one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 203: Declaration of Ambition

And that... that would change everything.

Interest and hostility were two very different things.

Interest meant people might observe or even attempt to win you over.

Hostility meant they would act—plot, ambush, and actively seek your destruction. A "yes" would provoke both powerful enemies and ambitious allies.

At the same time, those looking for someone to follow would see this as a sign—an invitation to join a rising force.

The pirate who asked the question instantly drew attention from the crowd. Because asking such a thing revealed his own intent—to follow the Black Crow Pirates. That alone earned him curious stares.

Some recognized him.

"That guy came to the New World three years ago, right? A shark-toothed dragon from the Ancient Zoan line."

"Yeah, he's a supernova from that year. I remember now."

"A bounty of 250 million. The Tearer—Katsumata Takeru!"

Mio turned to look at the one who had spoken. A slender man with intense eyes was staring at him, eagerly awaiting an answer.

Mio grinned. "Of course I am. But not just anyone can follow the Black Crow Pirates."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Many had believed that the Black Crow Pirates, no matter how notorious they became, would eventually submit to some greater power in the New World.

But they hadn't expected Mio to outright declare ambition for the throne.

This revelation shook some pirates and stirred new thoughts in others.

Katsumata Takeru's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Lord Black Crow, then tell me—how can I follow you?"

Mio didn't hesitate. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed out a bounty poster. His voice rang cold and commanding.

"Bring me their heads. That's all."

Katsumata Takeru caught the bounty poster and smiled fiercely. "Then please wait for me, Lord Black Crow."

"Let's move!"

Without a second thought, he turned and led his crew away, clearly prepared to hunt down the targets listed on the bounty.

Several other pirates quickly snatched up the remaining bounty posters. Upon seeing who was on them, many quietly slipped away as well.

Mio's Observation Haki spread across the area. Sensing the stirring ambitions, he gave a faint smile and prepared to leave.

With so many pirates gathered here, there were bound to be Devil Fruit sellers deeper within the island. Mio had no intention of wasting time on weaklings.

To him, killing a weak seller cost only a breath.

But if the seller was strong? He didn't mind paying a bit.

Just a bit, of course. Whether they accepted was their business.

"Black Crow!"

Mio had barely taken a few steps when a voice rang out from the distance.

He stopped, turned, and narrowed his eyes. "Parker."

Parker stood calmly, but his tone was cold and unmistakably commanding. "Are you interested in giving me that fruit in your hand?"

"Not even a little," Mio replied flatly.

Several pirates stood behind Parker, clearly his crew, all staring at Mio with hungry, hostile eyes.

Parker's voice dropped. "So you want to be my enemy?"

His aura began to surge, laced with killing intent. The pressure in the air grew heavier, and his men tensed, ready to fight.

He flexed his fingers slowly, fists tightening, eyes fixed coldly on Mio.

Maybe other pirates would back down in the face of this pressure.

After all, Parker wasn't weak. He held real power in the New World.

But...

Visit freewёbnoνel.com for the best novel reading experience.

Mio only grinned, showing no fear. "You? Are you even worthy?"

Parker's eyes widened.

A powerful burst of Conqueror's Haki exploded from his body, slamming toward Mio like a tidal wave. Many of the weaker pirates around immediately dropped to the ground, unconscious or struggling to remain standing.

But at that moment, Erica stepped forward.

A majestic surge of Conqueror's Haki burst from her in return, colliding directly with Parker's. She met his pressure head-on without hesitation.

At Mio's side, her presence was calm but unyielding.

Mio chuckled lightly, tone tinged with sarcasm. "This level? Not even close to my partner's."

"Tch. A newcomer like you needs to learn the rules of the New World," Parker sneered.

The moment the words left his mouth, he vanished.

Mio's pupils shrank.

Fast—terrifyingly fast!

But Mio didn't hesitate. His fist, now coated in Armament Haki and his unique demonic energy, shot out in the direction of the sound slicing through the air.

Boom!

Their fists collided with a thunderous impact, releasing a shockwave that swept through the area and sent dust and debris flying.

"Die!" Parker roared.

Surprised that Mio had blocked his initial strike, he poured even more power into his punch. An explosive force surged forward, and Mio quickly pulled back, retreating a few steps to avoid the worst of it.

He eyed Parker warily.

"That power... is that your Devil Fruit ability?"

The speed, the sudden burst of strength—it didn't feel like natural movement or strength. It felt... unnatural, like an ability.

Which could only mean one thing.

Another real threat had appeared.

And the New World's stage was finally starting to heat up.