West Blue, Marine 158th Branch Base.
Inside the dojo, Gion was drenched in sweat.
By the time she finished the last set of exercises, her entire body was glistening with sweat, as though she had just climbed out of the water.
As one of the few female powerhouses in the Marines, such high-intensity daily training was inevitable.
After training, Gion returned to her room, put away her sword, and immediately went to the bathroom to rinse herself off.
After her shower, Gion sat down on the sofa and closed her eyes to rest.
Ever since accepting the request from her two elders, she had spent most of her time in West Blue, except when official duties required her to return to the Grand Line. That included her vacations.
She had been living this way for more than two years.
But in her view, whether she was at headquarters or at a branch base would not affect her efforts to hone her own strength.
If there was any difference, it was Colonel Robbie, who had recently been transferred to the 158th Branch. His constant flattery had become downright irritating.
"Bwoop bwoop..."
The Den Den Mushi's ringing made Gion abruptly open her eyes.
She rose, strode over on her long legs to the table where the Den Den Mushi was placed, and picked up the receiver.
After the call connected, Wolf Rat's voice came from the other end.
"They took the bait."
"Good."
Hearing Wolf Rat's report, Gion's eyes lit up. She then said in a deep voice, "This is the final test. Are you confident that you can seize the 'critical moment'?"
"..."
Wolf Rat fell silent.
Gion patiently waited for his reply.
"Yes."
After a moment, Wolf Rat's resolute voice came through the receiver.
"Then you will decide when to