Chapter 23

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Devil Fruits may seem extremely precious to others, but for people like Whitebeard and Larson, they really don't take Devil Fruits seriously. With their level of strength, acquiring a Devil Fruit is easy; in their eyes, a Devil Fruit is more than just an item.

After eating the Devil Fruit, Gangplank did not immediately become familiar with its powers since he had other responsibilities, namely sailing the ship.

Larson had already given the order to send Gion away, and even Marco couldn't say anything else.

On the boat, Larson wanted to continue drinking with Whitebeard, but Gion kept standing beside him. Although she didn't speak or make any movements, Larson still felt uncomfortable, mainly because he couldn't stand Gion's eyes.

Gion's aggrieved look made him feel uneasy. He couldn't help but blame himself for why he had taken her away in the first place. Now he was looking forward to reaching the shore early so she could leave quickly.

Gion watched Larson's departing figure and silently walked aside with her head lowered.

Whitebeard glanced at Marco and said, "Go over and comfort her."

Marco shrank his neck and replied, "Forget it, Pops. Didn't you see the look in Larson's eyes just now? He looked ready to kill me."

Whitebeard sighed, "With me here, what do you have to worry about?"

Whitebeard was so interested in Gion because of the childlike nature that stirred within him. He didn't care whether Gion was Larson's biological daughter or not; he simply felt that if Larson had a daughter, then this ship should feel more like home for him.

"Alright, I'll do it."

Marco glanced at Larson's room before walking toward Gion.

"Hey, sister."

Gion raised her head when she heard Marco's voice, and a slight smile appeared on her face. "What's wrong?"

Marco racked his brain for something to say, scratching his head. "What position do you hold in the Navy?"

He intentionally brought up the topic in hopes of sparking Gion's interest in talking.

"Yeah… I'm a Marine…" Gion said, her voice trailing off.

Suddenly, she thought that it might be because of her status as a Navy officer that all fathers would be unwilling to accept her.

Her father was now a pirate, and he must hate the Navy very much, which meant he would likely resent her for also being a part of it.

She pursed her lips, wondering what she should do if that were indeed the case…

Marco was confused when he saw that Gion seemed even more depressed after hearing his words.

Why was this counterproductive?

...

Larson overestimated Plank's sailing skills, or perhaps he simply forgot how worrisome his navigation abilities were.

It was obvious that they were only about half a day away from the nearest island, yet Plank insisted on wandering aimlessly on the sea for three days.

This forced Larson to endure Gion's presence for three extra days, and he suspected that Plank might have done it on purpose, wanting Gion to stay on the ship longer.

Fortunately, after three days of sailing, they finally spotted the outline of the island.

"We're finally going ashore," Larson said as he looked at the island in the distance, glancing inadvertently at Plank.

Gangplank was so embarrassed that he almost wanted to jump into the sea.

After glancing at Gion again, he said nothing and simply turned around, heading back to his room.

However, judging by his posture, he appeared to be far more relaxed now.

Gion gazed at the distant island, knowing that the moment of separation was imminent.

She thought to herself that the pirate sailing the boat must have done it on purpose to help her and her father recognize each other. However, she felt a sense of dissatisfaction; even after three days, she had not gained her father's acceptance.

How was Gion to know that Gangplank hadn't acted intentionally? He just had poor skills and couldn't find the correct course.

"Gion-sama, here it is."

Marco brought over Kim Piro, Gion's sword.

Larson had initially wanted to keep it for himself, but after the recent events, he just wanted Gion, the "evil star," to leave as soon as possible. He didn't even want to keep his beloved sharp sword.

As she looked at her sword, Gion suddenly recalled the affection Larson had shown when he had faced Konpira.

"Leave this to my father," she said, refusing to take it and instead wanting to give it back to Larson.

Marco said, "I can't decide on this; you'd better tell him yourself."

Gion glanced at the closed door, knowing that Larson was inside.

"If he doesn't want to see me, then I'll just place the sword in front of his door."

The boat slowly approached the island, which also symbolized that Gion was about to part ways with everyone.

At that moment, she approached Whitebeard, who was drinking, and bowed respectfully. "Uncle Whitebeard, I'm leaving."

She could see Whitebeard's kindness toward her. Although she was a Marine and the ship was full of pirates, everyone held no hostility toward her because of their differing positions. Instead, they had helped her during the past three days, leaving her grateful for everyone aboard.

In those three days, she had witnessed a completely different side of Whitebeard than what the outside world portrayed. He was gentle and treated her like family. No one would believe that a strong man capable of destruction could possess such gentleness.

Of course, she also understood that Whitebeard's kindness was directed mainly toward those on the ship, and she likely clung to her father's light.

Whitebeard smiled and said, "Gion, I'm sure we are destined to meet again in the future."

Gion then bid farewell to Gangplank, which left him a bit perplexed; he hadn't done anything!

Just when the boat was only 300 meters away from the island, Marco suddenly exclaimed, "This isn't good!"

However, all was calm on the ship, and no one panicked due to Marco's alarm; they were likely used to his outbursts.

"What happened?" Whitebeard asked casually while drinking.

"A Navy ship is coming!" Marco replied, looking into the distance with a telescope. "There are Navy ships heading toward us."

Plank commented casually, "What did I think it was? It turns out to be the Navy."

Just look at the transformation—

Plank, who once would be terrified at the mention of the Navy, now seemed unfazed by it.

Mainly because following these two formidable leaders gave him an incredible sense of security.

Navy?

"Can you pass me the telescope?" Gion asked as she approached Marco.

"Sure," Marco replied without hesitation.

Taking the telescope, Gion peered into the distance. Sure enough, she spotted a Navy warship approaching.

Wait, not just one ship…

There were three Navy warships!

The next moment, as she clearly saw the figures standing on the three Navy ships, she was stunned.

She quickly turned around and shouted, "Turn back quickly! Don't go any further!"

At that moment, everyone was dumbfounded; even Whitebeard turned his attention to her.

With a click, the door opened, and Larson walked out of the room.

He asked calmly, "Who is coming?"

Gion looked at Larson wide-eyed. "It's admiral Zephyr, Vice Admiral Sengoku, and Vice Admiral Garp."

There was one more thing she held back — she had also glimpsed her sister, He, but compared to the top three, He's best quality was her strategy.

It has finally arrived!

Larson felt an uncontrollable excitement surge within him.

He walked steadily toward the bow of the ship. As he passed Whitebeard, Whitebeard stood and walked alongside him.

The two reached the bow of the ship and exchanged glances, excitement reflected in each other's eyes.

"Larson."

"Yeah?"

"Get ready for a big fight."

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