one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 170: Falcon Hunt and Cruel Tides

Mio was learning directly from Erica at this time, carefully observing and absorbing every move she made.

But then—

Boom.

The sudden echo of cannon fire rang out.

In the distance, a marine warship emerged on the horizon. Thanks to his Observation Haki, Mio could tell that there was no significant threat aboard—likely just a routine patrol vessel.

Frowning slightly, Mio called out, "Mashi, go."

Upon hearing her name, Mashi, who had been lying lazily on the deck moments ago, perked up with gleaming eyes full of excitement. In an instant, dragon wings spread from her back, and she soared into the sky without hesitation.

Though petite in form, she moved like a flash, cutting through the air like a phantom. Hovering above the warship, she opened her mouth wide.

"Roar!"

Despite her cute appearance, a terrifying roar erupted from her throat. The sound reverberated through the sky like a burst of conqueror's Haki.

At the same time, sparks ignited within her mouth.

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"Roar of the Fire Dragon!"

A torrent of blazing flames exploded forth, painting the sky red as they descended on the marine vessel below.

"T-This..."

The non-commissioned officer on board gawked, frozen in disbelief. When he finally snapped out of it, he screamed in panic, "Abandon ship!"

Marines leapt into the sea in desperation.

Seconds later—

Boom!

The warship erupted in a violent explosion, consumed entirely by the inferno.

"Tch, that was boring. They were gone in a flash," Mashi muttered with a pout. "I should've fought them one by one." Disappointed, she flapped her wings and returned to the deck.

Meanwhile, Mio and Erica's training resumed as if nothing had happened.

The destruction of a lone warship didn't bother Mio in the slightest. It was a minor incident. At most, it would alert the Navy to his presence in the New World—but that didn't matter.

Catching him in these waters, especially in this chaotic era, was a pipe dream.

The New World was crawling with pirates itching to take on the Navy. Whether they wanted to drive the Marines out of their territory or use them as stepping stones to rise in infamy, they all had the same goal.

The sea was in turmoil.

And with the Pirate King's throne still unclaimed, many contenders had no intention of letting the Navy benefit from the chaos they'd soon unleash.

...

Meanwhile — First Half of the Grand Line

Waters near Sabaody Archipelago.

A luxurious cruise ship glided gracefully across the sea. Music and laughter echoed across the deck, where women danced and performed, desperate to please.

Because just ahead, a Celestial Dragon watched from the main lounge with an air of cruel boredom.

"Report to the lord—three warships are approaching in the distance!"

"Warships?" A CP agent narrowed his eyes with suspicion. He grabbed a spyglass and peered into the distance. When he got a clearer look, his face twisted in shock.

"Damn it! That's not the Navy—that's the Wild Beast Pirates!"

Recently, the Wild Beast Pirates had been making waves throughout the Grand Line's first half. Known for their savagery, they slaughtered anyone who stood in their way. They had even captured several Navy warships and repurposed them as their own pirate ships.

Most notably, they had killed a Vice Admiral—a testament to their terrifying power.

And now... they had shown up here.

The CP agent's expression turned grim. "Turn around! Get out of this area immediately!"

The cruise ship's course shifted sharply as the crew scrambled in panic.

But it was too late.

On the leading ship among the approaching vessels stood a towering figure at the bow. Cold, cruel eyes locked onto the cruise ship, and a smirk curled his lips.

Behind him, one of his men hesitated. "Boss... are we really going after them? That's a Celestial Dragon on board. If we kill one, the Admirals will come after us..."

"So what if they do?" sneered Taros, gripping the rail with claw-shaped fingers. "Can an Admiral kill me?"

With a casual swing of his clawed hand, the air itself sliced forward in a sharp arc.

A faint screech echoed as the attack shot forward—

Boom!

The cruise ship convulsed as a section exploded violently, halting its progress across the sea.

To dare attack a Celestial Dragon... Taros had complete confidence in his power.

His Blade Blade Fruit allowed him to transform any substance into a cutting weapon—be it air, wind, or steel. Combined with the Momo Momo no Mi, which increased the speed of anything he used, his attacks were nearly imperceptible.

Add to that his monstrous physical strength...

Even if an Admiral came, he wouldn't back down.

"There are Devil Fruits on that ship," Taros muttered, eyes gleaming. "My Lord will love them. I'll collect them all and offer them as tribute. He'll be very pleased."

Then he barked an order, "Head over there. Kill everyone on board and take everything!"

The pirates hesitated no longer. Roaring with laughter, the stolen warships surged toward the cruise liner.

Onboard, the CP agents scrambled. Emergency messages were sent to Navy command, and preparations began to evacuate the Celestial Dragon via a hidden submarine.

The CP agents stayed behind to buy time.

Fear gripped every person left on the cruise ship.

And far away, Mio, sailing through the unpredictable seas of the New World, remained unaware of the brewing storm elsewhere on the ocean.