one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 271: Reunion with Fisher Tiger

Hearing Mio's words,

Asuka and the others couldn't help but look at Hancock.

A little girl—was she truly worth this level of attention from the Captain?

It seemed their gentleman valued this girl—or rather, he valued Nine Snake Island.

Being stared at by the elite combatants of the Black Crow, Hancock's face became even paler. But in contrast, her eyes turned firm. She wanted to be strong too. She wanted the kind of strength these people had.

"Can... can I?" Hancock gritted her teeth and asked.

"Yes." Mio nodded gently. He reached out and lightly lifted Hancock's delicate chin. His voice was calm and clear. "I can train you to become a king. But do you know what you have to pay in return?"

"What...?"

"Have Nine Snake Island surrender to Black Crow."

"I... I can't make that decision." Hancock faltered, her voice hesitant.

"It doesn't matter. You'll be able to make that decision sooner or later." Mio didn't press. He released his hand, turned around, and walked back to the bow. Sitting cross-legged, he said casually, "When you return to Nine Snake Island, just repeat what I've told you to Elder Gloriosa. She will decide for you."

"But remember to tell her... this is the last chance. If she chooses wrong—then Nine Snake Island will cease to exist."

His tone was calm. Unshaken.

But Hancock's face turned even paler.

She bit her lip and nodded faintly.

Robin quietly led the three girls back to the cabin.

Asuka licked his lips and stood silently behind Mio. After a moment, he asked curiously, "Sir... is this necessary?"

"Of course." Mio didn't look back, but he understood the question. It was about Nine Snake Island.

To others, Nine Snake Island might seem insignificant. But to Mio?

He stared out at the vast sea and explained slowly, "The World Government doesn't rely only on the Navy. But just the Navy alone commands a monstrous number of soldiers. The Black Crow are elites, yes. But that doesn't mean we don't need cannon fodder. We'll need forces like Nine Snake to deal with the Navy, with the armies of World Government nations, and with everything else to come."

Mio looked down on most ordinary nations.

But Nine Snake Island—an island of warrior women—was different. It fit his ideals perfectly.

"I see." Asuka nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. A grin formed on his lips. "Well, no matter how many people there are, I'll kill them all for you, Sir."

"I know you will." Mio finally turned to glance at him and smiled faintly. "But when that time comes, you'll have more important tasks to focus on."

After that, Mio fell into silence.

The ship continued its course.

Unknowingly, several hours passed.

Then, a massive ship appeared on the horizon—clearly designed to carry thousands.

Onboard, a fish-man spotted the approaching Black Glory and quickly turned to the deck. "Boss Tiger! Pirates ahead!"

"Let me see." Tiger stood and made his way to the bow. Everyone he passed—be they merman or human—gazed at him with admiration.

To them, Tiger was the one who saved them from the living hell of Marijoa.

Tiger reached the bow and squinted toward the oncoming ship. When he saw the pirate flag, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief. He looked again—and then let out a hearty laugh. "Don't worry. That's my friend. Your benefactor."

"Benefactor?" The others stared in confusion. freёweɓnovel.com

Tiger nodded and began to explain. "The reason I was able to escape from Marijoa and lead all of you to freedom—was thanks to him. He risked everything to chart the escape route and even prepared this very ship waiting at the end. Without him, none of this would've been possible. He's your savior."

"I see..."

"No wonder..."

Realization and respect dawned on everyone's faces. Even the fish-men looked toward the Black Glory with reverence.

Soon, the two ships drew closer.

Mio, who had already sensed Tiger through Observation Haki, smiled faintly. She ran her fingers across her cheeks and murmured to herself, "Time to test my acting skills."

With a pleasant smile blooming on his face, Mio stepped off the Black Glory and landed aboard Tiger's massive ship. His eyes locked onto Tiger's immediately.

"Tiger! You actually made it out! That's amazing!" Mio called joyfully.

"My friend, this is all because of you! Without your help, none of us would be here. I owe you everything!" Tiger's eyes shimmered with emotion. His time in Marijoa had been a nightmare—he had seen the darkest parts of this world.

Now free, his gratitude for Mio overflowed.

To Tiger, Mio wasn't just a friend.

He was family.

"No, I only offered a little help. You're the one who made it out. You're the one who led everyone to freedom," Mio replied humbly. "Where are you heading next?"

"I'm planning to bring these humans back to their homelands. After that, I'll return to Fish-Man Island," Tiger replied seriously.

He was kind by nature. Despite being a fish-man, he bore little hatred for humans—especially not those who, like him, had escaped hell.

Upon hearing that, Mio offered, "Do you need help?"

"No, we can't ask that of you." Tiger looked deeply moved. "The World Government is chasing us. If you help again, you'll be in danger. We can't risk dragging you down."

"This..."

Mio paused, as if still wanting to argue.

But Tiger pressed on. "My friend, I mean it. Our strength may not be great, but we can evade the World Government. Soon, we'll deliver everyone home, and I'll return to Fish-Man Island. Once I'm back there—not even a Navy Admiral can touch me."

"Alright then..." Mio sighed and nodded. "I just wanted to help."

His helpless expression only deepened Tiger's gratitude.

Mio paused and then asked, "But Tiger, won't going back to Fish-Man Island bring danger? The World Government might..."

"I know." Tiger's face darkened.

Returning could expose Fish-Man Island to retaliation from the Navy or the World Government.

But he wanted—needed—to return home, if only briefly.

"I'll just visit. Then I'll leave." Tiger spoke softly, a tinge of sorrow in his tone.

Yet when he looked at Mio, his eyes sparkled with admiration.

This man had helped him, worried for him, and even thought about the safety of his homeland.

He wasn't just a friend.

He was Tiger's most trusted ally.