Gion's Decision

In the Marine conference room, the atmosphere became rather delicate at the mention of Allen.

As soon as Allen's kidnappings were brought up, everyone wore strange expressions and whispered among themselves.

"The Son of the Pirate King sure likes doing this kind of kidnapping, huh?" someone said teasingly.

Another immediately replied, "Of course. The gains from his extortion are plentiful enough that anyone would get addicted to kidnapping."

Though their words carried a hint of mockery, they also revealed Allen's unruly and bold way of doing things.

Gion listened from the side, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She did not know whether to laugh or cry.

She knew Allen was a man who feared neither power nor authority, a man who stood tall and upright in all he did. He had his own beliefs and pursuits, and he dared to confront the powerful World Government and Marines head-on.

Yet he repeatedly kidnapped and extorted the Celestial Dragons. Though the Celestial Dragons were cruel and inhumane, what Allen did ultimately made it difficult for the public to see him in a positive light.

By then, Akainu had gradually calmed the turbulent emotions in his heart.

He secretly thought to himself, so what if Allen became a Shichibukai?

As long as they found a suitable chance to capture him, they could still pin whatever crimes they wanted on him.

Thus, he slowly sat down beside Kizaru and said coldly, "He'd better use the Shichibukai title to keep himself safe like a grandson. If he refuses to become a Shichibukai, then continue the plan against him!"

His gaze held a trace of ruthlessness and resolve, as though he were plotting an inevitable confrontation.

Sengoku nodded slightly. "Fine. The government has already sent someone to recruit him. We'll have an answer in a few days."

There was both worry and expectation in his eyes. He knew Allen's response would have an enormous impact on the entire situation.

Chief Officer Tsuru spoke up at the right moment, turning the discussion toward the candidates for the Shichibukai. "Then who are the other six people being recruited for the Shichibukai?"

Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Sengoku as they awaited his answer.

Sengoku slowly said, "The second person we intend to recruit is Dracule Mihawk, who caused trouble at Headquarters with Allen today—the man known as Hawk Eyes!"

The moment those words were spoken, everyone was shocked. They began whispering to one another, privately wondering whether the World Government had taken the wrong medicine to extend an olive branch to someone who had just clashed with Marine Headquarters.

Seeing this, Sengoku explained, "He was probably tricked into coming to Headquarters by Allen. Besides, Hawk Eyes has the strength. With his swordsmanship, he can fight Red-Haired Shanks, one of the Yonko, on equal footing."

Upon hearing that, everyone could not help clicking their tongues. Such tremendous strength was indeed enough reason for the World Government to swallow its pride. Besides, even Allen, that "shit-stirrer," was among those being recruited. What did Hawk Eyes's actions amount to by comparison?

Sengoku continued, "The third person we intend to recruit is Bartholomew Kuma, known as the Tyrant. The fourth is the Desert King, Crocodile."

These two were also famous figures in the pirate world. No one had much objection or discussion regarding their recruitment, as though they had tacitly acknowledged that the two were qualified to become Shichibukai.

"The fifth person being recruited is Boa Hancock of the Nine Snake Pirates, the current Pirate Empress."

The moment Sengoku finished speaking, the young male vice admirals instantly fell into an uproar.

Hancock's devastatingly beautiful face on her Bounty Poster immediately appeared in their minds, and their little heads began endlessly imagining her figure.

For a moment, their blood boiled. There were obvious changes below their waists, and their faces were full of infatuation.

If Allen knew what they were thinking right now, he would probably Make a Move and teach them a lesson without hesitation, sterilizing them for free.

Seeing the disgraceful state of these men, Sengoku furiously slammed his hand onto the table and shouted, "What the hell are you idiots thinking about?!"

Sengoku's roar jolted them awake, and their reason instantly returned. They answered in unison, "Sorry, we got distracted!"

Sengoku cursed inwardly. This was not getting distracted at all. Their brains had not wandered—something else had.

He could not help recalling Hancock's beauty himself, and a headache immediately came over him. He knew that when these young Marines saw Hancock in person, they would probably be unable to walk straight. Almost no one could resist her unique charm.

Sengoku continued, "The sixth is Gecko Moria. As for the seventh, it has yet to be decided."

Upon hearing Hancock's name, Gion instantly fell into a daze. She did not hear a single word Sengoku said afterward.

She silently complained, The World Government really has an eye for picking people. They even found Allen's hidden main wife. I wonder how they'll react once they learn about their relationship.

After the meeting ended, Chief Officer Tsuru followed Gion back to the quarters where she lived.

After closing the door, Tsuru got straight to the point. She hoped Gion could persuade Allen to join the Shichibukai. "Having that brat become a Shichibukai seems like a decent choice. At the very least, he won't be an enemy of the Marines. Don't you think?"

Gion looked aggrieved, her tone full of conflict. "But I don't want him to be a pirate, Sister Tsuru. What should I do?"

Chief Officer Tsuru helplessly rubbed her forehead and earnestly advised, "If Allen does not accept the World Government's offer, then sooner or later you will have to fight him on the battlefield. After all, you are already a vice admiral!"

At the thought of facing Allen in battle, Gion felt a hundred unwillingnesses rise in her heart.

After pondering for a moment, she said firmly, "If that day really comes, I'll submit my resignation to Sengoku!"

Hearing Gion's words, Chief Officer Tsuru was both angry and anxious. She stretched out a finger and forcefully poked Gion's little head, saying in exasperation, "Do you like him that much? For him, you're even giving up your dream of becoming a Marine Admiral?"

Tears welled in Gion's eyes as she said pitifully, "Then what am I supposed to do? I really like him. I can even give him my life!"

Seeing Gion like this, Chief Officer Tsuru knew her love-struck brain was beyond saving.

She turned and left in a huff, but before walking out the door, she looked back and said, "No matter what you choose, don't do anything you'll regret!"

Those words amounted to accepting Gion's choice, but Chief Officer Tsuru simply could not get over it. The cabbage she had painstakingly raised had been rooted by a pig, and now that cabbage even wanted to run away with the pig.

Gion understood what Chief Officer Tsuru meant and softly replied, "Sister Tsuru, I understand."

At that moment, her heart was filled with confusion about the future and persistence in love. She struggled bitterly between her duty as a Marine and her feelings for Allen, not knowing where she would ultimately end up.