I Want Her

Gion walked along with the group of Marines, somewhat distracted, confusion clouding her dark eyes.

After hearing Momonga's "truth" about how Darren governed the North Blue, the prosperity and bustle around her felt almost like a dream.

In her daze, she suddenly remembered something Admiral Sengoku and Sister Tsuru had once told her.

"Gion, although we Marines bear the mantle of justice, sometimes justice is utterly powerless on these seas."

"But why? Aren't we Marines the strongest military organization in the world?"

"That's true, but these seas are vast. The light of the Justice Seagull Flag can't reach every dark, filthy, and sinister corner."

"You may not understand this now. That's fortunate, but at the same time, it's unfortunate."

Gion grew dispirited, and Gion's partner beside her looked just as listless. He'd even forgotten to show concern for the people.

Before long, they arrived outside a grand, imposing residence.

The estate had clearly been built recently, with a blue roof, white walls, and carefully arranged flower beds.

Several hundred poorly equipped militia had already formed a security line outside the grounds.

"Damn useless idiots!! You can't even handle something this simple!!"

They heard an irate voice shouting from inside the residence, followed by the sound of things being smashed.

The trembling militia began dropping to their knees, row by row, their faces turning deathly pale.

A figure dressed in luxurious white silk, with a glass bubble over his head, strode out of the residence imperiously. A wave of kneeling people spread outward like ripples.

Saint Childers was furious.

He'd never expected that his eagerly anticipated pleasure cruise would lead him to cross paths with that madman, Byrnndi World.

What he'd never expected was that a mere commoner would dare attack a government ship—his own vessel, no less!

Most of the Cipher Pol agents accompanying him had died in that terrifying, apocalyptic disaster. Then a storm at sea had swept him onto this island.

It was the most humiliating moment of his life.

"Damn it..."

Saint Childers, his golden hair gleaming, cursed through clenched teeth.

He glanced at the two CP agents in black suits behind him.

They were his last two bodyguards.

"Get out of my way! Don't block my path!!"

In a foul mood, he kicked down the militiaman kneeling in front of him. Looking up, he saw a Marine in a snow-white cloak approaching.

"Saint Childers, I'm Momonga, deputy base commander of North Blue Branch 321. I've come on the orders of Marine Headquarters to ensure your safety."

Momonga walked up and saluted, his expression impassive.

Saint Childers gave him a sidelong glance, then sneered contemptuously.

"Well, well. My obedient little Marine puppies are here."

"Why is it only a deputy base commander? Where's your boss?"

Momonga clenched his fist, then quickly relaxed it. He spoke in a low voice.

"The base commander is coordinating security with the municipal government. From now on, the North Blue Marines will be responsible for your safety until the Cipher Pol ship arrives."

"Tch... I never expected a bunch of useless drunks who can only guard a house to protect me. Whatever. Cipher Pol will be here in an hour or two, so I'll make do with you."

Saint Childers said carelessly, ignoring Momonga's dark expression as he looked elsewhere.

When he caught sight of Gion, his eyes suddenly lit up.

The greed and lechery in his gaze made Gion furrow her brows. She felt deeply uncomfortable and instinctively took a step back.

"Well, well, well. I never knew the Marines had beauties like this..."

Saint Childers looked Gion up and down, his gaze full of predatory intent, and clicked his tongue in admiration.

Momonga's expression shifted.

Gion's partner's pupils narrowed, and he couldn't help stepping forward.

They'd heard all about the Celestial Dragons' vile tastes. If he'd really set his sights on Gion...

"It's a shame she's too old... So close, so close! You nearly caught my eye and became my eighteenth wife! Hahahahahaha!!"

Saint Childers leered at Gion, pulling faces as he looked her up and down.

"Let's go out and have some fun. I'm sick to death of being cooped up in this dump for the past few days."

As the Marines looked on with grim expressions, Saint Childers swaggered out of the estate.

"That bastard... He actually had the nerve to set his sights on you!"

Gion's partner muttered indignantly.

"I'm the one who's qualified to be your husband!"

Gion rolled her eyes and let go of the hilt she'd been gripping, though she felt inexplicably relieved.

The Celestial Dragons, the world's nobles, wielded supreme authority. If she really caught one's eye, it would bring Sister Tsuru and the others a great deal of trouble and pressure.

"Let's go..."

Momonga spoke, his expression dark.

"Major Gion, keep your distance from him."

Gion nodded, hoping nothing else would go wrong.

The group hurried after the Celestial Dragon, taking the Marines with them.

A huge procession, led by the Celestial Dragon Saint Childers, made its way down Batia Island's commercial street.

Everywhere they passed, the once-bustling street fell utterly silent.

Civilians dropped to their knees in droves, spreading out like waves. Their faces were filled with fear, and they didn't dare approach.

The World Government had ruled this world like a colossal behemoth for eight hundred years. Faced with the "gods" who held the greatest power in the world, the people were filled with profound awe.

But just then,

A childish voice suddenly rang out, so piercing in the deathly silent street that you could hear a pin drop.

Gion's expression changed drastically.

Gion's partner and Momonga's pupils shrank.

They looked over, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.

A little girl with black hair and a floral dress carried a large bundle of flowers on her back.

Her face beamed with a sweet smile as she looked innocently at the man in the glass bubble. She raised a delicate hand, holding up a lovely rose.

"Uncle, would you like to buy some flowers?"

For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

As Gion and the others watched in despair,

they saw a gleeful, flushed smile slowly spread across the pockmarked, ugly face of Saint Childers.

His eyes brimmed with greed and possessiveness.

There was an indescribably feverish excitement in his twisted obsession.

Like a naughty child who'd spotted a fun toy.

Gion and Gion's partner tensed, gritting their teeth.

They watched as the hideous Celestial Dragon slowly extended his pudgy fingers, covered in jeweled rings, pointed at the innocent little girl, and sneered.

"I want her!!"