New World, Calm Belt.
The Perfume Traveling Snake sailed swiftly through the Calm Belt, propelled by two giant serpents. The deadly toxins emitted by the serpents kept even the Sea Kings at bay. Two naval ships followed closely behind.
Hancock sat by the window, gazing at the unchanging calm sea outside, and yawned out of boredom.
"How much longer?"
"At most half an hour."
Her two younger sisters looked nervous and whispered a reminder, "Sister, our mission this time is just reconnaissance. Please don't do anything unnecessary."
"I don't need you to remind me."
Hancock waved them off dismissively.
The two sisters exchanged glances, seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes. Though their sister's charm was irresistible to all, this time they were facing one of the Four Emperors—and might even encounter the infamous Earth Calamity. How could they not be nervous?
The Navy's orders were merely to guide the ships for reconnaissance purposes. Whether they would engage in battle depended on the situation. They sincerely hoped their sister wouldn't do anything reckless.
But their sister never listened!
Even as her blood relatives, they couldn't influence her decisions. Their sister was simply that willful.
Before long, the door swung open.
The crew member Alan stood there, drenched in cold sweat, his eyes filled with shock. "Empress Hancock, Your Highnesses, you'd better come see this!"
"Hmm?"
Hancock frowned slightly. It was rare to see Alan so agitated. Had something extraordinary happened?
The three stepped onto the deck, and even the usually indifferent Hancock couldn't help but gasp at the sight before her.
"A military fortress?!"
"What are the Beasts planning?!"
"So many giants!"
Her two sisters were visibly shaken.
On the island ahead, a massive war fortress was under construction, its main structure already half-completed. Countless workers toiled away, including many from the giant race. To the southeast of the fortress, two parallel land routes stretched into the New World, seemingly endless. Between them, a waterway bustled with transport ships ferrying steel, weapons, and other supplies.
Pirates were building a fortress!
On the deck of the trailing naval ships, Vice Admirals Dore and Momonga stared at the massive construction project on the island, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.
As base commanders, they immediately recognized that the Beasts were constructing a fortress—one on par with the Navy's G-series large fortresses. They couldn't comprehend why the Beasts, who had no need to maintain maritime order, would build such a massive stronghold—and in the Calm Belt, no less.
"Contact headquarters, now!"
Sweating profusely, they barked the order.
The message quickly reached Marineford.
Bam!
Sengoku slammed his fist on the desk, his face pale with fury. The Beasts' actions had clearly exceeded his expectations.
Normally, constructing a large fortress required immense manpower, resources, coordination, and execution—something even a Four Emperors' Pirate Crew couldn't afford.
Where did the Beasts get so much money?
No—even with money, this should be nearly impossible!
With the World Government's backing, the Navy had only managed to build fourteen G-series large fortresses over the years.
How could the Beasts accomplish this?
"What are they planning?"
Sengoku racked his brain for answers.
Building a fortress in the Calm Belt clearly defies common sense—unless it offers the Beasts immense benefits.
Could it be?!
Sengoku abruptly stood up!
"Recall Momonga and Dore immediately!"
"Yes!"
After issuing the order, Sengoku immediately grabbed the intelligence report and left. Garp, who had been drinking tea in the office, quickly called out to him.
"Sengoku, where are you going?"
"Pangaea!"
Sengoku left without looking back.
If his suspicions were correct, he had to report to the Five Elders immediately. This matter was no longer something the Marines could decide on their own.
Meanwhile, in the Calm Belt.
"Retreat!"
Upon receiving the order from headquarters, Momonga and Dore immediately commanded their forces to withdraw. Wano Country was nearby, and the Beasts' fleet could appear at any moment.
Their mission was complete.
A lieutenant rushed over to report.
"Vice Admiral Momonga, the Kuja Pirates' ship is heading straight for the fortress ahead!"
"What?!"
Momonga's expression changed instantly as he hurried to the bow to observe. Instead of retreating, the Kuja Pirates were closing in on the fortress. Their reckless actions infuriated him.
"Ignore the Kuja Pirates. Let's go!"
"Yes!"
At that moment, aboard the Perfume Traveling Snake.
Her two younger sisters pleaded desperately.
"Sister, the Marines have already withdrawn. Let's leave too!"
"What is there to fear? They're just a bunch of filthy men."
Hancock lounged on a throne formed by her pet snakes, her long legs crossed elegantly. Every movement exuded lethal allure.
"Tell me, have you ever seen a man who could resist my charms?"
"Never!"
Her subordinates answered in unison.
Hancock raised a hand to her chest, calmly stating the facts.
"No matter what I do—whether I kick a kitten or commit murder and theft—the entire world will forgive me."
"The reason is simple."
"That's right—because I am too beautiful!"
"Ah—Empress Hancock!"
Everyone's eyes turned to hearts, utterly captivated by her charm.
"Calamity Gurd."
Hancock tilted her chin up, openly disdainful of Gurd. No man had ever resisted her allure before.
If she captured Gurd and handed him over to the Marines, she could live in peace for three years without enduring those annoying mandatory summons.
On the island, a sentry spotted the approaching pirate ship. Upon recognizing the flag, he immediately struck the war gong with all his might.
"BONG!!!"
Inside the fortress construction site, Gurd sat under a canopy, sipping tea while observing Yamato, who was enthusiastically hauling bricks. The girl genuinely enjoyed hard labor.
Hearing the alarm, Gurd glanced up.
"They're finally here."
The Marines had been sending ships to scout the area, so it was only a matter of time before they discovered the fortress. Still, he hadn't expected them to launch an attack.
The Marines weren't usually this reckless.
Even if they intended to fight, they'd prepare thoroughly first. He hadn't heard of any large-scale military operations.
Yamato ran over, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Gurd, are we fighting?"
"Keep working. I'll handle this."
Gurd waved her off.
It probably wasn't a big deal. Yamato's efficiency rivaled that of a giant, and he couldn't afford to interrupt her labor.
At the southwestern port, the Perfume Traveling Snake docked.
"Mero Mero Mellow!"
In less than three minutes, every member of the Beasts Pirates who had rushed to the alarm had turned to stone, hearts in their eyes—including several officers.
The AoE effect was overwhelming.
The sight also eased her sisters' worries. It seemed even the Beasts couldn't withstand their sister's charm.
Hancock surveyed the fortress.
"Has that Earth Calamity not appeared yet?"
According to the intelligence provided by the Marines, Gurd of the Earth Calamity had not been seen recently, so he was most likely on this island.
Let me turn him into stone!