one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 329: The Crown of Nine Snakes

Soon, Doflamingo left.

He had to head to Dressrosa first to arrange a few things.

When the time came, he would notify the Black Crow.

Not long after Doflamingo's departure—

At the port of Crow Island, a ship arrived. It was a vessel carried on the back of a sea beast, cutting through the waves. The flag hoisted high bore a skull surrounded by nine serpents.

The Nine Snakes Pirates had arrived.

The sight of the ship caused a stir among the pirates at the port.

"That looks like the Nine Snakes Pirates!"

"Yeah, I remember them. They're from the Women's Country in the first half of the Grand Line."

"I've heard of the Women's Country—the island where all the people are women. Why would the Nine Snakes Pirates show up here?"

"Maybe they've come to follow Lord Black Crow?"

"Hahaha, then Lord Black Crow must be thrilled. Maybe he'll even visit the Women's Country someday!"

Excited murmurs spread across the dock.

At the same time—

From the ship, Lilith stepped ashore, followed by several others.

"Lady Lilith!"

"Lady Lilith, long time no see! You're still as beautiful as ever."

"It's been a while since we last saw you. Did you go to deal with the Nine Snakes Pirates?"

Amid the reverent voices, Lilith remained composed, walking toward the heart of the island. Behind her trailed the three Boa sisters and the rest of the Nine Snakes Pirates.

Before long, they arrived in front of a grand castle.

"Come. The master is waiting inside," Lilith said as she led them through the gates.

The members of the Nine Snakes Pirates followed cautiously. Even before arriving, they had heard much about the strength of the Black Crow. Now standing in the Black Crow's stronghold, they saw pirate after pirate, many of them infamous across the New World. The sheer scale was overwhelming.

Inside the castle—

Mio sat on his throne, right elbow resting on the armrest as his chin leaned into his hand. His gaze locked onto Hancock, standing behind Lilith. The corner of his lips curled upward briefly before he shifted his eyes back to Lilith.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lilith."

"This is my duty," Lilith replied with a gentle smile. "But I do regret missing the moment when you defeated your enemies and became Emperor."

"That kind of event can't be replayed," Mio said with a soft chuckle. "But there's no need for regrets. Greater things may yet come."

"Hehe, then I'll look forward to it. Next time, I'll stand beside you and witness it myself." Lilith chuckled again, then added, "By the way, these are the members of the Nine Snakes Pirates—232 in total. And here are Hancock and her two sisters."

"Lord Black Crow!"

Following Lilith's words, the members of the Nine Snakes Pirates bowed their heads and shouted in unison, showing deep respect. The Boa sisters, regaining their senses, also bowed quickly.

"The Nine Snakes Pirates currently have no captain, as the position traditionally belongs to the queen of Amazon Lily. At the moment, that title is temporarily held by Gloriosa. While Hancock is the next queen, she is still young and not strong enough," Lilith explained.

"I'm aware. But starting today, Hancock will officially become the queen of Amazon Lily," Mio declared.

Hancock was stunned, pointing at herself. "M-Me?"

"Yes," Mio nodded.

"No... I can't..." Hancock shook her head. "I'm not strong enough. There are even sisters on the ship I can't beat..."

"That's irrelevant." Mio stood and stepped down from his throne, walking to stand before Hancock. He looked down at her calmly. "I don't expect you to impress me now. If you're weak, then grow stronger. To be honest, there's no one else suited to lead the Nine Snakes Pirates but you. I expect you not to disappoint me."

He paused, then continued, voice firm. "Whether Amazon Lily survives depends on how much value the Nine Snakes Pirates can provide to the Black Crows. If you fail, Amazon Lily's future will be grim."

"I... I understand." Hancock gritted her teeth and nodded with determination.

Before their journey, Gloriosa had told her much—about the world, about Mio, and the changing tides. Hancock had grown from the experience and understood the weight she now carried.

Though she had once been arrogant, she was not blind to Amazon Lily's needs.

Originally, Amazon Lily's supplies were largely acquired by the Nine Snakes Pirates through plunder or trade. Now that the Nine Snakes Pirates had left the island and entered the New World, future supplies were provided by the Black Crows and transported directly.

At this moment, 80% of Amazon Lily was already under the control of the Black Crows.

Once Hancock officially took the throne, that number would rise to 100%.

Mio's plan was simple—train Hancock and push Amazon Lily to fight in the New World, hunting other pirates and building a reputation that clearly established them as part of the Black Crows.

That way, even if Amazon Lily ever wished to break away in the future, they would have to face the pressure of both the Navy and the World Government.

After all, now that Mio had intervened, Hancock would likely never become a Shichibukai as she had in the original timeline.

As the conversation continued, Mio snapped his fingers.

Erica, who had been standing silently beside him, walked over carrying a box.

Mio took the box, opened it, and handed it to Hancock.

"I'm giving this to you. It should suit you well."

"What is this?" Hancock asked curiously, gazing down at the strange object inside.

It was a devil fruit with a unique appearance—shaped like a heart and unlike anything she'd ever seen. Hancock had never seen a devil fruit before and knew little about them.

"A Devil Fruit," Mio explained. "Eat it, and you'll gain a powerful ability—but you'll become unable to swim and will fear the sea. Still, it should help you become stronger much faster."

The fruit inside the box was none other than the Sweet-Sweet Fruit.

Mio had kept it until now, intending to gift it to Hancock.

In the original story, this fruit had belonged to her. It was perfectly suited to her—especially since its powers were strongly linked to appearance and charm.

And with Hancock's future beauty, the fruit's abilities would be incredibly effective.

Thinking about that, Mio couldn't help but recall another beauty who would one day rival Hancock—

Kozuki Hiyori.