one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 383: Alliance of Shadows, March Toward Wano

In the dim castle.

Soon, as the lights were turned on, the space became bright, magnificent, and luxurious.

At the same time, a lot of food was moved in here, as well as barrels of wine.

Mio leaned on the armrest, supporting his head with one hand, eyes half-closed as he pondered silently.

After a while, a respectful voice echoed.

"Sir, the guests are here." It was the voice of Hei Yan.

Mio looked up and saw Hei Yan standing nearby. Behind him were two figures in black robes, their faces and body shapes obscured beneath thick hoods.

"Tell the others not to approach the castle. Go down." Mio ordered calmly.

Hei Yan nodded instantly and turned to leave.

The two black-robed figures then removed their hoods, revealing their true faces.

One of them was undoubtedly Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army and Luffy’s father. The other was Emporio Ivankov, a Revolutionary Army commander, wielder of the Hormone Fruit, and queen of the Kamabakka Kingdom.

Well... "female" might not quite apply.

As someone with the power of the Hormone Fruit, Ivankov could switch between male and female at will. The male Ivankov had a massive head, while the female form could be considered beautiful—but Mio wasn’t interested and moved his eyes away quickly, keeping his gaze fixed firmly on Dragon.

"It’s been a long time, Dragon." Mio smiled, slowly stood, and took a step forward, appearing in front of the table now laden with food and drinks.

"Indeed." Dragon nodded, his voice hoarse as he responded. Without hesitation, he sat at the table.

Ivankov also took a seat next to Dragon, eyes curiously studying the infamous Black Crow before him—the young and terrifying force rising in the New World.

"I promised you back on Fishman Island that the Revolutionary Army would help in the assault on Wano, but I hope you haven’t forgotten the conditions from back then," Dragon said in a deep tone.

"Of course not."

Mio shook his head, took a sip of wine, and replied. "It’s about seastone. If the Revolutionary Army wants it, I’ll sell it at an extremely low price—or even without profit. However, Wano is Kaido’s territory, ruled and suppressed by him. You want seastone at almost no cost? Then we’ll see how much effort you’re prepared to contribute."

Hearing this, Ivankov frowned. "It’s the Black Crow Pirates who want Wano, not the Revolutionary Army. We can help you take it from Kaido, but don’t expect us to provide most of the manpower. That would make this deal too one-sided."

"Fairness?"

As if hearing a joke, Mio let out a mocking laugh. "Because you’re a Revolutionary Army commander, I won’t ridicule you too much... but in this world, fairness is an illusion."

This world recognized only strength.

For the strong, even unfair terms could be forced into becoming fair.

"Besides," Mio’s tone cooled, "you Revolutionary Army folk can’t seize Wano on your own. Black Crow can do it, but I’m not interested in unnecessary sacrifices. That’s why I’m offering this alliance in the first place."

"You’re saying you want the Revolutionary Army to bleed so the Black Crow doesn’t have to?" Ivankov’s face darkened, irritation flashing across his features.

"That’s exactly it."

Mio’s sharp eyes locked on Ivankov, his oppressive aura surging like a tidal wave, crashing down upon him. Ivankov felt as if a mountain pressed on his chest, his face paling from the sheer weight of Mio’s presence.

"This is reality," Mio said with a thin smile. "If you don’t like my terms, refuse. Black Crow will take Wano alone... but then seastone will have nothing to do with your Revolutionary Army. Think carefully."

Seastone came exclusively from Wano—a strategic resource Kaido himself coveted. The Revolutionary Army needed it desperately for their war against Devil Fruit users.

"Damn bastard," Ivankov muttered under his breath, turning to Dragon. "Dragon, are we really going to agree to this?!"

Dragon’s calm gaze met Ivankov’s. After a brief silence, he shook his head slightly and looked back at Mio.

"The lives of our members are valuable. The Revolutionary Army won’t make needless sacrifices," Dragon said firmly.

"So you’re refusing?" Mio asked, raising an eyebrow in mild surprise.

"No... but the conditions will change."

Mio’s eyes glimmered with interest. "Let’s hear it."

Dragon’s expression hardened as he spoke. "You’re the youngest Emperor and among the strongest in the New World. Your ambitions are obvious—and we share the same enemy: the World Government. But I suspect you don’t yet know their full power. The Revolutionary Army can act as your vanguard, scouting their true strength. Our alliance shouldn’t end with Wano; it should continue until the fall of the World Government. What do you say?"

He didn’t elaborate, but Mio understood immediately.

"Interesting..."

Mio chuckled, eyes narrowing slightly. This man was no ordinary revolutionary. To have created and led such an organization, Dragon’s cunning was undeniable.

His counteroffer was simple: in exchange for helping seize Wano and acquiring seastone, the Revolutionary Army would continue supporting Black Crow’s rise—and in return, Mio would gain critical intel on the World Government.

It was smart. Mio couldn’t refuse.

After a moment’s thought, Mio nodded. "Agreed."

"But I want the Revolutionary Army’s forces ready within a week."

Dragon’s pupils contracted slightly, but he nodded. "That’s acceptable."

Mio smirked, raised his glass, and said, "Then let’s toast—to our cooperation."

The deal was sealed with the clink of glasses and the sound of wine being drained.

A Week Later

The week passed quickly.

Having spent time away on the moon, Mio savored his return to the Blue Sea. He indulged himself in luxury, enjoying power, wealth, and beauty, while overseeing his growing empire.

He also spent time evaluating Hancock, who had improved rapidly under Erica’s training.

By the poolside on a blazing summer day, Mio reclined with his head on Lilith’s lap, wine in hand, as Hancock sparred with Erica.

Bang!

Hancock flew backward after Erica’s powerful kick landed squarely on her stomach.

"Not bad, but you still need more strength," Erica said coolly.

Lilith smirked as she stroked Mio’s hair. "It seems Hancock might be useful in a few years, sir."

"It’s too early to say." Mio waved Hancock over as she was helped up by her sisters.

"Yes, Lord Black Crow?" Hancock asked meekly.

"Send word to Elder Gloriosa. Tell her Nine Snake Island must train every woman to be a warrior. I want that island to rival Zou and Wano as a military nation."

Hancock hesitated. "Lord Black Crow... do you mean to use Nine Snake Island for your future campaigns?"

"Don’t overthink it. Just relay my orders," Mio replied with a calm smile. "If she obeys, I might even make Nine Snake’s royal family into world nobles one day."

"World nobles?!" Hancock’s eyes widened in shock.

"Yes," Mio said lightly. "Go now."

Hancock bowed and left with her sisters.

Departure

The day of departure came.

At the port of Crow Island, over a dozen massive ships awaited, packed with Black Crow’s forces.

Mio arrived, hands in his pockets, a calm but deadly grin on his face.

"Let’s go," Mio said, his voice cutting through the night air. "To Wano Country."

"Ohhh!!"

The pirates roared with excitement.

They knew the mission—strike at Kaido. And with Black Crow leading them, they had no fear.

The fleet set sail, cutting swiftly through the waves toward Wano.

Meanwhile

On a distant sea near Wano, several Revolutionary Army ships lay anchored.

On the deck, Dragon closed the line on a Den Den Mushi and said calmly, "Let’s move. Ready the troops and avoid needless losses."

The Revolutionary Army had joined the shadowed march toward Wano.

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