one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

"Nine Snake Island welcomes you."

Granny Zha spoke in a slightly respectful tone as she looked at Black Crow, bowing her head.

Just witnessing the powerful man step off the Black Glory was enough to suppress any thought of resistance. Even though the Kingdom of Women strictly forbade men from entering, she didn't dare mention such a rule now. For someone like Black Crow, their laws were nothing more than a meaningless formality.

"It's been a long time, Guroliosa." Mio said with a faint smile.

"Yes… more than ten years." Guroliosa nodded.

"How has Nine Snake Island developed over the years?" Mio asked casually.

"Everything is well, Lord Black Crow. Thanks to your flag flying over us, the Navy doesn't dare to target the Nine Snakes too much," Guroliosa replied truthfully.

Indeed, were it not for Black Crow's protection, the Navy would never have allowed a pirate nation to exist in the first half of the Grand Line—Calm Belt or not.

"That's good to hear." Mio nodded in satisfaction.

"Lord Black Crow, food and wine have been prepared in the palace. Standing here won't do. May we escort you to the palace?" Hancock asked with a smile.

"Very well." Mio nodded and glanced back at his crew. His voice calm but commanding, he said, "I understand the rules of Nine Snake Island. While I can't follow them entirely, I'll respect them as much as possible. All men except me are to remain aboard the ship. The women may accompany me."

Hearing this, Guroliosa silently exhaled in relief.

Though they couldn't deny Black Crow entry, restricting it to him alone made the situation somewhat easier to accept.

Hei Yan and the other men remained on the ship without complaint, while Lilith and the other women followed Mio onto the island.

Nine Snake Island wasn't particularly large, but it wasn't small either. Covered in hills and lush greenery, the most prominent feature was the central peak where the palace of the Kingdom of Women sat—Hancock's residence.

Thanks to Black Crow's protection over the years, the island had flourished. Its population had grown to over 200,000, and the ranks of the Nine Snake warriors had swelled.

Nearly every woman here shared a lifelong bond with their snake companions. Across the island, these creatures slithered in abundance, symbols of their culture.

As Mio stepped into the heart of the Kingdom of Women, countless curious eyes turned toward him.

Women in revealing attire—a result of generations without men—whispered among themselves as they observed Mio.

"Is that… a man?"

"How could a man set foot on this island? And he's with Her Majesty and Granny… he must be someone extraordinary."

"Why does he look so much like us?"

"His chest is flat… how odd."

"How would he feed a child with a chest like that?"

The murmurs made Mio's mouth twitch slightly in amusement. These women clearly lacked even the most basic understanding of men.

Shaking his head with a faint smile, Mio didn't dwell on their ignorance and followed Hancock to the palace.

The palace, built midway up the mountain, offered a commanding view of the entire island.

Inside, the grand hall was filled with delicious food and fine wine, just as Hancock had promised. Attendants stood ready as Mio entered and settled onto a plush seat.

Taking a glass of wine in hand, Mio glanced at Guroliosa, noting her furrowed brow and subtle air of worry.

"Guruoliosa," Mio began with a calm smile, "do you mind if I stay on Nine Snake Island for a while?"

"Ah… of course not." Guroliosa hesitated but ultimately nodded.

"If Lord Black Crow desires it, you may stay as long as you wish," Hancock said warmly. "Nine Snake Island is honored to have you."

"I only plan to stay for a short while," Mio replied with a faint smile. "I'm waiting for confirmation on something and thought to also inspect the warriors here. There's no need to worry."

Guroliosa forced a small, bitter smile.

She wanted to say that worrying was pointless.

If she had ever interfered with Hancock's control over Nine Snake Island, she would've been dead years ago.

She had long understood Black Crow's nature—he desired obedience above all else. If dissent arose, the island would be wiped out without hesitation.

Thankfully, Mio seemed satisfied with the current state of the island.

Hancock had become the singular voice of the kingdom, adored and worshipped by its citizens. And Hancock herself obeyed only one person—the man sitting before them.

To Guroliosa, it was clear that Mio was the true master of Nine Snake Island.

But perhaps he didn't care much for women, she mused. Otherwise, this island would already be his playground.

With a quiet sigh, she pushed such thoughts aside and spoke with Mio about the island's affairs.

The architectural style of Nine Snake Island reminded Mio of his original world. He found the island pleasing in every way.

As the evening settled in and Mio finished his meal, he decided to remain on the island as planned.

It wasn't because of the abundance of women.

Rather, Nine Snake Island's location in the Calm Belt made it the perfect place to evade the Navy and World Government's watchful eyes. Here, he could wait for the opportune moment in peace.

Nine Snake Palace – Later That Night

In the palace's grand bathhouse—a massive natural hot spring originally reserved for Hancock—Mio lounged on a towel, naked and relaxed as Lilith massaged his back.

A Den Den Mushi buzzed softly in his right hand.

Buru Buru. Buru Buru.

Mio answered it, his tone calm.

"Hello."

"Black Crow."

A hoarse, irritated voice spoke from the other end.

"You said you'd confirm the time. When will it be? I need to prepare."

"Don't be so impatient," Mio replied coolly. "Besides, I've only confirmed the opportunity—not the exact time."

"What do you mean?"

"Ace was handed over to the Navy by Blackbeard, correct?" Mio asked calmly.

There was a pause, then a grunt of acknowledgment.

"With your resources, you should know who Ace's father is."

"You mean Roger?"

"Exactly."

The Den Den Mushi went silent for a moment before the voice spoke again.

"Ace is in Impel Down. Fleet Admiral Sengoku plans to use his execution to boost the Navy's prestige and draw Whitebeard into a trap. Is this the opportunity you're waiting for?"

"A fine opportunity, isn't it?" Mio's lips curled into a faint, chilling smile.

"Indeed," came the hoarse reply. "The Navy is formidable, but if Whitebeard's forces tie them up, our moves will become much easier. I'll wait for your signal."

"Very well. Goodbye."

The call ended.

Mio smirked and set the Den Den Mushi aside.

Lilith, kneeling beside him in a towel, continued her massage.

"Sir, we still don't know much about the D clan," she murmured.

"It doesn't matter," Mio replied, his eyes glinting coldly.

"They're just pitiful insects."

The so-called enemies of God… were nothing more than stray dogs hiding in the shadows.

"If we don't understand them fully, they could become troublesome to deal with."

"Don't worry." Mio sat up and pulled Lilith into his arms, his smile as sharp as a blade.

"I stopped caring about the D clan long ago. Once the World Government falls, there will be nothing left for them to hide."

"And don't forget Renee," he added, caressing Lilith's face. "They've never failed me before."

Lilith nodded slightly. "That's true."

Mio's smile deepened as he leaned back into the water, the calm before the coming storm settling over Nine Snake Island.