Chapter 397 – Gion Blushes, Ryuunosuke Meets Akainu!
Originally, Garp wanted to ask more, but when he saw the Den Den Mushi lower its head, he set it down with a sigh.
"It was Ryuunosuke's call. He's already at Marine Headquarters."
"I don't know when he arrived, but from what he said…"
Garp turned toward Sengoku and Tsuru, his expression carrying a helpless smile.
At the sight of Garp's smug, chin-raised look, both of them felt the urge to smack him.
Everyone already knew about his relationship with Ryuunosuke—did he really need to be that obvious?
"Well, with Ryuunosuke's Dragon Hunter Pirates here, and Sakazuki on base, there shouldn't be any problems."
"The real question is… what do we do with these ones now?"
Tsuru pointed to the prisoners kneeling under the sun.
Among them were not only traitors from the Navy but also agents of the World Government. The situation at Headquarters was no longer theirs to worry about. But leaving these captives here or simply executing them didn't feel right either.
"Hold onto them for now," Sengoku decided, rubbing his temples. "They might prove useful later."
---
Back to Ryuunosuke.
After hanging up, he handed the Den Den Mushi back to Gion.
"Thanks. And… please don't mention what happened at Headquarters to anyone else," he said with a smile.
Gion froze.
What did that even mean!?
She was a Marine! A pirate had just strolled straight into Marine Headquarters, spoken directly to her, a Vice Admiral, and now asked her not to report it.
How could she possibly agree to something like that!?
"Chrooll, stay here with Vice Admiral Gion as her personal guard," Ryuunosuke instructed calmly. "If she needs anything, assist her. And don't bully anyone."
After finishing, he wiped his face with his hand, altered his appearance, and walked out of her courtyard without another word.
"Yes, Captain," Chrollo replied before turning toward Gion. "This is Marine territory, after all. What would you need from me?"
He tilted his head with a faint smirk. "So, woman, how can I help you?"
At that word—woman—Gion's entire body stiffened. Her heart skipped a beat.
"I… I don't have anything," she managed.
"Then I'll find a spot to rest. If you need something, come to me—I'll handle it."
In the next instant, Chrollo vanished. Yet his presence lingered, a quiet aura surrounding her.
"He… he's really protecting me?"
A strange, unexplainable warmth stirred in her chest. Her cheeks flushed red.
Chrollo had just called her woman.
For years, aside from Tokikake's constant pursuit—which she'd always despised—no one had approached her like that. Most Marines either respected her strength or kept their distance because of her rank. None had looked at her the way Chrollo just did.
And now, against all logic, her heart was racing for a pirate.
Could it be…?
Before she could finish the thought, Chrollo suddenly reappeared in front of her.
"Are you sick?" he asked casually.
Before Gion could react, he leaned down, pressed his forehead to hers, and checked her temperature. His breath brushed against her face.
Her cheeks flared crimson.
"It seems like you're overheated. You should rest," he said gently. "The captain asked me to protect you, after all."
His voice was smooth, his presence strong, his features sharp—dangerous, but undeniably striking.
Gion felt her defenses crumble. For once, she didn't know how to respond.
"I-I'm fine. I'll… go rest," she stammered, fleeing back into her room.
Chrollo watched her retreat.
"…Women are troublesome. I'd better get her some medicine."
He raised a hand, summoned a Marine with a flick of his fingers, and ordered him to fetch medicine before vanishing once more.
---
Meanwhile, Ryuunosuke had already reached the core office wing of Marine Headquarters.
"You there—halt!" A guard stepped forward. "This area is restricted! Only officers summoned by the Fleet Admiral may proceed."
Beyond this point lay Sakazuki's office. Only top-ranking officers or those invited had the right to enter.
"I'm here to see Sakazuki. Show me the way," Ryuunosuke said calmly.
His Rinnegan flared open, casting a wave of illusion that instantly seized control of the guard's mind. Against such overwhelming power, the Captain Marine had no resistance at all.
Guided by the entranced guard, Ryuunosuke was soon standing before Sakazuki's office.
"Fleet Admiral, he's here to see you," the guard announced as he pushed open the door.
Sakazuki's eyes narrowed. "Who dares—"
But his words froze as he felt the aura washing over him. That overwhelming presence was unmistakable.
"…Ryuunosuke?"
"After all, I'm a guest from afar," Ryuunosuke said with a faint smile. "Won't you let me sit?"
For a moment, Sakazuki simply stared. Then his mind flashed back to Marijoa—the clash that shook the Holy Land.
"…Please," Sakazuki said at last, gesturing him inside.
There was no point pretending. The World Government already viewed him and his faction as little more than pirates. The moment plans to strike at the Five Elders had taken root, justice had blurred.
"Marshal, you know why I'm here," Ryuunosuke said once seated. "What's your plan? Do you want the Dragon Hunter Pirates' assistance? If so, I can summon my crew immediately. If not, I'll leave now."
His words were direct, without games or half-truths.
Sakazuki fell silent. Agreeing meant the Navy had fully crossed into the same realm as pirates. Refusing meant that when the time came—and powerful allies were needed—there would be no one left to call.
After all, few in this world dared oppose the World Government directly. And of those few, none were within reach.
Finally, Sakazuki's voice broke the silence.
"…What's the cost?"
He had made his choice.
Because in this world, nothing came for free.
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