one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 220: The Witch’s Oath and the Black Crow’s Standard

The next day.

The new bounty was issued by the Navy's News Department and carried across the seas by the seagulls of the World Economic Newspaper.

Crow Island.

Araki purchased a newspaper the moment it arrived. When he saw the updated bounty of his captain, he immediately grew ecstatic. Without delay, he rushed to find Mio and handed over the bounty poster.

"Lord Black Crow, your bounty has exceeded one billion—hahaha!" Araki laughed heartily.

To pirates, a bounty is not just a price tag—it's an acknowledgment of strength. The higher the bounty, the more fearsome the pirate. Araki couldn't help but feel thrilled; the strength of his captain had been publicly affirmed.

Mio didn't respond immediately. He simply accepted the bounty and looked at it.

Seeing his own bounty of 1.1 billion, Mio's lips curled slightly upward in satisfaction. He couldn't deny the small surge of pride that welled up in him.

Across the Black Crow Pirates, bounties had increased for the core combatants. However, Robin's bounty remained unchanged. Mio wasn't surprised in the least. Anyone with eyes could see that while Robin had her own talents, she wasn't a frontline fighter. Among the crew, she was arguably the only member who could be considered relatively weak in terms of raw combat strength. frёewebηovel.cѳm

Her current bounty was already high relative to her abilities.

There wouldn't be any increase—at least not unless Robin demonstrated a power beyond her existing reputation. If that day ever came, then maybe her bounty would go up again.

Finishing his look over the bounty poster, Mio chuckled lightly, placed it aside, and looked at Araki. "Alright, give the order. We're celebrating the new bounty—hold a banquet. Bring out all the drinks!"

"Hahaha, yes, sir!" Araki shouted with enthusiasm and immediately barked orders to the rest of the crew.

Joyful cheers erupted throughout the island.

Even though only a day had passed since their arrival, the Black Crow Pirates' flags now flew from every corner of the island, marking it clearly as territory under their rule.

Mio grabbed a bottle and called over Hawkeye, and the two began drinking once more.

Time passed quickly with the clinking of bottles and bursts of laughter, and before long, the sun had begun to set.

Bonfires were lit across the island, casting bright orange glows into the dusk.

At this moment...

Araki approached Mio again, but this time, he wasn't alone. Following behind him was a group of unfamiliar pirates—roughly 40 to 50 in total. Their expressions were a mix of awe, nervousness, and anticipation.

At the front of the group was a woman.

Yes, a woman—tall and slim with a commanding air, wearing a wind-blown pirate hat. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, and a revolver hung at her waist. Clad in a long trench coat, she exuded a handsome and striking aura, her gaze sharp and confident.

"Lord Black Crow, this lady requested to meet you, so I brought her here," Araki said respectfully, bowing his head.

Upon hearing this, Mio looked up at the woman with faint interest. Female pirates certainly existed in the world, but not many were captains, and even fewer were both beautiful and capable. Without sufficient power, a woman among pirates would either meet a cruel fate—or be reduced to a plaything.

Only women with strength survived, and even fewer rose to lead.

"Speak your name," Mio said calmly, taking a sip of his whiskey. She had an impressive figure and appearance, but Mio's eyes didn't linger. He had long passed the point of being captivated by beauty.

If he wanted a woman, he could summon a dozen—princesses even—to kneel before him and offer themselves. Such was the privilege of strength.

What he valued most was power. Beauty, in this cruel world, was worth little.

Upon being addressed, the woman removed her hat and bowed with both reverence and longing in her eyes. "Lord Black Crow, my name is Olive. I am the user of the Ancient Zoan-type Bird-Bird Fruit. I'm the captain of the Hunting Pirates, with a bounty of 305 million. I've come with the hope of joining your crew!"

Just as she finished speaking, Robin stepped to Mio's side and added in a calm voice, "She's known as the Hunting Witch. Her targets have included pirates, marines, kingdoms, and towns. She's vicious and brutal. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, have died by her hand."

Olive licked her full lips and looked at Mio with fiery, almost obsessive eyes. Her tone was devout. "Lord Black Crow, may I... may I have the honor of joining your forces?"

Her intense gaze made Mio raise an eyebrow in amusement. With a small chuckle, he asked curiously, "I'm curious. There are plenty of powerful people in the New World. Why would you choose to follow me?"

"Because none of them compare to you," Olive answered immediately, her voice resolute. "You've only been at sea for a little over a year, yet you've already reached this level. Even if some are currently stronger, it's only temporary. Given time, you'll surpass them all—including that old man Whitebeard. That's why I want to follow you."

"...I see."

Mio touched his chin thoughtfully. It wasn't an unfamiliar reason. Others followed him for the same belief—that he had limitless potential.

Still, words weren't enough to join the Black Crows.

Mio raised his hand slightly, signaling to Hei Yan.

Hei Yan stepped forward and placed three bounty posters in front of Olive.

She glanced down at them. Each poster belonged to a New World pirate with a bounty over 100 million. Two were non-fruit users, and the third was a Zoan user.

"Kill these three and bring me their heads. Then you can join the Black Crows," Mio said casually.

He stood up and walked slowly toward Olive. When he reached her, he lifted her chin with a finger and smiled faintly.

"If you're just a pretty little loser, you don't qualify to follow me. Understand?"

"Yes," Olive replied without hesitation. Her eyes remained locked on Mio's, not a trace of fear within them. Instead, there was fire—passion. "Don't worry. I'll bring you those heads very soon."

This man...

He's worthy of her, Olive!!