"Stussy?"
Hearing this, Mio raised an eyebrow, surprised. So, the World Government really wanted to make a significant deal with him? Otherwise, Stussy would've come alone as the Queen of Pleasure Street. She wouldn't have taken a warship.
Bringing a warship meant this transaction was officially sanctioned—and important.
Stussy's presence represented the weight of the deal. Even though she was part of CP0, her status wasn't low. As an undercover agent who became the Queen of Pleasure Street, she held considerable influence within the World Government.
"In that case, I'm really curious what kind of trade the World Government is seeking," Mio said with a curious tone.
After speaking, Mio took a step forward and vanished from sight.
Lilith chuckled and disappeared right after.
The two reappeared instantly at the port.
By now, a large crowd of pirates had gathered at the dock.
The moment they saw Mio, they saluted loudly.
"Lord Black Crow!"
"Lord Black Crow, the World Government's warship entered our sea. Should we sink it?"
"How dare they come into Black Crow Sea—are they looking to die?"
"Could this be some kind of trap?"
Amused by the chatter, Mio halted and addressed them calmly. "Leave this to me. You all just go back to your own tasks."
Hearing this, the pirates respectfully dispersed.
Mio boarded the Black Glory and glanced at Bai Feng, who was already waiting.
"Let's go meet our guests from the World Government," Mio said.
"Yes," Bai Feng nodded, already prepared. The Black Glory quickly departed.
In the Black Crow Sea—
A massive World Government warship floated still on the ocean, not moving forward, simply anchored there.
Onboard were elite soldiers and several members of the CP organization.
It wasn't long before the Black Glory approached.
A CP agent aboard the warship spotted the ship and focused his gaze on Mio. He called out in a serious voice, "Mr. Hei Yan, may we board to talk?"
"Sure." Mio didn't hesitate and disappeared from the deck, reappearing instantly aboard the warship.
A quick glance told him there were about eight CP agents present. None were particularly strong—the strongest was at best the level of a Marine Headquarters brigadier general.
That man stepped forward and led Mio toward the cabin. "Mr. Hei Yan, please follow me. The one who wishes to meet with you is inside—not suitable to be seen in public."
This must be Stussy.
Mio followed the agent into the warship's interior and was led to a dimly lit room.
Soft, low lighting glowed faintly across expensive furnishings. A deep wine-red sofa sat at the center of the room, and on it sat a slender figure—right leg elegantly crossed over the other, revealing just a hint of something enticing beneath.
Stussy.
She wore a white dress embroidered with subtle, cute patterns. Her long golden hair cascaded in waves down her back.
She was holding a glass of red wine. When she saw Mio enter, she swirled the wine gently and smiled. "Would you like a drink?"
Her voice was smooth and sultry.
Mio remained unmoved. He sat down across from her, took a sip from the already poured wine on the table, and said flatly, "Just get to the point. If this were a normal trade, you wouldn't be here. Since you came by warship, this must be official. What does the World Government want now?"
Stussy didn't respond immediately. Instead, she clapped her hands.
Moments later, several CP members entered carrying a large box. They set it in front of Mio and opened it, revealing five Devil Fruits.
Mio glanced down. Based on what he remembered from the Devil Fruit guidebooks he had studied, these were all Zoan-type fruits—nothing too special, but useful.
After the CP agents departed, Mio flicked his wrist. The box of Devil Fruits disappeared in a flash of flame, instantly transferred back to his room aboard the Black Glory.
Then, Mio turned his eyes to Stussy. "Continue."
Stussy's voice was soft. "Those five Devil Fruits were part of the previous deal you made with the Five Elders. Now, this is a new proposal."
"We're aware that your ship—the Black Glory—and several pirate ships under your influence are uniquely armed. These ships are clearly different from regular vessels, even warships. They're equipped with formidable weaponry."
"And since so many have received such ships, it stands to reason they can be mass-produced, correct?"
Pluton replicas?
Mio's eyes narrowed slightly. He understood now.
The World Government was targeting the mass-produced replicas of Pluton. But when he thought more about it, it wasn't surprising. It was a logical move.
First, owning such warships would drastically increase the World Government's naval power. In a world covered in ocean, no one would refuse stronger vessels.
Second, if these ships could be mass-produced, the World Government could acquire and reverse-engineer them.
Third, there were suspicions. They might think the tech was related to the real Pluton.
But Mio didn't care. As long as they weren't certain, they wouldn't act rashly.
And truth be told—this trade was interesting.
"Go on. I'm intrigued," Mio smiled faintly.
"It's simple." Stussy returned the smile. "The World Government wants to purchase a large number of these ships. We're willing to pay above your usual price. What do you say?"
"I don't need money, and you know I won't help strengthen the World Government. So I'm not selling to you," Mio said coldly.
"We're aware." Stussy's expression didn't change. "That's why we're offering Devil Fruits instead of money. Name your type. Logia? Mythical Zoans?"
"Heh."
Mio smirked and sipped his wine again, gently swirling the crimson liquid in his glass as he fell into thought.
The offer was tempting. Devil Fruits—especially rare ones—were incredibly valuable.
Of course, he knew the risks. If the World Government got its hands on too many replicas, they'd study them. Dissect them. Perhaps even develop their own.
But then again… as long as they couldn't build them themselves, Mio maintained the upper hand.
His eyes glinted with decision, and he nodded.
"Alright. But remember your promise. I want quality Devil Fruits."
"Don't worry." Stussy smiled, her voice honeyed. "The World Government's ability to collect Devil Fruits will surely meet your expectations."