Looking at the smile on Mio's face, Gion felt an inexplicable wave of nervousness.
She had never heard of the so-called "disease" Mio mentioned, but a strange curiosity began to rise within her.
There was a sense of novelty.
From his current behavior, Mio didn't seem inclined to kill her, which meant her life wasn't immediately in danger.
Although she certainly didn't want to be humiliated by pirates, she wouldn't commit suicide—not unless that moment truly arrived. Besides, with no chance of escape for now, her mind began to dwell on the disease Mio had casually brought up.
Could I get this disease? she wondered.
Each time she dismissed the thought, she murmured inwardly, How could I possibly get such a disease? I'm a Marine… how could I possibly develop any favorable impression or dependence on pirates?
And yet, every time she pushed the thought away, it crept back in—What if Black Crow really intends to abuse me?
Die?
She didn't want to die. She hadn't become an admiral yet. She hadn't carved her name into the history of the seas.
But if she didn't die… wouldn't that mean enduring endless humiliation?
Mio had no idea what was going through Gion's mind, and even if he did, he wouldn't care.
As the Black Glory neared Crow Island—
A Marine warship entered their view.
Then, a flash of golden light streaked through the air, and Kizaru appeared in front of them.
Mio's expression was calm as he said indifferently, "What, here to arrest me?"
"Oh my, how frightening," Kizaru replied, spreading his hands with exaggerated helplessness. "I wouldn't dare. I'm just here to deliver this Den Den Mushi under orders from the Fleet Admiral. I assume you were expecting contact from us?"
With that, he handed the Den Den Mushi to Mio.
Mio accepted it casually and dialed without hesitation.
It connected almost immediately.
Sengoku's voice came through the line.
"Black Crow, state your purpose."
"Purpose? I don't have any purpose," Mio replied with a soft chuckle.
"I don't have time for jokes. What do you want in exchange for releasing Gion?" Sengoku's tone was deep and grim.
"Tsk, looks like this beautiful woman holds quite the position in your Marine hierarchy. Honestly, I'm in a bit of a dilemma here. I was thinking of keeping her as my wife. It's quite satisfying for a pirate to have a Marine under his control, don't you think?"
"Hmph. Cut the nonsense and name your price," Sengoku snapped, his voice low with tension.
"I need to think carefully. With a bargaining chip like her, I'd be a fool not to make it count. You Marines have some fine treasures in your vaults, after all." Mio leaned back and smiled faintly.
He hadn't yet decided what he wanted in exchange for Gion. Devil Fruits were certainly valuable—but he wouldn't settle for just one or two.
He intended to demand something that would make the Marines feel the pain, but still be forced to accept the deal.
"How long do you need to consider?" Sengoku asked.
"Three days," Mio answered with a grin.
There was a pause on the line.
Then Sengoku spoke again. "Fine. I'll contact you in three days."
The Den Den Mushi clicked off.
Mio pocketed the snail, then turned to Kizaru. "Want to stay and have a drink?"
"I wouldn't dare. I might end up as a corpse before I finish the glass," Kizaru said with a smirk.
"Then scram already," Mio rolled his eyes.
"How cold," Kizaru muttered, his body turning into golden light as he returned to the warship, which turned and sailed away.
At this point, there was no benefit in fighting a Marine admiral. Mio's mind was on profits and losses.
If the reward was large enough, he wouldn't hesitate to kill a Marine admiral—but today was not that day.
As the warship faded into the distance—
The Black Glory resumed its course toward Crow Island.
Robin walked over to Mio and asked curiously, "Captain, what are you going to do with that Marine woman? You don't really intend to make her your wife, do you?"
"I wouldn't mind," Mio rolled his eyes. "But only if she's willing. You think I'd dare otherwise?"
"Fair point. I guess she won't be becoming the captain's wife after all," Robin teased, then added, "But this is a great opportunity to get some powerful Devil Fruits from the Marines. You could give them to Warwick and the others—they haven't eaten any, right?"
Mio nodded thoughtfully, then shook his head.
Warwick and some others could eat Devil Fruits—there were a few exceptions—but Mio wouldn't force them. It was up to them.
If they were willing, Mio wouldn't mind finding something powerful for them. The benefits outweighed the weakness to seawater.
"I'm still considering what to ask for exactly," Mio murmured, then turned and headed into the cabin.
Gion was being kept in one of the rooms.
Someone delivered food to her daily.
Mio walked in with two bottles of wine.
Gion lay sprawled on the ground, arms and legs stretched out. Luckily, she wasn't wearing a skirt—otherwise, the scene might've been far more… distracting.
Seeing Mio enter, Gion's brows furrowed. She didn't know what he was up to.
Mio sat down beside her, opened one bottle, took a swig, then held the other up to her face.
"Drink?"
"No," Gion replied coldly. She was tempted, but she resisted. Most people at sea loved a good drink—Gion was no exception.
Mio didn't mind. He took another drink himself and said, "Sengoku just contacted me. He wants to trade for you. Says he'll give me whatever I ask. So… what do you think you're worth?"
"You're asking me?" Gion said sharply. "You think I'd tell you even if I knew?"
"Fair point. You probably don't know yourself," Mio chuckled, lifting her chin with a finger. "Still, I did spare your life. Doesn't that deserve a little gratitude?"
"Hah," Gion rolled her eyes and scoffed, not even bothering with a reply.
But then—
Her eyes went wide with shock.
Mio leaned in and kissed her directly on the lips.
Gion froze for a moment, stunned.
Then she bit down hard.
Blood spilled.
Mio leaned back, licking the blood from his lips. He grinned. "Not bad. I'll remember that taste. Was that your first kiss? Heh… maybe you'll remember this moment forever."
His eyes gleamed with a knowing light.