one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 275: A Dangerous Investment

Mio was not in a hurry to head to the Sabaody Archipelago.

He had to wait until Tiger left Fish-Man Island. Only after Tiger's departure could Mio move in and take over. That would be the perfect opportunity to conquer Fish-Man Island.

For that reason, he planned to remain on the Sabaody Archipelago for a few days.

That day—

While drinking with Rayleigh at Shaqi's bar, an unexpected guest pushed open the wooden door and stepped inside.

Mio looked up and was instantly surprised. "You actually came."

"Just here to visit an old friend... and see you along the way," said the Red Earl, walking over and sitting beside Mio. He raised his voice to Shaqi. "A glass of whiskey. On the rocks."

"Well, this is rare," Rayleigh added, eyes widening with surprise. "But I see you've found what you were looking for."

He was astonished not only by the Red Earl's appearance but also by the transformation he had undergone.

He looked young again.

That's right—the Red Earl had regained his youth.

"The legendary Bat-Bat Fruit, Mythical Zoan type?" Mio asked, a glint of intrigue in his eyes. "That fruit is quite the treasure. Not only does it strengthen the body, but it also restores youth—another form of immortality."

The Red Earl nodded. "I finally got it after pestering a few old friends."

He took the glass from Shaqi, took a sip, and sighed in satisfaction.

"So, what's your next move?" Rayleigh asked. "With your current strength and that Devil Fruit, I doubt you'll keep hiding."

"Next move?" The Red Earl thought for a moment. "Maybe I'll go take a look at Laugh Tale."

"Oh? You planning to become the Pirate King?" Mio chuckled.

"I might consider it," the Red Earl said, smiling faintly. He did harbor some interest in the Pirate King title.

Hearing that, Mio shook his head and said indifferently, "I didn't expect you to care about that title. It's just a name. It means nothing."

"Don't you want to go to Laugh Tale?" Rayleigh asked, watching Mio intently.

As Roger's former first mate, Rayleigh understood Roger's dreams better than anyone. He wished someone could reach Laugh Tale and uncover the truths hidden there—to use those truths to challenge and overturn the World Government.

"I'll go... someday," Mio replied calmly. "But not now. After all, there's no 'D' in my name, and I'm not particularly interested in those things."

Rayleigh's eyes flickered with emotion but he said nothing more.

The three men continued drinking, chatting over various topics.

Several hours passed.

Then the wooden door opened once more.

Erica entered and gave Mio a small nod.

Seeing this, Mio set down his glass and rose from his seat. "I have other matters to handle. I'll be leaving first."

Just as Mio turned to go, the Red Earl looked over and spoke in a low voice, "I still owe you a favor."

"Don't worry. I haven't forgotten. I can't forget. It's just that the time hasn't come yet. I'll need you someday." Mio didn't turn back, only raised a hand in parting before striding out of the tavern.

Creak.

The wooden door shut behind him.

Rayleigh stared at the Red Earl in silence.

The Red Earl caught his look and smiled faintly. "Surprised?"

Rayleigh nodded thoughtfully. "He's terrifying—and very well hidden. Even I can't see through his cards. But I can tell... his ambition is massive."

"Exactly. With that kind of strength, ambition is natural," the Red Earl replied, the corner of his lips curling. "That guy... I haven't seen him in a few years, but his strength has skyrocketed. And his companions..."

...

At that moment, Mio had returned to the Black Glory.

On the deck, Renee—dressed in her usual black—was already waiting. When she saw him arrive, her face lit up with a gentle smile, clearly pleased to see him.

"Sir, I've found the person you're looking for," Renee reported, stepping forward and handing a document to Mio.

Mio took the folder and flipped through it.

Inside was the profile of a young man.

A Sky Islander.

Just sixteen years old. Deeply emotional, with a strong attachment to family. His father had died. He lived with his mother and younger sister.

Kind-hearted.

Naïve.

Because of family hardship, they lived in difficult conditions—much like Bell-mère and her daughters in the original timeline.

But the boy possessed remarkable talent in medicine.

After reading, Mio's eyes gleamed with thought. Then he gave his order.

"Give him the Operation Fruit. Then capture his sister and use his mother as leverage. Make sure he records every step in developing the Operation Fruit's abilities."

"Yes, sir," Renee replied with a nod, her tone calm and professional.

Mio's gaze turned cold as he continued, "The Operation Fruit has some peculiar abilities—it's too easy for the user to escape or rebel. According to the intel, this kid has a few people he deeply cares about. Take them all. If he shows even a hint of disobedience, start sending him body parts—fingers, limbs. Let Penny oversee the operation. If necessary, break him completely."

"Understood, sir." Renee's voice remained soft, her expression calm. "I won't allow any accidents."

She knew how much Mio valued the Operation Fruit—and the power it held.

The fruit's potential for granting immortality was priceless. She didn't need Mio to tell her that.

There could be no mistakes.

And if there were... she would erase them.

"Good. Go." Mio nodded and handed over the Operation Fruit.

He knew there was risk.

But it couldn't be helped.

Only someone like this youth—burdened by love and driven by despair—could be pushed to rapidly develop the forbidden powers of the fruit. In such conditions, potential would blossom the fastest.

Soon, Renee departed.

...

Sky Island – Upper Yard.

Renee's figure arrived quietly in Upper Yard—once considered the domain of gods.

Now, the central part of Upper Yard had been transformed into a massive compound. High walls had been built, enclosing a vast open space.

Thousands of Shadow Soldiers guarded the perimeter—members of the Thorn Blade Unit, the Troll Troop, and various divisions of the Black Shadow Army, watching over the compound without rest.

Renee walked through the security and approached the central chamber.

There, a boy was imprisoned. freeweɓnovel.cøm

At the sound of her footsteps, the boy looked up.

Confusion filled his eyes. He couldn't understand why he had been captured or what was going on.

Renee's expression was as cold as ice. She stepped forward, placed the Operation Fruit before him, and said in a flat voice:

"Eat this fruit. Master its power. When I'm satisfied, you'll get to see your mother and sister. You always wanted to buy new clothes for your sister, didn't you? Wanted to give your mother a better life? Then meet my expectations... and all of it will be within reach."