CHAPTER 17: Black Blade, Hidden Blades

Perhaps because of Mio's casual words, Warwick began diving into the sea from time to time in the following days. He wandered through both the deep and shallow seabed, driven by a strange sense of purpose. His goal? To find treasures and gold coins.

Anyone who didn't know better might've thought he was an avid treasure hunter.

Three Days Later — Waters Near Mowak Island, Kingdom of Skanda

The sky was covered in heavy clouds, and it didn't take long before those clouds burst open, releasing a downpour over the vast sea. A ship rocked steadily with the rising and falling of waves.

Standing on the deck amid the rain, Mio swung his sword. A flash of pitch-black sword energy tore through the air.

This energy was unlike most sword auras, which varied in color depending on the user. Pure black sword energy was exceedingly rare — a sign of an ominous yet powerful blade.

The first arc of energy dissipated shortly after slicing through the rain. Unfazed, Mio swung his sword again. The second arc landed in the nearby waters, exploding upon impact and stirring up a frothy cascade of waves.

Watching this, Mio grinned. The corners of his mouth curled up in satisfaction.

"I've finally mastered sword energy."

Though he had been able to produce sword energy before, his technique had been crude. He'd relied more on his physical strength and speed to overwhelm enemies. But ever since unlocking the "Kendo" ability, his progress in swordsmanship had skyrocketed.

The daily sparring sessions with Erica only accelerated his growth.

Now, Mio could confidently call himself a swordsman.

Of course, he was still a step away from the true title — a swordsman capable of "cutting steel."

That phrase, "cutting steel," wasn't to be taken literally. It described a state of mind, an understanding beyond raw power — a level that transcended basic skill. Many swordsmen could wield sword energy, but not all of them were capable of reaching this deeper realm.

Erica had already crossed that threshold. But it wasn't something one could teach. It had to be realized through one's own experience.

Thankfully, Mio wasn't in a rush. He had time — plenty of it.

After putting away his weapon, Mio headed into the cabin. As soon as he stepped in, Erica approached him with a towel, stretching out her hands and offering it to him.

"Good girl." Mio took the towel with a smile and gently rubbed her head.

Under Erica's cheerful gaze, Mio walked to the table, sat down, and unfurled a large map. His eyes scanned their current location as he muttered to himself.

"We're finally here. I hope Vegapunk is still on Mowak Island."

Mowak Island was no small patch of land. It housed not only the Kingdom of Skanda but also the neighboring Kingdom of Meg.

Like many kingdoms in the North Blue, these two had frequent skirmishes. They rarely broke out into full-scale war, but the minor frictions piled up. It was only a matter of time before things escalated.

That was the norm in the North Blue.

Families like Germa and Donquixote had built their fortunes off war. Selling weapons, manipulating politics — a cycle that never truly ended.

Bulu Bulu—

A Den Den Mushi on the table suddenly rang.

Mio raised an eyebrow and reached for it. As he lifted the receiver, the Den Den Mushi's face transformed, its features morphing into a twisted smile that perfectly mimicked Doflamingo's grin.

"Hihihihihihihihi, my dear friend. I think you already know what kind of news I'm bringing you," came Doflamingo's unmistakable voice.

"Of course," Mio replied with a smirk of his own. "Sounds like good news."

"Indeed it is," Doflamingo chuckled darkly. "But I hope your information won't disappoint me later."

"Likewise. I believe what I have will excite you." Mio leaned back. "Alright then, tell me what you know, and I'll return the favor."

"Hihihihi, sure."

Doflamingo continued in his usual carefree, eerie tone. "I've had someone locate the person you're looking for. He's still on Mowak Island, residing in the capital city of the Meg Kingdom. According to my sources, he's struck a deal with the king and is currently helping the kingdom develop new weapons."

Mio's eyes lit up. "Any specific location?"

"Of course. But I don't think you'll need directions," Doflamingo said confidently. "From what I hear, the place where he's staying is heavily guarded by the Meg Kingdom's national defense army. It won't be hard to find."

"I see. Then I really won't need your directions."

Mio nodded. This wasn't information that existed in the original timeline, but it wasn't illogical either. Vegapunk's background before entering the World Government had always been shrouded in mystery.

Still, helping a minor kingdom develop weapons… Mio's mind was already turning.

If I can get my hands on one of those weapons…

After all, anything created by Vegapunk — a man said to be 500 years ahead of his time — couldn't possibly be ordinary.

As he pondered, Doflamingo's voice came again. "Hihihihihihihi, now then, it's your turn. That interesting bit of news you promised."

"Of course," Mio replied with a faint smile. "I actually have two pieces of information for you. One of them is related to your Donquixote Family — well, more accurately, it's about you."

"And the other?" Doflamingo asked curiously.

"The second is about the permanent pointer to Radluff."

Mio said it casually — too casually, given the weight of the statement. But that was exactly what he intended. He knew Doflamingo wouldn't dare to pry into the second piece of information. By casually offering it, he allowed the man to sense the depth and authenticity of his intel.

As expected, silence fell.

The Den Den Mushi's face went blank, but Mio could hear the faint sound of Doflamingo's breathing — heavier now.

After a long pause, Doflamingo chuckled. "Hiya… ahiya… ahahah… that's a shocking claim. Now, tell me the first one."

Mio grinned. "There's an undercover agent in your family. He holds a high position within the Donquixote Family."

The words dropped like a hammer.

Silence returned.

In a dim room somewhere far away, Doflamingo's expression darkened. He didn't say a word for a few long moments.

Then…

"Hiya… That's very good information. Can you tell me who it is?"

"I'm afraid not."

Mio smiled faintly. "But I don't think you really need me to."

"…True. I suppose I don't. Hiiya…"

"The transaction ends here. I hope we have another in the future."

"I'm sure we will. Goodbye, my dear friend. Hiiya…"

Click—

The Den Den Mushi hung up.

Doflamingo sat in the dim room, slowly swirling a goblet of wine in his hand. His face was unreadable behind his glasses.

Then — crack.

The goblet shattered in his hand, shards falling silently to the floor.

It was clear.

His mood… was far from pleasant.