In a small alley—
Observation Haki activated, sensing outward.
"Vice Admiral Gion (Momousagi) of the Navy Headquarters just left here not long ago."
"Her family was killed by the Celestial Dragons. That's why she harbors deep hatred toward the so-called 'Creators.'"
Chris looked at Baccarat seriously.
"If I try to work with her, do you think it'll succeed?"
Seeing how solemn Chris looked, Baccarat didn't answer immediately.
It was her first time seeing Chris like this—she could tell this was very important.
After a moment, she smiled gently.
"Chris, give me your hand."
Chris said nothing and simply extended his hand.
Baccarat took it, feeling an unexpected calm.
She closed her beautiful eyes, a faint white glow radiating from her body, flowing from her arm into Chris's.
In that moment, Chris felt a rush of energy—like good fortune was surging toward him.
This was the manifestation of great luck.
"Chris, it's settled. You'll succeed for sure."
Baccarat let go, her face pale and sickly.
Chris, rarely showing concern, asked,
"Are you okay, Baccarat?"
She brushed back her deep red hair, smiling sweetly.
"Don't worry, Chris. My luck will return in a few days."
"I just overused my ability a bit—rest is all I need."
"You should go quickly, before the luck dissipates."
Chris nodded and smiled slightly.
"Go find Betty and the others. I'll be right back."
With a whoosh, he vanished—warping through space toward the north...
West Blue – Somewhere in the sea.
A navy battleship cut through the ocean at high speed.
Inside a room—
"Just a few more days and we'll be back at HQ. No more drifting around…"
Gion (Momousagi) stood by the window, looking at the blue skies and white clouds, finally feeling a bit relaxed.
Suddenly, a calm voice sounded in the room.
"Sorry to interrupt, Vice Admiral Gion."
"I want to talk to you. It's about the Celestial Dragons."
Startled, she quickly turned around—
There stood a young man, leaning against a desk with his hands in his pockets.
He had a cool, relaxed air about him.
"Who are you?"
Gion narrowed her eyes slightly, her right hand quietly resting on her sword hilt. Her focus sharpened.
To appear here silently—this man was extremely dangerous.
"No need to be nervous, Vice Admiral Gion."
Chris shrugged calmly.
"My name's Chris. I'm a pirate."
"Or rather, soon to be a Warlord of the Sea—so you could say I'm almost official."
"Now, back to the point: the Celestial Dragons."
Gion stepped closer, the "Justice" cape on her back gleaming.
"You think you can become a Warlord? Seriously?"
"And you've got the guts to show up in front of me? Pretty bold for a pirate."
Her steps halted, and her eyes gleamed with cold sharpness.
"Go ahead. I'm curious what you're up to."
Chris stood calmly with his arms folded.
"I've already laid out a full plan. As long as we work together—"
"We can overthrow the rule of the Celestial Dragons, and drag those bastards down from their divine throne!"
Gion froze, stunned.
"Do you even know what you're saying?"
"Saying that alone is enough to get you killed—a hundred times over."
But Chris ignored her outrage and pressed on:
"Let's not play games, Vice Admiral Gion. We share a common enemy. Let's work together."
"If you don't want revenge for your family, then forget I said anything."
Gion's expression grew colder. Her sword looked ready to leave its sheath.
"How do you know that?"
She was shocked inside.
Her biggest secret—something not even CP9 knew—this man somehow found out.
It was… truly unbelievable.
"How I know doesn't matter. What matters is this partnership."
Chris continued bluntly:
"Your strength is tremendous, terrifying even."
"But on your own, overthrowing the Celestial Dragons? That's a fantasy. Impossible."
"However—if we work together, everything becomes possible."
Though her heart wavered, Gion's face remained cold and mocking.
She scoffed.
"You? You think you can pull this off?"
"Even Whitebeard—the world's strongest man—didn't dare say such things."
"Who exactly do you think you are?"
Chris's lips curled into a confident smile.
"Then let's fight. Let's settle it with actions, not words."
He stepped forward and held out his hand.
"Give me your hand. I'll take you somewhere."
"Once you see it—you'll understand."
Gion frowned slightly, sizing him up from head to toe.
She couldn't read him at all.
He was calm. Steady. No openings.
With no choice, she slowly raised her slender hand—and agreed.
"Let's go."
With a whoosh, the two vanished from the room…
----------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon: p@treon.com//OnePieceChronicles