There was one more guest in the tavern.
The three of them ate and drank there for a while, and after staying for two hours, they left and made their way toward the port.
By the time they arrived, everyone had already returned.
As Mio approached, the crew shook their heads, indicating they hadn't found the person Mio was looking for.
"Tsk. Looks like I'll have to do it myself," Mio muttered, scratching his head while surveying the port. He then looked at Hei Yan and said, "Go ask the pirates on the island if they know where the rising currents are."
Several rising currents appeared each month. As long as there were pirates who had spent enough time in these waters, some of them were bound to know the general location of the sea area where one could find a rising current. Mio didn't need specific coordinates—just a rough idea of the area.
"I understand," Hei Yan nodded and turned to leave.
As he walked away, Mio shifted his gaze toward the pirates at the port. Because Mio and his crew had gathered in one place, many of the surrounding pirates stood frozen, not daring to make any sudden moves for fear of angering them. In a world where even a small dispute could lead to death, it was safer to remain still. These pirates had seen such cruelty often—and many of them had dealt it themselves.
Looking at the frozen crowd, Mio grinned.
"Everyone," he called out, "I need a favor. I hope none of you refuse."
The pirates exchanged uneasy glances. No one responded, unsure of what Mio wanted.
One pirate finally stepped forward with a slight frown. He gritted his teeth and said, "Mio, I don't know what kind of favor you're about to ask, but I think there are plenty of people here who can help. My crew and I have something urgent to attend to, so I hope you'll excuse us."
Without waiting for Mio's response, the pirate waved his men over and hurried toward his ship.
Unfortunately for him, he wasn't fast enough.
Before Mio could even reply, Warwick—wearing a black cloak—stepped forward. In a flash, he appeared in front of the fleeing pirate. With a flick of his right sleeve, Warwick's sharp claws extended and seized the pirate's neck, lifting him into the air.
The claws pressed tightly against the pirate's skin.
It was obvious to everyone: a little more pressure, and the claws would pierce straight through his throat.
The terrifying sensation of death made the pirate break into a cold sweat. He panicked.
"N-No! Lord Mio! I'm willing to help—I swear! Please don't kill me!"
Mio gently shook his head.
With a sudden snap, Warwick squeezed, and the pirate's neck broke like a twig.
There was no need to keep around a weakling who dared defy Mio's command.
Turning back to the rest of the pirates, Mio asked again, his voice calm and cold, "Now then… can I get an answer?"
Having witnessed the brutal execution moments ago, none of the pirates hesitated this time.
"It would be our honor to assist Lord Mio!"
"That's right! Just tell us what you need!"
"We will do everything we can to help!"
"Very good." Mio smiled in satisfaction and explained, "Don't worry. I'm not going to kill anyone. I just need the shipwrights from your ships to help reinforce mine. Make it sturdier—stronger."
"Huh?"
The pirates blinked in surprise. Then, realizing what he meant, they collectively let out sighs of relief.
They had expected something far worse.
They quickly agreed.
Not every pirate crew had a shipwright, but some did—and that would be enough for Mio's needs.
Although he hadn't found Wen Bran, the shipwrights from the other crews would do just fine.
"I appreciate your willingness," Mio added, a dark glint in his eye. "But let me be clear—don't try anything funny. If I'm satisfied, you leave this place alive."
That threat—delivered with a smile—made the pirates shiver.
They immediately sent their shipwrights to Mio, none daring to delay or slack off.
Mio put them to work immediately.
His plan for reinforcing the ship wasn't as elaborate as Luffy's ship upgrades from the original series. He wasn't asking for a new ship or a full refit—just for his current vessel to be strengthened enough to avoid falling apart at sea.
Now, all that was left was to wait for Hei Yan's report.
If Hei Yan came back with nothing, then Mio would be forced to delay his plans.
Mogu Town bustled with activity.
At that moment, however, far away at Marine Headquarters, Sengoku was seething with rage.
"What did you say?! Mozambia is dead?!" he roared, rising to his feet and shouting into the Den Den Mushi on his desk.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Sengoku," came the trembling voice of a Marine soldier on the other end.
"Damn it!" Sengoku snarled, slamming his right fist into his desk. A corner of the table cracked under the blow, and a murderous aura surged from his body.
His face was dark with fury.
He knew who was responsible—it had to be that rising pirate crew he'd been monitoring. The same crew he had originally planned to deal with later in the New World, wiping them out once their threat level peaked.
But now… now that plan was scrapped.
Mozambia was someone Sengoku had high hopes for. If he didn't become an admiral one day, he was at least expected to become a pillar of the Navy.
Sengoku had stationed him in Loguetown to build up military merit. Pirates often passed through there, and it was the perfect place for someone to rack up achievements and be promoted quickly. Sengoku had even envisioned him becoming a senior commander after a few years of experience.
He hadn't expected him to die in Loguetown.
"I understand," Sengoku finally said, taking a deep breath and hanging up.
He sat down slowly, his expression calming. Then he picked up another Den Den Mushi and dialed.
The line connected.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku. What is it?" came a laid-back voice.
"Aokiji," Sengoku said seriously. "I want you to return to the first half of the Grand Line and assist Vice Admiral Momousagi. Your target is a pirate crew."
"A pirate crew?" Aokiji echoed with surprise. "You mean the Black Crow Pirates? The ones Momousagi has been keeping an eye on?"
"That's right," Sengoku confirmed.
"But what about the New World…"
"Don't worry about that. I'll ask Marshal Kong to take over there temporarily. He's on vacation anyway."
Kong would soon be promoted and become permanently stationed at the World Government HQ. Sengoku knew he wouldn't refuse to fill in temporarily.
And while Aokiji was still technically a vice admiral, he already possessed the strength of a full admiral.
His official promotion would come once Sengoku assumed the title of marshal.
Sengoku was confident that sending Aokiji meant the mission would be handled without incident.
After thinking for a moment, Aokiji asked lazily, "But Admiral Sengoku… if Marshal Kong is available, why not send him? It's a long trip back to the Grand Line."
Sengoku's expression darkened. What does travel time have to do with anything? Just admit you're lazy.
"…Marshal Kong said he has dignity," Sengoku grumbled.
Indeed—Kong had refused, saying that personally hunting a rookie pirate crew was beneath the dignity of someone at his rank.
Sengoku himself wanted to go too, but couldn't leave Marine Headquarters. He was already acting as commander in preparation for his promotion to Marshal.
Aokiji, on the other hand, could afford the trip.
Aokiji's mouth twitched on the other end, as if to say: So I'm the one without dignity?
Still, he finally agreed.
"Alright, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. I got it. Just think of it as me taking a vacation."