one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 294: The Black Crow’s Faith

Fish-Man Island.

Recently, the entire island had been placed under strict lockdown. Humans were not allowed to enter—only to leave. Fishman Island soldiers guarded every entrance diligently.

At that moment, a pirate ship suddenly appeared in the view of a fishman soldier. At first glance, seeing a pirate ship, he frowned in disgust, instinctively wanting to drive it away as they had done so many times before.

But then he spotted the flag flying on the ship and froze.

Rubbing his eyes, the soldier looked again carefully.

The next moment, his eyes widened as he shouted in excitement. "That—that looks like the Black Crow Pirates! Lord Black Crow is here!"

"What?! The Black Crow Pirates?! Really? Where?!"

"Why can't I see them? Where are they?"

"Damn it, Lord Black Crow has come! I need to straighten up! I must leave a good impression on him!"

As word spread, the other fishman soldiers couldn't help but get excited too. Soon enough, they all confirmed the unmistakable emblem of the Black Crow Pirates.

Thanks to Mio's planning, he had become the most respected figure on Fish-Man Island.

Why?

Because Fisher Tiger was dead.

Neptune was dead.

Otohime had also perished. Jinbei had yet to grow into his full strength.

In this power vacuum, and with Renee's earlier influence, Black Crow—Mio—was now the most influential name on Fish-Man Island. And he was human.

So, the arrival of the Black Crow Pirates stirred genuine excitement among the fishmen. Earlier, Araki had arrived under Mio's command to protect the island. He had crushed a slave-hunting ring and rescued several fishman captives, which earned the gratitude of the entire island.

"Quick, open the entrance at once and welcome Lord Black Crow!" a soldier ordered, immediately dispatching messengers to notify the ministers and the current monarch, Shark Star.

Soon enough, the Black Glory entered Fish-Man Island smoothly.

On deck, Mio clapped his cheeks gently and smiled at Lilith. "It's time to test your acting skills again."

"Hehe, sir, your own acting is flawless," Erica said with a soft laugh.

Lilith nodded in agreement.

On Fish-Man Island, Mio had to maintain the image of a benevolent protector to truly solidify his control.

As Mio approached the bow, he smiled warmly at the gathering soldiers and called out, "Everyone, there haven't been any disturbances on Fish-Man Island lately, have there?"

"No, no, Lord Black Crow," one soldier replied quickly, eyes shining with admiration. "Thanks to your subordinate Lord Araki, any pirates looking to stir trouble were dealt with. No one dares act out anymore."

"Yes, all of this is thanks to you, Lord Black Crow!"

"There's no need for that," Mio replied with a gentle smile. "This is simply my duty. Fish-Man Island is a beautiful place. It should never be tainted. I'm deeply saddened by what happened here. I still remember the pleasant conversations I had with King Neptune and Queen Otohime... If only I had known earlier, I would've personally eliminated every last one of those Celestial Dragons."

At those words, the fishmen's faces clouded with sorrow, and their respect for Mio deepened.

"You're not like the other humans, Lord Black Crow," one soldier said emotionally. "You're the only one who cares about our island. We're grateful. One day, we'll take vengeance on those Celestial Dragons ourselves!"

"That's right!"

"Those damn Celestial Dragons!"

"And those human nobles too!"

"Only Lord Black Crow is truly different. He's Fish-Man Island's greatest friend!"

Mio's smile softened even more. "Would you be so kind as to escort me to Ryugu Castle? I know Fish-Man Island's situation is dangerous. I've come to make this island my territory. Though I'm just a pirate, our name carries weight on the seas. I believe even if I leave someday, no pirate or slave-hunting scum would dare to act recklessly here. Of course, I'll speak with His Majesty Shark Star about this first."

"As expected of Lord Black Crow! You're too good to our island. His Majesty will surely agree!"

"Yes, yes! You're different from other pirates!"

The soldiers eagerly led the way.

From Mio's words, the fishmen clearly felt his sincere concern for their island. Their admiration for him grew.

Soon, Mio departed for Ryugu Castle under escort. freēwēbnovel.com

Meanwhile, Lilith silently vanished along the way, unnoticed by all.

A moment later, she reappeared in a hotel room.

Inside, she looked at the girl before her and greeted with a warm smile. "Penny, long time no see."

"Sister Lilith!" Penny giggled, sticking out her pink tongue before pulling a little girl beside her. "This is Perona, my adopted sister. Isn't she cute?"

The little girl had long pink hair and wore a black gothic-style princess dress. She eyed Lilith cautiously.

"Oh? She really is a cute little one," Lilith said with a smile, before her expression turned serious. "Inform Renee. We begin the operation."

"Okay," Penny replied without hesitation, pulling out a Den Den Mushi and dialing.

The speech dissemination had to continue.

But this time, it wasn't about the hatred Fishman Island had suffered.

This time, it was about Black Crow.

They would spread the story of how Black Crow cared for the island—how he mourned its past and sought to protect its future. Every corner of Fishman Island would know of his benevolence.

In doing so, the island's gratitude would grow. And once the island became Black Crow's territory, the narrative would persist for decades—until Black Crow became not just a protector, but a symbol of hope and faith for the entire island.

This was Mio's strategy—and Renee's.

The Den Den Mushi connected, and Renee's voice came through.

"Sir, have you arrived at Fish-Man Island?"

"Yes, sister," Penny replied.

"Good. I'll give the order now. I don't think anyone on Fish-Man Island will oppose making it Black Crow's territory."

With a soft chuckle, Renee hung up.

Immediately, whispers began spreading throughout Fish-Man Island.

One by one, disguised agents—fishmen planted across the island—shared the tale as if they had seen it firsthand. They spoke of Black Crow's arrival, his words at the port, and his heartfelt concern for the island.

Each retelling strengthened the myth of the Black Crow's care.

And the legend began.