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 soone 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 ti. Romantic debts were another man's problem.
"Chrollo, tell directly," Gion said, her voice trembling but fierce. "If you have no feelings for , 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 —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 accustod to being the center of attention.
But then, soone appeared who didn't coddle her, soone who treated her as just another pawn on the board. Soone 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 as much as you thought? Be the Navy officer you're ant to be. Our paths don't cross. Thank you for your help—and for the al, Vice Admiral."
With that, he turned away, sitting with his crew. at 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 ti. "The attack we suffered was led by Carl—a scientist tied to the World Governnt. With him was Miss Bakkin. She's alive. And there's more…"
He relayed everything he had overheard, including ntion of the so-called Mother Stone.
"Mother Stone…" Ryuunosuke muttered. Excitent 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 ca first.
"Najenda," Ryuunosuke called, "bring Enel to ."
Monts 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 you're leaving 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 ti?"
"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 co. According to his own theory, the Blue Stone originated from the Infinite Continent itself. But his ark had been consud by the Eternal Ship. Even if he wanted to return, he no longer had the ans.
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