"No, stop—quickly! I won't allow you to touch me there... woo~!"
Hancock's face turned crimson in an instant, but then she suddenly calmed down, her body frozen. After a moment, her breathing steadied, and she reached out to retrieve the wet, trembling ball.
The last time she saw that man was a year ago. Now, after an entire year without seeing Kain, she consoled herself, insisting it was just a prop left over from that time.
"Sister?"
A voice came from outside the house—it was Sandersonia. She had heard her older sister talking to someone in the bathroom. Even without using Observation Haki, Hancock's voice had been loud enough to catch her attention.
"I-I'm fine!"
Boa Hancock called back quickly, then hastily turned off the vibrating ball and locked it in a box. When she'd opened the box earlier, she had glimpsed a variety of other props inside—items that had been with her for two years now.
After finishing her bath, Boa Hancock stepped out of the bathroom. Sandersonia immediately approached her and reported,
"My lady, the Marines have been unusually active around our territory recently. Many dangerous pirate groups are targeting our island."
She proceeded to explain the intelligence they had gathered.
The Amazon Lily Kingdom governed many islands.
In the first year, thanks to the deterrent power of the Kain Chamber of Commerce, Wappa's relentless pursuit of pirates in the chaotic seas, and the strength of the Amazon Lily warriors, they managed to secure dozens of islands.
But in the second year, Kain—the so-called "Four Emperors"—frequently vanished. Even within the chamber of commerce, he was rarely seen except by Robin, Baby-5, and Hancock. Wappa and his group had also returned to Sky Island to rest for a while. With their absence, trouble started brewing across the New World.
Some pirates could no longer be intimidated. Even knowing that the Four Emperors were the strongest forces on the sea, they still challenged them for wealth and fame.
Though Kain never claimed to be a pirate or aspired to become a Yonko (Four Emperors), after he withdrew from the Shichibukai, defeated Kaido, and absorbed the Beasts Pirates into the Kain Chamber of Commerce, the world began seeing him as the new Emperor.
Not just any Emperor—the strongest one.
Some even whispered that the Kain Chamber of Commerce had surpassed the Four Emperors in power, even eclipsing the legendary Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
After all, they now controlled all of Kaido's former territory, half of Whitebeard's domain, and the islands protected by the Amazon Lily Kingdom. That alone made them the dominant force in the New World.
Dressrosa had been restored with support from the Kain Chamber of Commerce, along with Fish-Man Island and Alabasta in the first half of the Grand Line.
Rumors of Sky Island had also spread, though few knew how to reach it. Regardless, it was now recognized as part of the Chamber's influence.
All told, the sheer scale of their power was terrifying.
The World Government's investigations even linked the massive explosion in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise to the Kain Chamber of Commerce—an incident that left the Five Elders furious for over a year.
Now, only four of the original Five Elders remained. The government had first sent CP9 to infiltrate the Kain Chamber of Commerce, but they were ultimately brainwashed by Kain's Imperius Curse and forced to deliver a small nuclear bomb.
The enmity between the two sides had become irreconcilable.
Even if the remaining Elders begged for mercy, Kain might not forgive them. But at the time, the nuclear blast had distracted him. He'd become preoccupied with business in other worlds, leaving little time for the pirate world. That's the only reason the Four Elders were still alive.
Sandersonia continued,
"There have just been too many pirates lately. Our Amazon Lily warriors are exhausted. My lady, we should consider purchasing a few powered spaceships from the Kain Chamber of Commerce. Also, those Supernovas who appeared a year ago have now gathered at the Sabaody Archipelago. They're preparing to head toward the Red Line."
Boa Hancock was momentarily distracted by the mention of Kain. She still felt like the time she'd just spent in the bath wasn't quite enough—she was tempted to go back for round two.
"My lady? What's on your mind?"
"Hm?!"
Startled from her thoughts, Hancock looked up to find Sandersonia leaning in close, peering at her with concern.
"Sister, you've been distracted lately. Is something bothering you?"
"It's nothing," Hancock replied, quickly deflecting. "Who are these Supernovas you mentioned? Weren't some of them eliminated by the war ghosts of the Kain Chamber of Commerce?"
Although Sandersonia was confused by the sudden change of subject, she still answered,
"It's related to that Luffy—the one who rescued Ace from prison two years ago. There are six Supernovas now, including him and two others from back then. The remaining four are new pirates who've only recently made names for themselves."
"But my lady, about the powered spaceships—"
"I'll go to the Kain Chamber of Commerce myself," Hancock cut in swiftly. "I'll buy several, including nano armor and other equipment. Do we have enough treasure for the purchase?"
She was eager for any excuse to visit Kain again, having not seen him for a whole year. He should be returning soon—surely.
"The money is enough. The protection fees paid by the islands over the past year are far more than what my sister brought back from her raids."
Sandersonia brightened at the mention of money.
Collecting protection fees was far more effective—and more reputable—than plundering.
With dozens of islands under their influence, their income had increased five- or sixfold. Better yet, it came with a good reputation.
Even pirates could sell their loot to the Kain Chamber of Commerce for a tidy sum.
"Then get ready to go."
"Understood, my lady."
"My dear Vice President Robin, you've been frowning a lot lately."
The sudden voice startled Robin. She turned to see Kain standing in the doorway, finally back after a long absence. After carefully observing him, she confirmed it was indeed the President.
"You've been gone quite a while this time," Robin said. "I've already prepared everything we need for resupply, though some fresh provisions will have to be purchased on-site."
She ran a hand through her hair. Over the past two years, her identity had been fully exposed.
Even rookie pirates fresh off the sea knew her as the "Devil's Child."
But the World Government and Marines didn't dare lay a finger on her—not with Kain and the Kain Chamber of Commerce backing her.
"That's not the main issue. I'm here on important business this time, so I'll be staying for a while," Kain said with a wave.
If he wanted to project the Holy Grail of the World somewhere, he needed to choose the right location. But the Pirate World was dominated by ocean. That made things tricky.
Islands or the Red Line were possible, but placing it in the sea posed problems—unless mermen or modified beings were chosen to guard it.
"It's rare to see you so serious," Robin remarked. "It seems you've actually got something big planned this time… instead of just your usual perverted business."
She let out a breath of relief. While she hadn't meant to eavesdrop, she'd accidentally walked in on him with Baby-5—or the Empress, Boa Hancock—on more than one occasion.
"President, the Kain Chamber of Commerce has expanded significantly. We now have branches all across the world, along with thirty-six mines acquired from different nations, factories in the New World, military outposts, and more."
Robin presented him with the latest reports. Among the multiple worlds they operated in, aside from Alicia who inherited Umbrella, and the ninja world Kain personally focused on, it was Robin who had led the Chamber to its peak in the pirate world.
"Well done, Robin."
Kain looked over the data while enjoying the massage from the hand reaching around to his back. He was lost in thought.
Whenever Robin showed affection like this, she usually had something in mind—and of course, so did he.
"President, since I've done a good job… about our agreement—"
"I already guessed what you'd bring up," Kain interrupted. "But I've told you everything I know. If you still want to locate the Poneglyphs, you'll have to rely on the intelligence network of the Kain Chamber of Commerce."
He let out a helpless sigh.
The hand massaging him abruptly pulled back—it really was Vice President Robin.
"The World Government likely holds the most information about the Poneglyphs," Kain continued. "You could try investigating in that direction. There's also the Revolutionary Army—they had ties to Ohara in the past."
As he mentioned this, he noticed a subtle shift in Robin's expression. Narrowing his eyes, he stared at her.
Unable to avoid his gaze, Robin finally came clean.
"The Revolutionary Army recently tried to purchase weapons… and I approved the deal. The shipment was delivered two weeks ago."
Kain let out a heavy sigh.
"The Revolutionary Army, huh… that complicates things."
Robin lowered her head slightly, remorseful.
Kain and the Chamber had protected her for years. Even when the World Government and Marines knew her true identity, they didn't dare move against her. And now, due to her personal ties, she had involved the Revolutionary Army with the Chamber.
"I'm sorry, President. I'll handle it."
"What are you apologizing for?" Kain said casually. "It's just a small headache. Besides, it was the Vice President's decision. I can only support it."
That one sentence warmed Robin's heart. A smile tugged at her lips.
"If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Really? Then wipe my back."
"Ugh, you perverted President. I didn't quite hear what you said just now."
The smile that spread across Robin's face was brighter than anything she'd shown in a long time. She looked at Kain with a mixture of amusement and thinly veiled disdain.
Kain had no interest in removing the Revolutionary Army. Right now, they were weak, while the Kain Chamber of Commerce was at its peak.
He had no desire to conquer the world or become its ruler.
He only had three goals: eliminate threats to his life, enjoy himself, and discover new and fascinating things.
The first two were already accomplished. The third was ongoing.
To better coordinate the Chamber's development, Kain now planned to link the chambers across different worlds. That way, their resources could be more efficiently mobilized—and their influence would grow stronger than ever.
As for the chambers of commerce in various worlds, their sole focus should be on making profits. Kain had no desire to manage things personally again after doing so once in the ninja world. He had already delegated half the authority of the Daimyo's House to Nawaki, the General of the Fire Federation.
The Pirate World was no exception. Whether pirates dreamed of freedom, unifying the world, or eliminating social hierarchies, none of that concerned the Kain Chamber of Commerce. Kain was here for one reason only—resources.
He actually had a good impression of the Revolutionary Army. The reason he hadn't traded with them earlier was simply because he had only just arrived in the Pirate World at the time, and it was far more profitable to deal with the Marines. After all, the Revolutionary Army was much smaller in scale compared to the Marine forces.
But now, the Kain Chamber of Commerce had grown to such a size that even the World Government could no longer ignore it. In fact, many countries affiliated with the World Government were conducting business with Kain's chamber in secret, and neither the World Government nor the Marines could do anything about it.
Kain had already expressed his stance to Robin: if the Revolutionary Army wanted to trade, they could approach the Chamber of Commerce directly. There was no need to sneak around. He was even willing to grant them more authority.
"A safe and expansive island... if you're thinking of those two qualities, it should be Wano Country."
Robin thought for a moment and said to Kain, "There are too many people coming and going at the chamber's headquarters. Even though it's heavily guarded, there's no defense against certain Devil Fruit powers. If secrecy is the priority, boss, then Wano is the better option."
Wano housed five military factories owned by the Kain Chamber of Commerce and a large number of modified soldiers. These factories not only created jobs for Wano's citizens and soldiers but also introduced global goods to the previously isolated nation. As a result, the Chamber of Commerce was very popular there.
In addition, since Kain was the one who drove out Kaido of the Beasts, his authority in Wano was nearly equal to that of Kozuki Hiyori. A third of Wano's land was essentially under the Chamber's control, and the locals largely avoided that region. It was secluded enough that even in the second half of the Grand Line, it remained difficult to find.
After hearing Robin's suggestion, Kain agreed that Wano was indeed a solid choice.
Clapping his hands, he made the decision. "Then it's settled. By the way, Robin, come with me to other places from now on. The Chamber of Commerce needs you."
"Huh?"
Robin was stunned for a moment, then smiled gently. "Alright. After reading the historical texts, I don't really have anywhere else to go but the Kain Chamber of Commerce. By then, I'll probably be a thorn in the World Government's side anyway."
"Don't worry about them. Once you understand the historical texts, you'll realize the World Government is just a bunch of clowns."
Kain waved it off casually. He had his own theories about the truth behind the World Government. Most likely, the current rulers—the Celestial Dragons and the government—were nothing more than local traitors or outsiders. The true government of the world had likely been destroyed during the mysterious Void Century.
Of course, that was just Kain's speculation. The full truth could only be confirmed through the historical texts. Aside from the ones already collected, the remaining texts were probably in the hands of the World Government or hidden in obscure locations.
Robin caught the hint in his words and her eyes lit up. "President, do you actually know the truth about the Void Century?"
"I don't. Just a theory. It's better for you to find out for yourself."
Kain quickly denied it—if he turned out to be wrong, it would be too embarrassing.
"Alright then, should I take you to the resting quarters?"
Kain waved his hand. "No need, I already know where it is. By the way, isn't Baby-5 around?"
"She's patrolling the sea area. She won't be back for another two days or so. That place has been renovated recently—I'll take you there myself."
Robin smiled and stood up, walking toward the door. Kain had originally intended to head straight to Wano, but seeing Robin's calm, cheerful demeanor, he had no choice but to follow her instead.
After all, it wouldn't hurt to get settled before making arrangements for the Holy Grail projection in Wano.
It was good to familiarize himself with the layout before heading to Wanokuni to begin preparations for the World Holy Grail's projection system.
After walking through several corridors, Robin stopped at a large wooden door, opened it, and stepped inside. Kain followed, glancing around curiously—until his brow furrowed slightly.
"Robin, isn't this... a hot spring?" he asked, tilting his head.
Robin turned back to him with a teasing smile as she casually unbuttoned her outer coat and hung it on a nearby hook. "President Pervert, are you planning to rub your back with your clothes still on?"
Kain blinked, momentarily stunned, then let out a short laugh. "Well, I wasn't expecting this kind of hospitality."
Steam drifted through the room, rising from the underground spring that warmed the bath. The air was thick with heat and the soft scent of minerals. It was quiet—peaceful, even—but the playful look in Robin's eyes suggested anything but serenity.
"The bath was renovated not long ago," she said, glancing at him over her shoulder. "It's the most luxurious spot on the island now."
Kain stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "You really do think of everything," he said, amused.
Robin's smile deepened. "It's just a place to unwind. But if you'd rather go to Wanokuni all stiff and grumpy, I won't stop you."
Kain chuckled and unfastened the top button of his shirt. "Well, since I'm already here... I suppose a short break won't hurt."
Steam clouded the air as the two slipped into the warm water, their voices fading into soft laughter and quiet conversation.
The rest... was best left behind closed doors.
….
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