one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 176: An Invitation from the Big Mom Pirates

He had originally intended to leave the Kaisia Islands. After all, there wasn't much here worth remembering.

The only Devil Fruit he had been aware of on the island was the Soul-Swallowing Bird's.

But now, he was willing to wait.

Whether they were friend or foe—whether they had goodwill or hostility—unless they were someone on Whitebeard's level or brought overwhelming numbers, who in the New World could truly threaten the Black Crow Pirates?

Breakfast was ready shortly afterward.

Mio took a plate and sat comfortably on the deck, eating and drinking while casually glancing across the endless blue sea.

Just as he finished his meal, a small black dot appeared on the horizon.

"They're finally here."

Mio narrowed his eyes at the approaching shape and handed his empty plate to the side.

Robin took the plate with a gentle smile. After glancing toward the distance, she turned and headed back to help Erica clean up.

"Sir, that flag... it's the Charlotte Pirates." Lilith lowered her telescope and reported solemnly.

Mio blinked with slight surprise. "Charlotte Pirates?"

"Sir, the Charlotte Pirates are one of the most powerful forces vying for dominance in the New World," Hei Yan added, his voice laced with a trace of icy seriousness. "If they're coming here, it must be with purpose. Should we prepare to engage?"

Mio shook his head, smiling with calm indifference. "No need to rush. Let's wait and hear what they have to say. After all, while I'm not afraid of that old hag Charlotte, I must admit the power of Totto Land is considerable. It's not ideal to become her enemy too early."

While the main storylines involving Big Mom hadn't yet begun, her strength and influence in the New World were undeniable. A former member of the Rocks Pirates, her roots were deep. More importantly, Big Mom was infamous for her fertility—already the mother of dozens of children. Combined, her forces were overwhelming.

"But I do hope she doesn't go crazy and try to marry me off," Mio murmured to himself. The possibility was alarmingly real.

Especially since Big Mom had not yet ascended to the position of one of the Four Emperors, the likelihood of forming alliances through marriage was still high.

At the beginning of the original story, Charlotte Linlin already had over 40 husbands. She actively sought individuals with unique bloodlines to produce equally unique children. If she took an interest in Mio...

Then they'd undoubtedly become enemies.

While Mio was deep in thought, the ship continued its approach.

It wasn't the Queen Mama Chanter, but the design was unmistakably similar.

On the bow of the approaching ship stood a figure, smiling as he looked toward Mio.

"Mr. Black Crow, I am Charlotte Perospero of the Big Mom Pirates. I've come bearing an invitation to a tea party, as ordered by Mama," Perospero announced clearly, not wasting any words.

With a flick of his hand, an ornate envelope flew like a dart toward Mio.

Warwick caught it effortlessly and handed it to his captain.

Mio raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly as he took the invitation. After scanning its contents, he looked back up at Perospero.

"I appreciate the honor of receiving an invitation from the Big Mom Pirates," Mio said lightly, "but I'm afraid I have no time to attend."

He had declined.

The tea parties hosted by Big Mom were notorious for their risks. The Black Crow Pirates had only just arrived in the New World and had yet to solidify their foundation. If they attended the tea party and triggered any incident, they could find themselves surrounded, with escape nearly impossible.

Now wasn't the time.

There was still too much to do. Until his goals were met, it was best to lay low and build strength.

After all, the New World was full of monsters. The strongest pirates controlled dozens of ships each. Picking a fight now was unwise.

Of course, rejecting the tea party invitation meant offending Charlotte Linlin. Mio was well aware of that.

But he didn't care.

Though she was undeniably powerful, Big Mom was not the strongest among the Four Emperors. If it came to a fight, Mio was confident he could handle it—especially with the Red Earl at his disposal.

At that moment—

Perospero's smiling expression faded, replaced with a cold glare.

"Mr. Black Crow, you should understand what happens to those who reject Mama's invitation," he warned, voice sharp. "Mama expects every invited guest to attend. If not, she becomes very angry."

"Heh." Mio let out a faint laugh and rose to his feet.

"Very angry?" he repeated.

His eyes turned icy in an instant. "And what exactly does very angry mean, hmm?"

The words had barely left his mouth when—

A wave of overwhelming Conqueror's Haki erupted from Mio's body.

The atmosphere trembled. The sea beneath the ships surged from the pressure.

Perospero narrowed his eyes, his face hardening. "If Mama gets angry, the Black Crow Pirates will be eradicated—none will be spared."

Though slightly surprised by the force of Mio's Haki, he didn't panic.

He had witnessed countless users of Conqueror's Haki during his time with the Big Mom Pirates. Many of them were dead now. Haki alone didn't determine survival in the New World.

Mio, however, stood unfazed—his gaze as sharp as a blade, already anticipating the worst to come.