Long Ring Long Island, Coast
A ship with the word "Tsuru" written on its sail quickly docked at the coast.
On the deck of the Explorer, Ikki and his crew stood together, clearly separated from Marine Admiral Aokiji, who remained in a corner of the deck.
"Here they come," Aokiji said with a serious expression, his face slightly complicated as he glanced at Ikki.
Noticing Aokiji's gaze, Nico Robin approached Ikki and whispered in his ear:
"Do you think Admiral Aokiji and Vice Admiral Tsuru will really keep their end of the bargain? What happens if you cure Gion, and then they go back on their word and reveal my identity?"
Ikki smirked and patted Robin on the shoulder.
"Even if they regret it later, they'll still owe me a favor," he assured her. "Besides, with Aokiji's character, he'll probably stick to our agreement. After all, he's hidden your information from the Marines for a long time too, hasn't he? And Gion's a pretty good person. I can't just let her suffer."
After saying this, Ikki smiled and stepped toward Vice Admiral Tsuru, who was jumping onto the Explorer's deck from the Marine warship with Gion in her arms.
Behind Tsuru, several female Marines who cared about Gion also boarded the Explorer.
"Ikki, you can help her, right?" Tsuru asked, almost running up to him with eyes full of hope.
"Let me take a look," Ikki replied with a frown. Even after hearing about Gion's situation from Aokiji, seeing it with his own eyes was still shocking.
"The Demon Slayer Mark is indeed activated, and her life force is severely weakened," he observed, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Gion's now-white hair and once-delicate face now marked with visible lines. He couldn't help but sigh.
Ikki placed his hand on the Demon Slayer Mark on Gion's face, wanting to see if his touch could create a reaction.
"Mmm!" With a soft groan, Gion, who had been in a comatose state, seemed to respond to his touch. Her face, previously contorted with pain, became slightly more relaxed.
"Gion!" Tsuru's eyes widened with excitement at this development.
But her Observation Haki soon detected that Gion's life force was still draining away at a concerning rate. Ikki's touch had only slightly eased the symptoms.
"Ikki, that must mean there's a solution," Tsuru said hopefully. Regardless of its effectiveness, Ikki had managed to slow the loss of Gion's life force, which gave Tsuru hope.
"Don't worry, Vice Admiral Tsuru. I like Gion, so I'll find a way," Ikki nodded reassuringly.
He activated his own Demon Slayer Mark, wanting to see if they could influence Gion's condition. Flaming marks spread from Ikki's forehead. To Tsuru's surprise, once the Demon Slayer Mark appeared on Ikki's face, the drain on Gion's life force actually stopped.
"Is it working?" Aokiji, who had been standing at a distance, approached them. Though he kept his distance, his Observation Haki had never left Gion.
When Nami and Nojiko saw Aokiji coming closer, they moved to shield Nico Robin behind them.
Tsuru glanced curiously at Aokiji, Nami, and the others, but her main concern was Gion, so she didn't ask any questions.
"This is only temporary. I can't maintain this state indefinitely," Ikki explained, glancing at Aokiji with mild annoyance. "Even though my Demon Slayer Mark is innate, my body can't handle keeping them activated all the time."
He wasn't joking—if he could constantly wear his Demon Slayer Mark, Ikki would have done so already. That way, even crew members like Vivi and Nico Robin, whose life force hadn't yet reached S level, could soon activate their own Demon Marks.
"Can't you... keep them activated?" Aokiji asked, scratching his hair. "Why not try keeping them on while you sleep, or eat to replenish your energy?"
"I've considered that," Ikki began, shaking his head. But before he could continue, he noticed Gion's eyebrows moving. Looking closer, he saw her slowly opening her eyes.
"Morning... no, I should say good afternoon, Gion. We meet again," Ikki said with a smile, his hand still on her forehead.
"Gion, you're awake?!" Tsuru exclaimed in surprise.
The Marines behind Tsuru heard her and Ikki speaking and gathered around. When they saw Gion regaining consciousness, their faces lit up with joy.
"What happened to me?" Gion blinked, looking at Tsuru and the others in confusion. Then her eyes fell on Ikki's face.
"Are you... Ikki?!"
"It's me," Ikki nodded slightly. "Vice Admiral Gion, I didn't expect you'd be in such a state when we met again. I warned you many times, but you still activated the Demon Slayer Mark. And you did it during a competition?"
After hearing Ikki's words, Gion finally recalled what had happened and why she was there.
"I'm sorry, Ikki," she said with an apologetic smile. "I couldn't control myself very well against Mihawk. But I think you must have a solution."
After waking up, she had noticed the condition of her body. The life force that had been constantly draining had stopped. After thinking about it for a moment, Gion realized this was Ikki's doing.
"Well... there is one way," Ikki said thoughtfully. He looked at Tsuru and moved his hands to Gion's back and legs, preparing to lift her. "Vice Admiral Tsuru, would you mind leaving Gion with me for a while?"
"Of course, I'll leave her to you," Tsuru agreed readily, having seen hope for Gion's recovery. She carefully transferred Gion into Ikki's arms.
"Admiral Tsuru, Admiral Aokiji, please come with me," Ikki instructed. "As for the other Marines, please stay here and wait."
Ikki nodded to the Marines behind Tsuru and turned toward the cabin.
Although the Marines were worried about Gion's condition, now that there was hope for her recovery, they could only follow Ikki's rules. They watched helplessly as Aokiji and Tsuru followed Ikki into the cabin.
Aboard the Explorer, Inside the Cabin
"Kuzan, you mean that woman is Nico Robin?" Tsuru frowned as she looked at Robin, who was partially hiding her face.
Gion, still being carried by Ikki, also frowned delicately.
"Yes, she is indeed Nico Robin," Ikki confirmed with a smile, glancing at Tsuru beside him. "I can promise to help Gion, but I need a few people to help me with Robin's situation."
Hearing this, Tsuru rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
"Ikki, do you want the Marines not to pursue the matter of Nico Robin being on your ship... or do you want Kuzan and I to keep her presence a secret entirely?"
"Vice Admiral Tsuru is a smart woman, and it's easy to talk with smart people," Ikki replied appreciatively. "Yes, that's exactly what I mean."
"I see... then can you tell me why someone like you would allow Nico Robin aboard your ship? Are you also interested in Ancient Weapons like Crocodile was?"
Tsuru's face grew serious as she asked this.
"You're mistaken, Vice Admiral. I'm only interested in Nico Robin herself."
"You're interested in her?"
"Yes, for various reasons, I've grown quite fond of her."
Ikki smiled and turned to look at Robin standing nearby. She responded with a smile of her own.
Hearing this, Tsuru's mouth twitched slightly as she glanced up at Aokiji, who nodded subtly. Seeing this exchange, Tsuru fell into deep thought.
Ikki didn't rush her for an answer. Instead, he led the group further into the ship, toward the bathhouse. Aokiji was left outside the captain's cabin by Ikki's instructions.
"Ikki, what are you planning here?" Tsuru asked, looking around with confusion.
But soon, she recalled something Gion had once mentioned to her.
"Is the water in this bathhouse effective for Gion's condition?" she asked.
"Whether it works or not, you'll know after we try," Ikki replied with a smile.
He gently placed Gion, still in her Marine uniform, into the water, simultaneously deactivating his own Demon Slayer Mark.
Tsuru focused her Observation Haki on Gion and was surprised to discover that even though Ikki had deactivated his Demon Slayer Mark, the energy draining from Gion's body hadn't resumed.
"This... actually works!" Tsuru exclaimed in astonishment.
"Gion, how are you feeling now?" Ikki asked, squatting at the edge of the bath, his eyes fixed on her face.
"I feel fine," Gion replied, taking a deep breath. "It's the first time in days I've felt so relaxed." She raised her head and gave both Ikki and Tsuru a genuine smile.
"Looks like the effect is quite good," Ikki observed. "The water in my bath can effectively suppress the drain on Gion's life force and prevent her condition from worsening. After that, if I maintain contact with Gion for a while, I should be able to transform her acquired Demon Slayer Mark into an innate one."
"Are you saying my Demon Slayer Mark still has a chance to become innate?" Gion asked hopefully.
"There's a chance," Ikki confirmed. "Of course, when it can be activated safely depends on your personal constitution."
Nami and Nojiko had activated their Demon Slayer Marks partly because of their life force levels, and partly because both women were Ikki's partners. The partner seals on their bodies also helped promote the activation of the Demon Slayer Mark.
For someone like Gion who didn't have a partner seal, whether she could develop an innate Demon Slayer Mark—and how quickly she could activate it—depended more on her own innate talent.
Therefore, even though Ikki knew Gion could potentially activate the Demon Slayer Mark under his influence, he couldn't predict the exact timing.
"I see..." Tsuru nodded. "Regardless, it's excellent news if Gion can recover. Ikki, I agree to what you proposed regarding Nico Robin. As long as you can heal Gion and promise not to use Robin for anything harmful, I'll help keep your secret. Of course, I'll also convince Kuzan to do the same."
Her expression grew serious. "I hope you truly just care for this woman Robin."
After saying this, Tsuru glanced meaningfully at Robin, who stood at a distance with her arms folded, observing them quietly.
At that moment, Tsuru couldn't help but recall something Gion had once said about Ikki: 'He's a man who appreciates mature, confident women. If such a woman were to ask for his help, her chances of success would be quite high.'
Ikki nodded in understanding. The implication was clear—if he used Robin for harmful purposes, Tsuru would inform the Marines and World Government about her presence.
"I appreciate your understanding, Vice Admiral Tsuru," Ikki said with a nod. "Of course, Vice Admiral Gion will also keep this secret."
He looked at Gion in the bath with a smile.
"In my current situation, I don't really have much choice," Gion admitted. "But Ikki is still the same as before. So, are you considering Robin as another model for your artwork?"
Gion reclined in the water, her face showing the relaxation that had been absent for days.
"Something like that," Ikki replied with a shrug, not elaborating further on his relationship with Robin.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, treating Gion will take some time," he continued. "What are your plans now? Do you want to stay here and wait for her treatment to finish, or would you and Admiral Aokiji prefer to return to Marine Headquarters first? I should mention that I don't plan to remain on this island for long. Once the Log Pose records the magnetic field, I'll set sail."
Robin's identity had been exposed to Aokiji, Tsuru, and Gion. While Ikki didn't mind these three knowing, he recognized the risks of lingering. If Aokiji and Tsuru broke their agreement and started a conflict, Gion and the Marine soldiers on the warship would definitely be caught in the crossfire.
With his crew's abilities, especially their Zanpakutō powers, Ikki and his companions could likely escape even if Aokiji tried to stop them. But if they stayed on the island too long, who knew what other high-ranking Marine forces might arrive? Even just as a precaution, Ikki didn't plan to stay.
Tsuru studied Ikki's expression carefully. Now that Gion's condition had stabilized somewhat, she could think more clearly. With just one look, she understood what Ikki was thinking.
Just as she was about to answer, Gion spoke up.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, you should return first," she said. "I can stay alone on Ikki's ship."
"Gion, what are you talking about?" Tsuru frowned, looking at Gion who was facing Ikki with a broad smile.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, I'm serious," Gion replied firmly. "Like Ikki said, I don't know how long I'll need to stay. As Marine Headquarters' Chief Advisor, you can't remain here indefinitely. Admiral Aokiji is equally unlikely to stay. And Nico Robin's situation cannot become known to others. So it's best if I stay here alone."
She smiled reassuringly. "Ikki is a good man and won't do anything harmful to me. Perhaps... the most he might do is ask me to wear some unusual outfits for his paintings?"
Although they hadn't known each other long, Gion had a good understanding of Ikki's character.
Ikki rubbed his face, feeling a little helpless that Gion was so casually vouching for him.
Tsuru narrowed her eyes, looking first at Gion, then at Ikki.
"I... think it's better if I stay for two more days," she finally decided. "I'll leave when the time is right."
Seeing this, Gion didn't try to persuade her further. Two days wouldn't significantly delay Marine business. Gion also understood that Tsuru wanted to observe firsthand whether Ikki could be trusted.
A few hours later, the Explorer set sail again, with the Marine warship heading in a different direction.
On the Explorer's deck, Vice Admiral Tsuru and Admiral Aokiji stood side by side, quietly watching the Marine warship disappear into the distance. Only when it had vanished over the horizon did they turn around.
"Kuzan, you don't have to stay here with me," Tsuru said quietly. "The women around Ikki seem to dislike you quite a bit. If you remain here, you'll only face their hostility."
She glanced at Nami, who was leaning against the cabin door, her eyes fixed coldly on the two Marines.
From Nami's icy gaze, Tsuru could clearly see her dissatisfaction with Aokiji.
Kuzan rubbed his forehead in distress. He could understand Nami's animosity. After all, he had fought with her sister Nojiko not long ago. Although the battle hadn't caused any serious harm to Nojiko, they had both used powerful techniques during their confrontation.
"I'd better stay and observe for a while, Vice Admiral Tsuru," Aokiji replied. "I want to get a better understanding of Ikki. Additionally, Fleet Admiral Sengoku asked me to assist you. You haven't left yet, so how could I choose to leave?"
As Nico Robin's former "custodian," now that she seemed to have found a partner, Aokiji naturally wanted to learn more about Ikki and his crew.
"Whatever," Tsuru sighed. Seeing Aokiji's determination, she could only nod in agreement to his staying.
"By the way, Kuzan," she continued, "you mentioned earlier that Nico Robin is currently wielding Gion's famous sword 'Konpira.' You said she even transformed it into blades sharp as cherry blossom petals. I didn't have time to ask about this before. Can you share your observations and analysis?"
"Actually, I have a significant theory about this," Aokiji replied, glancing at Nami who was watching them from the cabin entrance.
"Regarding Ikki's friends and the swords they possess..." he began. "As Gion once analyzed, Ikki's sword seems to have consumed some type of Devil Fruit. The same appears true for his companions' blades."
"Gion once suggested that Ikki's sword might have eaten a Zoan-type Devil Fruit, but I don't think that's the case," Aokiji continued. "In Mock Town, there were reports of Nami guiding lightning with her sword. On Long Ring Long Island, Robin's sword transformed into cherry blossom blades. While this resembles her Flower-Flower Fruit ability, it's definitely not the same power. Her Devil Fruit doesn't possess such sharp cutting power."
"Then there's Nojiko on Long Ring Long Island. Her sword displayed powers similar to an awakened Devil Fruit. It could affect the surrounding environment and even transform my ice into blood. I felt that if struck by it, my body would be assimilated into blood as well."
"And Princess Vivi, who demonstrated the power to channel ice through her sword in Alabasta. This ability may not be a sword technique used by Ikki, but rather a special power of the sword itself."
"These blades, including Ikki's, all exhibit unique powers. But with so many swords, it's impossible for all of them to be Zoan-type Devil Fruits. I believe Ikki must have developed some method to incorporate certain Paramecia-type Devil Fruits into those swords."
"After all, the swords wielded by Nami and the others, including Ikki's, all display abilities resembling Paramecia Devil Fruits. Of course, Logia-type Devil Fruits can't be ruled out, but that possibility seems remote. If they truly had access to Logia-type fruits, they would likely consume them themselves rather than feeding them to their swords."
Hearing Aokiji's serious analysis, Tsuru fell into deep thought.
"There should be no known way for weapons to consume Paramecia or Logia Devil Fruits," she mused. "But Ikki's ability... In the Sword Training Room, there are accounts of his companions fighting other swordsmen. Ikki's power may not just be the ability to help others become stronger, but to empower them in a specific direction—one related to swordsmanship."
"Kuzan, perhaps you're right. Ikki deliberately collects famous swords. Maybe with these renowned blades, he can use his own ability to integrate Paramecia-type fruits into them."
As Tsuru spoke, her eyes gleamed with interest in Ikki's abilities.
"That's my theory as well, Vice Admiral Tsuru," Aokiji agreed. "The reason Ikki can so quickly train his companions to become swordsmanship masters may be because his abilities are connected to swords. Those training facilities might only be a superficial aspect of his power. The real essence lies in Ikki's Sword Training Room, and of course, the ability to make famous swords consume Paramecia fruits."
"If that's the case, Ikki's abilities are indeed quite exceptional and unique," Tsuru observed. "If such a person could be utilized by the Marines..."
She held her chin with one hand, recalling the reports about Nami in Mock Town and Aokiji's description of Nojiko's abilities. These two had set out from Cocoyasi Village and were originally just capable enough to defeat the Arlong Pirates. Now they could stand against opponents like Golden Lion and even Marine Admiral Aokiji—some of the strongest fighters on the sea. This kind of rapid strengthening was completely beyond ordinary understanding.
"If Ikki were to join the Marines, it would significantly enhance our strength," Tsuru concluded.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru, I believe we truly cannot risk exposing Nico Robin's identity and turning Ikki against the Marines," Aokiji said seriously. "Nami and Nojiko are remarkably strong, Vivi's abilities are impressive, and Ikki himself must be even more powerful than them. If this crew were to become wanted criminals in the future, it would mean..."
At this point, Aokiji fell silent.
He raised his head and took a long look at Nami, who was leaning against the ship's hatch, and at Nojiko, who was walking toward them with a tray of food.
"It would mean this sea might witness the rise of a new Emperor!" he finished gravely.
"What are the two Marines talking about?"
Nojiko approached Tsuru and Aokiji with a gentle smile, carrying two dishes in her hands.
"Just having a casual chat," Tsuru replied.
"Miss Nojiko, it's hard to believe you're the same person from before." Aokiji turned around and took a long look at Nojiko. He was remembering how she looked when she used that flesh-melting technique to perform her abilities during the battle.
"Admiral Aokiji is referring to what happened during the fight, right? That state is part of my ability. Please don't worry too much about it." Nojiko smiled warmly as she handed the dishes to both Tsuru and Aokiji.
"By the way, I heard you mention 'emperor' earlier. Please don't worry - Ikki has never been interested in becoming a pirate. As long as you two keep your promise and don't force our crew to become pirates, everything will be fine." Nojiko's smile remained gentle but carried a hint of warning.
"I hope that's true," Aokiji nodded slightly. "You mentioned abilities just now. Your power..."
"Sorry, but I choose to keep details about my abilities, or Ikki's abilities, secret." Nojiko shook her head and directly cut off Aokiji's question.
She had overheard the discussion between Aokiji and Tsuru earlier. Nojiko didn't mind their speculation about her and Ikki's powers, but that didn't mean she would volunteer information about their true capabilities.
"Alright, I'm being too nosy." Aokiji shrugged and picked up his food, starting to eat.
Nojiko's smile widened slightly as she turned to Tsuru, who was holding her dish but seemed lost in thought. "Vice Admiral Tsuru, we've prepared a place for you to rest. You can sleep in the cabin. Of course, if you're worried about Vice Admiral Gion's condition, you're welcome to stay with her and keep her company."
She then looked at Aokiji. "As for Admiral Aokiji, because of the earlier battle, everyone on the ship is still wary of you. To avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings, please feel free to spend the night here in this room."
Aokiji froze mid-bite and stared at Nojiko in surprise. She responded with a bright, innocent smile.
"Arara, looks like I'm completely unwelcome. Well, I suppose this is my own fault. Don't worry, I won't enter the cabin without permission," Aokiji said with a resigned shake of his head.
"Thank you for understanding, Admiral Aokiji." Nojiko bowed politely before turning to Tsuru.
"I'll go check on Gion again." After thinking for a moment, Tsuru quickly finished her meal and followed Nojiko toward the cabin, entering the bathhouse area of the captain's quarters with ease.
As soon as she arrived at the bathhouse, Tsuru's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"Oh, hello there, Vice Admiral Tsuru." The sound of footsteps made Ikki look up from the hot spring. When he saw Tsuru, he immediately raised his hand in greeting.
Tsuru nodded slightly and walked over to where Ikki and Gion were sitting side by side in the water.
"Ikki, should I assume you're taking advantage of Gion?" Tsuru asked directly.
"You can't put it like that, Vice Admiral Tsuru. I'm doing this to help Gion recover quickly." Ikki spread his hands and opened his fingers, revealing the Demon Slayer Mark on his forehead.
"I activate my Demon Slayer Mark to speed up the process of assimilating the mark on Gion's forehead with mine. But I can only keep this thing active for short periods. In this hot water, though, I can maintain the mark for much longer. So I think you understand the situation."
"Don't worry - I'm wearing shorts, and Gion is wearing a bathrobe. I won't disappoint you." Ikki gave Tsuru a thumbs up with a confident grin.
"You're being awfully direct about this," Tsuru said, twitching the corner of her mouth as she looked at Ikki with exasperation.
"Isn't that what you were thinking anyway, old lady?" Ikki said casually.
"Forget it." Tsuru shook her head. After seeing Gion cover her mouth and laugh softly, Tsuru felt even more speechless, though also more relieved.
During these days aboard the Explorer, Gion's mood had indeed become much more relaxed and peaceful.
"Don't worry, Sister Tsuru. Although this man likes me, he's still a gentleman. He won't cross any lines," Gion said with her hand on Ikki's shoulder, smiling warmly.
"What do you mean I like you, Gion? I never noticed you being so confident before," Ikki protested.
"Ah, but you've been asking me and Hina to wear all sorts of beautiful clothes for your entertainment. I assumed you must like me."
"Please, that's just appreciation! I won't deny that I like mature women, but it's hard to say that I like you. What if Tsuru gets excited and uses her Devil Fruit ability to hang me out to dry on a clothesline?"
"Then... I could just ask Sister Tsuru to take you down from the clothesline later, right?" Gion's teasing expression made Ikki pat his forehead in defeat.
"Forget it, I'll leave this place to you two sisters. As for assimilating the Demon Slayer Mark, we can do that later." Ikki started to stand up from the pool.
"Wait, Ikki. I have one more thing to ask you," Tsuru called out to stop him.
"What is it, Vice Admiral Tsuru?"
"Your partners Nami and Nojiko have both awakened their Demon Slayer Marks, and they did it in a very short time. You... should have some special ability to help others quickly awaken their marks, right?"
"Vice Admiral Tsuru is really observant. You noticed Nojiko and Nami's Demon Slayer Marks? But a special method..." Ikki looked down at Gion in the pool, thinking for a moment before continuing.
"Well, it doesn't hurt to tell you a little about my abilities. There is indeed a special method that can help Gion quickly unlock the power of her innate Demon Slayer Mark. With Vice Admiral Gion's own strength and my special method, it should take less than ten days to awaken her innate mark."
"Of course, Vice Admiral Gion's body is currently in a weakened state, so it might take longer for the innate Demon Slayer Mark to appear."
The special method he was referring to was, of course, engraving a partner's seal. This way, Ikki's power could naturally affect Gion faster and more directly.
"What method? If you don't mind, please use this method on her," Tsuru asked with determined eyes.
Gion looked at Ikki with the same curiosity.
"It's not something that will harm the body... well, actually, it will have some impact." Ikki smiled at their slightly nervous expressions and continued:
"Vice Admiral Tsuru's observation is so sharp, you must have noticed the sword patterns on Nami, Nojiko, and the others. That's something I created using my abilities. The function is to allow my power to affect my partners relatively quickly. It's a special pattern I engrave on my partners."
"Vice Admiral Gion, would you like to try this pattern?"
The partner's pattern ensures that Nami, Nojiko and others can use the Zanpakutō that Ikki obtained from the system. It also ensures that when their strength increases, they can bring some rewards to Ikki.
As long as the other person is kind to Ikki and has the intention to let him help them, he can form a partnership with the seal. Ikki can then apply the seal to others through the system.
After being reminded by Tsuru, Ikki couldn't help but come up with the idea of engraving his partner's seal on Gion's body.
'With the seal of my partner, this woman can awaken quickly. We can let her leave the Explorer then.'
While Ikki was thinking, he took out the seal that allowed him to form partnerships and said to Tsuru and Gion:
"So, do you want me to apply it?"
After all, Gion was a Marine, not a single-minded partner like Ikki and his crew. Ikki felt that it would be a good choice to solve Gion's problem quickly and let her leave the Explorer.
Of course, if Gion could gain normal abilities after receiving the partner seal, it would bring some rewards to Ikki. He would still be happy to accept that.
Naturally, Ikki was also curious to see what kind of power a Marine Admiral candidate like Gion possessed.
Whether he was fighting Gion or Golden Lion Shiki, Ikki could feel the huge gap between himself and them. If he didn't rely on Zangetsu and his Demon Slayer Mark's ability to burn physical energy in short bursts, he would probably lose to Gion. In the battle with Golden Lion, he wouldn't be able to defeat him at all.
"I see. Please, Ikki, engrave this seal for me. I'd love to be your partner." Gion raised her head and looked at Ikki with bright eyes. She stood up with a charming smile and pulled down the towel wrapped around her chest, revealing a large area of snow-white skin. "Where do you think it would be more appropriate for this mark to be engraved?"
"Really? Then I welcome you to join us, Miss Gion, our temporary partner." Ikki smiled, raised his hand and carved the seal on the exposed area of Gion's chest.
Since she had indicated the location, Ikki naturally wouldn't mind where the engraving went.
On the side, Tsuru held her chin with one hand and looked at the seal on Gion's chest. For Tsuru, this was also an opportunity to learn more about Ikki's abilities, and she naturally had no intention of stopping him.
"You two continue chatting. I'll go out for a while and come back later." Ikki waved to Tsuru and Gion, then walked toward the door with a smile.
He was worried that if he stayed here, Gion and Tsuru would notice something strange about him. After all, Ikki was really surprised by Gion's attributes.
[Name: Gion]
[Age: 38 years old]
[Weapon: None]
[Life Force: 8,321 (weak state); 80,500, SS level (actual state)]
[Kendo Realm: Mountain-Cutting Realm]
[Swordsmanship style: Momousagi one-sword style, Breath of the Moon]
[Abilities: Advanced Armament Haki, Intermediate Observation Haki, Demon Slayer Mark]
'In her prime, Gion actually had 80,000 life force. Her Kendo Realm and Haki aren't weak either. Back in Alabasta, I should really thank Zangetsu and the power of my Demon Slayer Mark. Or did this woman hold back at that time?'
Ikki turned back and glanced at Tsuru and Gion who were chatting about something, then looked at the 'Sea-Breaking Swordsman Challenge Permission' issued by the system exclusively to Gion after she received his partner seal. A flash of thought crossed his eyes.
"'Sea-Breaking Swordsman Challenge Permission'... this should be the highest level of challenge permission. With Gion's current abilities, she probably wouldn't be able to defeat it. Sure enough, it's better not to let Gion know about this."
Ikki shook his head and closed Gion's personal attribute panel with a wave of his hand.
If news spread that one could obtain Sea-Breaking Realm swordsmanship by challenging the sword shadow in the Sword Enlightenment Room, Ikki could foresee how much trouble there would be. Although Gion was a nice person, Ikki also knew that this kind of item should not be displayed in front of someone who was more loyal to the Marines.
At least, not until Ikki and his partners on the Explorer reached a certain level of strength.
Thinking of this, Ikki turned his attention to the "Sea-Breaking Realm Swordsman Challenge Permission (Gion Exclusive)" item.
[Name: Gion]
[Age: 43 years old]
[Weapon: Konpira]
[Life Force: 100,500, SS level]
[Kendo Realm: Sea-Breaking Realm]
[Swordsmanship style: Momousagi one-sword style]
[Special abilities: Advanced Armament Haki, Intermediate Observation Haki]
'Hmm? This time the shadow of the swordsman turns out to be Gion herself? 43 years old, the life force level is also SS rank, but it's 20,000 more than the current Gion. The swordsmanship style is only the Momousagi one-sword style.'
'Could it be that if Gion grew up according to her original path, she would have become a swordsman in the Sea-Breaking Realm at age 43? If the Shadow of the Swordsman is the future Gion, it shouldn't attract too much attention if the current Gion gains kendo growth by challenging it.'
Ikki thought as he touched his chin. He felt that if the current Gion really defeated the swordsman shadow of her future self, he could say that she won the power because she defeated her own future.
'Forget it, let's think about it later.'
Ikki shook his head and dismissed the thoughts in his mind.
"Ikki, is there no problem with engraving the partner's seal on that Gion?"
Nico Robin, who had been observing outside the bathhouse, followed Ikki out and asked in his ear.
Ikki smiled, raised his hand to close the door, and said with a smile:
"It doesn't matter. As long as I don't use my special items for Gion, it won't have any impact. At most, they'll think that my breathing method and swordsmanship power can be learned more quickly by others through the partner seal. After Gion's Demon Slayer Mark transforms into an innate mark, she can leave quickly. Then we can sail freely again."
Hearing this, Nico Robin nodded.
"I understand, Ikki. Since this is your decision, I will naturally not refute it. But that Tsuru is the Marines' chief adviser, and her wisdom should not be underestimated. You must be careful."
Ikki smiled, knowing that Tsuru should not be underestimated. Not only was she smart, that woman was also quite powerful in terms of strength. An older Marine who could hang out with Zephyr, Garp, and Sengoku was definitely not a weakling.
Ikki's help to Gion also meant doing a favor for Tsuru. He helped Gion with her treatment and even helped her obtain the innate Demon Slayer Mark. When Ikki and his crew were in need, Tsuru would be able to help.
"Stop talking about this. It's rare for you to have some free time today. Robin, let's continue with the unfinished painting. Please continue to be my model."
After Ikki used the flame generated by his breathing method to evaporate all the water on his body, he took out the drawing board from the counter and sat on a chair to continue painting.
Nico Robin smiled, and instead of going to the separated dressing room, she activated her Shikai and unbuttoned her shirt. With the sound of clothes falling to the floor, Ikki raised his eyebrows and looked at Nico Robin with some confusion.
"Ikki, there should be other things we can do besides painting." Nico Robin smiled, moved closer to Ikki, sat on his lap, and put her arms around the back of his neck.
"Robin, are you... trying to play Alabasta's trick again?" Ikki put down the drawing board and looked directly into Nico Robin's eyes.
But soon, he frowned. Unlike when she was in Alabasta, Nico Robin's eyes lacked that trace of ulterior motive. This time, there was only seriousness in her eyes.
"No, I just really like you, Ikki."
"You fell in love with me? When?"
"Maybe it was when you helped me see the historical text monument, or maybe it was when you fell out with Aokiji to protect me." Nico Robin smiled and then said: "This time, we can try to have our own children."
As the words fell, palms appeared on both Nico Robin and Ikki's bodies, and her smooth hands gently caressed Ikki's skin.
After Ikki's eyes were fixed on Robin's for a while, a smile suddenly appeared on his face, and his hands wrapped around Nico Robin's back.