One day later, somewhere on Crow Island.
A massive pile of gold had been gathered in an open area, glittering under the bright sunlight with a dazzling golden hue.
The value of this gold exceeded 10 billion berries. Anyone who laid eyes on it would undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of its worth.
At this moment, the only people present were members of the Black Crow Pirates.
Robin adjusted her glasses and said with anticipation, "Will we really be able to go to the moon after the Golden Ark is completed? I'm truly looking forward to it. The captain mentioned there are ancient ruins there."
"It's just that the cost of going there is a little too extravagant," Bai Feng replied with a faint smile.
Indeed, the price of traveling to the moon was astronomical—requiring a massive Golden Ark capable of holding and converting vast stores of thunder energy.
Ordinary people couldn't even begin to afford such a venture.
"It's fine. At least the gold will still belong to us, even if we use it this way," Erica added calmly.
Mio stood in front of the pile of gold, gently rubbing Mashi's head as he gave the order. "The blueprints are ready. All you have to do is smelt the gold and follow the plans precisely. Don't let me down."
"Don't worry, brother!" Mashi said excitedly, punching her fists into the air. "It's just a ship. That's nothing for me."
As she spoke, thunder coursed across her body and then burst forth in a raging sea of lightning, engulfing the gold in an instant.
Thus, construction of the Golden Ark officially began.
Of course, building the ark couldn't be completed overnight. There were many intricate details that had to be handled carefully, and it would take at least half a month to complete the process.
Still, Mio wasn't in a rush. The World Government had no clue that he was building the Golden Ark. And even if they did somehow find out, they wouldn't know its purpose.
After all, who would believe he was planning to fly to the moon—to seek out the King?
But now that he thought about it, if the King was indeed on the moon, how did the World Government or Im maintain contact with him?
Mio shook his head, dismissing the thought for now.
Leaving Warwick to oversee the ark's construction, Mio turned around and returned to the castle.
There, he waited quietly.
Today, Hei Yan was due to return. Hei Yan had already contacted him via Den Den Mushi after entering the New World, so Mio was expecting his arrival—along with the blueprint of Pluto.
The thought of obtaining the plans for Pluto made Mio's eyes gleam with excitement.
After all, to hold the design for Pluto was to hold the key to an actual ancient weapon.
And not the damaged wreck buried in Alabasta, but a complete, functional version—one of the three ancient weapons, Pluto, capable of wiping an island off the map in a single blast.
Having such power in his hands was exhilarating.
Even if it took a long time to construct, or even longer to activate, it didn't matter.
Because at the very least, he had it—and not the World Government.
With Poseidon, the Sea King, already under his future control (once she awakened and matured), Mio now possessed two of the three ancient weapons.
Only Uranus remained, still in the hands of the World Government.
Once the Golden Ark was complete, he would travel to the moon.
Whether to claim Uranus… or destroy it.
…
Time passed slowly.
About five hours later, the sound of steady footsteps echoed.
Mio opened his eyes and saw a familiar figure clad in a black robe—Hei Yan had returned.
"My lord, I have completed your task. Furthermore, the World Government and the Navy remain unaware of my involvement," Hei Yan reported respectfully. He reached into his robe, retrieved a large scroll, and handed it over.
Mio took the blueprint with an eager grin. "Well done."
The scroll was incredibly complex.
Though Mio couldn't make sense of the technical details, he could immediately tell the intricacy of the design. It was undoubtedly genuine.
After examining it for a moment, Mio picked up a Den Den Mushi and dialed.
Soon, it connected.
"Mr. Black Crow," Judge's voice came through.
"How are things going, Judge?" Mio asked calmly.
"It's all been taken care of. But since the place originally belonged to Vegapunk, do you think the Navy or the World Government might check it out? If we're discovered… I fear—"
"Relax," Mio interrupted. "As long as no one catches you heading to that island, they won't even realize what you're doing."
He then added, his tone steady, "If you can find someone to take over your current position, I can help you fulfill your dream."
"What?"
Judge's voice rose in astonishment, clearly caught off guard by Mio's words.
But after a short pause, he composed himself and responded. "Mr. Black Crow, I do have someone suitable to take over… But can you really help me?"
"I always keep my promises," Mio said, gazing again at the blueprint in his hands. "Of course, once I help you, there'll be something I'll need from you too."
"Please name it."
"No rush. You'll know when the time comes. For now, prepare to return to the North Blue. I'll contact you soon. Also, make sure whoever takes over your current project doesn't disappoint me."
"Understood. I won't let you down."
"Good."
Mio ended the call and looked once more at the blueprint of Pluto.
Still, he decided not to initiate the construction of Pluto just yet.
It needed to wait.
The seas were far from calm, and starting now would risk exposure. It was wiser to wait for a more stable time—when the Navy and World Government lowered their guard.
More importantly, the base for Pluto's construction couldn't be placed just anywhere. It needed to be somewhere remote—ideally on a Sky Island—where no one could find it.
He would take his time. This was a matter that couldn't be rushed.
Putting the blueprint away, Mio looked at Hei Yan and said with a small smile, "Thank you for your hard work. Get some well-deserved rest."
"Yes, my lord."
Hei Yan bowed respectfully and left.
Then, Mio stood up and exited the castle, walking slowly until he reached Hei'er's nest.
Tens of thousands of crows turned to observe their master.
Mio handed the blueprint to Hei'er and said, "Keep this safe. Don't lose it or let anything happen to it. Understand?"
Hei'er nodded and placed the blueprint securely within the nest.
Indeed, there was no safer place for it to be stored.