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Her dark, bright eyes transformed into a soft pink, radiating an alluring charm.
Gion, also known as Momousagi, was startled. Was this another one of Devil Noir’s new abilities?
But it seemed… it seemed like only his eyes had changed color…
Noir stared intently for a long moment, then scratched his head in confusion.
Why hadn't it worked on Gion?
Oh, right. The target has to be at least somewhat attracted to me for it to work.
But after capturing so many Marines, they were definitely enemies. There was no way she would be attracted to him…
Noir, his pink eyes gleaming, tapped his chin thoughtfully. While his eye ability was similar to Boa Hancock's Mero Mero no Mi, there was a key difference: Gender.
Men tended to fall in love more easily, sometimes at first sight. It was in their nature. Nothing to be ashamed of…
Women, however, were more emotionally complex. While there were exceptions, it was generally harder for them to fall in love, unless there was a genuine connection.
So, Gion, a career-driven, strong woman, in a life-or-death situation, was unlikely to fall for her enemy.
Simply put, Noir's current charm wasn't on par with Hancock's. He couldn't achieve that level of universal allure.
After a moment of contemplation, Noir sighed.
He would have to rely on his Oscar-worthy acting skills.
"Gion," he began, his face etched with melancholy, "there's something I need to tell you."
Gion's wariness remained unchanged. "Get on with it," she snapped.
How rude…
Noir's lips twitched. He let out a dramatic sigh and turned his back to her. "Just go."
Gion was taken aback. He was letting her go?
Impossible. This had to be another one of Devil Noir’s tricks!
Looking at her unconscious comrades, Gion desperately tried to wake them.
Z!
If I can just wake him up, we still have a chance to escape!
Noir, sensing her intentions, said, "They won't wake up without my help."
Gion clenched her teeth. "Why did you only wake me up?"
Noir brushed his bangs aside, his voice tinged with sadness. "Because I don't want you to get hurt."
Gion stared at him, bewildered. "Huh?"
Noir, still facing away from her, began to narrate a tale of unrequited love.
"Once upon a time, there was a handsome young boy. His village was raided by bandits, a massacre that left many dead and the streets stained with blood."
"The boy was discovered by the bandits. Just as they were about to kill him, a brave young woman appeared."
Gion blinked. Was he talking about her?
Had they met before? Had she saved him?
Noir smirked inwardly. They had, of course, never met.
But Gion, as a Marine, had saved countless lives over the years. Surely there were a few whose faces she couldn't quite recall…
Noir was now playing the part of one of those people.
"The woman wore a Marine's coat of justice and carried a famous blade at her waist. Her presence was unmatched. With a few swift strikes, she defeated the bandits who had invaded the village."
"In that moment, the boy fell in love with the Marine who had saved him, vowing to marry her one day."
Gion was skeptical. "So, you're that boy, and the Marine you loved was me?"
Noir nodded firmly. "Yes. I've been searching for you ever since, hoping to make you my wife."
Gion waved her hand dismissively. "You've mistaken me for someone else. I don't know you."
"And if you love Marines so much, why did you become a pirate?"
Nuh uh…
Noir racked his brain for a plausible explanation. "I wanted to join the Marines, but my family treated me terribly, especially my sister!"
"They sold me off. I became a pirate out of desperation."
Gion was taken aback by the dramatic tale.
She couldn't understand what Noir would gain by lying to her, so she decided to seize the opportunity.
"Alright, release us, and I'll guarantee you a place in the Marines. Your past will be erased, and you can start over."
As a Vice Admiral and potential Admiral candidate, Gion believed she had the authority to pull some strings, though she rarely used such privileges.
Noir looked up, feigning surprise, and took the opportunity to close the distance between them. He gently took her hand. "Really?"
Gion was flustered by his touch but couldn't break free from his grip. She nodded, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Yes, but only if you're telling the truth."
"Of course, it's true."
Noir held her cool hand firmly, his voice dripping with feigned affection. "Then, will you marry me?"
Gion's heart skipped a beat. His determined face was so close, his strong, masculine aura washing over her. Her pupils dilated slightly.
This was the effect he was aiming for. First, lower her guard, then make a bold move.
Seizing the fleeting moment, Noir's peach-colored eyes glowed once more. This time, Gion completely succumbed to their captivating allure.
Her expression went blank, her body falling back involuntarily. Noir caught her in his arms.
The activation conditions are a bit tricky, but the activation speed and duration are instantaneous. It's a perfect surprise attack in battle!
But… Noir looked down at the unconscious Momousagi, her eyes still open. "She looks the same as when she sees the waters of The Underworld. No noticeable changes."
Was that subtle thing the System mentioned something that would happen within Momousagi's illusion?
What could possibly be in there…?
As Noir examined Gion for any physical changes, Gion herself was lost in a bewildering dreamscape.
Bathed in warm sunlight, a gentle breeze caressing her face, Gion stood on the deck of a Marine warship, sailing across the azure sea.
She looked around, confused. Wasn't she captured on Thriller Bark? How did she get here?
And why… why was she smaller?
Her body felt like it had reverted to several years ago, before she became a Vice Admiral.
A Marine soldier rushed towards her, his voice urgent. "Ensign Gion! There's a village on that island being attacked by criminals. We're deploying immediately!"
Ensign? Why am I an Ensign again?
Though she didn't understand what was happening, the villagers were in danger. Gion wouldn't stand idly by.
The warship cut through the waves, Gion and a large contingent of Marines charging towards the smoke-filled village.
Gion, drawing her katana, her beautiful face set in a grim expression, moved through the carnage, blood and gore splattering around her. Severed limbs flew through the air.
With a flash of her blade, a man wielding a butcher knife was pierced through the heart. His weapon clattered to the ground, his body falling lifelessly.
A young boy pushed the man's corpse aside, his bright eyes locking onto Gion as if she were a beacon of hope.
"No way…"
Gion stared at the dirty-faced boy, a sense of dread washing over her.
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