That day, a pirate ship docked calmly at the Navy Headquarters port. The stationed soldiers didn't raise an alarm—it was the Kuja Pirates' ship, helmed by none other than one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock.
Hancock was no stranger to Marineford. She visited at least five or six times a month. Excluding travel time, one could say she was either at Headquarters or en route.
Surrounded by her Amazon Lily warriors, Hancock disembarked gracefully. A Marine Major at the port quickly stepped forward to greet her, careful to keep his gaze lowered. Everyone knew the stories. The Empress disliked men staring at her—many had been turned to stone simply by falling for her beauty.
This wasn't even deliberate on Hancock's part. Since her Devil Fruit awakened, her already legendary beauty had grown even more dazzling. The petrification ability of the Mero Mero no Mi had become nearly passive. Anyone ensnared by her charm risked instant petrification.
But because of Chiga, Hancock now showed some restraint. She would even un-petrify affected Marines, not wanting to displease him.
Clutching her red cloak tighter, Hancock asked lightly, "Is Fleet Admiral Purple Kirin here?"
The Major wiped cold sweat from his brow. "He is currently in his office. Shall I notify him?"
"No need," Hancock replied. "This concubine will wait for him inside."
She ordered her warriors to remain on the ship and proceeded alone toward the inner compound.
After she left, a Marine whispered to the Major, "Sir, shouldn't we still inform Fleet Admiral Purple Kirin?"
"Let it be. He said himself there's no need to notify him when the Empress visits."
"He's really comfortable with her, huh?"
"Comfortable? Hmph. This is the man who brought down Big Mom. Of course he isn't worried about the Empress."
The Major spoke proudly, as if he himself had helped defeat a Yonko.
---
Hancock strolled confidently through the estate. The guards saluted her, letting her pass unhindered. She stepped into Chiga's residence as if it were her own.
Removing her cloak, she hung it by the door and sat gracefully on the sofa to wait. But then, she heard voices from upstairs.
"Nerona-guu, it's time for your lunch."
"What's the rush? This princess will wait for Chiga to return and eat together."
"But Chiga-sama said he has important matters and will be back later..."
"Then I'll wait. I have no appetite if he's not here!"
The clearly feminine voices made Hancock frown. Rising to her feet, she walked toward the stairwell and stopped at the door of a room. Just as she hesitated to knock, it swung open.
A round face appeared in front of her.
Hancock exhaled in mild relief, until her gaze moved past the maid and landed on the figure inside.
Nerona was lying on the bed, snuggling a cartoonish plush doll of Chiga, looking utterly content.
The maid, stunned by Hancock's beauty, finally stammered, "W-Who are you?"
Nerona looked over. Her eyes widened. "So beautiful..."
Hancock stepped past the maid and stopped by the bed. Her tone was sharp. "Who are you? Why haven't I seen you before?"
Nerona had been momentarily entranced but grew angry at Hancock's words.
Never seen her before? That must mean this woman visits often. What's her relationship with Chiga?
Nerona tried to sit up in a flash, but her body betrayed her. She flopped backward, hitting her head on the bed frame.
Even Hancock cracked a smile.
Blushing furiously, Nerona lay flat again, thoroughly embarrassed.
The maid rushed forward to help, panicking. "Nerona--guu! Are you alright? It's my fault! Please forgive me!"
The old Nerona would have punished the maid harshly, maybe even executed her. But things had changed since she met Chiga. She was no longer as arrogant or impulsive.
"It's fine," Nerona muttered, face still red. "I was careless. And stop helping me with my clothes all the time—Chiga said I need to learn these things myself."
She fumbled to button her blouse. Though clumsy, she succeeded without misaligning the buttons. A notable improvement.
Hancock observed silently, waves of suspicion swirling in her heart.
When she'd first heard the name "Nerona-guu," she hadn't thought much of it. But hearing it again, and seeing the maid's attitude, she started piecing things together.
Could this be that Nerona?
But it didn't make sense. The Nerona she knew—Celestial Dragons in general—were never this... gentle.
As Nerona sat and struggled with her shoes, Hancock asked hesitantly, "Are you... a Celestial Dragon?"
"Yeah," Nerona said without looking up. "Doesn't this highness look like one?"
"Like a hammer you do," Hancock thought, biting her tongue.
Out loud, she asked, "Why would a Celestial Dragon be living in Chiga's house?"
She glanced at the plush doll, noting the heavy lipstick stains on its face. Her eyebrow twitched. Using her Observation Haki, she scanned the room.
The maid—unable to withstand Hancock's aura—immediately turned to stone.
Nerona, unaware, finally finished putting on her shoes and looked up proudly.
"Of course I'm here. Chiga brought this palace personally. He even prepared this room for me. How about that? Huh? Sylvia? What happened to you!?"
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