UTBW: Ch. 37

Junichi gently placed Gion, who had completely lost her strength, on the bed. He lay down beside her, embracing her soft body from behind.

"Enough..." she murmured. "I need to catch my breath."

"Of course," Junichi said, easing his touch. The ship had too many people around, not the ideal place for further intimacy.

"But..." He smiled, holding her closer: "After all I've shared with you about swordsmanship, perhaps you could teach me something too."

"I..." Gion felt his desire pressing against her, and briefly considered saying no, but found herself not wanting to. The tension that had been building between felt... right somehow, despite her better judgment.

---

Some time later, Gion left the room with slightly unsteady steps, her cheeks flushed.

In the room. Junichi lay contentedly on the bed, surrounded by her lingering scent. Her perfume is still in the air, he thought with a smile.

He wondered when he should visit her room next. After what had transpired between them, he doubted she would come to him first. Only a fool would ignore what was clearly developing between them. ...

---

The next evening. Junichi used his Observation Haki to navigate the ship discreetly, making his way to Gion's quarters. He knocked softly before turning the doorknob.

"Who's there?" Gion called, startled by the unexpected visitor.

"It's me."

Seeing Junichi, her eyes widened. Her hand instinctively moved toward Konpira sword, but without real intent to use it. "What are you doing here?"

"I don't know," Junichi replied. "But I think you know."

"Do I?"

Junichi moved closer, giving her plenty of time to step away if she wished.

"You shouldn't be here," she said, but made no move to distance herself.

"Then ask me to leave," he whispered as he gently embraced her. "Just say it, and I will leave."

"Le..." she began, but couldn't finish her thought.

He waited, giving her the moment to decide. Her eyes closed.

Junichi leaned in slowly, his lips finding hers.

"I didn't say—" she whispered against his mouth, but her arms were already encircling his neck.

Their kiss deepened naturally, exploratory and tender at first, then growing more passionate as she responded with equal fervor. Before long. Their clothing found its way to the floor, discarded in their mutual desire.

Gion's magnificent form was revealed. She made a halfhearted attempt to pull the sheet around herself, but the heat in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.

The partial concealment only enhanced the intimacy of the moment, as Junichi worshipped every inch of skin she allowed him to discover. ...

Day after day passed—third, fourth, fifth, sixth. Each night found them together. They discovered each other completely, stopping just short of that final union.

After each passionate encounter, they would talk for hours. Junichi sharing more about his understanding of swordsmanship, Gion revealing parts of herself she had shown to no other.

"Those beautiful legs of yours drive me to distraction when you wear those shorts during training," Junichi admitted on the sixth night, holding her close as they lay entwined.

"Pervert."

So much had happened so quickly. She had never imagined herself becoming so deeply involved with someone, especially a man seven years her junior.

How did this happen so fast? she wondered to herself.

Part of her wished she could return to simpler days, before her feelings had become so complex. Yet she couldn't bring herself to regret what they shared.

"Sleep now," Junichi murmured against her hair. "It's late."

"Sleep sounds good..." Gion said, her voice soft as she nestled against him. "But your hands need to behave or neither of us will get any rest."

"I could help you work off some energy first," he suggested.

"Not tonight," she said with a gentle laugh. "Remember where we are."

Despite her growing feelings, she maintained some boundaries. This was still a Marine vessel, after all.

One seventh day, the warship arrived at the island housing the training camp. Junichi disembarked, exchanging a meaningful glance with Gion before waving goodbye.

Neither could have predicted how much their relationship would change in just seven days.

---

Meanwhile, in the Fleet Admiral's office, Sengoku was conversing with two old friends.

"Incredible!" Garp examined Junichi's profile with amazement, rubbing his head in astonishment.

"Fortunately he chose to join the Marines. With talent like his, he could have been a significant threat otherwise," Tsuru remarked after finishing the file.

"Indeed." Sengoku smiled and said, "There were some adjustment issues when he first arrived. But I believe I handled it well. Having Gion personally connect with him should help him develop loyalty to the Marines."

Hearing this. Tsuru nodded thoughtfully, looking approving: "I have confidence in her abilities. I imagine they've established quite a good rapport by now."

She had always thought highly of the younger woman. She had watched Gion develop from her first days in the service. The two women shared a close bond.

"His personality seems difficult though. Not the type to get along easily with others," Garp interjected with a frown.

"That's of little concern." Sengoku dismissed this worry with calm assurance, "At worst, we'll have another Borsalino on our hands. And as long as he serves the Marines faithfully and contributes his considerable strength, he remains a valuable asset."

Hearing this, both Garp and Tsuru nodded in agreement.

---

At the same time, on the island housing the Elite Training Camp, Junichi disembarked and was escorted by an administrative officer to the interior of the facility.

He was led to an office. There he met the camp's chief instructor, Z, also known by Black Arm Zephyr.

At this point in time. Z had not yet lost his arm, though his family had been killed by pirates, leaving him somewhat disheartened. He had stepped down from his position as Admiral.

But he continued training new recruits at the camp, channeling his grief into creating the next generation of Marines.

"Junichi?"

Seeing the new trainee, his eyes widened in surprise, then he stood to welcome him: "Welcome to the training camp."