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...
Although the boy's face was youthful, Gion recognized him clearly. This was Devil Noir, the man who would one day plunge the world into chaos.
This scene felt eerily similar to the story Noir himself had told.
Could this be some sort of time warp?
Gion's face remained impassive as she approached Noir, her naginata, Kin'emon, held at the ready.
If I kill him now, the future criminal won't exist!
Young Noir looked at Gion approaching, his heart pounding in his chest.
Such a beautiful woman!
Gion raised Kin'emon, poised to strike Noir's neck.
Noir showed no fear. Instead, his eyes were filled with admiration as he gazed at the ornate naginata. "Wow, what a cool sword!"
Gion hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face.
She knew this child would become Devil Noir, a formidable enemy of the Marines, but right now, he was an innocent, impressionable boy.
Though Gion was ruthless in battle, she was still a woman, not a heartless brute like Akainu. How could she bring herself to kill a child?
Should she make him pay now for the evils he would commit in the future?
A whirlwind of thoughts raced through Gion's mind. Slowly, she lowered her weapon, a change of heart taking hold.
She would take him under her wing, guide him, and prevent him from ever becoming a pirate!
Gion crouched down, her stern features softening as she looked into Noir's eyes. "Boy," she said gently, "would you like to join the Marines?"
Noir was stunned, then his face lit up with joy. He nodded eagerly. "Yes! I would!"
A satisfied smile graced Gion's lips. By bringing Devil Noir into the Marines, she would not only eliminate a future enemy but also gain a powerful asset.
She would personally supervise Noir, ensuring he stayed on the right path.
A small, warm hand slipped into hers. Noir, oblivious to the carnage surrounding them, smiled up at her.
Gion glanced at the bloody battlefield, then back at Noir. He truly is a future pirate. His courage sets him apart from ordinary children.
And he's brave, too.
Pink petals, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, drifted down from the smoke-filled sky, landing softly on Gion's shoulder.
Gion picked up a petal, glanced at it, and tossed it aside.
...
Meanwhile, outside the illusion, Noir was poking at the unresponsive Momousagi, growing increasingly bored.
Is the Peach Blossom Illusion really that powerful? Gion hasn't snapped out of it yet.
His boredom turning to curiosity, he asked the System, "What exactly does Momousagi experience inside the Peach Blossom Illusion?"
He hadn't expected a response, but the System's cold, mechanical voice suddenly answered:
"The Peach Blossom Illusion makes many things seem plausible. The target will have significant interactions with the host and experience a lifetime together."
"During this lifetime, the illusion assists the host in a romantic pursuit. The target is highly likely to fall in love with the host, creating an idyllic world of love and happiness."
Noir's eyes widened. "Why didn't you tell me this before?!"
The System paused briefly. "You didn't ask."
Noir groaned. "You didn't tell me I could ask…"
The System hadn't explained this clearly during the initial introduction and was now blaming him for not asking.
Noir looked at Gion with concern. "If she falls in love with me in the illusion, how will she return to reality? And what will happen when she does?"
Though the System's voice remained monotone, Noir could almost sense a hint of amusement.
"The illusion will break when the lifetime concludes or when the host dies. Alternatively, as time passes within the illusion, the target may begin to realize they are in an illusion."
"Upon returning to reality, the target will retain the feelings they developed in the illusion. The depth of these feelings varies depending on the situation."
Noir pondered this. "So, breaking the illusion is ridiculously simple. If I die, Gion will be freed."
They were mortal enemies. Gion wouldn't be holding hands and strolling with him.
She would attack him on sight, shattering the illusion instantly.
Noir was slightly disappointed, but he quickly recovered.
Despite its limitations, the technique was still incredibly useful in combat against opponents susceptible to beauty.
Even a second of distraction in battle could be fatal.
But why hadn't Gion broken free yet? Didn't she want to kill him?
Inside the Peach Blossom Illusion, time flowed swiftly. Gion, having taken Noir under her wing, had trained him into an exceptional Marine.
At Marineford, on a newly constructed podium for young officers, promising Marines clad in justice coats stood proudly, awaiting promotion and recognition.
"Commodore Noir! Step forward!"
Years had passed. Gion, initially rejuvenated by the "time warp," had matured once again into the beautiful woman she was.
A warm smile graced her lips as she pinned the Commodore insignia onto Noir's chest. "Congratulations."
From Seaman Recruit to Commodore in just a few years, Noir, hailed as the strongest newcomer, had become a pillar of the Marines.
Rumors circulated that Fleet Admiral Sengoku intended to groom this youngest-ever Commodore for future Admiral rank, perhaps even Fleet Admiral.
Under the envious gazes of countless Marine officers, Noir officially became a Commodore, a key figure among the Marines' fighting force.
Noir fiddled with the insignia on his chest, pouting. "This thing is ugly."
Gion playfully poked his head. "Don't be silly. You're a Commodore now. You can't be as reckless as before."
Noir placed his hands behind his head, grinning. "I understand. I won't worry little Gion."
Gion punched him lightly in the stomach. "Call me Gion-senpai! Show some respect!"
Noir clutched his stomach dramatically. "Little Gion is still so violent. I doubt anyone besides me would dare marry you…"
Seeing Gion's rising temper, Noir quickly jumped off the podium and fled.
The Marines below, waiting for Noir's acceptance speech, were left bewildered.
From the Fleet Admiral's platform above, Sengoku rubbed his temples with a sigh. "That boy is still as unruly as ever."
"If Gion hadn't brought him into the Marines, he would have become a menace!"
Chief of Staff Tsuru frowned as she looked at Gion below, a worried expression on her face. "Ever since Gion brought Noir back that year, I've felt something's been off about her."
Sengoku nodded in agreement. "Indeed. She's become much more reserved, and it feels like she's hiding something from us."
Gion watched Noir's retreating figure, a gentle smile playing on her lips.
Noir had grown up alongside her, becoming her childhood friend. He would no longer pose a threat to the world. Perhaps this was the best outcome.
But…
Gion looked up at the sky, a sense of unease washing over her. A single petal, seemingly appearing out of thin air, landed in her palm.
The illusion's fabricated reality had made her subconsciously overlook this anomaly.
A strange feeling of emptiness filled her heart, an emotion she couldn't quite place.
Had she truly traveled back in time, or was this all a dream?
Where were these falling peach petals coming from?
If this was all fake, then her relationship with Noir… was it fake too…?
...
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