one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 216: The Bloody Baptism of Crow Island

Hanba's body loomed like a living fortress, and now one of his enormous arms was completely covered in Armament Haki, a display that sent chills down the spine. The sheer density of the coating demonstrated Hanba's terrifying mastery.

Even if it hadn't yet reached the level of Ryuo, it was undoubtedly formidable.

Boom!

With another thunderous blow, a pirate ship shattered like a toy, breaking into driftwood and debris that floated across the red-stained sea. Pirate corpses bobbed lifelessly in the waves, painting a gruesome picture.

"My lord."

Hei Yan landed on the deck at that moment, casually throwing down a barely breathing figure—Kasai Ling—before Mio. He left it to Mio to deal with personally.

Looking at the half-dead man in front of him, Mio remained calm. He raised his hand, and demonic energy gathered beside him, instantly forming a spear that shot forward with a burst of energy.

Puff.

The spear pierced directly through Kasai Ling's forehead.

A translucent prompt appeared in Mio's vision:

"Congratulations on collecting the pirate (Maned Wolf) gene!"

"Just barely acceptable," Mio thought to himself, eyes flickering. He quickly lost interest. It was just an ordinary animal-type Devil Fruit ability—not worth much attention. What he truly sought now were the powerful genes.

His gaze shifted forward again.

Hanba roared and raised both arms high into the air. This time, both massive arms were entirely covered in shimmering Armament Haki, shining with a metallic luster like twin steel hammers.

Boom!

The massive fists slammed down.

Seawater exploded upward like a geyser.

Another ship was obliterated, reduced to flaming splinters.

Screams echoed across the battlefield.

High above the scene, a seagull circled lazily. Suspended beneath its belly was a Den Den Mushi, its eyes fixed coldly on the events unfolding on Crow Island.

Because of this little creature, a newsroom in the New World was already boiling with activity. A group of reporters stared at the live broadcast on their screen with excitement.

"Quick! Prepare the headlines. Looks like the Black Crow Pirates are establishing Crow Island as their base—and they've annihilated the Jackal Fleet. This is major news!"

"Get the articles edited and verify the facts. No exaggerations!"

"Once that's ready, start printing immediately and distribute to every corner of the sea!"

The editor-in-chief barked orders like a drill sergeant.

Most of these reporters weren't fighters, so they typically used trained seagulls to find stories. By placing Den Den Mushi on the birds, they could safely track events without putting themselves in danger.

"Also," the editor-in-chief added, "tell the seagulls to stay. If the Black Crow Pirates really claim this island, they'll clean up the surrounding waters. We might get more news soon."

"Yes, sir!"

Back on Crow Island...

Mio had already noticed the seagulls in the sky—and the Den Den Mushi attached to them—but he didn't care.

Under Hanba's violent assault, the remaining ships of the Jackal Fleet were reduced to burning ruins. At the same time, waves of crows coated in demonic energy tore through the pirate ranks like a tide of death.

The air reeked of blood and charred wood.

Hawkeye frowned slightly at the carnage, then relaxed. "After this, I doubt anyone will challenge you anytime soon."

What had just occurred would soon be headline news. The destruction of the Jackal Fleet would serve as a warning. Going forward, only top-tier forces of the New World would dare to cross the Black Crow Pirates—not these unknown bottom-feeders.

"I hope so," Mio replied with a shrug. "Then again, pirates will be pirates. There are always reckless fools drawn by greed. It'll be easier once I have more men."

He wasn't too concerned. Once his forces were in place, he wouldn't need to act personally—no matter how many small-time pirates came knocking.

Still, fewer enemies were better for now.

"Hei'er. Don't let anyone escape," Mio ordered, staring toward the horizon.

Caw!

Hei'er screeched and took to the skies again. The crows became even more ferocious, their dark wings blotting out the sun. More emerged from Crow Island's heart, covered in demonic power, and descended like a storm.

The slaughter continued for half an hour.

By the time it ended, the sea around Crow Island was dyed a deep crimson. Corpses floated everywhere.

Hei'er finally returned, landing gently on Mio's shoulder. It turned its head and affectionately rubbed against his cheek.

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Its presence signaled that the slaughter was complete—no survivors remained.

"Well done," Mio said softly, reaching up to pat Hei'er's head.

Hei'er let out a quiet chirp before flying up to the flagpole and nestling into its perch.

"Let's dock," Mio ordered.

"Yes!" Bai Feng responded at once. He summoned Hanba back and steered the Black Glory toward Crow Island's shore.

The scene was grotesque. Corpses littered the waves. The thick smell of blood stung the nostrils. Sea beasts periodically surfaced, dragging down bloated bodies for their feast.

But this was the real face of the world.

A pirate world. A world soaked in blood.

And so, Mio and his crew remained completely unfazed.

As the Black Glory docked, Hawkeye glanced around the island. The crows had all returned to their nests. From a distance, the island looked like a mass of living black, with only a patch of green forest at the center.

"Your crew's name suits this place," Hawkeye said. "But now I get it. I understand why you chose this island."

The sheer number of crows was terrifying. Coupled with Hei'er's abilities, this place was nearly impregnable.

Even if the Navy launched an assault, they'd pay a terrible price.

Not because of high-end power—but because of the devastating attrition on their lower ranks.

Crows were animals. They multiplied rapidly and matured quickly.

If the Black Crow Pirates continued to develop, the number of crows would increase exponentially. They were already a nightmare. In a few years, they would become a true calamity.

By then, darkness would quite literally cover the sky.