one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 389: The Butterfly’s Wings Begin to Stir

In the East Blue.

The weakest sea.

This sea area was as stable, calm, and weak as ever.

On the water, a small wooden boat drifted lazily. A boy wearing a straw hat lay listlessly on the deck. He looked young and immature, with a faint scar at the corner of his eye. Even so, there was no trace of fierceness in his appearance.

The small wooden boat sailed away, gradually vanishing from sight.

However, no one noticed the figure standing far away, a silhouette like a ninja poised silently atop the waves. In the next instant, the figure disappeared as though it had never been there.

"Is this the protagonist of this world the master spoke of? He doesn’t seem special at all."

"Yeah, and he’s so weak."

"Compared to Master, he’s utterly insignificant. I don’t understand why Master is so interested in this boy."

On Sky Island, in a room illuminated by golden clouds, three women with breathtaking beauty sat at a table, staring at the photos spread out before them as they whispered to one another.

"Perona, we only need to follow Master’s orders. He must have his reasons. You go inform him of the news—this boy, Monkey D. Luffy, has officially set out to sea. Continue monitoring him, and report any developments immediately." Renee gently patted Perona on the head with a smile.

"Got it," replied Perona. The pink-haired girl in her Gothic black princess dress nodded and then floated off, heading toward the edge of the floating island.

New World – Crow Island

Mio set the Den Den Mushi down, his golden eyes flickering as he let out a faint chuckle. "The butterfly effect... it’s showing already. I thought Ace was merely a small anomaly. But now even Luffy has been born three years earlier."

Three years ago, Mio had already learned about Ace’s existence, but he hadn’t paid it much mind. After all, the only one he cared about was Luffy—the "protagonist" of the original timeline. Now, however, it was clear his presence in this world was subtly but inevitably shifting events.

Over the past twelve years, Mio had laid down countless foundations.

The strength of the Black Crow Pirates had risen tremendously, with many of its key members reaching new heights in their abilities. Even Mio himself had refined his power to terrifying levels.

And his influence... Wano Country, Zou, Amazon Lily, Fishman Island—all of them were now firmly within his grasp.

In addition, Mio had collected an abundance of devil fruits and genes. Crow Island was stocked with enough power to sustain Black Crow’s rise for years. Should Mio wish, he could initiate multiple draws to enhance his genetic arsenal at any moment.

Placing the Den Den Mushi aside, Mio walked back to the pool’s edge, lying lazily on a soft sun lounger. Lilith, standing nearby in her sleek combat uniform, reported softly, "Sir, the seas have been unusually quiet. The Four Blues remain turbulent with petty skirmishes, but nothing significant. The Grand Line’s first half is plagued by small-time pirates. As for the New World... aside from the Emperors and the underground kings, it’s just the usual chaos among newcomers."

"And the Navy?" Mio asked.

"No major movements. They seem focused on training their younger generation," Lilith responded.

"Oh, right." Her tone shifted slightly. "Hancock said she intends to return to Amazon Lily. It’s been a while since she checked on her homeland."

Before Mio could answer, the sound of footsteps echoed.

He glanced up to see Boa Hancock and her two sisters entering the courtyard. Behind them trailed a group of Amazon Lily’s female warriors, all hardened from years of fighting in the New World.

"My Lord."

Hancock stepped forward, bowing slightly as her long black hair flowed elegantly. Her deep violet cheongsam, embroidered with Black Crow and Amazon Lily motifs, accentuated her regal figure.

Mio looked at her, amused by the aura of power and beauty she radiated. "Hancock, is something wrong?"

"I wish to report, Sir," Hancock spoke softly but firmly. "I plan to return to Amazon Lily to inspect the state of the island. It has been three years since my last visit."

"I see... then you should go," Mio nodded. "This is a good chance to evaluate the strength of your warriors. Make sure they’ve lived up to my expectations."

"I won’t let you down," Hancock said confidently before turning to leave.

Once she was gone, Mio murmured, "Tell Renee and the others to keep a close eye on Ace of the Whitebeard Pirates. If they get the chance, I want him brought to me."

"The Flame-Flame Fruit user?" Lilith asked, raising an eyebrow. "He’s promising, but still far from our level."

"Yes," Mio replied, a faint smirk forming.

Lilith leaned closer and whispered, "Sir, the preparations for the ultimate surgery on Sky Island are complete. They’re ready to perform it whenever you wish."

"I know. We’ll leave in three days." Mio’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Before that, let’s wait. Someone will surely arrive during these three days."

"Understood."

In twelve years, Mio had uncovered one profound truth about this world: every Emperor, every major player, was weaving their own intricate schemes.

Whitebeard had pinned his hopes on Ace.

Red-Haired Shanks, Kaido, Big Mom—all of them had grand designs for the future.

And Mio?

He was no different. The Black Crow Pirates were his pieces on the board, and the seas were his chessboard.

"Someday," Mio whispered to himself, "I will be the one holding all the strings."

Suddenly, his Observation Haki swept across the entire Black Crow Sea, and he felt a subtle disturbance. His expression darkened slightly.

The next instant, Mio’s figure vanished from his poolside, reappearing in a dimly lit chamber deep within the castle.

Erica stood there holding a petite white Den Den Mushi, its shell glowing faintly.

"It’s a secure line," Erica said quietly.

Mio took the Den Den Mushi and answered.

A hoarse voice came through. "Red-Haired Shanks just left the Holy Land after negotiating with the World Government."

"What was his goal?" Mio asked sharply.

"He struck a deal: in exchange for one favor, the World Government agreed not to target a certain new pirate for at least two years."

"A new pirate?" Mio’s golden eyes glinted. "Who?"

"Monkey D. Luffy. You should recognize the name."

"Of course." Mio sneered. "Garp’s grandson... Dragon’s son. But why would the World Government agree to such a thing?"

"They’re curious too," the voice replied coldly. "Rather than arresting him outright, they want to see if Luffy attracts certain ’hidden players.’"

After a pause, Mio asked, "And what about the straw hat?"

"That hat once belonged to Roger... and before that, to someone from the ancient kingdom."

"Oh?" Mio leaned back, intrigued.

"Yes. It’s more than a symbol. It’s a key. But what it unlocks... even Im doesn’t know."

"I see," Mio murmured, a dangerous smile curling on his lips. "So that’s why you’re all watching this boy."

"Do not touch him, Mio. He is important to us."

Mio chuckled darkly. "I won’t lower myself to deal with a fledgling pirate... unless he steps on my tail."

"Good."

The Den Den Mushi clicked off.

Mio handed it back to Erica and muttered, "Old man... one day I’ll rip you out of your hiding place."

The D. Clan was playing their game. But so was he.

"Sir, Princess Shirahoshi will be arriving soon," Erica said, breaking the silence.

"Good. Has the underwater palace beneath Crow Island been prepared?"

"Yes. With Hanba guarding it, there will be no danger."

Mio smiled faintly. "Then we’re ready for the next step."

Together, they walked to the castle hall, where Hei Yan and the others were waiting.

As soon as Mio entered, Hei Yan stepped forward and reported, "My Lord, we received a message from the Red-Haired Pirates. Shanks wishes to meet you tomorrow."

"They move quickly." Mio smirked knowingly. "Very well. Prepare for our guests. And send extra reinforcements to escort Shirahoshi. I won’t tolerate any accidents."

"Understood," Hei Yan replied.

Robin, sitting in the corner with a book in hand, perked up at the conversation. "Captain, are the copies of the poneglyphs on their way back?"

"Yes." Mio smiled at her. "Be ready. You’ll be seeing them soon."

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