Before the words had fully faded, Orion's pupils contracted as his gaze swept back to the box.
At the same time, a surge of entirely new energy erupted from within the box, exuding an irresistible aura.
"It's still containing them?!"
Imu also noticed the fresh energy emerging from the box—clearly, some unlucky Devil Fruit user somewhere in the Grand Line or the Four Blues have died.
Orion remained silent.
The fact that the containment device could still hold Devil Fruit energy wasn't a good sign.
If the box reached its capacity, the energy might escape again, drawn to another world craving supernatural abilities.
The less Devil Fruit energy remained in this world, the more Devil Fruit users would appear in the other.
As one side weakened and the other grew stronger, their once absolute advantage would inevitably crumble.
Most importantly, the system had only alerted him to the presence of a mysterious entity interfering with this world—it hadn't provided any means to stop it.
That meant this entity either surpassed the system bound to him or was of the same level.
Where was all this Devil Fruit energy going?
After a moment of contemplation, a terrifying thought struck Orion.
Could it be—
Earth?
The moment the idea surfaced, Orion shot to his feet, staring intently at the box.
If another world existed, the one that came to mind wasn't the anime or wuxia fantasy worlds he'd seen in his past life—but Earth, where he had once lived.
The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
Because the system's second option had offered no reward.
No reward was the greatest reward of all.
For any transmigrator, the ultimate prize was returning home in glory after achieving success.
Seeing Orion—usually so calm and commanding—suddenly stand, Imu and Gunko looked up in unison, asking him.
"Did you discover something else?"
Orion shelved his wild speculation and replied impassively, "I thought this box would be my greatest tool in purging Devil Fruit users. Turns out, it's a ticking time bomb."
"But it doesn't matter. No matter where these collected Devil Fruit energies end up, victory will ultimately be ours."
Feeling the overwhelming confidence radiating from Orion, Imu relaxed her tense nerves and tentatively asked.
"What are your plans next?"
Orion shrugged slightly with a smile, "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
Turning his head toward Gunko, he suddenly added, "Gunko, why so quiet today? If you've nothing to do, come massage my shoulders. I've been sore from all the recruitment work lately."
Gunko's beautiful eyes widened as she immediately glanced at Imu, her face instantly flushing crimson.
Observing Gunko's reaction, Orion couldn't help but chuckle, "Why so nervous? I'm just teasing you!"
Before Gunko could respond, he swiftly changed the subject, "By the way, since you set the precedent by using your personal savings to help the Marines through tough times, many Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land followed suit and generously contributed substantial funds. As Fleet Admiral, I've decided to reward you. Name your reward."
Hearing this, Gunko's lips twitched slightly beneath her bandaged coverings, while Imu's mouth beneath her veil twitched involuntarily.
What nonsense about Celestial Dragons following suit and donating generously—it was clearly because they'd been dragged to Sabaody Hotel and beaten until they paid for their lives!
Worse still, the Marine Headquarters' newly appointed Rear Admiral Ryokugyu had already asked Doflamingo for another list, preparing to invite another batch of Celestial Dragons to the West Icehouse Grand Hotel on Sabaody Archipelago.
While others might not know, they understood perfectly well.
Now, just hearing "West Icehouse Grand Hotel" made Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land tremble with fear.
But none of that mattered.
What did matter was that Orion's high-pressure tactics against the Celestial Dragons had significantly altered the perceptions and awareness of many in the Holy Land.
Though most still clung to their outdated notions of being God descendants entitled to all privileges, some had already taken action—with several even joining the Marines at Headquarters.
Both women knew the truth but chose not to voice it.
After a brief silence, before Gunko could speak, Imu interjected.
"Gunko, Orion is asking you! Just say what reward you want!"
Hearing this, the previously hesitant Gunko made up her mind and stated plainly after a moment's thought.
"I want a musical slave."
"That won't do!"
Orion waved his hand dismissively. "Under my governance, human trafficking and slavery has no place in this world. The Holy Land will no longer tolerate anyone keeping slaves. Whoever crosses this line will lose their head—no exceptions."
Imu's pupils contracted slightly.
Though Orion spoke casually, the Celestial Dragons in the Holy Land were likely in for more trouble—since nearly every household there kept slaves to some degree!
Blinking, Gunko amended her request, "Then... may I have the most popular musician in the Grand Line?"
Orion shook his head with a smile. "No musical slaves here, but a musician is certainly possible! Under my command is a former Warlord named Gecko Moria, who once hid and developed his strength on an Island ship called Thriller Bark. During that time, he stole the shadow of a musician."
"That musician is still trapped on Thriller Bark. I can have Moria bring him to the Holy Land."
At the mention of the word "musician," some memory within Gunko seemed to awaken, and she asked eagerly, "Is this musician very talented?"
"Of course!"
Orion nodded with a smile. "The future king of musics, 'Soul King'!"
Gunko's eyes lit up, inexplicably eager to meet this musician right away.
Observing Gunko's reaction, Imu frowned slightly, then activated Observation Haki to send a private message to Orion.
"This isn't good for Gunko! If her memories are awakened, the Devil Contract she signed with me will backlash and she might even turn to ashes like Marcus and Shepherd."
"Of course, if her natural lifespan is long enough, she won't turn to ashes—just age rapidly! After all, her actual age is much older than yours!"
Hearing this, Orion looked at Imu and replied mercilessly through the same method.
"Look at the kind of despicable things you used to do! Hand over that magic book for me to study when you have time. Maybe I can find a way to break the contract, allowing Gunko to recover her memories while maintaining her current state."
"Not now."
Imu refused outright.
"This is my last trump card."
-----------------------------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator