one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 387: The Monarch’s Canary

"It seems that we are late."

The battle in Wano Country had ended. Following Kaido’s order, his subordinates were gathering their wounded and preparing to leave. Jack, beaten half to death and covered in blood, was dragged away by his comrades.

At the port, Garp stepped onto the cracked dock, meeting the wary eyes of the surrounding Black Crow Pirates. He glanced calmly at Mio and grinned.

"Since you know you’re late, why are you still here? Did you finish your meal?" Mio dusted himself off, staring at Garp with his usual unflinching calm.

"That depends on whether you’ll entertain us or not."

Garp’s gaze swept over Wano Country behind Mio. With a sigh, he said, "Wano has changed hands. This is a good opportunity for the Navy to talk to you about cooperation regarding seastone. How about it?"

Although it was shameful for the Navy to speak of "cooperation" with pirates, they had little choice.

After all, seastone was rare, yet highly necessary.

Wano was the largest producer of seastone in the world, and the Navy depended on it for countering Devil Fruit users.

"Fine." Mio nodded casually. The matter of Wano was settled, and the Navy couldn’t forcibly take control now without suffering tremendous losses.

With a wave of his hand, Mio stepped forward, suddenly appearing in front of Garp. At the same time, Warwick tossed him a bottle of sake, which Mio caught and sipped. "I don’t mind selling seastone to the Navy, but you should know its worth. Don’t expect the price to drop just because Wano has a new ruler. I don’t intend to take a loss."

"Tsk." Garp curled his lip. "I don’t handle that sort of thing. Anyway, it’s Sengoku who’ll be negotiating, not me."

With that, Garp took out a Den Den Mushi and tossed it to Mio.

Mio caught it and dialed immediately.

"Black Crow." Sengoku’s voice came through calmly. "Name your price."

As if he’d already anticipated that Garp would hand the Den Den Mushi over, Sengoku cut straight to the point.

"Tell me the price Kaido charged for seastone before. I’ll think it over," Mio said with a faint chuckle.

The benefits of seastone were enormous. Mio couldn’t give an immediate answer—this was a cake far too big for him to eat alone. Even the Black Crows couldn’t monopolize it without relying on various channels, connections, and partners to maximize profits.

He would need deals with the Navy, the World Government, the kings of the underground world, killer organizations, gangs, and even other top pirates.

And let’s not forget the Revolutionary Army lurking in the shadows.

After some time spent in negotiation, Mio hung up the Den Den Mushi and looked at Garp.

"Alright. You can leave Wano now. As a pirate, I’m not too happy about having Navy dogs hanging around."

Garp smirked but didn’t argue. He turned and left silently, and soon warships began departing one after another.

At the port, only the Black Crow Pirates and a handful of Kaido’s subordinates remained. These few were left behind to convey instructions about the management of Wano’s military factories.

Kuri

Once a lawless land, Kuri had been transformed into a paradise under Kozuki Oden’s reforms.

At Boro Town, Mio stood before the people of Wano and spoke coldly.

"Lilith, the rest is up to you. Summon all the families and daimyo of Wano to Boro Town."

"If they refuse to come, kill them."

"Yes, sir."

Lilith, standing behind Mio, nodded respectfully. With a small smile, she stepped forward and vanished.

In a quiet tavern in Boro Town, Mio sat with several key members of the Revolutionary Army, including Dragon himself.

"The Revolutionary Army fulfilled its part of the deal. I hope you’ll keep your promise," Dragon said in his deep, steady voice.

"Of course." Mio shrugged. "Once I’ve wrapped up a few minor affairs here and secured Wano completely, you can send your people. Seastone will be sold to the Revolutionary Army at a... very generous price."

"Good."

Dragon stood, his cloak rustling softly. "Then we’ll meet again."

He didn’t linger. Their collaboration in Wano had already delayed Revolutionary operations elsewhere. Now that it was over, Dragon had no reason to stay.

Mio didn’t stop him. He poured himself another drink and sat in silence.

A New Ally

The door to the tavern creaked open, and a hulking figure stepped in carrying something wrapped in black cloth.

"Black Crow, I brought what you asked for," the man said, grinning.

He placed the bundle before Mio, who pulled the cloth away to reveal a long sword with a black-and-purple blade and red serrated patterns glowing faintly in the dim light.

"The twenty-one O Wazamono, the black blade Shusui."

Mio murmured as he lifted it, feeling its weight. He glanced up at the man. "Moria, you’ve done well. You can join the Black Crows if you want... but let’s make one thing clear. I know you seek revenge on Kaido. Even if you join, I won’t help you kill him. Attack him if you like, but don’t expect me to avenge you if you fail."

The man was none other than Gecko Moria, former Warlord of the Sea.

"Hehehe... I know you won’t help." Moria’s massive frame lowered into a seat opposite Mio. "But I’ve decided to join the Black Crows. Watching you fight Kaido made me realize one thing—only overwhelming strength can suppress everything."

Mio smirked faintly. "A wise decision. But if you can’t grow strong enough to earn my respect within one year, I’ll kill you myself and take your Shadow Fruit."

Moria’s expression stiffened, but then he let out a manic laugh. "Heh... I’m Gecko Moria! I’ll show you my worth!"

The Daughter of Kozuki

As Mio handled affairs in Wano, his Den Den Mushi rang constantly. Kings of the underworld, pirates, and government agents all wanted to negotiate for seastone.

But soon, Warwick entered the tavern with two figures.

"Sir," Warwick said, "these two want to see you. They claim to be descendants of Kozuki Oden."

"Oh?"

Mio raised an eyebrow. His gaze fell on the smaller figure—a girl with long green hair. He immediately recognized her as Kozuki Hiyori, future beauty rivaling even Boa Hancock.

"You’re Hiyori Kozuki?"

The girl’s lips trembled, but she nodded and stepped forward bravely. "Lord Black Crow, I... I am Hiyori Kozuki."

"I know you," Mio said softly, his sharp gaze flickering over Kawamatsu, her loyal guardian. "I’m more interested in your purpose. Speak."

Hiyori swallowed hard. "You took Wano from Kaido... but surely it was only for the seastone?"

"So?" Mio’s mouth curved slightly. "If you’ve come here with a request, say it."

"I want to know your intentions for Wano... and I beg you not to harm this country too much."

Mio laughed softly. "Naïve, aren’t you, Hiyori Kozuki?"

He stood, his imposing figure towering over her. "But I’ll give you a chance. Let’s make a deal. I’ll make you the monarch of Wano and return control to the Kozuki family... in exchange for something."

Hiyori’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Truly?"

Even Kawamatsu stiffened in shock.

"Yes," Mio said, his voice cold and calm. "But you must agree to be my canary."

Hiyori’s face paled.

Kawamatsu tensed and tried to speak, but a crushing wave of Conqueror’s Haki froze him in place.

"Think carefully. As Wano’s general, you’ll be able to mediate between me and the people. If you refuse... tomorrow, this land will be soaked in blood."

Hiyori trembled, tears welling up in her eyes. But she nodded resolutely.

"I... I agree."

"Are you certain?" Mio’s eyes glinted.

"Yes. I accept your deal."

"Good." Mio’s lips curved in satisfaction.

The Black Crow’s canary had taken her place.

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