Exploring the moon was a daunting task in the beginning. After all, the moon wasn't small, and there were too few people available. Even though Mio and his team possessed strength, speed, and enhanced Observation Haki, completing a thorough exploration wasn't going to be easy.
But with the help of the robots, everything became more manageable.
And these robots weren't the only ones either. According to the small robot's report, there were nearly 3,000 of them in total. While their combat strength was decent, they weren't particularly fond of fighting, as it consumed excessive energy. What they truly enjoyed was research and production—developing and creating new technologies.
Soon after, Mio assigned everyone to different tasks.
There was no plan to advance together.
Michelle and Robin stayed as a pair, while the others took groups of robots to awaken more dormant units across the moon and begin large-scale exploration.
…
The moon's surface was riddled with craters and pits. Mio and Robin moved in one direction, scanning as they walked. Mio kept his Observation Haki activated the entire time, probing even below the surface. If the King truly resided on the moon, it would most likely be hidden deep underground.
"Captain, I have a question," Robin said suddenly as they walked.
Mio nodded. "Ask away."
"I've learned a lot from the historical texts, and the scholars at O'Hara told me about it too. Eight hundred years ago, there was a great kingdom that ruled most of the seas, especially the New World. Other nations were its vassals—similar to how the World Government now has member countries."
"But here's what I can't understand. If that kingdom was so vast and powerful, there should've been a large population. Even after 800 years, there should be stories or records passed down through the generations. But outside of the poneglyphs, there's nothing—no trace of their deeds, no remnants of their culture. Isn't that suspicious?"
Mio nodded thoughtfully. He had wondered the same before.
A kingdom powerful enough to rule the seas should've left more behind. Even if it was annihilated, there should've been artifacts, stories, ruins—something. The World Government couldn't have erased everything and left only the historical texts.
That fact alone was strange.
"Maybe we just haven't discovered them yet," Mio said softly, eyes flickering with thought. "Or maybe… whatever those things were, they were destroyed as part of the kingdom's downfall."
Furrowing his brow, Mio gave a small smile. "In any case, we'll figure it out eventually. For now, our job is to confirm whether or not the King is really on the moon."
"Yeah," Robin nodded.
The two of them continued onward, exploring the moon's surface.
Time passed.
Unknowingly, half a month slipped by.
The moon was massive—at least the size of the world Mio had lived in before his journey into this one. Even after half a month of exploration by Mio, his companions, and the robots, only two-quarters of the moon had been covered. And even then, it wasn't a deep exploration, just a wide survey.
One day, back on the Golden Ark…
Mio frowned, then tossed a Den Den Mushi to one of the robots in front of him.
"We need to return to Qinghai for now," he said. "In the meantime, I'll leave the rest of the exploration to you. If you don't find any signs of the King, contact me through this Den Den Mushi. I'll return and bring you to Qinghai through the Ark."
"Understood." The robot caught the Den Den Mushi and nodded.
Then it scratched its head. "Once the exploration is done… could you help us build a lab? We want to study energy. We can't always rely on you to recharge us."
"Of course," Mio replied with a smile and nodded in agreement.
Soon, all crew members boarded the Ark. Mio took one last look at the moon before issuing the final order.
"Tell Mashi to prepare for departure. We're leaving the moon."
"Yes!" Lilith nodded and quickly went to notify Mashi.
Moments later, the majestic Golden Ark slowly lifted off and sped toward Qinghai.
They had already stayed on the moon for half a month. While not an overly long time, Mio knew that his absence for too long might cause unwanted attention. With his current position and reputation in the New World, disappearing for extended periods would definitely raise questions.
Thankfully, with the robots continuing the search, he didn't have to worry. Their assistance allowed him to remain informed without having to stay.
…
New World – Crow Island
At that moment, Crow Island was bustling with activity. Most of the pirate crews under Black Crow's command had assembled here. The island occasionally hosted gatherings, where the pirate captains exchanged news, information, and stories from their adventures at sea.
But then—
A ship arrived at the port.
Three figures disembarked.
The surrounding pirates turned to look and immediately began to whistle and cheer.
"Whoa, looks like little sister Hancock made quite a haul this time."
"Wait—isn't that the head of that new Supernova, Green? The one who just entered the New World?"
"Haha! These cocky newcomers never last long. And to think they'd die at Hancock's hands!"
The ones who stepped off the ship were the three Hancock sisters.
At the front stood Boa Hancock, donning a striking red-and-black combat suit, her long hair flowing down to her waist. In just half a month, Hancock had gained a colder, sharper aura.
In her hands, she carried two severed heads—her latest trophies.
During this past half-month, Hancock had repeatedly gone out to hunt pirates across the sea, sharpening her skills through actual combat.
The method was harsh—but highly effective.
In the beginning, powerful pirates from her faction had to follow her for safety.
Now?
She needed no one.