one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 251: The Black Crow’s Interest in Nine Snake Island

"Sir, do you want to come over?" Bai Feng approached Mio and asked.

Naturally, they had already noticed the pirate ship.

Mio touched his chin thoughtfully, then nodded after a moment of consideration. "Yeah, let's go over. I'm also curious about Nine Snake Island."

He had always had plans for this combatant nation—just like Fishman Island. In this world, there weren't many kingdoms he had ambitions for, but there were definitely a few that stood out: Fishman Island, Nine Snake Island, the Zou Kingdom, and Wano Country.

He had specific ambitions for each of these nations.

Fishman Island had the Sea Kings. As for the other three—Zou, Wano, and Nine Snake Island—they were well-known for their isolationism and powerful people. These were lands that rarely communicated with the outside world.

This kind of nation held a distinct advantage for someone like Mio.

Once ruled, given a little time, their people could be completely subdued.

As long as his rule wasn't overly exploitative, governing them with clever methods would be easy.

Of course, this all hinged on one thing—strength.

"Understood," Bai Feng nodded quickly upon receiving Mio's order and began executing it immediately.

Mashi gazed at the distant pirate ship, then turned to Robin and asked, "Sister Robin, are the Nine Snakes Pirates strong?"

"They are," Robin replied thoughtfully, "but not as strong as us. The Nine Snakes Pirates are a unique crew. They hail from the all-female Amazon Lily, a nation of women. Their crew also consists solely of women—no men at all."

"Could it be that sir is interested in them for that reason?" Lilith asked with a teasing smile as she stood behind Mio.

Hearing this, Mio chuckled and shook his head. "I'm not that shallow. If I wanted women, there's no need to go to a whole kingdom to find them. The sea is full of opportunities. Not to mention, I already have stunning and captivating women like you at my side."

"Hehe, that makes Lilith a little happy," Lilith giggled, covering her mouth in delight.

Even Erica and the others nearby couldn't help but smile at Mio's words.

The Black Glory gradually approached the Nine Snakes' ship.

Granny Zha stared at the approaching vessel, her expression heavy. She hadn't expected to run into such a powerful figure here. As a well-informed elder, Granny Zha understood just how terrifying the top powerhouses of the New World could be.

Especially someone said to be on par with Whitebeard—that was not someone to provoke lightly.

So she dared not make any sudden moves.

Pirates were often unpredictable. Even trying to flee might provoke an attack. It was better to stay put and see what the other side wanted.

"Granny Zha, why do you seem afraid of them?" The tense atmosphere on deck made Hancock uncomfortable. She couldn't help but ask.

Granny Zha shot her a quick glance, fearing she might say something to offend the enemy, and replied, "It's the Black Crow."

"The Black Crow?" Hancock blinked, then recalled a headline she'd seen in the papers. "You mean the same Black Crow who fought Whitebeard to a standstill in the New World?"

"That's the one," Granny Zha said seriously. "Hancock, just watch. Don't speak unless absolutely necessary. Consider this a lesson—it'll help you."

After all, Hancock was the heir Granny Zha had chosen to lead Amazon Lily in the future. She hoped this encounter, dangerous though it might be, could also help Hancock grow.

Sometimes, just feeling the pressure of a true powerhouse could temper the will and spirit.

Before long, the two ships met at sea.

Granny Zha spoke first, without hesitation. "Mr. Black Crow, it's an honor to meet you at sea. Is there anything we can assist you with?"

Though she had some connections with other powerful figures in the world, Granny Zha knew full well that no favor or alliance could stand against a monster like the Black Crow. No one would risk offending such a powerhouse for the Nine Snakes' sake.

So, she could only rely on herself.

Mio sat cross-legged at the bow of his ship, casually sipping whiskey from a glass. He gazed indifferently at Granny Zha, then slowly scanned the women behind her on the Nine Snakes' ship.

Each time his eyes passed over them, the women felt as though a mountain had dropped onto their chests. Cold sweat ran down their backs. Their breathing became labored and heavy under the immense pressure of his gaze.

Finally, Mio's gaze settled on Hancock behind Granny Zha. When he saw her, a flicker of interest sparkled in his eyes.

He spoke slowly. "The Nine Snakes can't really help me with anything. I just happened to come across your ship and felt like checking in to learn more."

At that, Granny Zha couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. For now, at least, it seemed the Black Crow had no intention of killing them.

They were safe—for the moment.

Granny Zha responded carefully, "Then may I ask what it is you'd like to know? If it's within my knowledge, I'll gladly share it."

Mio grinned and slowly stood up. "I've heard of Nine Snake Island for a long time. As a man, it's only natural to be curious about a nation entirely made up of women."

Even before he finished, Granny Zha's expression changed subtly. A bad premonition formed in her heart.

"But of course," Mio continued, "if it were just women, I wouldn't care. However, the women of Amazon Lily—the Nine Snakes—are warriors. And from what I can sense, their strength isn't bad at all."

His gaze swept across the group again, lips curling into a half-smile. "That makes me... very interested in Nine Snake Island. So, Granny Zha, could you tell me more about your Kingdom of Women?"

At those words, Granny Zha froze, her expression flickering with disbelief.

She wasn't stupid. She could hear the implication behind Mio's words loud and clear.

He had ambition—for Amazon Lily.

But even realizing this, Granny Zha could only feign ignorance for now. She responded with a serious tone, "Nine Snake Island is just barren land. There's not much to speak of, not even a beautiful view to show. It's unfortunate that Mr. Black Crow's interest will go to waste."

"No need to apologize," Mio said calmly, shaking his head. He gazed up at the sky and spoke softly, as though musing to himself. "Granny, you should know what's most important in this world."

"Strength—the foundation of everything."

He opened his palm... and then clenched it.

Boom!

In an instant, dark clouds gathered in the clear sky. Thunder crackled across the heavens.

Lightning snaked through the sky, and Mio's eyes gleamed with power.

"A person strong enough," he said with a grin, "can turn even a barren land into paradise." fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm