one piece: gene extraction and fusion system

Chapter 265 - 265: The Meeting on the Sea

"What is this?"

Looking at the note, Tiger was puzzled, but the little figure had already disappeared. Though cautious, Tiger felt a sense of relief. After a brief hesitation, he picked up the note and read it.

As he read the contents, Tiger's eyes widened, and excitement surged within him.

The note contained a simple map of an escape route from Marijoa. Below the map, a message was written—clearly from Mio, directed to Tiger.

The words were concise and heartfelt.

"Tiger, my friend, I happened to learn that you're trapped in Marijoa. I spent some time gathering information to draw this map. I hope it helps you escape soon. Remember, the power of unity is strong. Acting alone is dangerous, but together, there's hope."

—Mio

Upon reading the message and recognizing the signature, Tiger couldn't hold back his emotions. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

Clutching the note with trembling hands, he whispered with gratitude, "I didn't expect you to still remember me... So, not all humans are the same. At least you... you're still my friend."

Even though Mio hadn't come personally, Tiger understood how much risk his friend had taken to deliver this map. After all, Mio was a pirate, and this was the heart of enemy territory. That map represented a lifeline—and Tiger was deeply moved.

"I will find you, my friend, once I escape this hell," he vowed silently.

He committed the map to memory, studying every detail until it was imprinted in his mind. Then, without hesitation, he tore the note into tiny pieces and swallowed them—he wouldn't let any trace remain that could bring harm to his friend.

During his years imprisoned in Marijoa, Tiger had gradually learned the layout of the slave holding areas. He knew the overwhelming desire for freedom in every soul here. They all wanted to escape this cursed place.

He had wanted to escape before, but without a clear plan, he'd never taken action.

Now, for the first time, he had a real chance.

...

Elsewhere, Mio had no idea how grateful Tiger was for his help.

The Black Glory sailed steadily across the sea, heading toward the first half of the Grand Line.

But then, on the horizon ahead, a massive pirate ship came into view.

Mio narrowed his eyes slightly, surprised. "The Moby Dick? That old man Whitebeard is nearby?"

Shaking his head with a chuckle, Mio dismissed the thought and turned toward Baifeng. "Bring us closer."

"Yes, Captain." Baifeng responded respectfully.

Although Mio's relationship with Whitebeard wasn't exactly warm, it wasn't hostile either. They were peers—both capable of turning friends into foes, if necessary.

As the Black Glory drew nearer to the Moby Dick, Whitebeard's crew had already noticed.

Marco approached Whitebeard. "Dad, the Black Crow Pirates are approaching."

"Oh?" Whitebeard set down his drink and wiped his mouth, raising an eyebrow. "So that's where he's headed—toward the first half of the Grand Line, just like us."

Whitebeard could tell from the course that Mio had left Crow Island to venture into the first half. Their paths were about to cross.

"Bring out the drinks," Whitebeard said simply. "A guest is a guest—and I wouldn't mind a drinking partner."

"Got it." Marco nodded and issued the order. Then he returned to his spot, lounging atop a barrel with crossed legs. "Everyone below vice-captain level, stay back. Don't get too close—you might not be able to handle it."

"Handle what?" a confused pirate asked. "Is it because of Black Crow's Haki?"

"It's not Black Crow. It's that woman," Marco replied with a grim look.

Footsteps echoed across the deck, each step heavy and deliberate.

The Whitebeard Pirates had cleared the central platform, leaving it open for the meeting.

From the opposite end, Mio and his crew approached.

Leading them was Mio himself, his right hand resting casually on Raikiri, sheathed at his waist. Though he didn't release his Haki outwardly like Shanks, the sheer pressure from his presence weighed on everyone nearby.

Behind him followed Erica and the others.

But the moment Asuka stepped forward, some of the Whitebeard Pirates turned pale. Blood-red light flickered in their eyes as an uncontrollable bloodlust rose within them.

Too many had died at Asuka's hands.

Even before his training, Asuka had been able to influence minds. Now, his very presence radiated murderous intent. Anyone without a strong will was susceptible to it, even against their will.

This wasn't something Asuka could fully control—he could only suppress it.

"You've raised some terrifying companions, kid," Whitebeard said calmly. His own Conqueror's Haki surged forth, slamming into the affected pirates and breaking the influence instantly.

The affected pirates gasped as they regained their senses, their expressions pale and fearful.

"I apologize," Mio said with a slight shrug. "That's something my companion can't control yet."

He walked toward Whitebeard, sitting down cross-legged. "What's this? Are you heading out too, old man?"

"You should show a little more respect to your elders, brat," Whitebeard scoffed, then chuckled. "But yes—we're going to Fish-Man Island. I've been missing the wine down there. A nostalgic taste."

"Fish-Man Island?" Mio raised an eyebrow but said no more.

Whitebeard caught the flicker in Mio's gaze and quickly asked, "You have plans for Fish-Man Island?"

"I do." Mio nodded without hiding it.

"That will be my territory."

"Tsk."

Whitebeard clicked his tongue, sighing with a touch of regret.

He knew Mio well. Like the Golden Lion, Mio was a true pirate—ambitious, ruthless, and willing to do whatever it took to reach his goals.

If Fish-Man Island refused to surrender, would they be able to resist the Black Crow Pirates?

Absolutely not.

And Whitebeard had no reason to intervene. He didn't want to either.

He was one of the few who understood the Black Crow Pirates' true strength—and their hidden weapons. For the sake of his sons, he wouldn't make an enemy of Mio.

All he could do now was feel sorry for Fish-Man Island.

Targeted by the Black Crows... that island might face some "disasters" soon.

And from the Black Crow Pirates, Whitebeard could already glimpse the shadow of a new Rocks Pirates rising.