This was a sea area deep within the New World.
At this moment, six pirate ships were moving steadily across the sea. Leading the group was the imposing Black Glory, Mio's flagship.
The other five ships belonged to Araki and his subordinates. Compared to the Black Glory, each of Araki's vessels carried over a hundred pirates and were correspondingly massive in size. The formation of six ships cutting through the waves exuded a powerful aura that made most ordinary pirates steer clear the moment they saw them—no one dared to get close.
On the deck of the Black Glory, Mio held a bottle of whiskey in his hand, sipping leisurely while gazing at the endless blue sea. The sea breeze brushed against his face, bringing with it the salty scent of the ocean. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Sir, there's a guest approaching!" Hei Yan suddenly shouted.
Mio narrowed his eyes and turned his gaze toward the distant horizon. A small boat appeared in the distance, slowly sailing toward the Black Glory.
"Sir, Araki and the others are asking if they should fire," Bai Feng said, walking up to Mio with a Den Den Mushi in hand.
Mio waved his hand and chuckled. "No need to panic. They're friends. Prepare for a party."
Through the telescope, he had already recognized the figure approaching on the boat—someone he hadn't seen in over a year. The familiar eyes and the unmistakable black sword at his waist, Black Blade Night, one of the Supreme Grade Swords, gave it away instantly.
It was Hawkeye Mihawk.
Following Mio's orders, all six pirate ships slowed to a stop.
Soon, the small boat drew near. With a graceful leap, Hawkeye landed on the deck of the Black Glory. His eyes swept over Mio as he greeted him calmly. "Long time no see."
"Yeah, you're still the same," Mio replied with a nod. "But your aura's gotten even sharper."
They hadn't seen each other since Mio's escape from Impel Down over a year ago. Hawkeye's presence had grown—his sword-like aura now exuded an almost tangible threat. His eyes, as piercing as ever, made others instinctively avoid eye contact.
"You've changed too," Hawkeye said with a slight nod. "I figured you'd evolve after Impel Down, but I didn't expect this. You're now one of the contenders for the throne of the New World."
He couldn't help but sigh at the realization. A year ago, Mio had been strong but far from the monstrous presence he was now. Not just Mio, but even the rest of his crew had grown considerably stronger. The difference was apparent just from their auras. Compared to a year ago, they were no longer on the same level.
Especially Mio—his aura now carried true dominance.
"Enough catching up. It's been too long. Let's drink," Mio said, clapping his hands.
He ordered Warwick to bring out drinks and food while Bai Feng contacted Araki and the others to come aboard for a banquet.
Soon, the deck of the Black Glory transformed into a lively scene. Drinks flowed freely, food from every ship was laid out, and laughter filled the air.
Mio raised his bottle and clinked it against Hawkeye's glass. After taking a big gulp, he asked with a grin, "So, what brings you here?"
"I was in Wano Country," Hawkeye said plainly. "But things aren't peaceful there these days, so I left to avoid unnecessary trouble. I heard you were around and figured I'd stop by for a drink."
"Haha, is that so?" Mio laughed heartily. "I'm heading to Crow Island next. If you've got nothing better to do, come with me. We can drink for a few days."
"Sure."
Hawkeye agreed without hesitation.
He had no pressing business anyway. His ambition lay solely in the pursuit of swordsmanship—not politics or titles. Until he found a worthy rival, he was content to sail aimlessly. Drinking with a friend was a welcome break.
"Oh, by the way…" Mio put down his bottle and grinned. "You should know my ambition by now, right?"
"I do," Hawkeye replied. Anyone who read the papers knew about the Black Crow Pirates' ambitions. But very few believed they could truly reach the top.
After all, countless pirates had aimed for the throne, and most ended up as footnotes in history.
"So, are you interested in joining me? Give me a hand," Mio asked, still smiling.
There was no doubt about Hawkeye's strength. Even if he wouldn't reach the level of a Yonko in the future, he'd still be a force to reckon with—definitely stronger than most vice admirals and just a step below the admirals themselves.
That's precisely why Mio extended the invitation. Recruiting Hawkeye would be a tremendous boost to his growing power.
Unfortunately, Hawkeye simply shook his head. "I refuse."
"No surprise there," Mio said with a shrug. "I expected that answer. If I got my hopes up, I'd be disappointed right now."
"My personality doesn't suit joining a crew," Hawkeye added calmly.
Mio nodded in understanding, and they moved on from the topic, chatting instead about other events in the New World.
Time passed quickly, and by the time the sun set, the celebration was still in full swing. Because Hawkeye had agreed to travel with Mio to Crow Island, his small boat was tied alongside the Black Glory, and all six ships continued their journey together.
Though night had fallen, the deck remained brightly lit by lanterns and firelight.
"By the way," Mio said, glancing at Hawkeye, "do you have any news about the Golden Lion?"
He had his reasons for seeking out the legendary pirate, but tracking him down was a different matter. It also wasn't the right time to approach Whitebeard, who might know more.
Hawkeye raised an eyebrow. "You're looking for the Golden Lion?"
"Yeah, I need to find that guy for something."
"I don't know his location," Hawkeye admitted. "His Devil Fruit powers let him stay hidden, and almost no one can find him. If you really want to track him down, your best bet is Whitebeard. I heard from Red-Haired Shanks that Golden Lion and Whitebeard have maintained contact all these years. If anyone knows where he is, it's Whitebeard."
"That's a problem," Mio muttered, scratching his head.
Going to Whitebeard now would seem like a provocation. Mio had only just secured his foothold in the New World. Showing up at Whitebeard's door would undoubtedly be interpreted as a challenge—an attempt to dethrone him and take his place.
And frankly, Mio didn't believe he could defeat Whitebeard just yet.
The power of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit was simply too terrifying.
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Pump up the power stone