"Let's begin."
While Gion was still lost in thought, Ross had already stood up.
Now that Gion had agreed, it was his turn to take the initiative.
[C-level defeat achieved!]
[Strength +10000]
[Special Reward: Observation Haki (Rank C)]
Upon hearing the pleasant system notification sound, Ross's lips curled into a slight smile.
In particular, his Observation Haki allowed him to sense that Kake was still lingering at the door.
"With those 1.8-meter legs... she'll definitely run faster than anyone."
Outside the room, Kake heard laughter and cheerful voices coming from inside. He quietly clenched his fist, but in the end, he dejectedly lowered his arm.
After his expression flickered between hope and despair, he silently chose to leave.
An hour later, Stella and Zane left the room and closed the door behind them for Ross.
Based on the fruit's feedback, Gion showed no signs of killing or anger, so they could rest assured.
Another hour passed, and the room returned to normal.
Ross leaned leisurely against the headboard, gently holding Gion in his arms.
It seemed that Gion had basically accepted him.
Ross lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and felt a sense of comfort wash over him.
In his past life, he didn't even know a girl who was 1.8 meters tall, but now he could admire the 1.8-meter-tall legs of Gion.
The life of a Celestial Dragon really corrupts you.
"When this Buster Call ends, I will prepare a Grade 21 Great Sword for you, and Zephyr will continue to be your instructor until your strength reaches its limit."
After he finished speaking, Ross could clearly feel that Gion's body relaxed a little more.
He had always believed in the school of thought that physical intimacy fostered emotional bonds; since his body had never been fused with hers, how could they possibly have any true heart-to-heart talks?
Once the connection was established, opening up to each other became easy, especially afterward.
"By the way, if you had to choose a favorite fruit, which one would you pick?"
"As long as it can enhance my strength, that's fine."
Gion said softly, a fleeting tenderness in her eyes.
Her innocence was taken away so easily by Ross, especially on their very first meeting. She felt incredibly uneasy and completely insecure.
Now that Ross was willing to talk to her about the future and the benefits he could offer, it at least showed that Ross genuinely cared about her, and that was enough.
"Paramecia-type or Mythical Zoan, which do you prefer?" Ross asked.
Gion was the first future powerhouse to take the initiative, so he couldn't be easily fooled.
In the future, Gion might just be his greatest source of security.
In his mind, Ross had already thought of two powerful fruits, one Logia-type and one Mythical Zoan-type.
Although he didn't have the two fruits in his hands, he knew where they were and was likely to be able to get them.
"There's a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit?"
Upon hearing that there were mythical beast species to choose from, Gion exclaimed in surprise.
Although she had previously told Ross that strong women could also hold their own in the sea.
But those women were all born monsters, and most of them were born strong.
In the Marine, there were very few examples of women becoming Admirals; the last time this happened was a century ago.
Gion knew that her physical talent was not comparable to that of a true monster. The only thing she could rely on was her decent swordsmanship talent, combined with her good physical attributes, so that she might be able to reach the threshold of the Admiral level in the future.
However, if she could eat a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, her physical abilities would no longer be her weakness, and she was confident that she could become one of the strongest within two years.
"There is a mythical beast species, but the situation is still uncertain. You will have to go there yourself after the Buster Call is issued."
Ross nodded slightly. Thanks to his knowledge of future plot developments, he had quite a bit of information about Devil Fruits.
Many of the fruits were currently unclaimed, and there were several Mythical Beasts among them. He even knew the approximate locations where some of them were found.
The one he told Gion about was a Bat-Bat Fruit, Mythical Zoan type, Model: Vampire.
Since the world had 'Red the Aloof' Patrick Redfield, then it must also have the Bat-Bat Fruit, Model: Vampire.
This fruit, given to Redfield, who was already a top-tier powerhouse, only had the effects of eternal youth and unlimited regenerative abilities. This didn't mean it was a hidden gem; it just meant it wasn't used to its full potential.
Redfield was already a strongman on par with Whitebeard and Roger; even with an extra Bat-Bat Fruit, he couldn't surpass them.
However, if it were given to Gion, with the Bat-Bat Fruit, Model: Vampire's ability to infinitely regenerate through blood-sucking, it would be enough to create a top-tier powerhouse no less than Redfield, which would be making the best use of her.
Secondly, Ross was also looking forward to the awakening of the Bat-Bat Fruit, Model: Vampire.
By sucking blood and reaping lifespan, one could maintain youth forever, which was almost equivalent to immortality.
If this ability was awakened, could it be applied to other people?
If the Bat-Bat Fruit, Model: Vampire could grant immortality, then Ross's other life-extending plans could be put on hold.
Therefore, Ross still had high hopes for this fruit and would not allow others to have it.
If it weren't for the fact that the fruit in the World Government's treasury was more attractive to Ross, he would definitely have eaten it himself.
Even if Ross didn't eat it himself, he would give it to his trusted confidants.
The best candidate right then was Gion, who was in his arms.
Once Gion was fully trained, he would have a true Admiral-level powerhouse under his command. Unlike Zephyr, who had a well-developed worldview, Gion was still a blank slate, ready to be shaped by his own style.
"A Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit... Master, I will do my best!"
Gion tightened her grip on Ross's arm, somewhat relieved by her choice.
If she hadn't been so proactive and decisive, she would never have gotten a treasure of this caliber.
A powerful Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit could be enough to create a great Admiral; this was an even stronger boost than Logia-type Devil Fruits.
"You don't need to call me the same way they do. To the outside world, you will be my first wife," Ross said calmly.
Since he had decided to let Gion eat the Bat-Bat Fruit, Model: Vampire, he would definitely give Gion the highest status.
It's not a big deal for Celestial Dragons to marry ordinary people. Some Celestial Dragons even have dozens of wives. This is mainly because the offspring of Celestial Dragons and ordinary people are not considered true Celestial Dragons; they can only be said to have Celestial Dragon blood.
Many of the world's nobles in Mary Geoise have ancestors who were half Celestial Dragons. Over time, these bloodlines had gradually evolved into the main force that governed the World Government.
However, Ross didn't care about any of that. If Gion were to give him a descendant, he would definitely raise him to be an elite Celestial Dragon.
"My wife...?"
Gion was unaware of all this; just hearing that Ross wanted to marry her, and that she would be his first wife, was enough to warm her heart.
The best ending she could ever imagine was for the Celestial Dragons, who were high and mighty, to treat her as a subordinate of slightly higher rank.
To her surprise, Ross gave her far more than she had imagined.
This result didn't seem bad.
Perhaps, her choice was right?