Chapter 222: The Devil Fruit Gift and the Next Target
Two days passed before Mio realized it.
In the forest at the center of the island, a towering castle had been built. Surrounding it were several houses, forming what looked like a small base. Flags bearing the Black Crow Pirates' emblem fluttered proudly atop the castle and buildings.
This castle was Mio's residence.
The island itself, aside from its shores and dense forest, had been overrun by crows. The sheer number of them made the rest of the terrain virtually impassable—hence the name, Crow Island. These birds, now trained and loyal to Mio, served more than just a decorative purpose.
At that moment, on the shores of Crow Island, Hawkeye Mihawk stood prepared to leave.
He had spent a few days here, but something seemed to require his attention in the first half of the Grand Line. Despite Mio's efforts to persuade him to stay longer, Mihawk declined, and Mio respectfully saw him off without insistence.
Shortly after Hawkeye's departure, Mio returned to the castle, where Araki greeted him with an unfamiliar man.
"Boss," Araki reported, gesturing to the man behind him, "this guy is from the Wild Beast Pirates. He claims to have brought something for you. Looks like a Devil Fruit delivery."
The man was visibly nervous under Mio's cold gaze. He stepped forward quickly, holding a small box in trembling hands.
"L-Lord Black Crow, this was sent by our captain. He instructed me to deliver it to you personally. There are three Devil Fruits inside. Please, have a look."
Mio nodded slightly. "Alright."