Chapter 23 – Gion gets in touch with Tashigi

"Arton plans to help?"

"Is it out of justice, or simply because of his fondness for Kaya?"

"Regardless, since Arton is willing to intervene, Kuro won't be able to harm others at sea anymore."

"Too bad, Arton still hasn't disclosed the address of Kaya and Kuro."

Gion shook her head, sighing deeply.

"However, just because you don't disclose the specific address, doesn't mean I have no other means."

Gion's lips curved up slightly, chuckling.

Since Arton has encountered the Black Cat Pirates and is also willing to help Kaya through her difficulties, maybe he will directly take the Black Cat Pirates' ship to Captain Kuro and Kaya's location.

In other words, finding the Black Cat Pirates' ship could lead to finding Captain Kuro and resolving the threat.

Similarly, it would also lead her to Arton, her objective for this journey.

After a moment of thought, Gion picked up a Den Den Mushi next to her and dialed a number.

Soon, a deep male voice came from the other side of the Den Den Mushi.

"This is Smoker, what do you need?"

"This is Vice Admiral Gion, you picked up quickly, Captain Smoker, haven't you rested yet?"

"I was resting, but my soldiers woke me up."

"What soldier has the power to wake up the Captain stationed in Logue town?"

"It's my subordinate Tashigi! Really, making me look for Captain Kuro in the middle of the night, wasn't that guy already caught?"

"Oh, is that so."

Gion raised an eyebrow, thinking back to what Arton had written in his diary previously.

Gion immediately understood that Smoker's mention of Tashigi meant she had a copy of the diary similar to her own.

"Let's talk about you, Vice Admiral Gion."

"Why are you calling this late?"

"Is there something special going on?"

Smoker, somewhat helplessly looking at the very anxious Tashigi across from him, spoke to Gion.

"Indeed, there's something. I need you to thoroughly investigate Captain Kuro," Gion chuckled.

"Hmm? Why are you also asking me to investigate Captain Kuro?"

"Could it be that the guy wasn't actually caught?"

Smoker frowned, saying this while glancing at Tashigi, who had become somewhat stunned upon hearing Gion's words.

"Yes, I've received reliable information."

"The Captain Kuro who was caught before was a fake."

"The real Captain Kuro is likely hiding in a wealthy merchant's house."

"There's a beautiful girl named Kaya in the merchant's family."

"I need you to investigate if there's a wealthy family in the East Blue with a girl named Kaya," Gion said.

"Hey, hey, hey, just relying on a name for investigation is going to be quite difficult, Vice Admiral Gion."

"Even among wealthy merchants, there must be quite a few people named Kaya."

"Also, aren't you at the Marine Headquarters?"

"How do you know so much about the matters in the East Blue?" Smoker remarked, pulling a face.

"I just happened to come across some intelligence."

"Besides, I'm currently heading to the East Blue because of certain matters."

"Let's not talk about that now; let's focus on Captain Kuro's case," Gion paused, then continued:

"If you find it inconvenient to search based solely on the name Kaya."

"Let me give you two more clues."

"One is the Giant Tiger Pirates of the East Blue, and the other is the Black Cat Pirates of the East Blue."

"If your soldiers find either of these two pirate crews."

"Then have them discreetly follow the pirate ship."

"Remember, do not engage in conflict with the people on the pirate ship."

"Especially a man named Arton."

Hearing this, Smoker immediately frowned.

But before he could ask Gion for clarification, Tashigi beside him couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"Arton?! Vice Admiral Gion, you know about Arton?"

Smoker frowned and looked at Tashigi with irritation:

"What, you know him too?"

Tashigi awkwardly nodded: "Sort of, kind of know him."

"What do you mean 'sort of know him'? Explain, Tashigi."

Smoker said with a frown.

Tashigi pursed her lips and bowed her head.

Of course, she wanted to explain clearly to Smoker.

However, the diary copy was restricting her, preventing her from being able to clearly explain Arton's situation to Smoker.

"Alright, stop pressuring Tashigi, Smoker."

"This man Arton, it was I who had Hina inform Tashigi about him."

"You don't need to worry about his affairs, you just need to know that he is very strong."

"Not someone ordinary people can handle."

"Furthermore, it's best not to regard him as an enemy."

"My purpose in coming to the East Blue is to find him and invite him to join the Marines."

Gion said with a light laugh.

"It was Hina who told you?"

Smoker raised an eyebrow, looking at Tashigi.

Tashigi was a bit stunned, but after Gion's affirmative voice came through the Den Den Mushi once again, Tashigi reacted and nodded repeatedly.

***

300 power stones = 1 extra chapter