Chapter 22: Eating the Mythical Zoan

Kuke appeared.

It only took a few seconds before Admiral Akainu arrived. Anyone with a brain could see that this situation wasn't right.

Doflamingo immediately realized the truth. This was a trap. The Marines and the World Government had set up an elaborate plan to lure Kuke here using the Zoan fruit as bait. They were willing to use such a valuable fruit, showcasing their confidence.

Kuke glanced at Doflamingo with disinterest.

Really? You dare talk about traps? You're the last person who should say anything, considering how many times the Donquixote Family lost great Devil Fruits because of your tricks.

"This is going to be interesting." Doflamingo chuckled, giving Kuke a sympathetic look.

You're done for. You've walked straight into a Marine trap. Feel hopeless yet?

"Admiral Akainu?!" The presence of Akainu caused shockwaves across the island.

"This is a Marine ambush! Run!"

"The Fleet Admiral is here—run for your lives!"

"If we don't flee now, we won't get another chance."

Few pirates had the courage to face off against an Admiral, especially not one as feared as Akainu. They scattered in all directions, rushing toward the port.

As they fled, they kept glancing back. Seeing that Akainu wasn't interested in them, they let out sighs of relief.

All eyes were on Akainu as he confidently advanced towards Kuke.

"So Kuke is the real target?"

"He's done for. Can he escape this time?"

The pirates couldn't help but worry about Kuke.

"Kuke can handle it! He invaded the Holy Land, freed the slaves, and destroyed Enies Lobby. Compared to that, facing an Admiral should be nothing," said a fanatical supporter.

But most pirates shook their heads. "Kuke has never fought an Admiral directly. All his successes came from attacking while the Marines were distracted. This time, there's no way he can win."

On the sea, the consensus was that Admirals were the most powerful force in the Marines, rivaled only by the Emperors of the Sea. They were the true powerhouses.

Meanwhile, Kuke's fame stemmed from the things he had done, not necessarily from his combat strength.

"Quick, take photos! This is huge—Akainu is personally hunting down Kuke!" The reporters were beside themselves with excitement.

In Mary Geoise…

The Five Elders were gathered with Sengoku, all waiting for news.

"Kuke has shown up," Sengoku reported, his voice filled with relief.

The Elders exchanged smiles, pleased with the news. "Good. Now that he's appeared, this ends today."

One of the Elders chuckled. "The criminal who humiliated the World Government will finally be executed."

Sengoku allowed himself a smile of relief. The month-long nightmare was coming to an end.

The Five Elders and Sengoku exchanged looks of confidence.

With Akainu leading the charge, failure was impossible.

"Tell Akainu that after dealing with Kuke, he must secure the Phoenix Mythical Zoan Fruit at all costs and bring it back."

Sengoku, feeling victorious, relaxed and sipped his tea.

"Kuke, I got the Devil Fruit! Hurry and eat it!" Gion called out as she used her Armament Haki to destroy the Seastone lock and open the chest, revealing the crimson-red fruit inside.

Doflamingo's eyes burned with desire. He charged toward Gion.

Bartholomew Kuma narrowed his eyes, glancing between Akainu and the fruit in Gion's hands. He remained still for the moment.

"Eat it, Gion!" Kuke shouted, standing between Akainu and Chaton with his sword drawn.

"Hurry!"

"????" Gion stood frozen for a moment, staring at Kuke's back.

Had he really walked into this Marine trap… for me?

Now, here he was, facing off against Admiral Akainu and Vice Admiral Chaton, all for her.

A wave of warmth washed over her.

Gion's eyes softened as she gazed at Kuke with affection.

Meeting Kuke was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

Gion wasn't the type to hesitate. With Kuke holding off the Marines, she wasted no time and opened her mouth wide, preparing to eat the fruit.

"Traitor Gion! How dare you! Great Eruption!" Akainu roared, panic filling his voice.

The Five Elders had given strict orders that the Zoan fruit must not be lost. If Gion ate it, even capturing and killing her wouldn't bring the fruit back.

A massive molten fist shot towards Gion.

"Ghost Energy: Yama King Descends!"

At the last moment, Kuke intercepted Akainu's attack. The cold, domineering energy from Kuke's sword clashed with the molten heat of Akainu's fist, splitting the air itself as the two forces collided.

Kuke's feet slid backward from the force.

"You're the one who's ruined Gion's life!" Chaton took advantage of the opening and charged at Kuke.

His Haki-infused punch tore through the air, heading straight for Kuke's chest.

"Boom!"

Kuke managed to shield himself with Armament Haki, but the combined force of Akainu and Chaton's attacks sent him flying.

He hurtled through the air like a shooting star, crashing into the ground a thousand meters away with a massive explosion of dust and debris.

"Admiral Sakazuki, I'll handle Kuke!" Chaton's small frame suddenly expanded, muscles bulging until he looked like a hulking brute. Every step he took shook the ground as he charged toward Kuke's location.

"Good!" Akainu's eyes blazed with fury.

Although they had managed to knock Kuke back, Akainu's attack had failed to stop Gion. He could only watch helplessly as she consumed the fruit.

Doflamingo's attempt to steal the fruit was also thwarted. Gion's blade had cut a bloody gash across his face.

Gion was now a Devil Fruit user—the holder of the Mythical Zoan Phoenix Fruit.

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P.S.: This story was never completed, and I want to finish it. If you'd like to help me financially so I have the time to translate it as fast as possible, you can join me on my Patreon at Patreon. com / Emik01 and you can read up to chapter 45.

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