[Captain Taros of the Wild Beast Pirates, extremely vicious, bounty: 57 million!]
This was the content of a bounty order mixed into today's newspaper.
Looking at Taros, bloodstained and savage on the bounty poster, Mio's mouth curled into a slight smile. He was a little surprised that Taros had gained a bounty so quickly, but quickly understood — after all, the newspaper's report explained it.
Taros had directly attacked a warship, killing many marines and non-commissioned officers.
Truly violent.
"After this matter is over, we can head to the New World."
Putting down the bounty order, Mio lay back with his hands behind his head, basking in the warm sunlight. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Going to the New World meant inevitable battles.
But that didn't matter.
He had many trump cards now.
Setting aside his own strength, he also had two powerful helpers — Red Earl and Bullett. Although the two would only agree to one request each, it was enough. Even if Mio asked them to fight Kaido, they wouldn't refuse.
After all, such a fight suited their tastes perfectly.
Especially Bullett.
So, even though many battles awaited after reaching the New World, Mio was not afraid. He didn't have to personally fight Kaido either.
After a period of growth and accumulation, even the Beasts Pirates would not intimidate him.
"Sir, we've arrived at the destination," Erica's head suddenly popped into view, her two forehead tentacles twitching slightly in an adorable way.
"Let's go," Mio said, sitting up and looking at the island in the distance. A gleam flashed in his eyes.
At this point, it had been half a month since Mio left Alabasta.
After this island, his next stop would be the Sabaody Archipelago.
The Black Glory smoothly docked at the port.
Meanwhile, at the port—
The surrounding pirates looked at the Black Glory's pirate flag in horror, their expressions filled with fear.
"It's the Black Crow Pirates!"
"Damn it, why is a monster of this level still lingering in Paradise? Shouldn't he have gone to the New World already?"
"Let's get out of here fast! Staying here will only invite trouble!"
They muttered anxiously, scrambling to leave the area.
Mio, hands casually tucked into his pockets, disembarked from the ship and strode towards the town ahead. Erica and the others flanked him, wearing cloaks that swayed in the sea breeze.
But just then, a figure rushed toward Mio, speaking with a tone filled with fanaticism.
"Lord Black Crow, please let me follow you!!"
"Hmm?"
Hei Yan stepped forward instantly, shielding Mio, awaiting his signal to kill.
Mio halted, prompting Hei Yan to step back immediately.
With interest, Mio examined the man before him — a burly figure unfamiliar to him. It seemed he wasn't a character from the original One Piece storyline. It was also the first time someone had voluntarily requested to follow him, stirring Mio's curiosity.
"State your name," Mio said calmly.
The man knelt on one knee, speaking fervently.
"Lord Black Crow! I am Fergus, captain of the Uzumaki Pirates!"
"Uzumaki?" Mio raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Yes! I possess the Uzumaki Fruit!" Fergus nodded eagerly, like a fanboy meeting his idol. He raised his hands, revealing strong whirlwinds swirling around them, quickly forming two fierce wind vortexes.
"I can turn anything I touch into a whirlpool!"
The intense wind vortexes spun violently around Fergus's hands, resembling powerful drills of wind.
Not a bad ability.
Mio had no intention of killing his first would-be follower — after all, the first was always special.
Beside him, Robin leaned in and whispered,
"I know him. His bounty is 41 million berries."
Hearing that, Mio nodded and addressed Fergus with a cold, indifferent voice.
"You're not strong enough to follow me."
As his words fell, Erica unsheathed the longsword at her waist and swung it at the sky with ease.
A terrifying wave of sword energy erupted forth.
Above, the clouds were ripped apart, leaving behind a deep, eerie fissure across the heavens.
Fergus gaped in awe, but after a moment, his gaze grew even more fervent.
Whereas before his fanatical admiration was solely aimed at Mio, now it extended to the entire Black Crow Pirates crew.
It was somewhat reminiscent of Bartolomeo's worship of Luffy in the original story.
"Head to the New World," Mio ordered lightly.
"Grow stronger. Once you reach this level, I'll welcome you into the Black Crow Fleet."
"The New World..."
Fergus froze momentarily, but then his eyes burned with determination. He nodded repeatedly, excitement filling his voice.
"Lord Black Crow, just wait for me! I, Fergus, will go to the New World next and become strong enough to join you!"
Without hesitation, Fergus turned and raced back to his ship, departing the island swiftly.
Watching the ship sail away, Lilith chuckled softly, covering her mouth.
"Sir, you have fans now too."
"There will be more in the future," Erica said calmly, sheathing her sword while ignoring the nearby pirates who were still paralyzed with shock.
"Let's go," Mio said, shaking his head with a small laugh as he headed into the port town.
Meanwhile, inside a tavern within the town—
The entire tavern was reserved by two groups: Doflamingo's men and the Vinsmoke family.
Vinsmoke Judge, head of the Vinsmoke family from the North Blue, sat at the table.
He wore a cloak and mask, his long golden hair resembling a mighty lion's mane. Behind him stood several of his latest scientific creations:
Artificial soldiers.
Beneath the mask, Judge's expression was grim. His cold voice broke the silence.
"Joker, it's time you told me why you dragged me here."
"Fufufu... no need to be impatient, weirdo." Doflamingo sipped his wine lazily, smiling faintly.
"We're waiting for a friend. I invited you at his request."
"Friend?" Judge's frown deepened, his voice hoarse.
"Hmph. There better not be a next time. Otherwise, I won't mind wiping out your entire force in the North Blue."
"Fufufufu, there won't be a next time," Doflamingo said knowingly. After all, he understood Judge's anger perfectly. Previously, on his orders, Trebol and the others had kidnapped Judge's wife, Vinsmoke Sora, to force Judge to attend this meeting.
Now, Sora was visibly pregnant — carrying the children who would become Sanji and his siblings.
Because of this, Judge had no choice but to comply. He cared deeply about Sora and the children.
Hearing Doflamingo's assurance, Judge snorted coldly but said no more.
Both were powerful figures in the North Blue, and they had dealt with each other before. Judge merely remained wary, waiting quietly to see who this so-called "friend" really was.