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"I saw Jack get beaten with my own eyes. I watched my crewmates get knocked off the ship by Ikki and fall into the sea, their fates unknown."
At this moment, Ginrummy's survival instinct had been completely awakened.
It was no exaggeration to say that as long as she could stay alive, she would be willing to do anything Ikki asked of her.
"It seems you're quite frightened."
"Not everyone in the Beasts Pirates is fearless in the face of death."
Nico Robin shook her head before continuing,
"You don't need to be so afraid."
"Captain Ikki has a habit of drawing portraits of beautiful women."
"While he enjoys drawing beauties of all kinds, his favorite type is mature and alluring women."
"And you just happen to fit that category rather well."
Hearing Robin's words, Ginrummy's eyes immediately lit up.
"Y-You mean... as long as I satisfy Lord Ikki's request and let him paint me, I'll survive?"
"Wait a minute... do I need to offer him my body as well?"
Robin raised an eyebrow.
"If he really wanted your body, would you agree?"
"Of course!"
Ginrummy nodded vigorously without the slightest hesitation.
"That's really something."
Robin couldn't help raising her eyebrows.
"Are you trying to become my rival?"
"Rival?"
Ginrummy froze.
"N-No, no! I don't want to steal a man from you!"
"Haha, don't worry. I'm only joking."
Robin patted Ginrummy on the shoulder.
"Captain Ikki only pursues women who genuinely want that kind of relationship. If you're simply scared and trying to survive, there's no reason for him to force anything."
"That said, if you somehow manage to make him fall for you..."
"Then you definitely won't have to worry about dying, and you might even receive Captain Ikki's guidance."
"I happen to have some free time right now. If you'd like to learn more about Ikki and the rules aboard the Explorer, come with me first."
"I'm heading to the bath to recover."
The recovery Robin referred to was naturally the restorative effect of the bath.
After all, she had used Senbonzakura extensively during her battle against Jack.
The strain on her stamina had been considerable.
"O-Okay! I'll come right away, Robin!"
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters...
Inside the Fleet Admiral's office.
"What? That Ikki fellow clashed with the Beasts Pirates?"
Sengoku's eyes widened in surprise.
Before Gion had even arrived at Dressrosa, Ikki had already caused another major incident.
And the Beasts Pirates were far more troublesome than Doflamingo.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
"Ikki said Doflamingo was conducting business with the Beasts Pirates involving artificial Devil Fruits."
"Jack came here specifically for those artificial Devil Fruits."
"Ikki also said it would be best if you were informed."
"So Hina is relaying the message through a Den Den Mushi."
Holding the Den Den Mushi, Hina glanced at Ikki beside her and spoke into it.
"So it was Ikki who asked you to contact me."
"That boy is at least responsible enough to notify me in advance."
"But it would've been even better if he'd informed me before fighting Jack."
Sengoku deliberately raised his voice, clearly intending for Ikki to hear.
He knew Ikki was standing nearby.
Ikki naturally understood what Sengoku meant.
Nodding to Hina, who had relayed the message, he took the Den Den Mushi and spoke with a smile.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you're joking."
"I had no advance warning that Jack was coming. How could I possibly have informed you beforehand?"
"I couldn't exactly call you while fighting him, could I?"
"Fair enough."
Sengoku shook his head.
"But Ikki, by attacking the Beasts Pirates, you've put yourself on their radar."
"Why not join the Marines? We could provide protection."
"So that's what you are after."
Ikki chuckled.
"But I'll pass. I don't enjoy being restricted, and the Marines simply aren't the right fit for me."
"Just as expected."
Sengoku sighed.
"Very well. Let Gion handle the rest."
"And I've already been informed about Jack."
"Just remember, Kaido is a madman."
"If you hurt his subordinates, be careful. He might come after you personally."
Hearing this, Ikki smiled and nodded.
"Thank you for the warning, Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
After ending the call, Ikki returned the Den Den Mushi to Hina.
"Hina, do you think Sengoku would still value me so highly if he knew my ability had limited uses?"
Hina already knew the explanation Ikki had given regarding Tashigi's situation.
That was why he asked the question.
"He definitely would."
A smile curved Tina's lips as she glanced at Ikki.
The fact that he trusted her enough to reveal such a secret made her genuinely happy.
"Even if it can only strengthen a limited number of people, Hina believes your ability is already powerful enough."
"Thank you for the compliment."
Ikki laughed and patted her shoulder.
"It's just a shame that, for now, all I can do is help you reach the Iron-Cutting Realm."
"Even so, Hina is very satisfied."
Taking hold of Ikki's hand, she smiled.
"However, if you truly feel guilty, then accompany Hina for a walk through town."
Before Ikki could refuse, Hina immediately dragged him out of the room.
Watching from a distance, Tashigi couldn't help showing an envious expression.
After a brief moment of hesitation, she ultimately chose not to follow, leaving the time to Ikki and Hina.
Some time later, a Marine warship slowly docked at the shores of Dressrosa under the watchful eyes of the citizens.
Meanwhile, Ikki, having already received word of its arrival, waited at the harbor.
As soon as the warship stopped, a tall figure stepped forward.
"It's good to see you again, Ikki."
The newcomer was none other than Gion.
At her waist hung Monohoshizao, the sword Ikki had given her.
With a graceful leap, she landed directly in front of him.
Looking at Ikki, whose gentle demeanor remained unchanged, Gion couldn't help but pull him into a warm embrace.
"Yes, it's good to see you too."
"Though it would be even better if you weren't here on official business."
Ikki chuckled as he patted her back.
"Even so, without a mission, I probably wouldn't have been able to leave Marine Headquarters."
Then her expression turned serious.
"You actually defeated Jack the Drought."
"Once this reaches Kaido's ears, he'll definitely come after you."
As she spoke, worry filled her eyes.
"Hehe. Anyone who witnessed it has either been dealt with, captured, or locked up by me."
"I doubt the Beasts Pirates will learn about it anytime soon."
"Instead of worrying about that, how about we go have a drink?"
Ikki raised a hand in a drinking gesture.
"Of course."
A smile bloomed across Gion's face as she leaned close and whispered into his ear.
"Besides, I've missed your scent."