one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 295: The Future of Fishman Island

Fishman Island was under Renee's control. Almost no one knew that nearly 10,000 disguised "fishmen" had infiltrated the island in a short period of time. Their purpose was to spread the news of Black Crow's arrival and recount his words to the fishman soldiers, emphasizing his care and concern for Fishman Island.

By the time Mio reached Ryugu City, nearly 70% of the island's population already knew of his presence and his compassion for their homeland. Such was the extent of Renee's capabilities and meticulous planning.

At that moment, outside Ryugu City, Shark Star and the minister had come out to welcome Mio personally. The young Shark Star wore a crown, but his face still carried the immaturity of a child.

Mio gave a gentle smile and said, "Your Majesty Shark Star."

"Mr. Black Crow," Shark Star replied nervously. Mio's aura, even though only faintly released, was enough to make the young ruler feel overwhelmed.

The minister wiped the sweat from his brow, clearly affected as well, but also deeply impressed by Black Crow's power. "Mr. Black Crow, why don't we head inside to talk?"

"Alright," Mio nodded with a warm smile.

Once they entered Ryugu City, Mio didn't waste time. "Your Majesty Shark Star, I already understand the situation on Fishman Island. Its special geographic location makes it a coveted prize—whether by pirates, the Navy, or the World Government. I believe you may not fully grasp this, but I'm sure the minister does."

"Yes," the minister nodded, fully aware.

For pirates, Fishman Island represented immense profit—not just in resources, but in fishman girls, who were often targeted by slavers. For the Navy and the World Government, the island was a strategic point to monitor and control movement into the New World.

Currently, with the island leaderless, it was vulnerable.

Mio's voice grew heavier. "I've always hated how humans discriminate against fishmen. All races should be equal. When I last came to Fishman Island, I had a wonderful conversation with Queen Otohime and King Neptune. Their deaths saddened me deeply. But now isn't the time for mourning. What I want to ask is this: Has His Majesty considered how to deal with the challenges Fishman Island now faces?"

Shark Star opened his mouth, but no words came. He was far too inexperienced to answer.

His gaze turned helplessly toward the minister, who let out a quiet sigh. "No, Lord Black Crow. His Majesty Shark Star wants to protect Fishman Island, but we lack the strength to do so."

"I expected as much," Mio said calmly. "Let me be honest then—I came here because I want Fishman Island to become the territory of the Black Crow Pirates."

The minister looked as though he was about to object, but Mio raised a hand.

"Please don't reject the idea just yet. Hear me out. Fishman Island must rely on someone now. Without a strong backer, it can't survive. But the World Government? That will only lead to destruction. The Celestial Dragons will see the island as nothing more than a commodity."

"Don't even mention the Navy—they serve the World Government."

"So that leaves pirates. But among them, I'm your best option. Charlotte Linlin? Kaido? Even Sayakam? They would crush Fishman Island over the smallest insult. They would turn it into a tool for profit and power." ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

"Whitebeard is noble—but he doesn't want to expand his territory, nor does he govern closely."

"But me? I truly care for Fishman Island. I don't want anything in return. You don't need to pay tribute. I only want to help protect this place and its people."

He paused, then looked between the minister and Shark Star. "What do you think?"

Shark Star stared blankly, then turned to the minister once again.

The minister remained silent in thought. Everything Mio said was true. Only two pirates were viable allies—Whitebeard, and Black Crow. Whitebeard might offer safety, but he lacked ambition. Black Crow, however, had already gained the admiration of the fishman people and treated them with respect.

"What would Fishman Island need to do in return?" the minister asked.

"Nothing," Mio replied, shaking his head.

Then, as though remembering something, he added, "By the way, Queen Otohime had a daughter, right?"

"Yes," the minister nodded solemnly. "Her Highness Shirahoshi. A very sweet child. It's tragic—she lost both parents shortly after her birth."

"Could you take me to see her?" Mio asked.

"Of course," the minister agreed and led the way.

They soon arrived at a luxurious room. Inside, a baby girl lay peacefully in a crib.

As if sensing their presence, she opened her eyes. Her large, innocent gaze landed on them immediately, and she reached out playfully, giggling like silver bells.

"What a cute little one," Mio said softly, his expression filled with affection.

After all, much of what he had done was for this girl.

The future Sea King.

Shirahoshi.