Chapter 38: Admission to Gion

At **Marine School**,

Carl finally pulled Gion away. As they reached the door, Gion suddenly glanced back at Carl, curious about what he had said to Ginny—who was now giggling.

On the way back, Tsuru noticed Gion walking with her head lowered in silence and asked,

"Gion, are you still thinking about the battle? Don't take it too seriously. Just keep training, and you'll definitely be able to—"

She abruptly stopped speaking, realizing something. What she was about to say was that Gion would eventually surpass Carl, but after witnessing his overwhelming strength, even she had to admit—that seemed nearly impossible.

Carl's talent was undeniable.

Even compared to **Sengoku the Buddha** and **Garp**, two of the strongest Marines today, had they been this powerful at Carl's age? If they had faced him back then, would their results have been any different from Gion's?

Tsuru hesitated. The words felt hollow even to herself.

Gion, perceptive as always, caught on immediately. Instead of frustration, she laughed.

"Sister Tsuru, why did you stop? You don't even believe what you were about to say, right?"

Caught off guard, Tsuru sighed and relented.

"Well… Carl's talent really is astounding. To be honest, it's only a matter of time before he becomes an Admiral."

Gion shook her head slightly and mused,

"An Admiral? Is that your evaluation of him, Sister Tsuru? That sounds a little conservative."

Tsuru raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Are you suggesting he could be **Fleet Admiral**?" She shook her head. "That position isn't determined by strength alone. Based on Carl's personality, I don't think he's suited for it."

Zephyr had mentioned Carl's ruthlessness toward enemies. While Tsuru believed in a more measured sense of justice, Carl had a much more absolute approach—eliminating threats rather than capturing them.

However, thinking too far ahead was meaningless. No matter how talented Carl was, he was still just a student. Strictly speaking, he didn't even have a formal rank.

Gion, seemingly uninterested in arguing, suddenly stopped and said seriously,

"Sister Tsuru, is Marine School still accepting students? I want to enroll."

Tsuru blinked in surprise. "It's possible, but the first school year is nearly over. If you enroll now, you'd have to join the second-year class."

Gion frowned but quickly recovered. She linked her arm with Tsuru's and began acting coquettishly.

"Sister Tsuru, with your relationship with **Zephyr**, getting me in as a transfer student should be easy, right? Pretty please?"

Tsuru sighed. "Didn't you find Marine Headquarters too boring before? You said Garp and I weren't as good as Zephyr at teaching. Why the sudden change of heart?"

Gion smiled slyly. "Oh, I just want to have more contact with Carl. Training alongside such a genius will push me to improve faster!"

Tsuru narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Are you sure that's the only reason?" She lowered her voice. "You're not planning anything else, are you? Have you forgotten about Ginny? Let me tell you—if you **do** have other motives, I **will not** allow it.

You'd better rethink your chances, too. Ginny may not be the most conventionally attractive girl, but she excels in every other way."

Gion's expression twisted in exasperation.

"Sister Tsuru, what are you even saying? I just lost a fight to Carl! How could I possibly have any… **other** thoughts about him? I really just want to improve! And can you stop trying to set me up with someone all the time? It's **so** annoying!"

Tsuru studied Gion for a long moment. The younger woman met her gaze confidently.

Eventually, Tsuru sighed in defeat and waved a hand.

"Fine. I'll talk to Zephyr. But you'd better not cause trouble once you're in."

As soon as Tsuru relented, Gion **cheered**. She hugged her and planted a dramatic kiss on Tsuru's cheek, leaving behind a bright red lipstick mark.

"Sister Tsuru, you're the best! Don't worry—I'll train hard and never embarrass you!"

Tsuru wiped the lipstick off, rolling her eyes.

"You… Can't you be more reserved? Look at Ginny—she's about your age, yet she's so cute and composed. And **you**?"

Gion scoffed. "Please. That's just **cutesy charm**. Men prefer mature women!"

Tsuru snorted. "You? A **mature woman**? Don't make me laugh."

Ignoring her sister's sarcasm, Tsuru walked away.

Gion watched her retreating figure, a sly smirk on her lips.

Pulling a pink hairband from her pocket, she tied her hair back into a ponytail and murmured,

"Sister Tsuru, just watch… Women don't **have** to rely on strength to defeat men."

---

### A Few Days Later

Carl woke up late that morning and left the dormitory **with Borsalino**, who was also in no rush.

By the time they reached the training ground, the students had already gathered. Carl quietly took his usual spot, waiting for Zephyr's arrival.

Borsalino, standing beside him, tilted his head lazily.

"Carl, the old man still isn't here. Do you think he's finally getting too old for this?"

Carl shook his head. "No. The older you get, the **less** sleep you need. If he's late, it's because something delayed him."

"Tch. What could possibly delay him? He should just retire already. I heard retired Admirals get a **very** nice pension."

Akainu, standing with military precision, shot Borsalino a sideways glance—his expression full of disdain.

Just then, the **bell rang**, signaling Zephyr's arrival.

Everyone turned to see their instructor walking onto the field.

But what truly **shocked** them was the figure walking beside him—a beautiful, **slim young woman**.

It was **Gion**.

Zephyr stopped at the front of the formation, cleared his throat, and announced,

"Students, today we welcome a new member. You may already be familiar with her. Gion, introduce yourself."