One Piece: Marine Luffy, Garp regrets it

Gion nodded seriously, though her throat tightened with nervous anticipation. "Are you talking about the pure gold I think you're talking about? Could your beauty really have something to do with it?"

Kujaku nodded confidently, stepping closer to take Gion's arm and lead her forward. Her tone was smooth, her words carefully calculated.

"Yes, exactly what you're thinking," Kujaku said. "Luffy accidentally swallowed a small piece of pure gold when he was a child. That's what gave him this incredible ability."

Gion's steps faltered as her mind raced, processing Kujaku's claim. "Pure gold…?" she repeated, almost in disbelief.

Kujaku nodded again, her expression serious. "I'm telling you this at great risk. If the government learns of this, they'll stop at nothing to capture Luffy and dissect him. But I'm sharing it to ease your doubts. You, as a candidate admiral, must understand the magic of pure gold."

Gion's heart pounded. She had, of course, heard of pure gold—the legendary treasure said to cure all diseases, prolong life, and preserve youth. For centuries, the Celestial Dragons had obsessed over it, scouring the world in search of its secrets.

Pure gold… It really exists…

At that moment, Gion's resolve solidified. Her desire for youth and beauty overpowered her doubts. She failed to realize that Kujaku was entirely fabricating the story, her claims rooted in little more than rumors passed down by her grandmother, Vice Admiral Tsuru. Even Kujaku herself didn't believe pure gold existed—until now, when her lie took on a life of its own.

With a sly smile, Kujaku leaned closer. "Let me be honest, Gion: Luffy knows the location of the pure gold. If you want to stay young forever, you might want to reconsider your attitude toward him."

Kujaku's tone turned pointed. "You're just a familiar outsider to him. That's a far cry from being family. Think about it."

Her words hit Gion like a hammer. She understood the implications clearly. Yet, the thought of lowering herself to cater to Luffy—a boy who was technically her junior in status and rank—made her hesitate.

But the lure of eternal youth was too great. Compared to such an irresistible prize, a little embarrassment seemed trivial.

As Gion wrestled with her inner conflict, Kujaku began leading her toward the residential area, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Kujaku was confident that Luffy had overheard everything with his Observation Haki. Now, it was simply a matter of delivering Gion to him.

Just as they neared Luffy's quarters, Kujaku noticed something unusual. The stones under her feet shifted subtly, guiding her path. Grass, fine sand, and even pebbles seemed to point in a specific direction. Kujaku chuckled quietly, recognizing the hints.

"Change of plans," Kujaku said, tugging Gion's arm. "This way."

The subtle signs led them to the library. Kujaku knocked twice on the door before turning to Gion, her expression softening slightly.

"Sister Gion," she began, her tone sincere. "Luffy doesn't know about this conversation. In fact, he's explicitly asked us not to disclose anything about the pure gold. This is all I can do. If you still can't decide, then forget everything I've said."

Without waiting for a response, Kujaku pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Inside the library, Luffy looked up from the storybook he was sharing with Koala and Kalifa. Seeing Kujaku and Gion enter, the two girls quickly adjusted their slightly disheveled clothing and sat up from Luffy's embrace.

As Gion followed Kujaku inside, her eyes instinctively fell on Koala and Kalifa. Their exposed skin caught her attention—flawless, snow-white, and impossibly smooth. Seeing it up close erased her lingering doubts.

Her decision was made.

She reached out and clasped Kujaku's hand, squeezing it gently as if sealing a pact. Kujaku's heart leapt in triumph.

Success! That was easier than I expected!

As Luffy had once said, people in this world often craved simplicity. Kujaku mentally congratulated herself before allowing her expression to soften. She gently patted the back of Gion's hand in reassurance.

Turning to Koala and Kalifa, Kujaku introduced Gion with a smile. "Koala, Kalifa, this is Miss Gion, a candidate admiral. She has something important to discuss with Luffy. Could I trouble you two to step out with me for a moment?"

The mention of Gion's rank caught the attention of both women. They studied her with mild curiosity before exchanging a glance. Though reluctant to leave Luffy's warm embrace, they understood the need for privacy.

Standing gracefully, Koala and Kalifa bid Luffy a quick farewell before walking over to Kujaku.

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