Chapter 439: Rejection, the Whereabouts of the Eternal Heart!
It didn't take long for Ryuunosuke to understand the situation. Chrollo's mysterious charm had caught Gion in its snare, even though she had once been coerced by him. Bold as she was, her confession took courage.
But courage alone wasn't enough. Ryuunosuke wasn't about to let someone join the Dragon Hunter Pirates just because of emotions. That choice belonged to Chrollo—and he also had to consider Machi's feelings.
"For matters like this, ask Chrollo," Ryuunosuke said evenly. "If he agrees to you joining, I won't object. You'd be part of the Phantom Troupe's Second Division under him."
He tossed the decision back where it belonged. Normally, he would shoulder responsibility for Chrollo, but not this time. Romantic debts were another man's problem.
"Chrollo, tell me directly," Gion said, her voice trembling but fierce. "If you have no feelings for me, I won't pursue this anymore!"
She had pushed all her courage to the limit. There was no turning back.
Chrollo sighed. "I'm sorry. We're not a good match. You say you like me—but do you even know what it is you like?"
His tone wasn't harsh, but his words cut clean.
He knew Gion wasn't truly in love with him. It was the mystery, the danger, the aura he carried. Raised as a prodigy of the Navy, she had always been cherished, surrounded by resources, flattery, and respect. She was brilliant, talented, admired—and accustomed to being the center of attention.
But then, someone appeared who didn't coddle her, someone who treated her as just another pawn on the board. Someone who shattered her tidy worldview. That shock had twisted into fascination, and fascination into stubborn, misplaced affection.
It wasn't love. It was obsession.
"I…" Gion faltered. She searched her heart—was it his looks? His strength? His calmness? No answer felt right.
Chrollo pressed softly, "Think carefully. Doesn't it feel like you don't like me as much as you thought? Be the Navy officer you're meant to be. Our paths don't cross. Thank you for your help—and for the meal, Vice Admiral."
With that, he turned away, sitting with his crew. Meat and sake were passed around, laughter rising to drown the tension. Whatever Gion felt now, it was no longer his concern.
After the awkwardness faded, the troupe finished eating. Chrollo wiped his hands clean and pulled out his Dragon Hunting Order.
"Captain," he said, contacting Ryuunosuke.
"What is it, Chrollo? Trouble already?" Ryuunosuke's voice held a teasing edge, though he was still slightly irritated about being used as a shield earlier.
Chrollo wasted no time. "The attack we suffered was led by Carmel—a scientist tied to the World Government. With him was Miss Bakkin. She's alive. And there's more…"
He relayed everything he had overheard, including mention of the so-called Mother Stone.
"Mother Stone…" Ryuunosuke muttered. Excitement flickered across his face. If it existed, and if it truly produced endless Infinite Black Stones, then it was a resource of unimaginable value.
"Captain, should we investigate?" Chrollo asked. "Their defenses are weak right now. We could move before they regroup."
Ryuunosuke shook his head. "Not yet. I don't urgently need it. Return to us—we're heading to Raftel. You wouldn't want to miss that, would you?"
Chrollo chuckled. "Fair enough. I need rest anyway. Haven't slept in days." He ended the call, leaning back with a rare look of weariness.
On the other end, Ryuunosuke's gaze sharpened. The Mother Stone would wait. Raftel came first.
"Najenda," Ryuunosuke called, "bring Enel to me."
Moments later, the lightning man arrived, his expression mildly annoyed. He had spent days powering the Eternal Ship under Gaino's orders, channeling his electricity into every system.
"Captain, what now?" Enel asked, arms crossed. "I heard we're bound for Raftel. Don't tell me you're leaving me behind."
Ryuunosuke's tone was calm but firm. "I have an important task for you."
Enel grimaced. Of course. He had already guessed.
"What is it this time?"
"Find the Infinity Blue Stone," Ryuunosuke said. "Go back to where you obtained it. Locate the Eternal Heart tied to it. I'll need it."
Enel's face tightened. He had suspected this would come. According to his own theory, the Blue Stone originated from the Infinite Continent itself. But his ark had been consumed by the Eternal Ship. Even if he wanted to return, he no longer had the means.
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