one piece: gene extraction and fusion system
Chapter 351: A Dangerous Bargain

Chapter 351 - 351: A Dangerous Bargain

"Marshal Sengoku, when I arrived, Gion had already been captured. I was not able to rescue Gion by myself, so I could only rescue Kake."

On an island, Kizaru was holding a Den Den Mushi and said helplessly, "And this time, the Don Quixote family and the Black Crow Pirates have joined forces to target the navy. The news about the Operation Fruit was completely false."

"How is Gion?"

"I don't know, but I think it shouldn't be a big deal. Maybe Black Crow has some plans for the navy and wants to use Gion as leverage?" Kizaru guessed.

Hearing this, Sengoku—far away at Navy Headquarters—nodded, already suspecting the same.

Otherwise, Black Crow would have simply killed Gion. There would have been no need to take her prisoner.

For pirates, capturing navy personnel alive was rare.

Of course, female navy officers were an exception.

This was the real world. Generally, female marines who were captured would take their own lives to avoid the risk of disgrace.

As for Gion's appearance and figure...

Sengoku couldn't help but feel uneasy, though he kept those thoughts to himself. After all, Tsuru, who was beside him, wore a gloomy expression, her eyes filled with deep worry over Gion.

"How is Kaji?" Sengoku asked again.

"He's not in danger of dying, but he's lost an arm," Kizaru said solemnly.

This time, he didn't feel personally responsible—Gion and Kaji had rushed ahead without waiting for him. If they had, things might have turned out differently. Still, as a navy admiral, he felt some frustration at how pirates had turned the tables on them.

But that was the end of it. He wouldn't go out of his way to seek vengeance from Black Crow.

"It's good that he's not in danger. Let Kaji return to headquarters to recover first. Then we'll find a way to contact Black Crow to figure out what he wants in exchange for Gion." Sengoku sighed.

Honestly, Gion's capture was the real issue here.

As for Kaji's missing arm, that was minor. Kaji wasn't a physical fighter like Zephyr. He was a natural-type Devil Fruit user. In time, with the proper development of his abilities, he could still reach admiral-level strength.

What Sengoku worried about was that Black Crow might ask for too much, or worse, have some other kind of twisted plan for Gion. That would be especially difficult for Tsuru, considering her close relationship with the captured Vice Admiral.

"I understand," Kizaru nodded. He knew how complicated this situation was.

Gion and Tsuru shared a strong bond, and Tsuru...

Those who had come up in the Navy alongside her—Garp, Sengoku, and many other vice admirals and rear admirals—held deep respect for her.

In short, this was going to be a headache.

But all Kizaru could do was try his best.

Glancing at the unconscious Kaji, who had passed out from blood loss, Kizaru shook his head and took him to a nearby Navy branch base.

At the Same Time – Nuyan Island

The Black Glory had just docked.

Doflamingo looked at Mio with a wicked grin. "That navy woman is quite the beauty. Got any plans for her?"

"I have my own ideas. You don't need to worry," Mio waved dismissively, speaking with calm authority. "The navy will definitely reach out this time. Be careful. They took a hit in this operation, but they won't let it slide. They won't dare touch me, but you? That's another story."

"Fufufufu... I'm not going to be careless," Doflamingo sneered. Though the navy had used his brother Rosinante to deal him a blow, he felt some satisfaction at finally striking back.

As for retaliation? He'd likely have to offer some resources, but the World Government would protect him.

The Don Quixote family wouldn't be crushed so easily, unless he made a serious misstep or exposed himself.

After all, opportunities to strike at an institution as massive as the navy didn't come often.

"Just keep Dressrosa steady. I'll be needing it soon," Mio said with a serious expression.

"Fufufu... of course. Leave it to me."

Mio didn't linger. He returned to his ship and gave Baifeng the order to head back to Crow Island.

On the Deck of the Black Glory

Gion was bound to the mainmast with little room to move.

Mio sat cross-legged in front of her, sipping wine with a smile. "How much do you think the navy will pay to get you back?"

Gion simply glared at him in cold silence.

Lilith chuckled from the side, covering her mouth. "What a beautiful woman. She's perfect to serve our gentleman."

"I'll bite my tongue and kill myself if it comes to that," Gion replied icily, though a flicker of anxiety flashed in her eyes.

"If I really planned to sleep with you, you probably wouldn't get the chance to bite your tongue," Mio rolled his eyes.

Sure, he was attracted to Gion, but it wasn't enough to be reckless.

Given her identity, acting on that desire would be a bad idea.

The consequences would be too messy.

He understood who stood behind her.

With Tsuru's backing, harming Gion would be like declaring war on the entire Navy upper command.

His real aim was to use Gion as a bargaining chip.

But if the Navy ended up being stingy, keeping her as a concubine might not be the worst option. Her presence alone would be enough to make the Navy cautious in future confrontations.

Mio stood and lifted Gion's chin gently, smiling. "Tsk. Have you heard of a certain psychological condition?"

Gion looked at him coldly, waiting for the punchline.

"There's a syndrome—Stockholm syndrome. It happens when a victim starts to feel empathy or even affection toward their captor. It's about control. When someone controls your life and death, you begin to form a bond."

He leaned closer, still smiling. "I've never seen a case myself, but I'm curious. Maybe I can create one."

"What are you planning?" Gion asked seriously, her voice lower and her posture tighter.

"Hahaha, I'm just messing with you. Don't be so scared," Mio laughed and sat back down.

He really was just joking... this time.

But the idea did intrigue him.

Mio's eyes flickered thoughtfully. Perhaps a new little plan was beginning to take shape.

He smiled—a quiet, dangerous smile.

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