"Ara? So that's why you were reading this battle report so seriously, huh, kid?"
Watching Nao pore over the document with a serious face, Gion pursed her lips and chuckled lightly. "What, planning to avenge me?"
"Of course."
Nao answered with a matter-of-fact expression. "Just thinking about how my beloved Rear Admiral Gion got ambushed and badly injured—unconscious, no less—tears my heart apart. I wish I could throw those three bastards straight into Impel Down."
"How merciful of you."
"And then, once my buddy becomes the warden, I won't do a damn thing all day but hang around and whip them. For every second you were unconscious, I'll give them one lash."
"…You really never say anything proper, do you?"
Gion gave his cheek an exasperated pinch. "Do you even know who those three are? You're not even a full-fledged Marine yet. Where do you get off talking so big?"
"C'mon, Rear Admiral, don't you know by now how big I talk?"
Nao just shrugged.
Of course, he knew exactly who those three were.
Dugalileo, early thirties, a Zoan-type user of the Bull-Bull Fruit: Rhino model, with a bounty of 350 million Berries. He joined Kaido's crew less than a year ago and already rose to be one of the three All-Stars—currently known as the "Drought" of the Beasts Pirates.
As for Jack...
"That guy's got a bounty of a billion Berries, and 800 million of that is because of his Eleph-Eleph Fruit, Ancient Zoan Model: Mammoth. But right now? He's just a seven-year-old brat probably off somewhere playing in the mud."
Then there were Amande and Smoothie, the third and fourteenth daughters of Big Mom, respectively.
Amande, a renowned swordswoman known for her cruelty and violent streak. Countless civilians who failed to pay Big Mom's tribute died at her hands.
Smoothie, though only fifteen now, would one day become one of the Sweet Commanders. Her strength and status among the Charlotte children were second only to Katakuri.
All three were infamous pirates who made names for themselves in the New World. So yes, Gion had a point—Nao, an unranked rookie Marine, talking like this did sound a bit naive and cocky.
But—
"Every man's gotta have a dream, right? No matter how far-fetched it sounds, it's still worth admiration. Like…"
Nao put on a solemn face, just about to launch into an example when—
Boom!
A cannon blast thundered from somewhere outside.
The two of them turned simultaneously, eyes drawn toward the harbor visible through the window. In the distance, they could make out a crowd gathering—something was clearly up.
What now?
"Rear Admiral."
A moment later, Marsha poked her head in, holding a mini Den Den Mushi. "The harbor just sent out a general broadcast. Everyone's to remain calm—the cannon blast has been dealt with."
"Was it a drill?" Nao asked.
"No. Someone used a Devil Fruit ability to bypass the forward scout ships and launched an attack on Marineford Harbor."
Marsha glanced at him, then turned her face away, cheeks flushed. "The report said it was a rookie pirate with a 60 million Berry bounty. Showed up with a single ship and about a hundred crew. The guy stood on the prow shouting that he'd reduce Marine HQ to rubble and spread his name across the world."
"And then?" Gion arched an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"Mr.Kuzan happened to be sunbathing in the plaza. The moment the first cannonball hit, he froze it mid-air. Now, all the pirates on that ship have been frozen into ice sculptures, neatly lined up at the harbor for everyone to see."
After finishing her report, Marsha glanced at the two of them beside the bed, then respectfully backed out, keeping her curiosity in check.
"…How tragic."
After she left, Gion couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Yeah," Nao agreed with genuine sympathy. "There's always that one brain-dead idiot among pirates…"
"Oh?"
Before he could finish, Gion interrupted with a teasing smile. "Didn't you just say those kinds of bold moves should be admired?"
Damn it. Who would've thought someone would jump out and prove him wrong right after he said that?
"That's different."
Double-standard Nao reacted instantly, his face solemn. "My ambitions are well thought-out, realistic, and serve a greater purpose—"
"And that would be… beating three pirates? Besides avenging me, what 'greater purpose' is that?"
"Come on, I'm risking my life for you—wouldn't you fall for me just a little because of that?" Nao blinked. "Maybe you'll be so moved you'll confess to me first."
It was a vow he'd made back in the West Blue.
—Even the proud little bunny should be the one to confess to the invincible Lord Natsuya Nao!
And then—
The invincible Lord Nao got his ear twisted with a loud yelp of pain.
"I! Told! You! Already!"
Gion yanked him up by the collar, pulling him close while fiercely twisting his ear. Her words came out one at a time, with gritted teeth:
"Someone worthy of making me confess doesn't exist in this world!"
Of course he remembered. It was barely over a month ago. Didn't she kick him into the sea right after saying that?
"Also—"
She suddenly softened her tone, giving him a smile as she gazed straight into his eyes. "Kid, after all this time, do you still think I need to wait until you avenge me to start liking you?"
Their faces were inches apart, close enough to feel each other's warm breath.
Her breath, like her scent, carried a faint whiff of gardenias—elegant, serene, and intoxicating.
But Nao could hardly pay attention to any of that. He just stared, dumbfounded, at her beautiful face and those soft, inviting lips.
All he could think about was the meaning behind her words.
"W-What… what do you mean?"
His voice came out halting and nervous.
"You really don't get it?"
Gion let go of his collar, clapping her hands lightly and smiling playfully.
"Then forget it. Come back when you figure it out. This time, just pretend I didn't—huh? Mmph?!"
Before she could finish, her eyes went wide in shock.
She stared at the handsome face so close to hers, utterly stunned.
—This brat...