"A fish-headed human body, that's a fish-man. A human-headed fish body, that's a mermaid," Ross explained with a smile.
Previously, he only knew that Gion lacked this common sense and was only interested in improving their strength. He never thought that they didn't even know the difference between fish-men and mermaids.
"I see. So, can they reproduce with each other?" Gion asked a new question.
"Of course, we have no reproductive isolation with merfolk or fish-people, let alone between fish-people and merfolk," Ross said.
"Can we have offspring with fish-men? Would they be human or fish?"
The thought of the fish-men's hideous appearance made Gion shudder.
She's actually quite a looks-oriented person, otherwise she wouldn't dislike Kake so much, and she wouldn't have given in to Ross so easily.
Ross is really different from those Celestial Dragons and pigs. Back in the Holy Land, she had seen quite a few Celestial Dragons, and only Saint Shamrock was about 10% as good-looking as Ross. The rest were far inferior.
"It depends on the strength of the genes. If the human genes are strong enough, the offspring will only have some fish-man characteristics. If the fish-man genes are strong enough, the offspring will basically look like fish-men, and mermaids are pretty much the same."
It must be said that there are always some extraordinary people in this world, and there are quite a few legends about human-fish hybrids.
To put it simply, Big Mom was a powerful figure who aspired to give birth to all races, and among her offspring were merfolk and fish-men.
However, her genes were exceptionally strong, and her children largely retained their human form.
As for how the generally short fish-men managed to shake Big Mom's 9-meter frame, that was beyond his knowledge.
"So that's how it is..."
Gion pursed her lips and rolled her eyes at Ross in annoyance.
He'd only been standing there quietly for a short while, and his hands were already starting to wander.
Does a man only think about those things when he's holding a woman?
Although, she did somewhat want to...
"Alright, if you like studying mermaids in the future, I'll give you a few. Now, come and visit our bedroom."
Ross picked up Gion and they went back to their sleeping place together.
Although it wasn't bedtime yet, they had plenty of energy.
Starting now will be just right for sleeping.
...
Ten days later.
With Stella's help, Ross put on a black suit and draped it with the Jaygarcia family crest, exuding a mature and dignified aura.
After helping him get dressed, Stella then tidied up Gion's CP0 white attire, and the Jaygarcia family crest was printed on Gion's cloak.
The two stood together, their tall stature and powerful auras making them an incredibly well-matched couple, which made Stella look on with envy.
"Master, the weapons have been placed in the front hall."
Stella quickly focused her gaze and bowed slightly to report to the two of them.
Today is the day Celestial Hunt departs, and she is on the list of accompanying personnel, but as a logistics staff member, she will not participate in the island landing operation.
"Let's go. I've had this weapon forged for half a year, but I still don't know its quality."
Ross took the lead and led Gion toward the front hall.
In these ten days, both he and Gion's strength entered the A-level range.
Gion relies on diligent training, while he relies on diligent killing; both of them have bright futures.
[Ross]
[Strength: 7.16 million/9 million (A, Shichibukai level)]
[Fruit: Human-Human Fruit, Model: Watatsumi (Unawakened)]
[Devil Fruit Abilities: Levitation (Flight), Sea Manipulation (Controlling Seawater), Sea Sensing (Sensing Seawater), Sea Swamp (Replenishing Energy with Seawater), Sky Collapse (Generating Seawater), Divine Transformation (Mythical Beast Form)...]
Combat Skills: Observation Haki (S), Conqueror's Haki (A), Armament Haki (A), Rokushiki (A), Swordsmanship (B), Marksmanship (B), Physical Combat (B)...
At his current level, simply killing some C-rank pirates is indeed a drop in the ocean if he wants to level up further.
Killing a C-rank enemy only adds 10,000 strength.
The C-rank pirates he killed recently are not even as many as the rewards he earned when he defeated Gion again after Gion returned.
Killing or defeating an A-rank enemy can add a full 500,000 strength.
The two are not even in the same league.
Unfortunately, A-level powerhouses are difficult to capture, and those captured and brought to Impel Down are imprisoned on the sixth floor.
In addition, he has been making quite a stir lately, and many Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land are unhappy with him showing off by himself. He can't even go to the sixth level of Impel Down to kill people.
However, once this Celestial Hunt is over, he will definitely go to Impel Down for a visit.
Before going to Wano Country, one must have the strength to fight against Kaido and Kozuki Oden.
His status is high enough that he can avoid a lot of trouble from taking action.
But not taking action doesn't mean you don't need strength.
You need to be strong yourself to succeed. If you don't have the strength, you'll only have regrets when you run into someone who's going to overturn the table.
Upon entering the foyer, Ross saw two long weapon cases.
The box contained the Konpira, a weapon that Zephyr had brought back two days ago. After putting down the weapon, Zephyr hurriedly left.
Zephyr has been recruited by the Five Elders to represent CP0 and be responsible for the security of this Celestial Hunt.
Since the incident with Rocks, Celestial Hunt will send at least three admirals to ensure safety.
Typically, one member comes from CP0, one from the Marine, and one from the Five Elders.
Occasionally, Garling would also make a trip there.
With the bet between Saint Shamrock and Ross in the works, both Garling and Saint Saturn will be watching. The Marine will send not only Admiral Sengoku, but also Borsalino.
Including Zephyr and Marcus Saint Mars, one of the Five Elders in charge of the Celestial Hunt, a total of six admiral-level powerhouses were dispatched.
Such a luxurious lineup is enough to crush any pirate force in the New World.
"Here you go."
Ross took the Konpira from the weapon case and tossed it to Gion, who was standing nearby.
As soon as she entered the hall, Gion stared at Konpira with wide eyes, practically drooling.
For a swordsman, a good sword is almost like a lover.
Not to mention, Konpira was a beloved sword given to them by their lover, which made it even more significant for Gion.
Gion silently accepted the Konpira and tucked it into her waistband.
She was prepared to repay Ross's expectations with her actions.
She vowed to use her own strength to elevate Konpira to the ranks of the Supreme Grade Swords.
"Now it's time to look at my weapons."
Ross chuckled and walked to another enormous weapon box that was nearly 7 meters long.
Just by looking at the length of the weapon case, you can tell it's a big one.
He pushed open the weapon box with both hands, and the full view of the weapons inside was gradually revealed.
It was a halberd nearly 6 meters long, quietly placed in the box.
The handle of the halberd is deep blue, its color as profound as the boundless deep sea. Its surface is smooth yet has subtle textures, as if one can touch the vastness and weight of the deep sea.
A flying dragon is tightly coiled around the halberd shaft, its body winding and powerful, its scales clearly visible, as if it were a personification of a dragon swimming in the sea.
The head of the halberd contrasts sharply with the handle, displaying a pale blue hue. This color transition is both striking and harmonious, adding a sense of depth to the entire halberd.
The blade was incredibly sharp, its edges as thin as a cicada's wing, yet even in the dim light, it reflected a dazzling, chilling glint. That glint was cold and sharp, as if capable of tearing anything apart.
"Poseidon's Trident!"
...
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