Fishman Island.
This time, since the Ark on Crow Island had already been completed, the Black Glory didn't linger and instead departed immediately toward the New World.
Mio didn't emerge from his room until the following day.
When he did, he seemed a bit embarrassed, lightly touching his nose.
"Sir, where is Lilith?" Erica asked casually while preparing breakfast in the ship's galley.
"She's resting," Mio replied indifferently. But in truth, he was slightly flustered. After all, Lilith had been the first to take that step. Bold as she was, there was a trace of shy vulnerability in her actions.
Last night, while Mio was resting, Lilith had slipped into his bed—literally appearing in his arms by using the Replacement Fruit to its fullest potential.
They spent the entire night together, entangled.
Hearing Mio's answer, Erica simply nodded knowingly and placed his breakfast in front of him before sitting down to eat her own.
Mio glanced at Bai Feng and asked, "Where are we now?"
"There should be about three days left before we reach Crow Island," Bai Feng responded.
"Three days? Good. Notify Hei Yan and the others. Once we return, we're heading directly to the Infinite Land."
"Yes, sir," Bai Feng nodded with respect.
As Mio ate, he asked another question. "Where are Hancock and the others?"
"They're fighting," Robin replied. "They ran into a group of pirates. Erica told them to test their abilities against New World pirates. But don't worry—Xiao Si is watching them."
"How's their progress?"
"Acceptable. Not strong enough for the New World yet, but good enough for the Four Seas."
"As expected."
They continued eating and chatting casually.
By noon, Lilith finally came out of her room. She wore jeans and a simple white T-shirt that outlined her beautiful figure.
"Sir," she greeted softly, her tone affectionate, her eyes unable to hide her emotions anymore.
Time passed quickly.
Over the course of those three days, Lilith and Mio's relationship became public knowledge among the crew. While it surprised some, it also felt inevitable. Both Robin and Hancock had long noticed that Lilith, Bai Feng, and the others were completely loyal to Mio. They followed every one of his commands with absolute respect.
Among strong women like these—New World-caliber warriors—only a man like Mio could stand on equal ground.
Crow Island Port
The Black Glory finally returned in the evening.
The port was packed with pirates, all awaiting Mio's return.
When the ship docked, many pirates became excited. Some even waved newspapers in their hands, shouting.
"Long live Lord Black Crow! He killed Silver Axe—a captain from the Rocks Pirates and a peer to Whitebeard!"
"As expected of Lord Black Crow! He might be the next Pirate King!"
"No, he'll surpass even Roger as Pirate King!"
The port buzzed with excitement. The news of Mio slaying Silver Axe had spread across the New World, shocking many. But for those under the Black Crow Pirates, the only feeling was pride and exhilaration.
This event made one thing clear:
Black Crow could become the Pirate King.
And if he did, then they—his loyal followers—would be the subordinates of the Pirate King. Together, they'd conquered the New World.
How could they not be excited?
Mio appeared with a faint smile, flashing down to the port in an instant. He turned to Katsumata Wu Liu and asked, "Where are the others?"
"They're waiting for you in the castle, sir!" Wu Liu answered, bowing deeply.
Mio nodded and vanished again, reappearing moments later inside the castle.
He spread out his Observation Haki, covering the entirety of Crow Island. At once, his senses locked onto a massive Golden Ark being guarded by the Black Elves.
Though smaller than the Ark guarded by Enel in the original Skypiea, it was still an impressive construct.
Mio didn't go to it just yet.
Instead, he sat on his throne and looked out at the gathered leaders.
Aside from Hanba, everyone was present—including Hei Yan.
"How are the preparations going?" Mio asked.
"Everything is ready, sir," Hei Yan reported respectfully. "We're simply awaiting your command to depart for the Infinite Land aboard the Ark."
The preparations included all the supplies and personnel necessary for the long expedition.
Mio nodded. "What's the current state of the Black Crow Sea?"
"Very peaceful," Hei Yan replied. "After the news of you killing Silver Axe came out, a few minor pirate groups tried to join us, but beyond that—no issues. No spy ships, no Navy, no World Government presence."
"Excellent," Mio said with satisfaction. He tapped his chin in thought, then stood up and said, "Let's go take a look at the Golden Ark. Tell everyone to gather there. Although many people will go this time, not everyone will. Some must remain behind to defend Crow Island."
With that, his figure vanished again.
Hei Yan immediately left to carry out the order.
On Crow Island — Hei Er's Domain
The Golden Ark had been placed in this area since its completion. Shimmering with golden brilliance, it was surrounded by a dense flock of crows.
Upon Mio's arrival, the crows lifted off into the sky, clearing the way.
Hei Er soared down and perched on Mio's shoulder.
From within Mio's collar, Xiao Liu and Xiao Qi also emerged.
Mio gently patted Hei Er's head, then lightly leapt aboard the Ark.
Structurally, the Ark resembled a ship—complete with rooms and facilities. While lacking the full scale of Enel's Ark Maxim, it was functional and packed with stored supplies.
After inspecting the Ark, Mashi and the others arrived.
Mio stepped off and looked at the group before turning to the sky.
"This time," he said calmly, "only I, Asuka, Noah, Bai Feng, Lilith, Erica, and Mashi will travel to the Infinite Land. The others will remain behind to guard Crow Island."
"Xiao Wu, Xiao Liu, and Xiao Qi will also stay."