one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 242: Seeking the Truth from Rayleigh

After spending some time in the New World, Mio once again returned to the dreamlike island.

Although he had already visited this place once, Mio still found the island just as breathtaking as before.

The Black Glory sailed slowly past Fishman Island, but didn't dock. Mio had no intention of stopping there.

Because of his recent encounter with a mysterious woman, Mio had a pressing reason to reach the Sabaody Archipelago. He wanted to meet Silvers Rayleigh as soon as possible and ask him some questions. After all, as the former first mate of the Roger Pirates, Rayleigh knew much of what Gol D. Roger had known.

Perhaps Rayleigh could give him the answers he needed.

So, without stopping at Fishman Island, the Black Glory continued forward.

By the time the ship burst through the sea and reached the Sabaody Archipelago, the sky had already darkened.

"Do any of you want to shop or buy anything?" Mio turned and asked Robin and the others.

Robin thought for a moment before replying, "I don't have anything specific in mind, but a little shopping sounds nice."

"I'll go with Sister Robin," Mashi quickly said, raising her hand.

"Alright," Mio nodded.

The ship docked at the island.

Hanba, Hei Yan, Erica, and Warwick stayed behind to guard the Black Glory. Mio and Lilith, meanwhile, headed toward Shaqi's bar. Robin, Mashi, and Baifeng wandered around the island to see if they could find anything useful to buy.

As with their last visit, the Sabaody Archipelago was bustling with pirates. Most were newcomers trying to pass through the coating process on Fishman Island to enter the New World.

Moving quickly through the streets, Mio soon arrived at the entrance to Shaqi's bar.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The bar was full of pirates drinking and making noise. As soon as Mio entered, several pairs of eyes landed on him. A few also stared at Lilith, their gazes filled with lust upon seeing her seductive figure.

"Long time no see, Shaqi," Mio said with a faint smile.

"Well, well, a rare visitor," Shaqi replied with a smirk. "I thought you'd spend more time at Fishman Island."

Given her intelligence network, Shaqi was already aware that the Black Glory had left the New World. However, she hadn't expected Mio to show up here so soon. Clearly, he had passed by Fishman Island without stopping.

Lilith grinned as well and asked, "If I mess up the floor, do I need to pay for it?"

"As long as you can clean it yourself," Shaqi replied with a shrug, unconcerned.

Hearing this, Lilith nodded slightly. Then she raised her right hand and snapped her fingers with a crisp snap.

Puff.

Puff.

In an instant, the heads of several pirates detached from their necks, blood spraying through the air as their heads rolled across the floor.

Lilith casually took Mio's arm and said coldly, "I hate the way they were looking at me."

Mio chuckled and shook his head, then calmly turned to the remaining terrified pirates. "Clean this place up and get out. If you don't, don't even think about leaving."

"Wait—he's the Black Crow!"

"What?! That's him from the New World? Are you sure?"

"Of course! I've got his bounty poster—he's definitely the Black Crow!"

Realizing Mio's identity, panic spread among the pirates. They scrambled to clean up the bodies and quickly fled from the bar.

Soon, only Mio, Lilith, and Shaqi remained.

Mio walked up to the bar and sat down, glancing around. "Where's Rayleigh? I need to speak with him."

"You came all this way just to find him?" Shaqi asked, surprised.

"Yes. It's something very important," Mio replied seriously.

"I see." Shaqi lit a cigarette and took a long drag before pulling out a Den Den Mushi and dialing a number. "He's probably drinking somewhere."

She held the receiver to her mouth and said, "Send Rayleigh back. We have a guest."

"Yes, Boss Shaqi," came the respectful voice on the other end before the call ended.

Shaqi put the snail away, exhaled a puff of smoke, and looked at Mio with curiosity. "With your current status and power in the New World, I'm surprised you still have questions for Rayleigh. Why not just ask me? I might know something."

Mio smiled and shook his head. "Let's wait for Rayleigh. The matter involves the World Government. You might not be able to help."

Hearing this, Shaqi's eyes flickered with understanding. She didn't press further. With her age and experience, she knew better than most just how deep the World Government's secrets ran. If the Black Crow needed Rayleigh's knowledge, the issue had to be grave.

She poured glasses of wine for both Mio and Lilith, and the three began chatting casually about other topics.

"When you return to the Grand Line," Shaqi warned, "the Navy's likely to be extra cautious around you."

Mio took a sip of his drink and responded calmly, "The Navy is focused on the New World. Right now, they don't have the resources to come after me. At most, they'll monitor me. That's all."

"You're probably right," Shaqi nodded in agreement.

Just then—

Click.

The door of the bar opened.

Rayleigh stepped in with a bottle of wine in hand. He froze briefly when he spotted Mio and Lilith inside.

He had known Shaqi wouldn't summon him without good reason, but even he was surprised to see Mio here.

Given Mio's current reputation, it wasn't an exaggeration to call him a rising force in the New World. Though not yet among the very top, it was only a matter of time.

"Well, now. This is a surprise," Rayleigh said with a chuckle. "Didn't expect you to show up here. I assume you've come with a purpose?"

"Yes," Mio nodded. "There's something I need to ask you."

Rayleigh took a seat beside him, took a sip of wine, and his expression turned serious. "If it's something troubling you, it must be important. What's the question?"

"It's about the World Government." Mio's eyes narrowed as he spoke. "Do you know anything about a person named Im? If you do, I'd appreciate your honesty."

"Im...?"

At that name, Rayleigh's pupils contracted, and a look of genuine shock flashed across his face.