The most obvious change Mio felt was undoubtedly his strength.
The improvement was visible to the naked eye. Among the three newly acquired abilities, Vitality was passive, while Speed Force and Explosion were active and required conscious activation. But Mio wasn't in a rush to test them out just yet.
Feeling his growing strength, Mio simply waited patiently. Once the transformation process stabilized, he flexed his body and murmured, "This kind of enhancement seems controllable. I won't accidentally destroy the ship with my own power."
After that, he retrieved a proper outfit for Xiaowu to change into and brought her to the deck to introduce her to the crew.
"Everyone," Mio said, clapping his hands to gather attention, "this is our last new companion for this trip—Xiaowu."
Hearing this, everyone turned to look. Their expressions were filled with curiosity and a touch of surprise.
What surprised them wasn't Xiaowu's appearance, but her aura, which was significantly weaker than those of Xiaoqi and Xiaoliu. It was easy for them to sense that.
"Xiaowu will serve as the Black Crow Pirates' support. Her strength might not seem overwhelming, but her abilities in battle will be more helpful than you can imagine," Mio explained. Of course, only in actual combat would they come to understand how frightening Xiaowu's assistance could be.
Everyone nodded in understanding.
The ship was heading steadily toward the Sabaody Archipelago.
After making sure Lilith and Xiaowu had introduced themselves, Mio asked Lilith to guide Xiaowu around the ship and help her settle into a room.
At that moment, Erica approached, holding a Den Den Mushi in her hand.
"Sir, a call for you," Erica said as she handed it over.
Mio had many Den Den Mushi, most stored in a secure room. Only a few particularly important ones stayed on him—such as the one for the mysterious 'D' Clan.
Seeing the one in Erica's hand, Mio's expression shifted with surprise. This one was for contacting Crow Island.
It was either a crisis—or a completed mission.
With a flicker of thought, Mio picked it up and answered. "Hello?"
"Brother! Mashi has completed the task!" came Mashi's delighted voice, triumphant like a student seeking praise.
Mio's eyes lit up. "The Ark?"
"Yep! All done!"
"Hahaha! Excellent work," Mio laughed, truly pleased. The Ark was complete. That meant when he returned, he could head directly to the moon to uncover the truth about the King. Mio could hardly wait.
"Wait for me—I'm heading back now. I've finished things here. I'll arrive at Crow Island soon."
"Okay! Mashi will wait for you at home!" Mashi responded, and the Den Den Mushi disconnected.
Mio handed the device back to Erica, whose eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"I didn't expect it to be finished already. Looks like there's a lot waiting for you back on Crow Island. The moon… that's exciting."
"It is," Mio nodded with a grin, taking a long swig from the bottle of strong liquor in his hand. Ancient ruins on the moon. The King. If he weren't still stuck in the first half of the Grand Line, he would've set off for the moon already.
But his smile faded, and Mio frowned. "Let's just hope nothing goes wrong."
The Ark, being made of gold, wasn't exactly subtle. Day or night, it shimmered brilliantly. If the World Government caught sight of it, they might easily deduce Mio's intentions.
And that could lead to war.
"I hope Hei Yan can handle things."
Mio shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside. It was pointless to worry about it now.
He ordered Baifeng to return to the New World at maximum speed.
The Black Glory, already speeding across the sea, increased its velocity further.
Two days later.
They reached the Sabaody Archipelago.
Night had already fallen, but the Black Glory's arrival didn't go unnoticed.
People onshore froze when they saw the infamous ship dock. Nobles and merchants immediately fled in fear. Even pirates with bounties over 100 million beli gulped and took a few cautious steps back, recognizing the Black Crow Pirates' symbol.
Mio casually scanned the fearful crowd, then turned to Baifeng and ordered, "Get the coating ready immediately. We're heading back to the New World as soon as possible."
"I'm on it," Baifeng replied, already taking action.
At that moment, Robin raised her hand. "Captain, are we going to Shakky's place next?"
"Yes," Mio nodded. They had time while waiting for the coating, so it made sense to visit Shakky's Rip-Off Bar. He could also meet Silvers Rayleigh for a drink.
Robin smiled. "Then I'm coming too."
Erica and Lilith also nodded, signaling they wanted to come.
Just as they disembarked—
A sharp sound tore through the air.
Shing—!
Mio's brows furrowed, and he turned.
A fierce slash was coming at them, tearing through the ground wherever it passed.
Clang!
At Mio's side, Erica instantly unsheathed her sword and leapt forward, slashing to intercept the incoming attack. It shattered under her blow.
Simultaneously, Mio's Observation Haki burst out and swept across the island—immediately locking onto the figure who launched the slash.
"Quite the presence," Mio muttered, eyes sharpening. "But in the end, just another relic of the past. An old man from a bygone era. Attacking me so brazenly… do you have no fear of death?"
"Hmph. A loser from the last era?" came a cold, disdainful voice.
A massive man stepped from the shadows, holding a giant axe in his hand.
"Kids these days are so arrogant. No respect for their seniors. Looks like it's time to teach you a lesson, newbie. Don't get cocky just because you're making headlines."
"Tch."
Mio sneered almost immediately. His mockery was unconcealed, and his Haki exploded outward like a tidal wave, pressing down on the approaching figure.
"I've seen too many people clinging to their former glory. They always end up the same—dead. And you will too, Silver Axe."
As his words fell—
Mio vanished.