In the Sea Forest.
This forest lies on the bottom of the sea. Due to the ocean currents transporting sunken ships here, it is also known as the "Ship Graveyard."
Despite being under the sea, the "Sunlight Tree Eve" transmits sunlight from the surface down to Fishman Island, allowing vibrant corals to flourish. Schools of fish and even whales often forage in the area.
It's one of the most beautiful places on Fishman Island.
At this time—
While heading toward the Poneglyph.
Otohime instructed the Sea King Army to spread out slightly. She walked beside Mio, her expression filled with sorrow, and asked softly, "Mr. Black Crow... although pirates commit all kinds of crimes, because Tiger and I were good friends, I still admire those who sail for their dreams. I also understand that only by truly venturing out can one grasp how vast the world is. So, I'd like to ask—do you believe it's truly impossible for Fishman Island and humans to coexist peacefully?"
"Heh."
Mio chuckled at her words, shaking his head. "It's not about whether it's possible. It's just wishful thinking. Unless Fishman Island can overthrow the World Government and rebuild the rules of this world."
As far as the current world order goes, the dream of coexistence is a fantasy.
Even if the rules were rewritten with strict laws and a long period of cooperation followed, the chances would remain slim.
The difference in race is the greatest barrier.
And that's assuming a world where even humans struggle to get along—where pirates, despite being the same species, are driven by greed and bloodshed.
"I see..."
Otohime's eyes dimmed with disappointment. She nodded slowly.
But after a sigh, she smiled again, this time with firm resolve. "Even if what you say is true, Mr. Black Crow, I still intend to try."
"And about what you said yesterday—the Sea King—I want to clarify something. We don't have a Sea King on Fishman Island."
With his hands in his coat pockets, Mio replied lightly, "Just because there isn't one now doesn't mean one won't appear. The Sea King was born here on Fishman Island, wasn't it?"
Otohime was visibly stunned. She didn't expect Mio to know that detail about their history. After a moment of surprise, her face grew solemn.
"Even if that's true, we can't give it to you."
The Sea King's power is too dangerous.
Even if it could be controlled, that right belonged only to Fishman Island—not outsiders.
Mio merely offered a faint smile and said nothing more.
He murmured inwardly, "Who's going to care once you're gone?"
She still didn't understand what he meant yesterday. If he truly wanted to take something from Fishman Island, a place this weak couldn't stop him. Resistance would only lead to massacre.
If the World Government knew Shirahoshi would become the Sea King in the future, Mio had no doubt she'd be taken the moment she was born—and Fishman Island might not survive the aftermath.
But Mio didn't feel like wasting more breath.
They were on different paths. Otohime fought for Fishman Island and the kindness in her heart. Mio fought for power and himself.
Words meant nothing between such opposing goals.
Soon—
The group arrived at the Poneglyph.
Mio had no particular attachment to this piece of history. After glancing at the stone, he called Robin over to record it. Then, he turned to Otohime and asked, "My companion needs some time to copy this. Princess Otohime, would you mind taking me to Noah?"
"Of course."
Otohime nodded in agreement.
Noah, the "Ship of Oath," rested not far from Fishman Street.
On the way there, Otohime carefully led Mio through back paths to avoid the attention of ordinary fishmen, hoping to avoid unnecessary complications.
Mio shrugged and followed along, allowing her to lead them past prying eyes.
"That's... Noah."
Soon, they arrived at the resting place of the giant ship. Otohime pointed at it. Despite seeing it many times, awe filled her eyes.
This ship was simply massive.
Mio's expression mirrored hers. His gaze locked onto the ship in astonishment.
It was enormous.
Comparable in size to some islands, it was large enough to host an entire kingdom on its deck.
"Because of its overwhelming size and the original mission left unfulfilled, Noah can only be stored here. It can't be moved," Otohime said softly.
Mio nodded slightly and leapt gently onto the deck of Noah, eager to inspect it up close.
The sheer size was overwhelming—it even made Mio seriously consider replacing the Black Glory with Noah someday.
But even with that idea in mind, it would take at least a dozen years to make it happen.
"Huh..."
Suddenly, as Mio landed on Noah's deck, his brows furrowed.
The interface only visible to him—the panel from his golden finger system—flashed within the cultivation frame.
His eyes widened in disbelief.
"Mr. Black Crow, is something wrong?" Otohime noticed his change in expression and asked with concern.
"No, it's nothing," Mio quickly replied, snapping out of it.
He stared at the deck beneath his feet, inhaling deeply to calm himself.
But inside, his mind was spinning with shock.
There was only one explanation for what he'd just seen on the panel.
This ship—Noah—could be cultivated.
What the hell...?
Even Mio couldn't stop himself from swearing in his mind. That's how unbelievable this discovery was.
It's a ship—Noah!
Until now, his system only allowed him to cultivate living creatures.
How could a ship suddenly qualify?
Was it simply due to Noah's immense size?
No—definitely not.
"Could it be... a ship spirit has been born on Noah?" Mio suddenly speculated, a thought forming in his heart.
The world of One Piece was strange. Ships could give birth to ship spirits—entities that turned vessels into a unique type of living being.
That was the only plausible reason Noah was appearing as cultivatable.
"If that's true..."
Hiss—
Mio sucked in a sharp breath as the implications hit him.
He was shaken.
Noah's size alone far exceeded anything like Hanba.
This ship could flatten Fishman Island without effort.
And if Mio infused it with superior genes and cultivated it...
He didn't even want to imagine the power it might wield.