Chapter 438: Gion Expresses Her Feelings!
Chrollo was never the type of man skilled at comforting others. Still, his words carried weight—enough to make Heracles' grief cut deeper as he remembered Duke sacrifice.
"By the way, I have something else to tell you," Heracles said quietly. "I'm heading back to our base soon, but you should pass this on to the captain. When Duke roots spread through Mary Geoise, I overheard something."
He relayed the conversation between Miss Bakkin and Carmel.
"Mother Stone…?" Chrollo repeated, a glint of cunning flashing in his eyes. He hadn't joined this mission just for combat—he wanted to confirm whether the World Government was hiding powerful resources. Not gold or treasure, but secret weapons.
Now, not only had they found Infinity Stones, but also mention of a Mother Stone—something that could generate endless black stones. If true, the implications were enormous.
"Captain Chrollo, prepare something to eat."
A familiar voice stirred him from his thoughts.
"Vice Admiral Gion?" Chrollo blinked at the woman standing behind him. For a brief second, embarrassment crossed his face. He had once taken her hostage—and now, here he was, relying on her ship to escape.
Gion arched a brow. "What? Not happy to see me? You've got that look on your face."
"…Thank you," Chrollo replied smoothly. "I'm not unhappy. Everyone, get something to eat." He quickly shifted the topic, ushering the troupe toward food.
As his back turned, Gion's lips parted, words hovering in her throat. She wanted to say something—but hesitated. A woman like her still carried pride, still wrestled with restraint.
That was when Machi approached. She eyed Gion coolly. "You like the leader, don't you?"
The question struck like lightning.
"Yes!" Gion blurted—then froze, realizing what she'd said. "N-No… I mean—" Her voice tangled as nerves scattered her carefully prepared excuses.
Machi didn't flinch. "The leader is admirable. Liking him is natural. But let me be clear—he's mine. If you try to take him, I'll kill you."
Her declaration was blunt, sharp as her threads. The troupe had always known Machi's feelings for Chrollo; though unspoken, they had been there since Meteor City.
"I won't give up," Gion suddenly shot back. Her voice rang across the deck, startling even herself. "So what if you two are close? I like him, and I'll keep saying it!"
Heads turned. Sailors gawked as if struck by cannon fire. Gion was renowned—beautiful, strong, and highly placed within the Navy. Many admired her from afar, though none dared confess. And now here she was, openly declaring affection… for a pirate.
The Phantom Troupe, on the other hand, remained calm. They were used to women being drawn to their enigmatic leader. But this was different. Gion wasn't a starry-eyed girl—she was a vice admiral.
Chrollo turned, studying her. "You just said you like me and won't give up? Then listen. If you want to be with me, the first step is joining the Dragon Hunter Pirates. Can you do that? If not, drop it." His voice was firm, but not cruel. It was his way of soft refusal.
"I'll do it!" Gion exclaimed, gripping at the chance like a lifeline. "I'll tell my sister I'm joining the Dragon Hunter Pirates. If I do, will you accept me?"
Chrollo stared, dumbfounded. He had expected her to laugh it off, to dismiss his condition as impossible. But instead, she spoke as though it were nothing more than a formality. Doesn't the Navy hold their beliefs sacred anymore?
"Join the Dragon Hunters?" Machi cut in, her tone sharp. "Vice Admiral Gion, don't misunderstand. It's not about what you want. Our captain decides who joins. Don't get your hopes up." She turned away to eat, though her tightened shoulders betrayed her mood. Jealousy? Or something else entirely—Machi herself wasn't sure.
Just then, Gion made her boldest move yet. She pulled out a Den Den Mushi.
"I'll call Captain Ryuunosuke."
The air shifted. Even Heracles, sunk in grief moments before, turned to watch. Gossip was irresistible, even in the midst of war.
Brru-brru… click.
"Garp? How come you're calling me?" came the calm voice of Ryuunosuke. Everyone stiffened at once.
"Captain Ryuunosuke, it's me—Gion," she said firmly. "I want to join the Dragon Hunter Pirates. Is that possible?"
Silence hung on the line. Then, a cough.
"…What?" Ryuunosuke finally said. Vice Admiral Momosagi—an admiral candidate of the Navy—asking to join his crew? Was this some kind of midday dream?
"Ahem. Tell me why," his voice grew steady. "And more importantly… will your sister even allow this?"
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