Chapter 87: Start special training
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Gion frowned slightly and turned to look at Roja.
"Admiral White Dove, what do you mean by this?"
Gion gazed at Roja coldly, her sharp eyes searching his face for any hidden intent.
"Won't you invite me in to sit?" Roja replied with a slight smile.
Gion hesitated, unsure of what Roja was plotting. Without a word, she turned and walked into her room. "Close the door behind you," she said, her back to him.
As Roja stepped inside, he glanced around Gion's quarters. Despite her commanding and regal demeanor, the room's decor was a stark contrast—soft pink tones, delicate furniture, and a surprisingly girlish charm.
Gion noticed Roja's wandering gaze and frowned. She exuded her usual cold, commanding aura, an odd juxtaposition with the room's whimsical decorations.
"Enough games. What do you want, Roja?"
"I want to invite you to join my faction."
"Your faction?" Gion's tone was incredulous. "You do realize I'm a member of the Dove faction, don't you?"
Gion's relationship with Vice Admiral Tsuru was well-known—more than colleagues, they were like sisters. Despite the significant age gap, their bond was inseparable.
"Of course I know," Roja replied calmly. "That's exactly why I feel it's a shame."
"A shame?" Gion's expression hardened. "I don't need your pity!"
She turned to the window, looking out at the Marineford training grounds, her thoughts clearly unsettled. Roja's words struck a chord, touching on something she rarely voiced aloud.
"Gion, you're the backup for an Admiral's seat, but have you ever wondered why you've never been given the full support you deserve? Why your resources are filtered, limited, and rationed?"
Roja's words were measured, deliberate. With each sentence, Gion's fists clenched tighter, her nails digging into her palms.
She had always aimed for the title of Admiral, dedicating herself tirelessly to both her physical training and swordsmanship. Her mastery of the blade had reached the pinnacle of Supreme Grade Swordsmanship, and she was only a step away from advancing further. Yet, despite her efforts, she remained the "Admiral-in-waiting"—forever the understudy, never the star.
"Tell me, what can you offer me?" Gion asked, finally turning to face Roja. Her voice was softer now, less guarded, but her sharp eyes remained vigilant.
"Anything you want," Roja answered with confidence, his tone brimming with conviction. "Tell me, and I'll make it happen."
Gion's lips tightened as she pressed further. "What if I want the title of Admiral? How would you deliver that?"
"Simple," Roja said without hesitation. "When I become Fleet Admiral, you'll ascend to Admiral."
He said it so casually, as if it were an inevitability. Roja poured himself a cup of tea, letting the fragrant steam waft into the air as Gion stared at him, stunned.
For a moment, her cold mask slipped, replaced by visible uncertainty. Roja's proposal was bold, almost too bold. But his reputation and influence made it seem plausible, even likely. Gion's mind raced through the implications. Joining Roja would mean leaving the Dove faction—a move that could isolate her politically and limit her access to resources. However, Roja's growing momentum and influence were undeniable.
The decision was not an easy one. Gion needed time to weigh the risks.
As she stood lost in thought, Roja quietly slipped out of the room. When she turned back to speak, she found only the setting sun outside her window and a single white letter resting on the table.
Meanwhile, Roja had returned to his residence, where he summoned Ain and Stella to the training ground.
"We'll begin intensive training," Roja announced. "Your strength must improve by at least three levels."
Using his "Fifth Transformation Phantoms," Roja conjured five doppelgängers, each carrying a fraction of his power. These phantoms were perfect sparring partners for Ain and Stella.
Stella hesitated, unsure of herself. "Master, I've only done physical training. I don't know how to fight yet!"
"Stella," Roja said firmly, "you've eaten the Mythical Zoan Human-Human Fruit, Model: Rakshasa. Your best defense is an overwhelming offense. Attack relentlessly and force your opponent to defend. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master!" Stella responded, her eyes lighting up with determination. Roja's words were law to her, and she had no intention of disobeying.
At that moment, Hina entered the training ground carrying a large satchel. "Roja, Hina has purchased all the medicinal supplies you requested. It cost 90 million Berries. Here's the remaining 10 million."
"Hina, thank you for your hard work. Consider the 10 million your bonus," Roja said casually.
"Ten million?!" Hina gasped, stunned by his generosity. "Hina is very happy!"
Her admiration for Roja grew. Compared to the resource-starved Dove faction, Roja's support felt limitless. Joining him seemed more appealing with each passing moment.
Roja stored the supplies and addressed the group. "As for your training, don't worry about injuries. No matter how severe, I can heal you completely—without leaving any hidden damage. All you need to do is fight without fear!"
Finally, Roja turned to Hina. "Hina, do you want to join the training as well?"
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