one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 163: Arrival at Fishman Island

They continued forward, taking time to align with the correct current.

Soon, the Black Glory arrived at their destination.

A deep trench.

Even though they were at the bottom of the sea, everything around them was bathed in light. The underwater scene was breathtaking — vibrant and colorful corals of all kinds, shimmering fish of all sizes, soft golden sand, and various reef structures.

It felt like stepping into a dream.

Ahead, an island could be seen wrapped in a massive double-layered bubble membrane. Within the transparent layers, the beautiful figures of mermaids swam gracefully.

That was... Fishman Island.

"It's so beautiful," Mio murmured in awe, even though they hadn't entered yet.

"Is this Fishman Island? Captain, you mentioned before there's a Poneglyph here. Is that true?" Robin approached Mio, her eyes wide as she stared at the distant island.

"Ah, there is a Poneglyph," Mio nodded. "But the content isn't of much use to me."

After all, the Poneglyph on Fishman Island contained Joy Boy's apology.

However, Mio still had many interests on Fishman Island — the genes of the fishmen, the Sea Kings, and even Noah.

All of them were valuable to him.

"How do we get in, sir?" Lilith asked curiously. From the outside, it didn't appear there was any clear entrance to the island.

Hearing this, Mio's lips curled into a confident smile, and a gleam flashed through his eyes. "There's no need for us to go in uninvited. Let the royal family of Fishman Island come out to greet us."

Why trouble themselves with entering? After all, once he was inside, he intended to strike a deal with the royal family — primarily regarding the unborn Shirahoshi.

Fishman Island wasn't under Whitebeard's protection yet. Even though Poseidon hadn't been born, Mio intended to make the first move and claim the island as his.

Of course, Fishman Island might not accept that just yet. While Mio had a rising reputation, his full strength had not been publicly revealed.

Still, for him, it was just a matter of time.

Just as Mio was about to release his Conqueror's Haki to make a statement—

From the direction of Fishman Island, a massive sea beast approached. Atop the creature was a figure, followed closely by a group of Fishman Island soldiers.

The group was headed straight for them.

"That is..."

Mio raised an eyebrow in surprise as he observed the figure atop the sea beast.

Erica placed her hands on the hilt of her sword. She was ready to strike at a moment's notice if Mio gave the command — prepared to cut down the sea beast and every soldier accompanying it in one swing.

"Princess Otohime."

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Mio recognized the figure and was slightly surprised. He didn't expect Princess Otohime to come personally, but he remained calm and waited.

"Mr. Black Crow." Princess Otohime's eyes focused directly on Mio as she arrived with her entourage beside the Black Glory.

"Princess Otohime." Mio responded with a steady voice, his expression tinged with curiosity. "It seems Princess Otohime came specifically for me. I wonder, is it to expel us?"

"No, not at all. Please don't misunderstand," Otohime quickly shook her head. Though she had come specifically for Mio, expelling the Black Crow Pirates was not her intent.

She was well aware of how terrifying human pirates could be. Fishman Island alone could not defend against such threats.

"I've come to invite Mr. Black Crow and your companions to Dragon Palace. Of course, we on Fishman Island hold no prejudice against your arrival. But, as you know, the current situation on Fishman Island is delicate. So, to avoid any unnecessary incidents, we would prefer to escort the Black Crow Pirates directly to the Dragon Palace," Otohime explained sincerely.

Mio suddenly understood.

So, this was about the racial tension between fishmen, merfolk, and humans on Fishman Island?

He hadn't really thought about that.

Still, the greater reason was likely the Black Crow Pirates' infamy. Despite not having shown their true strength publicly, their massive bounties spoke volumes. Only a fool would underestimate them.

Princess Otohime likely understood that too. If racial tensions led to conflict with the Black Crow Pirates, Fishman Island would face a disaster.

This was her way of preventing it.

"I'm honored," Mio nodded with a calm smile. He met Otohime's eyes and said, "As it happens, I also have something to discuss with the royal family of Fishman Island."

Upon hearing this, Otohime's heart trembled. She was born with a unique form of Observation Haki — the ability to hear the voice of all things. Mio's words caused her to frown slightly, a flicker of unease in her gaze.

Still, she responded politely, "Please follow me, Mr. Black Crow."

There were few people in the world of One Piece whom Mio truly admired — Princess Otohime was one of them. A genuinely kind and visionary person who cared deeply for her people, she endured hardship in hopes of elevating Fishman Island's standing in the world.

Under Hanba's guidance, the Black Glory began to follow the sea beast toward the island.

Along the way—

Princess Otohime glanced at Hanba and asked with interest, "Mr. Black Crow, is that... a Sea King?"

"I believe so," Mio replied. "It's said to be a descendant of Demon Oz."

"I see." Otohime nodded in understanding. Unlike most fishmen, she was well-informed about the outside world. Thanks to the Royal Family's relationship with Fisher Tiger, she had learned much of the sea's lore — including stories of Oz, the legendary Land of Luck.

Even so, she was taken aback by Hanba's appearance.

While there were Sea Kings even larger than Hanba, what made Hanba truly terrifying was his build — thick, powerful, and brimming with monstrous strength. One glance was enough to understand the raw might he held.