Mihawk replied. "There are a few interesting creatures there with potential. With some training, they could be entertaining opponents someday."

Mio knew he was referring to the human-mimicking baboons—creatures capable of copying human fighting styles and wielding weapons.

"They're not my type." Mio smirked. "But suit yourself."

As Mio finished his drink, he gave Mihawk's shoulder a firm pat.

"If you ever get bored, come find me. I can set you up with a swordsman worthy of your blade."

"Oh?" Mihawk's eyes gleamed. "Who?"

"The master of the First Generation Kitetsu."

Mihawk froze. His golden eyes widened slightly in shock.

"Are you serious?"

"Dead serious." Mio smirked. "Interested?"

"…Of course." Mihawk's fingers brushed the hilt of Yoru, a rare flicker of excitement crossing his usually calm face.

"But if you fail to deliver, you know the consequences, don't you?"

Mio chuckled.

"I always succeed."

"Then send word when the time comes."

As Mihawk spoke, anticipation filled his gaze.

The First Generation Kitetsu…

A supreme-grade cursed blade, and its rumored master.

This might finally be the opponent Mihawk had been searching for all these years.

His eyes sharpened, gleaming with deadly resolve.

"I hope this leads me to the final step," Mihawk whispered under his breath, the faintest of smiles tugging at his lips.