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"This... this feeling!"
After carefully sensing the power flowing through her body and the memories that had appeared in her mind, Bello Betty's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Ikki in disbelief.
She was no longer a novice in swordsmanship. Even without a sword in hand, she could clearly feel it. She had become a true swordswoman, one capable of unleashing flying slashes with a blade.
"This will probably be the last time I use my special ability to help you, Miss Bello Betty, so make the most of it. There may not be another opportunity like this in the future."
Ikki patted her shoulder, wrapped a towel around his waist, and stepped out of the bath.
"Now that your Innate Demon Slayer Mark has stabilized, there's no longer any need to rely on the healing pool to prevent the loss of life force. I also won't need to keep your mark activated to maintain your condition. Which works out perfectly, because Ginrummy can now be considered a beginner swordswoman. I was already planning to begin the next stage of her training."
As he spoke, Ikki turned toward Ginrummy, who was soaking in the pool nearby and using its restorative effects to heal the burns caused by the power of Sun Breathing.
During this period, Ginrummy hadn't fully mastered the swordsmanship of Sun Breathing. However, she had already reached the beginner level in swordsmanship. As long as Ikki engraved the fleet mark on her now, he could use the Sword Shadows obtained through the challenge system, along with swordsmanship-enhancement items, to raise her swordsmanship all the way to the Void-Severing Realm.
Afterward, with additional training and access to Sword Shadow challenges from Mountain-Cutting Realm swordsmen, it would be possible for Ginrummy to continue advancing and eventually complete her Zanpakutō. As for reaching the Sea-Breaking Realm, Ikki wasn't particularly optimistic. After all, Ginrummy's natural talent for swordsmanship was limited.
"It's my turn?!"
Hearing Ikki's words, Ginrummy immediately opened her eyes and looked at him in surprise.
Just as she was about to get up and approach him, Bello Betty suddenly wrapped her arms around Ikki from behind.
"Is there something else, Miss Bello Betty?"
Ikki sighed.
"Hehe." Bello Betty chuckled softly as she looked toward Ginrummy. "Sorry, Miss Ginrummy. Could I borrow Lord Ikki for just a moment? You'll have plenty of opportunities to spend time with him later, won't you? As for me, Lord Ikki is already trying to send me away."
Ginrummy blinked and instantly blushed. After hesitating for a moment, she quickly lowered herself deeper into the water, too embarrassed to continue watching.
"So what exactly are you trying to do, Miss Bello Betty? Are you actually planning to marry me?"
Ikki raised an eyebrow as he glanced back at her.
"Claiming I've fallen in love with you would be a lie, Lord Ikki, but I do have a favorable impression of you. Since you're so eager for me to leave, I wanted to leave with fewer regrets."
Bello Betty smiled.
"So you're hoping to leave a deeper impression of yourself—and of the Revolutionary Army—before you go, is that it?"
"As expected of Lord Ikki. I won't deny that the thought crossed my mind."
"You're certainly honest." Ikki shook his head. "But if it's a proper farewell, I can accept it. Anything beyond that should only be shared with someone who is genuinely devoted to me. I don't want my relationship with the Revolutionary Army becoming more complicated because of a moment of impulse."
After speaking, Ikki gently removed her arms and walked toward Ginrummy, adjusting the towel around his waist along the way.
He really does stick to his principles.
Watching Ikki walk away with Ginrummy, a thoughtful look flashed through Bello Betty's eyes.
She wasn't surprised. Over the past several days, she had tested him more than once. Although Ikki was still a normal man whose body reacted instinctively, he always maintained his boundaries. He never treated a woman he didn't consider a lover as a means of satisfying his desires.
Even if he sometimes spent time with other women after leaving the bath, that was enough for Bello Betty to respect him. Especially now that she had already entered the seventeenth level and gained a deeper understanding of him.
The result was always the same.
Even though Ikki wasn't the traditional image of a perfect man, his unwavering principles made her view him more favorably with each passing day.
If it weren't for the Revolutionary Army, I might actually have fallen for him.
It's a shame. A man like this could never truly be controlled by any woman.
Bello Betty shook her head. After watching Ikki and Ginrummy leave, she slowly rose and prepared to head for the Sword Enlightenment Room to observe Ginrummy's training.
Besides, they were already close to Marine Headquarters. Even if she intended to leave soon, she still wanted firsthand information regarding the coming battle between Marine Headquarters and the Whitebeard Pirates so she could report it to Dragon and the others.
The Marineford War, huh? Even though it hasn't started yet, the name Ikki chose is surprisingly fitting.
Bello Betty smiled to herself.
"Lord Ikki... do you... need any help?"
While changing clothes, Ginrummy stole a glance at him and immediately turned red.
"No, I'll manage."
Before Ikki could say anything further, another voice sounded from nearby.
"I can handle that."
Nico Robin approached carrying a fresh set of men's clothes. Ginrummy turned and watched as Robin effortlessly helped Ikki change. With the power of the Flower-Flower Fruit, the process took only a few seconds.
"Should we return to our room now, Captain Ikki? Or would you prefer your room?"
Robin smiled and leaned closer, whispering near his ear.
"Easy there, Robin. Right now I'm planning to begin the next phase of Ginrummy's training."
Ikki shook his head.
"Training can wait a little while, can't it?" Robin's smile became slightly teasing. "If we're worried about wasting time, there are ways to make good use of it. Besides, you always seem especially energetic whenever you leave that bath."
The image her words implied instantly flashed through Ginrummy's mind, and her face became even redder. If she had to train while imagining something like that, there was no way she would be able to focus. After all, she was still a normal woman.
"I'd rather not have Ginrummy's training ruined because of distractions. And Robin, put your mask back on. Someone's approaching."
After helping Robin put her mask back on, Ikki looked toward the entrance of the gym. Robin followed his gaze and saw Hina and Tashigi walking side by side through the doorway.