one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 348: The Trap on Nuyan Island

Chapter 348: The Trap on Nuyan Island

Nuyan Island.

This is an uninhabited desert island.

At this time, several pirate groups were gathered here. Although they weren't famous pirate groups, their presence was suspicious in itself.

Of course, this suspicion was mainly from the perspective of the Navy.

In the sea not far from Nuyan Island, a warship was heading straight for the island.

On board the warship, Gion, wearing a navy cloak, stood with a solemn expression as she gazed out at the sea in the distance. The famous sword Kinpira hung at her waist as she listened to the report of the navy soldier beside her.

"Major General Gion, we've arrived at the sea area near Nuyan Island. We should reach it within the hour. However, according to intelligence, several pirate groups have already gathered there. It's likely they're conducting a transaction for the target item. We cannot rule out the presence of other unknown forces. Should we wait for Admiral Kizaru before advancing?"

Gion furrowed her brow, looking thoughtful.

"Gion, Admiral Kizaru won't arrive for a while. These are just small-time pirates. We can deal with them easily. Maybe after we complete the mission, you'll finally accept my confession? I really can't wait any longer."

The speaker, a man in a navy coat, wore wooden sandals and had a stalk of grass hanging from his mouth. He looked casual, even lazy.

"Kaji, even if we complete this task, I still won't accept your confession. You're not even close to my type," Gion replied with a calm but dismissive glance.

Kaji was his real name. His code name was Chatun. Gion, too, was her real name—her code name used to be Momosaki. Both were considered top candidates for the next generation of Navy admirals and knew each other well. Despite Kaji's youth, he acted older than his age, and even though he'd confessed to Gion dozens of times, she had never once hesitated to reject him.

"Oh? Then Gion, tell me what your standards are in a man. I'll work hard to meet them!" Kaji said with sparkling eyes.

Gion scoffed. "First, he has to be handsome."

The words hit like a hammer.

Kaji's expression instantly stiffened.

Handsome... that was something he clearly couldn't change.

"You're saying that just to mess with me. That's definitely not your real standard. It's okay, Gion. I believe that sincerity can break through anything. One day, you'll accept me," Kaji said with forced optimism.

But before he could finish basking in his hope—

Clang.

Gion had unsheathed Kinpira, the blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight. Her voice was calm, but it cut deeper than steel. "Next time you make some disgusting confession in front of me, I'll cut off your future without hesitation."

She sheathed the sword again, ignoring Kaji's pale and mortified face.

There was no more time to entertain foolishness.

Admiral Kizaru might not arrive in time. If other matters were delaying him, so be it—but the importance of this mission was beyond doubt.

Gion was fully aware of the taboo power of the Operation Fruit. As a core officer of the Navy, she had access to knowledge others didn't.

If the Operation Fruit fell into pirate hands, and they managed to escape, it would be a disaster—and the World Government would not let that failure slide. They might even assign the failure to serve as bodyguards for the Celestial Dragons. Just imagining the Celestial Dragons made Gion feel sick.

After a moment of contemplation, she gave her order in a firm voice.

"Advance immediately. We'll proceed first. If we discover other forces on the island, we'll wait for Admiral Kizaru. Otherwise, we eliminate those pirates and retrieve the Devil Fruit."

"Yes, ma'am."

The soldier gave a crisp salute.

The warship began to accelerate, heading directly toward Nuyan Island.

After several dozen minutes, the island was visible on the horizon.

One soldier, peering through a telescope, gave his report. "Major General Gion, no other forces detected. The island appears unchanged."

Gion also had a telescope in hand and asked as she scanned the area, "What about the surrounding waters? Any signs of other ships?"

"None so far."

"Then let's go in," Gion said decisively.

"Yes!"

The warship surged ahead, speeding directly toward Nuyan Island.

But what made Gion frown was the behavior of the pirates.

Upon seeing the approaching warship, none of them showed fear or panic.

They merely stood on the island... waiting.

That was a red flag.

"Gion, be careful. This feels like an ambush," Kaji said seriously. Despite his usual carefree attitude, he was still a strong contender for admiral—he knew danger when he saw it.

"I know," Gion replied, her expression sharpening.

Then—

Bulu Bulu.

Bulu Bulu.

The sound of a Den Den Mushi rang out.

Gion picked it up immediately. "Admiral Kizaru."

"Gion, you'd better pull back right away. Don't go to the island. I just got the latest intel—the Black Crow Pirates are on their way there. If you proceed now, you'll run right into them." Kizaru's voice was unusually serious.

The Black Crows?

Gion's eyes widened slightly.

Even Kaji was caught off guard.

But the next moment—

Gion's pupils contracted. A bitter smile crept onto her face.

"Admiral Kizaru, I'm afraid it's too late. I can already see the Black Glory."

"What?!" Kizaru exclaimed through the Den Den Mushi. "Retreat immediately—or buy time! I'll be there as fast as I can!"

The call ended abruptly.

Kizaru was clearly speeding toward them at full capacity.

Gion put the Den Den Mushi away and focused her eyes on the approaching Black Glory.

Gripping Kinpira tightly, she made her decision.

"Prepare for battle!"

The command was clear and direct.

The direction of the Black Glory made it clear—their target was the Navy.

And with the distance this close, escape was impossible.

Their only hope was to delay and wait for Admiral Kizaru's arrival.

Meanwhile—

On the island.

Doflamingo slowly stepped onto the shore. Behind him, Trebol laid down a man in seastone cuffs—Krason.

Looking down at his brother, Doflamingo spoke coldly.

"My dear brother... did you see that? Because of your false intel, these navy officers will die today."

He paused, sneering.

"This is my revenge against the Navy. After all, they're the ones who made me lose the only family I ever had."