Just after returning to the capital, Mio saw a hundred Navy soldiers stationed outside the palace gates.
With a flicker in his eyes, Mio glanced at Robin and gave a slight nod. The two of them continued walking, heading straight for the hotel.
Inside, Erica and the others were already waiting.
"The Navy's here," Mio said as he stepped in. "Until they leave, don't go out unnecessarily. We don't want any trouble."
Though he wasn't particularly afraid of Vice Admiral Gion or her subordinates, unnecessary conflict wasn't worth the risk. Fighting too often would only raise his profile further, bringing unwanted attention from the Navy and the World Government. That kind of spotlight would just drive his bounty even higher.
"Perfect timing," Lilith said with a smile, raising a stack of books. "I can catch up on some reading."
Mio nodded approvingly. Among the crew, the one he worried about the most was Warwick. The werewolf was energetic and easily bored—if left idle too long, he'd likely sneak out.
Mio gave him a direct warning.
With that, the crew hunkered down and waited out the Navy's presence.
Two days passed quickly.
What puzzled Mio was that the Navy still hadn't left. If they had come to Alabasta on a mission, it should've been resolved by now. Their continued presence only deepened Mio's suspicions.
Could they really be here for him?
Fortunately, on the third day, Mio's Den Den Mushi rang. It was someone from Doflamingo's side—they'd arrived in the capital and were requesting Mio's location.
After providing the address, Mio waited.
Half an hour later, someone knocked.
Warwick, his form cloaked to avoid suspicion, opened the door. Two figures stepped into the room. One of them was immediately recognizable—Diamante, a high-ranking officer in the Don Quixote Family.
"Mr. Mio," Diamante greeted with a polite smile. "These are the items the Young Master asked me to deliver. Please take a look."
He placed two boxes on the table.
Diamante explained, "This one contains an animal-type Devil Fruit—though we're not certain of the species. The other holds a small creature the Young Master thought you might find… interesting. It's currently unconscious, but you're welcome to inspect it."
Mio's curiosity was piqued. While Devil Fruits were always valuable, it was the mysterious creature that intrigued him more.
He opened both boxes.
The Devil Fruit bore the signature swirling patterns. Mio gave it a brief glance before turning his attention to the second container.
Inside was a tiny black panther cub.
It was very young—likely not long after birth—and lay peacefully unconscious. Its delicate appearance gave it an almost innocent charm.
"We found this little guy on an island in the West Blue," Diamante began. "At first, it looked like a normal cub. But it's far more dangerous than it seems. We observed it for two days. Despite its age, it has already embraced the law of the jungle."
Diamante leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Its mother was gravely injured in a territorial fight and could no longer hunt. One night, the cub killed her while she slept… and ate her."
Mio's eyes widened slightly.
"Despite its size, its strength and speed rival that of adult predators. It's cunning, too. It used traps and strategy to hunt bigger animals. One of its kills was an ancient mammoth."
Now that got Mio's full attention. His expression lit up.
"Oh? Now that you mention it, I'm definitely interested."
Diamante bowed slightly. "I'm glad to hear it, Mr. Mio."
To Mio, the panther cub was a hidden gem. It had survived brutal conditions, displayed strength, intelligence, and a killer instinct. It was perfect. A true addition to his growing collection of monsters.
"I apologize, Mr. Mio," Diamante added, straightening. "Because of the Navy's presence, we can't stay long. The Young Master sends his regards—and says that if fate allows, you may meet again in the Grand Line."
"Understood. We're preparing to leave as well," Mio replied, closing the boxes. He handed them to Warwick, who accepted them carefully.
With a courteous farewell, Diamante and his companion exited the hotel.
Mio turned to his crew. "Pack up. We're setting sail soon."
Everyone sprang into action.
Meanwhile, outside the hotel…
A marine led Vice Admiral Gion to a shaded alley across from the hotel and pointed discreetly.
"Vice Admiral Gion, Diamante from the Don Quixote Family just entered that hotel."
Gion furrowed her brow. "Are they trying to establish influence in Alabasta?"
As expected, moments later, Diamante left the hotel and disappeared down a side street.
"Should we pursue him, ma'am?" the marine asked.
Gion shook her head. "No. The Don Quixote Family is a major underworld force in the North Blue. Doflamingo's background makes him untouchable for now. The higher-ups—Fleet Admiral Kong included—have ordered us not to provoke them without cause."
Clearly, the Navy had plans involving Doflamingo that she wasn't privy to. Gion had no intention of interfering unless directly ordered.
Then her eyes narrowed.
As Diamante vanished, another group exited the hotel. All wore cloaks to conceal their identities—but Gion's sharp eyes caught a detail.
A clawed hand briefly emerged from beneath one cloak—large, powerful, unmistakable.
Gion's expression darkened.
"That claw—no doubt about it. That's Warwick. The werewolf from the Black Crow Pirates!"
Even cloaked, she recognized the signature beast-like hand. She had clashed with Warwick before—those claws were unforgettable.
"The Black Crow Pirates are still in Alabasta?" she muttered. "And… are they working with the Don Quixote Family?"
She pulled out her Den Den Mushi and began dialing while signaling the marine beside her.
"Follow them. Discreetly."
…
"Master, that guy from earlier was strong," Erica remarked calmly, walking beside Mio. Her tone was composed, but her gleaming eyes betrayed a battle-driven excitement. Lilith, trailing behind them, looked similarly thrilled.
Stronger than her.
But that didn't mean she would lose.
"Of course he was strong," Mio chuckled. "That guy's a Navy Admiral, after all."
…
Elsewhere, Vice Admiral Gion slowly pulled herself up, gritting her teeth as pain radiated from her side. Her sharp gaze fixed on the imposing man in front of her.
"Teacher Zephyr…"
The man before her was tall, broad-shouldered, with short purple hair and an overwhelming presence.
It was Zephyr—Admiral Zephyr, the "Non-Killer."
He was famous for his refusal to kill, relying on powerful Armament Haki to suppress enemies. But in a world as harsh as theirs, that ideal now seemed almost laughable.
Zephyr, in his prime, had stepped away from the frontlines to train the next generation. Akainu, Kizaru, and Aokiji had all passed through his hands. Though still an Admiral, he now focused on mentoring rather than direct combat.
This Zephyr wasn't broken yet. He was whole. Conviction still burned in him.
"Teacher Zephyr, what are you doing here?" Gion asked, pressing a hand to her wound.
"Sengoku asked me to pass by," Zephyr replied. "He said this region might be dangerous. I was on my way back to headquarters from a training inspection, so I stopped to assist."
"Were those pirates your target?"
"Yes," Gion nodded. "The Black Crow Pirates. They entered the Grand Line about a month ago."
Zephyr's eyes narrowed. "Already that strong? That slash earlier… no ordinary rookie can pull that off. Even in the first half of the Grand Line, that's rare."
"Which is why Sengoku asked me to monitor them," Gion said with a bitter smile.
Zephyr nodded grimly. "A newcomer like that… If left unchecked, he'll become a real threat. Right now, only a few of us can handle someone of that level—and most are in the New World."
"You should return to headquarters and recover," Zephyr advised.
Gion shook her head. "No. They're too dangerous. I had the upper hand last time. But now, their captain's already strong enough to defeat me. If we give them time, they'll become a nightmare for the Navy. His crew isn't ordinary either. One of them may have eaten a Mythical Zoan."
"I'm the only one available to track them. Sengoku promised reinforcements soon. I'll avoid direct conflict until then."
Zephyr sighed at her resolve. "Alright. I'll escort you back for now."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Gion paused. "How's the New World?"
"As chaotic as ever," Zephyr said. "We've made some progress, but most pirates are united against us. Garp pulled out early—no idea what he's up to."
"I see…"
…
At the Alabasta coast…
Mio and the crew returned to their ship.
Just as they stepped onto the deck, a towering beast surged from the ocean—Hanba.
He held a shredded sea monster in one hand, blood dripping from his mouth as he devoured his catch.
"Master!" Hanba called out excitedly.
"Hanba, long time no see," Mio grinned. "Get ready—we're leaving."
They boarded the ship. Robin disappeared into her room, clutching a stack of documents. Lilith raised her book and gave Mio a smile. "I'll be reading. Let me know if you need anything."
"Go ahead."
He turned to Erica and Warwick. "Erica, make dinner. Warwick, bring me wine—with ice. We'll depart after."
"Yes, Master!" they said in unison.
Soon, Mio stood alone on deck.
He pulled out a map and a permanent log pose, then pointed to the horizon.
"Hanba, one o'clock direction—full speed ahead!"
"Understood!" Hanba called. He dove underwater and began pulling the ship, propelling it with sheer strength.
The vessel surged forward, disappearing into the sea.
…
In his cabin, Mio stared at the two Devil Fruits he'd received—one from Doflamingo, the other from Alabasta's royal palace. Nearby sat the small black panther, still unconscious in its box.
He had two more Devil Fruits stored away, both of unknown powers.
Instead of using them blindly, Mio opted for fun.
A lottery draw.
He exchanged the two fruits for two spins. Light shimmered as they vanished, replaced with glowing counters.
[Draw Chances: 2]
He summoned his system panel. The Gene Fusion System interface appeared, revealing the massive roulette wheel.
Among the many options, one caught his eye—Super Saiyan Gene.
Rubbing his hands, Mio prepared.
"Three seconds until 6:00. I'll spin then."
Three.
Two.
One.
At exactly 6:00, Mio hit [DRAW].
The wheel spun wildly, blurring with possibilities.
A new chapter was about to begin—one decided by fate and a bit of luck.