Chapter 33: Ginny vs. Gion

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Gion's words cut through the tension like a blade. Momonga, unable to contain his anger, reached for his sword, ready to challenge her.

But before he could act, Ginny stepped forward, placing herself between them. She locked eyes with Gion, her voice steady and defiant.

**"You're getting ahead of yourself. Carl's strength is not something you can question!"**

Gion chuckled, her disdain evident. She had always been the favored one, the golden child. Ginny's unwavering support for Carl irritated her.

**"Say what you want, but you're just a girl blinded by emotions. Wake up, little sister. Carl might not be as great as you think."**

Jessica, standing nearby, clenched her fists in anger. She was never one to back down from a fight. Just as she was about to step forward, Ginny's grip tightened around her wrist, holding her back with surprising strength.

With calm determination, Ginny pulled out the golden pistol Carl had given her. Her voice was cold and firm.

**"Aren't you here for a challenge? Then fight me."**

Gion crossed her arms, smirking as she eyed Ginny. **"You? Are you stronger than the last guy?"**

Ginny's eyes sharpened. **"Why don't you find out?"**

Gion, recalling Ginny's impressive speed earlier, nodded. She unsheathed her sword and pointed it at Ginny.

**"Alright, show me your strength."**

Ginny wasted no time. She unleashed a **Rankyaku**, sending a sharp air blade toward Gion.

Gion sidestepped effortlessly, observing the cracks it left in the ground. She nodded slightly, thinking to herself, *The power is good, but the speed is lacking.*

When she looked up, Ginny had vanished from sight. But Gion remained unfazed. She had long since awakened **Observation Haki** and quickly pinpointed Ginny's location.

*Bang! Bang!*

Two gunshots rang out as bullets sped toward her from behind. Without even turning, Gion swung her sword back, effortlessly slicing them in midair.

She turned gracefully to face Ginny, who had reappeared nearby.

**"Little sister, your Soru is quite good. I'll admit, you're better than the last one."**

Ginny ignored the compliment. She wasn't interested in praise—her only focus was Carl.

She bit her lip, kneeling on one leg as her gun still smoked. This woman was far stronger than she had anticipated.

The **Rankyaku** had only been a distraction—Ginny's true strength lay in marksmanship. After all, bullets traveled faster than any kick. She had used **Soru** to position herself for a perfect shot, yet Gion had seen through her strategy with ease, wasting two of her precious bullets.

Ginny knew she had limited ammunition. Once it ran out, she'd be forced into close combat—an obvious disadvantage against a skilled swordswoman like Gion.

Gion tilted her chin, smiling confidently.

**"This open space puts you at a disadvantage. I won't give you another opportunity like before. You might as well surrender. It would be a shame if you got hurt."**

Ginny snorted and stood up, her voice like ice.

**"Don't worry about me. Let's see who wins!"**

Gion stretched lazily, her movements deliberately slow, accentuating her curves. Her voice was teasing.

**"Alright, alright. Let's continue."**

The moment the words left her lips, Ginny vanished, using **Soru** to close the distance between them in an instant.

Gion raised an eyebrow, amused. A gunner choosing to engage in **close combat**?

She chuckled. **"What's this? You plan to fight me up close? Not a wise choice."**

With a swift motion, she flipped her sword and swung a powerful strike at Ginny's abdomen—a blow strong enough to end the fight.

But what happened next shocked everyone.

Ginny **caught the blade** with her bare hand.

Blood dripped from her white fingers, staining the sword as she gripped it tightly.

Gion's eyes widened.

**"You're insane! Aren't you afraid of losing your fingers?"**

Had Ginny miscalculated, the sharp edge of **Konpira** could have easily severed a few fingers.

For the first time, Gion was taken aback. She hadn't expected such a delicate-looking girl to be this **ruthless**.

Despite the pain, Ginny didn't flinch. Instead, she smiled.

**"This injury is nothing compared to what I've been through before."**

Before Gion could react, Ginny **drove her fist into Gion's stomach**, sending her flying backward.

Gion crashed heavily onto the ground, coughing.

Ginny shook the blood from her hand and muttered coldly, **"You'll pay for insulting Carl!"**

Gion coughed a few times before forcing herself up, using her sword for support.

The spectators noticed something—the black coating on Gion's abdomen receded slightly.

**"Damn!"** someone muttered. **"She used Armament Haki to neutralize Ginny's attack!"**

Maris clenched his fists, feeling humiliated. He, a grown man, hadn't even forced Gion to use **Haki**, yet Ginny had. Another blow to his pride.

Gion dusted herself off, her expression turning serious.

Her **Armament Haki** wasn't particularly strong, and Ginny's punch had **hurt**. She could still feel the dull ache in her stomach.

Annoyed now, Gion gripped her sword more tightly, preparing to **end the fight**.

Ginny, knowing she wouldn't be able to **dodge** Gion's next attack, stood her ground.

She raised her pistol with unwavering determination.