one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 167: The Seed of Ambition and the Path to the New World

"I've finished reading it," Robin nodded, a touch of astonishment in her eyes. "I didn't expect this Poneglyph to record something like that."

Poseidon. Joy Boy.

It genuinely surprised her.

Mio reached out to gently ruffle Robin's hair and suddenly asked, "There should've been a few Poneglyphs back in O'Hara, right?"

"Yes," Robin replied with a nod. "But I don't know if they're still there."

She had always wanted to return to O'Hara and see it again, but it remained a dangerous place—even after all this time. The World Government had likely either taken or destroyed the Poneglyphs that had once resided there.

"If we get the chance in the future, I'll take you back to see it," Mio said with a warm smile.

Hearing this, Robin narrowed her eyes and beamed happily. "Yeah."

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

The group soon left the Sea Forest behind.

Mio and his crew continued to wander around Fishman Island, though they didn't go anywhere in particular or take any actions of note. Mio's primary objective on Fishman Island couldn't be accomplished just yet—not until Otohime died.

Only then would he extend his hand toward Fishman Island.

For now, he was merely laying the groundwork.

Three Days Later.

Inside Ryugu Castle.

Mio and his crew stood before Neptune, expressing their intention to depart.

Neptune looked at Mio with a warm expression. "Fishman Island will always welcome the return of the Black Crow Pirates."

Mio simply nodded at the polite remark, without replying. He turned and prepared to leave.

But at that moment, Otohime stepped forward. "Mr. Black Crow, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Please speak, Princess Otohime," Mio said, turning to face her.

Otohime hesitated for only a moment before speaking. "Lately, we haven't received any contact from Tiger. I'm worried something may have happened to him. If you happen to encounter him in the New World, could you help pass along a message and urge him to contact Fishman Island?"

At that, Mio paused for a brief moment, then smirked faintly. "Princess Otohime, I'm afraid I can't agree to that request."

"Why?" Otohime asked in confusion. It wasn't an unreasonable favor.

"Heh," Mio chuckled lightly and replied bluntly. "Because Tiger isn't in the sea anymore—he's in Marijoa."

With that, Mio turned and began walking out of Ryugu Castle. As he left, his final words echoed behind him.

"He's now a slave of the Celestial Dragons!"

Mio and his crew exited Ryugu Castle without looking back.

Inside, silence filled the throne room. Otohime and Neptune stood frozen, eyes wide in disbelief.

After a long pause, Neptune swallowed hard and murmured, "This is serious..."

"This must not be spread," Otohime added quickly, her voice resolute. "Especially not to the people of Fishman Island."

If the truth got out, it would spark chaos.

Tiger held great prestige among the people. If they discovered that he had become a slave to the Celestial Dragons, the shock and fury would plunge Fishman Island into turmoil.

...

Mio, on the other hand, was unconcerned by the reactions in Ryugu Castle.

He had already returned to the Black Glory with Erica and the rest of his crew.

Without hesitation, the ship set sail, leaving Fishman Island behind.

Standing at the bow, Mio looked back at the dreamy underwater island. A faint smile curved his lips.

This island would be his—sooner or later.

Yet his ambitions had shifted slightly since arriving. Initially, he had no real desire to rule Fishman Island.

But now, things were different.

It was because of Noah.

Noah was more than just a ship—it held symbolic meaning to Fishman Island. If Mio tried to take Noah outright, he would be hated. But if he ruled Fishman Island, it would be another matter entirely.

"Hanba, set course for the New World!" Mio shouted.

"Roar!!"

The New World—a sea where the strongest gathered.

Hanba was trembling with excitement at the thought. He could finally show off his strength in front of Mio.

His roar, powerful and full of anticipation, echoed throughout the sea and shook all of Fishman Island as Black Glory charged forward toward the ocean current.

To reach the New World, they had to pass through the seabed's deep hole and ride the rising current upward.

At that moment—

On the edge of Fishman Island, a reporter happened to catch a glimpse of the departing ship. His eyes widened as he saw the gigantic Hanba and the ship in the distance.

And on the flagpole fluttered the pirate flag.

"The Black Crow Pirates!" the reporter shouted, eyes gleaming. "It really is them!"

Reports had circulated that the Black Crow Pirates were spotted near the Sabaody Archipelago, preparing to enter the New World. Now it was confirmed.

"If they're really heading into the New World, there's bound to be some explosive news ahead!"

The reporter excitedly raised his camera and snapped several shots of Black Glory disappearing into the distance.

Then he grabbed his Den Den Mushi and quickly called the newspaper office.