one piece: gene extraction and fusion system-Chapter 350: Collapse and Capture

"Damn it!"

Gion cursed inwardly as Armament Haki surged onto her feet, and she kicked toward Noah's head.

But Noah turned his head slightly, dodging the kick with ease.

However, in that brief moment, Gion broke free from Noah's grip. She immediately drew her Kinpira and slashed out with a sharp strike.

"One-Sword Style! White Waves!" freёwebnoѵel.com

A surge of sword energy burst forth, crashing forward like cascading waves. The air seemed to split apart from the pressure as it shot toward Noah.

"You're really stubborn," Noah muttered with a shake of his head. He clenched his right fist and covered it with Armament Haki. Thanks to his training and some special guidance aboard the Black Glory, he had long since learned to wield Haki.

While not at the pinnacle, his use of Armament Haki was more than enough for offensive and defensive dominance.

Boom!

Noah punched forward.

The sword wave shattered upon impact with his fist, vanishing in a burst of pressure.

Without hesitation, Noah raised his leg and slammed it downward.

Boom!

The warship trembled violently beneath the sheer force. Planks split and creaked as if the vessel might shatter entirely.

Gion stumbled, nearly losing her footing from the tremor. Her expression was filled with horror.

"Damn... This man is strong."

That one kick almost tore the warship apart. The strength was unimaginable.

Before she could steady herself, Noah stepped forward again.

The ship shook a second time.

And in the blink of an eye, Noah was in front of her.

Clang!

Reacting instinctively, Gion raised her Kinpira and slashed toward him.

The air shrieked as the blade moved.

"Hmph."

Noah snorted coldly and simply raised his hand. He caught the blade mid-swing, golden scales faintly shimmering on his palm. Kinpira's edge stopped dead—completely ineffective.

"What...?" Gion's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Come with me," Noah said calmly. His right hand reached forward and grasped her neck—not enough to kill, but enough to stop her from resisting.

With a light leap, Noah returned to the Black Glory.

"Sir," he said with a smile, presenting Gion to Mio. "What should we do?"

"She's ready," Mio said with a light chuckle, waving lazily.

Warwick stepped forward and clasped two seastone shackles on Gion's wrists and ankles.

While she hadn't eaten a Devil Fruit and wasn't weakened by seastone, breaking free was no simple task.

"As a Marine officer, being captured by pirates—you should just kill me," Gion said in a low voice, staring at Mio with defiance.

"What's the point in killing you?" Mio shrugged. "You have value. I might be able to trade you with the Navy... and if not, maybe I'll keep you as a concubine."

He chuckled at his own teasing remark.

"Don't even dream of it," Gion snapped coldly.

"No need to get angry just yet. Look over there." Mio gestured casually. "Take a look at your partner's situation. He might not be leaving this place alive."

At that, Gion turned her gaze toward Kaji.

It was not a good sight.

Kaji was wounded, blood seeping from multiple gashes. He was clearly losing.

The warship was littered with fallen Marines—most of them had already been dealt with by Warwick.

"Konghu!"

Kaji roared, slamming a punch into the air. A burst of explosive force shaped like a pale white tiger surged out and howled toward Asuka.

As the air beast approached, it suddenly exploded in a thunderous shockwave.

Half of the warship was obliterated, the rest barely holding above water.

Asuka took the brunt of the attack. Blood ran from the corner of his mouth, but his expression remained indifferent. In a blink, he vanished.

Puff!

The Seven Star Sword slashed down, severing one of Kaji's arms clean off. The limb fell into the ocean.

Kaji screamed.

He was finished. If nothing interrupted, Asuka would soon end his life.

Mio, meanwhile, remained seated on the deck, sipping wine and enjoying the show.

But in the next moment—

His figure vanished.

High above the sky, Mio suddenly appeared and kicked out, his leg coated in Armament Haki.

Boom!

A golden light streaking through the air was struck and slammed toward the sea.

It stopped just above the water, stabilizing.

The light faded to reveal Kizaru, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.

"That was scary," he said with a forced grin. "You didn't hold back at all."

"Kizaru." Mio raised an eyebrow at the man in the yellow-striped suit. He took a swig from his bottle and asked, "What? You here to rescue them?"

"They're both potential stars in the Navy's future. We can't just leave them to die," Kizaru replied, shrugging helplessly. He was telling the truth.

"You think you can save them alone?" Mio asked with a faint smile, completely unconcerned.

"Probably not," Kizaru admitted. "But if I don't try, Sengoku's going to give me an earful. I'd rather avoid that."

Golden light surged across his body as he finished speaking.

Without delay, Kizaru darted away in a burst of speed.

Back near the remains of the warship, Kaji—after launching his most powerful attack—suddenly retreated, leaping into the air toward the sea.

Asuka's eyes narrowed in surprise.

Just before Kaji hit the water, a beam of golden light shot in and grabbed him—Kizaru.

He didn't even glance back.

Instead, Kizaru soared away into the distance with Kaji in tow, showing no intent to return for Gion.

"Well, it seems he gave up on rescuing you," Mio said, landing back on the ship. He didn't pursue—there was no need.

Capturing Gion alone was already a great reward. He had never planned to keep Kaji here. Killing or capturing a future Admiral candidate outright would only provoke unnecessary backlash.

The Navy would be furious, and the World Government would be forced to respond for the sake of its image.

There was no gain in pushing that far.

"Hmph."

Gion snorted coldly at Mio's words, turning away in silence.

If Kizaru had truly tried to save her, she'd have questioned his sanity. She understood reality—he was only able to take Kaji because Black Crow let him go.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken anyone at all.

And she... would still be right here.

——————-

Pump up the power stone