One Piece: King of the World-Chapter 301: Momousagi – No Fear in Being Favored

At the Marine G-1 Branch in the New World, Gion sat at her desk, flipping through the documents in her hand. She had just received the battle plan for the upcoming operation at Marine Headquarters.

What frustrated her was that she wasn't listed as a first-priority combatant. Instead, she had been placed in the third sequence, which meant she was likely to see no action at all, her role was to remain in the New World and handle any disturbances caused by Kaido and Shanks.

Of course, she wasn't the only one assigned to this post. Tokikake, Zephyr, and a few others would be stationed alongside her for the mission.

In short, the frontline battlefield at Marineford had nothing to do with her.

The document in her hands contained intelligence on the Beast Pirates, recently provided by CP agents.

As for the Red Hair Pirates?

Well, there was nothing.

No information. No confirmed whereabouts.

It was as if they had vanished.

Currently, there were three Emperors of the Sea—Whitebeard, Kaido, and Shanks.

Among them, Whitebeard and Kaido operated within well-established territories, making them relatively easier to track.

Even Kaido, despite Wano Country's strict isolationist policies, had some of his movements leaked to the World Government through CP channels.

But Shanks?

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That man was a phantom.

One month he might be in the New World, the next, he could have crossed the Calm Belt and appeared in the North Blue.

Trying to track the Red Hair Pirates?

That was wishful thinking.

Unless by sheer luck, finding Shanks was nearly impossible.

"Factories in Wano suspected of producing weapons? What the hell am I supposed to do with that information? What I need is Kaido's location!"

Gion frowned and tossed the intelligence report onto the table with frustration.

Reaching for a pack of lady's cigarettes, she pulled one out and placed it between her lips. Just as she was about to strike a match, a sudden knock came at the door.

"Come in," she said casually.

The door swung open, and in walked a tall, lanky figure with a slightly slouched posture.

His curly hair looked perpetually unkempt, and a green, netted sleep mask rested on his forehead. He wore a blue button-down shirt beneath his standard-issue Marine vest.

His entire demeanor radiated laziness.

There was no mistaking him.

This was Kuzan, one of Marine Headquarters' three Admirals.

"Ah ra ra… Did I just walk in on your little secret? You've started smoking? That's not good. Claudius might not like that," Kuzan teased, grinning as he saw Gion holding a lit match in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Gion took a slow drag, flicked the match out, and exhaled a small puff of smoke. Then, with a raised eyebrow, she glanced at Kuzan.

"I'm not his servant. We're not even married yet. He has no say in what I do. And besides, this isn't some big secret."

Leaning back in her chair, she added, "But enough about me, what brings you here? Were you also pulled from the frontline and sent to 'fish' with me?"

Kuzan ignored the question and instead smirked.

"Oh? So you two are already discussing marriage? Ah ra ra… I have to hand it to Claudius, he even managed to win over our Marine's flower."

Gion's cheeks flushed slightly at the remark, and she shot back, "Are you just bitter because you're a lifelong bachelor?"

Kuzan chuckled as he made his way to the office sofa, slumping onto it with his usual lazy posture.

"Nah, I'm just feeling a little nostalgic. Time sure flies, doesn't it?"

Gion rolled her eyes and took another drag of her cigarette.

After a brief silence, Kuzan spoke softly.

"I'm still in the first battle sequence. As an Admiral, I'll be fighting at Marineford."

Gion flicked her cigarette ash into an ashtray and nodded.

"I figured as much. It would be disgraceful if one of the highest combat forces didn't show up for such a battle."

Kuzan simply shrugged in response.

Gion leaned forward slightly, eyes narrowing.

"So? What's the real reason you're here? Shouldn't you be on standby at headquarters?"

"Waiting for someone," Kuzan answered vaguely.

After a short pause, he added, "And I needed to clear my head. Got a bit bored."

Gion smirked, tapping her chin.

"Hah. It must be serious if you of all people are feeling restless. Let me guess…"

Her eyes suddenly lit up, and she smirked.

"You're not scared, are you? After all, Whitebeard is the world's strongest man. It's normal to be afraid anyone could die in this war."

Kuzan shot her an annoyed look.

"You know that's not what's bothering me. Don't say dumb things like that."

Gion laughed heartily at his reaction, but her tone turned serious as she spoke again.

"You're thinking about Sakazuki, aren't you?"

At her words, Kuzan visibly tensed for a brief moment.

Reaching up, he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

"Yeah… that's part of it."

Gion exhaled a puff of smoke, watching Kuzan carefully.

"I have a feeling I know what you're worried about. But I'll ask anyway, what exactly is on your mind?"

Kuzan let out a deep breath and muttered, "You already know, Gion. After this war, everything is going to change not just for the world, but for the Marines as well."

He stopped there, unwilling to say more.

Gion seemed to understand what he meant.

Taking another drag from her cigarette, she exhaled slowly and said, "Maybe you're overthinking it. There could still be a way out of this."

Kuzan gave a wry smile.

"A way out, huh? If only things were that simple."

Gion decided not to push the topic further. Instead, she changed the subject.

"By the way, who are you waiting for? Did you get a new assignment?"

"Nothing to do with you," Kuzan said, smirking. "Just stopping by to clear my head. G-1 is a good place for that."

"Oh? So now you're keeping secrets from me?" Gion huffed playfully. "I'm a Vice Admiral, you know. Don't underestimate me."

Kuzan chuckled at her reaction.

"Relax, it's nothing major. I'm just waiting for Borsalino and Claudius to arrive."

"Claudius is coming?"

Gion's eyes lit up with excitement, but then her expression shifted.

Suddenly remembering the cigarette in her hand, she quickly snuffed it out in the ashtray.

Then, sniffing the air, she frowned slightly, there was still a lingering scent of smoke.

Without hesitation, she strode over to the window and flung it open, letting the fresh air in.

Kuzan gave her a knowing look and smirked.

"Weren't you just saying he 'can't control you'?"

Gion shot him a glare.

"Next time, tell me sooner if he's coming! Instead of making me listen to your brooding nonsense first! You're so annoying do you know that?"

Feigning injury, Kuzan clutched his chest.

"Wow, so heartless. Is this what I get for stopping by?"

Then, with a chuckle, he shook his head.

"They won't be here for another two days. I just arrived ahead of them."

Gion double-checked her uniform, making sure she didn't smell of smoke.

"Oh? And what's the mission?"

Kuzan smiled faintly.

"At this point, what else? It's about Edward Weevil the one who injured Zephyr."

Gion's eyes flashed coldly.

"Tch. A shame I can't personally avenge Zephyr-sensei."

Then, stretching her arms, she sighed.

"I have a feeling my assignment here at G-1 will be completely uneventful. What a waste."

Kuzan sighed as well.

"No one expected things to escalate this quickly."

**

This book is completed so you can read all chapters on: /Blownleaves.