"Are you okay, Kaya?"
Uta also reached out to support Kaya.
Now she understood why Arton and Carina had not chosen to pursue Gion.
Having had the experience of merging with Arton, she knew that Kaya was now completely drained.
If they had continued to fight earlier, Arton would have been forced to disengage the fusion state as well.
"It's... it's nothing, just a bit out of strength," Kaya said, shaking her head weakly.
Then, she turned her head to look at Arton's cheek, who was supporting her, and said:
"Sorry, Arton-san, if I could have lasted longer, we could have won completely."
Hearing this, Arton shook his head and laughed:
"Kaya, I'm surprised you were able to hold on for so long since I used so many powerful moves."
"And to have driven her away, that's a victory for us."
Kaya smiled faintly upon hearing this.
"I'm just glad I could help you, Arton-san."
Arton nodded and looked towards the distant sea.
"A candidate for Admiral, truly worthy of the title."
"Even after drinking the sleeping potion, she still had such strength."
"Her combat experience is also quite extensive."
"If we hadn't risked injuring her to the extent of damaging her heart channels."
"The fight could have gone on, and not just the fusion state with Kaya might have been undone."
"Our continued battle would also have been quite troublesome."
"Her choosing to leave on her own was a satisfactory outcome."
"But just to be safe, we should leave here quickly."
"Although I don't think Gion's injuries will heal quickly."
"If Gion informs other marines to come here, that would be troublesome."
As he said this, the image of Garp came to mind for Arton.
Arton wasn't sure if Garp was still in the East Blue.
But what Arton was sure of was that, having fought with Gion, it was quite possible that Garp would come looking for trouble.
After all, Gion is Garp's friend and the sister of Tsuru.
"Arton is right, we should get ready quickly."
"Uta, let's move our treasure to our new ship together."
As Carina spoke, she grabbed Uta's hand and ran towards the Black Cat Pirate ship docked at the coast.
"Let's go too, Kaya."
Arton crouched down, presenting his back to Kaya.
After a moment's hesitation, Kaya stepped forward and lay on Arton's back.
Instantly, Arton felt a strong pressure coming from his back.
"Indeed, Kaya is quite big now."
"Really, Arton-san!"
"Ha-ha, just kidding, don't be mad."
After saying this, Arton put his hands around Kaya's waist, lifted her up, and fully carried her on his back.
Then, as they walked towards the pirate ship, Arton said:
"Kaya, don't forget to properly reflect on the battle just now."
"Even though you don't use a sword, I think my fight with Gion still has some lessons for you."
Hearing this, Kaya nodded vigorously:
"I understand, Arton-san."
"I will also train hard to ensure that next time we merge, you can fight with more confidence."
Kaya felt that if her physical strength could be further enhanced.
Then Arton could use Tsunade's jutsu [Creation Rebirth - Hundred Healings] during the fight with Gion without worry.
She felt that even if Arton could only maintain [Creation Rebirth - Hundred Healings] for ten minutes, it would be enough to easily defeat Gion, who was in a weakened state at that time.
"Let's work hard together, Kaya."
Arton nodded with a smile.
Recalling the earlier fight, Arton, facing the experienced Gion, still found many areas lacking.
There were many opportunities he could have exploited better if not for his lack of combat experience.
And this was while he was in the state of "Transparent World."
It's likely that without the state brought by "Transparent World," he might not have been able to handle Gion's dazzling swordsmanship at all.
"Fortunately, I recorded the fight just now."
"In the future, such battles can also be recorded for later review."
Thinking this, Arton used system privileges to upload the video from the start of his conversation with Gion at Usopp's house to the end of their last battle into the diary.
[Video: Battle Record—Engaging Gion.]
***
Enjoyed the chapters? Read 20 chapters ahead on Patreon
PATREON.COM/METARLN
500 power stones = 1 extra chapter