one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 311: The Growing Power of the Black Crows

The eleven pirate groups under the Six Thousand Black Crow Pirates did not include the Qiongqi, Taros, or Kongo Pirates.

Nor did it include the Nine Snakes.

In addition to Katsumata Takeru and Olive, there were seven other pirate captains present on the island. Araki was stationed at Fishman Island, and the remaining captains had yet to return from their ventures at sea.

As the feast continued and the drinking began to settle...

At the port, a pirate arrived with two groups trailing behind him. Spotting Mio, he called out, "Boss, these two groups say they want to see you!"

"Huh?" Mio looked up, raising an eyebrow with faint surprise.

Trailing behind the pirate were two different crews. Yet Mio immediately recognized their captains. One was Fergus, a familiar follower from before.

The other was Bellamy.

"Lord Black Crow, I finally see you again! I've come to show you my strength. I believe I'm ready to follow you now," Fergus said excitedly.

"I remember you," Mio responded briefly before shifting his gaze to the other. "But we'll talk later. Bellamy—tell me why you've come here."

Bellamy, his yellow hair unruly, looked visibly stronger than before. Numerous scars lined his frame, proof of battle and growth.

Even as Mio remained seated, his faint smile unmoved, Bellamy felt immense pressure.

The atmosphere grew tenser as the other pirates on the island—Black Crow crew and affiliated captains alike—turned their eyes toward him.

Taking a deep breath, Bellamy steadied himself. "I came to measure the gap between us—and to join the Black Crow Pirates," he said resolutely.

"Huh? Did I hear that right?" one pirate blinked in shock before bursting into laughter. "This guy's got a death wish, huh? Measure the gap? You don't need a ruler to see that!"

"Kid, the distance between you and the boss is wider than the Grand Line itself!"

"Joining us ain't easy. You've gotta show strength—real strength!"

Despite the jeers, Bellamy remained unshaken, eyes locked on Mio.

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Mio downed his wine and wiped the corner of his mouth with a thumb. Smiling faintly, he asked, "Are you ready?"

"Of course," Bellamy answered firmly.

"Come on, then." Mio waved his hand. "Let's see how much stronger you've gotten."

Mio remained seated as Bellamy prepared. His legs and arms, now transformed into springs, began compressing. Armament Haki coated his fists.

Bang!

With a sharp sound, Bellamy vanished from sight.

"Not bad," Asuka observed coolly, her eyes tracking his movements. "But it's still not enough."

As Mio calmly sipped his wine, Bellamy suddenly reappeared in front of him, face twisted with effort as he hurled a devastating punch—spring-loaded and wrapped in Haki.

"Is that all?" Mio said indifferently. "The power's decent, but you're still far off."

With a slight tilt of his head, Mio dodged effortlessly.

His right hand flashed out, gripping Bellamy's head.

Boom!

He slammed Bellamy's skull into the ground with a thunderous crash.

The ground shattered. Dust billowed.

Mio didn't even rise. He sipped his wine as it dripped from the corners of his lips to the cracked earth below.

Bellamy lay facedown, head sunken deep into the stone.

After some time, he slowly rose, bloodied but upright, and looked to Mio, awaiting judgment.

"Not bad," Mio said with a nod. "Your strength is average, but you've earned a spot among the Black Crows. Raise your cups—welcome our new comrade!"

"Ohhh!!"

"Drink!"

The gathered pirates erupted in cheers.

Bellamy collapsed, breathing heavily, but a fire of joy gleamed in his eyes. He had come from disrespect and disdain to admiration—awed by the might of Mio, the Black Crow.

"Oh, and you," Mio added, turning toward Fergus. "You're a Devil Fruit user, right?"

"Yes, Lord Black Crow!" Fergus nodded enthusiastically. "I'm the Uzumaki Man, user of the Uzumaki Fruit!"

To demonstrate, Fergus clenched his fists. Wind surged around him, spiraling into small tornadoes wrapping his arms like drills.

"I can make anything spin," he explained, stomping a foot. The earth beneath him twisted and rose violently.

"Not bad," Mio remarked, intrigued. "A useful power in the right hands."

"But joining the Black Crows still depends on strength."

Choosing a pirate captain at random, Mio ordered him to fight Fergus. This time, Mio merely watched.

It was entertainment—nothing more.

Half an hour passed.

The match ended. Fergus had proven himself worthy.

And so, the Black Crow Pirates grew once more.

Now there were thirteen pirate crews under the Black Crow flag—not including Kongo or his faction.

The total personnel had grown to around 1,700.

And with the inclusion of Kongo, Taros, Qiongqi, and the forthcoming Nine Snakes Pirates, the number would surpass 6,000.

This was the current foundation of the Black Crow Pirates.

Among them were two admirals—not even counting the terrifying power of Mio himself.

And should Hody Jones mature on Fishman Island, the Black Crow Pirates could gain another 1,000 fishmen.

The true age of the Black Crow was rapidly approaching.