Rengoku, tidying up his clothes, promptly left Sonia's room and made his way down to the dining hall.
Discussing Boa Hancock's status as a Warlord or the upcoming summons was out of the question for now, considering her condition.
For the time being, Rengoku had decided to remain stationed at Amazon Lily, standing by until she regained her strength.
Inside the dining hall, members of the Kuja Pirates were already gathered, enjoying their meals.
Among the many women pirates, Rengoku stood out as the lone male—yet neither he nor the Kuja seemed to mind. Everyone simply carried on as usual.
"Hey, over here!"
Sonia waved enthusiastically from across the hall.
Seated beside her were her sister Marigold and the elder Gloriosa.
"Lady Sonia called that Marine over...!"
"What's going on? Something's been off since yesterday..."
"They must have their reasons. It's not for us to meddle."
Ignoring the murmurs of the Kuja crew, Rengoku walked over to the table where Sonia, Marigold, and Gloriosa were seated.
Taking the seat beside Sonia, Rengoku picked up his utensils and began eating.
"Thank you for the meal!"
The unique ingredients native to Amazon Lily, combined with the meat of Sea Kings, created a divine flavor.
Especially with the island being located inside the Calm Belt, their Sea King cuisine had evolved to near-gourmet levels.
"Mmm! Delicious! What is this dish called?"
"That's grilled Sea King belly, marinated with Amazon Lily's signature sauce."
"Outstanding! Flame-grilled just right—the smoky taste is exquisite!"
Every time Rengoku took a bite and exclaimed "Delicious!" (Umaii!), the Kuja Pirates—and even Gloriosa—were left stunned by the sharp contrast between his serious demeanor and cheerful appetite.
Was this really the same man?
As Rengoku neared the end of his hearty meal, a stir rippled through the room.
"Lady Hancock!"
"Kyaa! The Snake Princess!"
To everyone's surprise, Boa Hancock, who usually dined in private, had entered the dining hall today.
She took a seat beside Marigold, directly across from Rengoku.
Her clothes were longer and heavier than usual—understandably so, as she was still recovering.
"Ah, [Pirate Empress] Boa Hancock! Are you feeling well?"
"Y-Yes... I am."
"That's wonderful to hear! Truly, I'm relieved."
There's no greater sight than seeing someone you helped save sitting up and healthy again.
Though Rengoku was no doctor, whether in this life or the last, he always found meaning in saving people—rescuing them from demons or pirates alike, and helping them live normal lives.
This time was no different.
"A-Are you enjoying the cuisine of Amazon Lily?"
"Indeed! Quite delicious. Especially this whole roasted Sea King, seasoned with your local spices—exquisite!"
"T-That's good to hear…"
"Hmm, your speech is a bit shaky. Are you sure you've fully recovered? Perhaps it's best if you rest a bit more."
"N-No, that's not necessary!"
Hancock quickly denied it, but then composed herself, maintaining her dignity as she continued:
"I mean… there's no problem. I'm simply… a little awkward still. Pay it no mind."
"Of course. As the ruler of a nation, I only ask that you take care of your health."
"Th-Thank you…"
"Your face seems a bit flushed. Are you sure you're alright?"
Rengoku tilted his head with concern, noticing the faint redness in Hancock's cheeks.
"W-What? Sonia! Marigold! Is my face… really red?!"
"Yes, Sis."
"It's completely red—like an apple."
"Eek! N-No, that's just…"
As Hancock flustered and stumbled over her words, Rengoku calmly called her name.
"[Pirate Empress] Boa Hancock."
"Y-Yes? What is it?"
"Pardon me for a moment."
Without hesitation, Rengoku wiped his hands, stood up from his seat, and gently placed his hand on the back of Hancock's head, bringing his forehead to meet hers.
The unexpected action shocked everyone in the dining hall—Kuja Pirates, Marigold, and especially Hancock herself.
Her face flushed bright red in an instant.
"Hmm… 37.7 degrees. You still have a slight fever."
"E-Eh?"
Rengoku pulled back, giving her a composed look.
"If you're fatigued, you won't be able to handle state affairs properly. Please, don't overexert yourself."
"Y-Yes, understood…"
Hancock found herself responding in polite formal speech before she even realized it.
...
Later…
After the meal, Rengoku briefly left Amazon Lily and returned to the naval vessel docked offshore.
"Vice Admiral Rengoku!"
"You've returned, sir!"
The moment he arrived, the soldiers gathered around him eagerly.
"Sir, may we ask how the negotiations are going?"
Vivi stepped forward with the question.
"Due to a sudden decline in [Pirate Empress] Boa Hancock's condition, we'll need to wait a few more days. In the meantime, I've secured permission for you to set up a temporary encampment on land. Leave the ship here and have all personnel—except those on guard duty—disembark."
It wouldn't be right to keep all the soldiers cooped up on the ship for several more days, so Rengoku had arranged with Hancock to allow them to use a campsite near the outskirts of the island.
"Ensure no one strays beyond the camp! Especially in Amazon Lily's dense tropical rainforest—watch out for dangerous insects or venomous snakes!"
"Yes, sir!"
"And what about you, Vice Admiral?" Vivi asked, stepping closer.
"I'll remain on Amazon Lily for now. Once the negotiations are concluded, I'll return. No need for concern."
"Yes, sir!"
Vivi had grown into a fine Marine in her own right.
...
By the time Rengoku returned to Amazon Lily, Sonia approached him with news.
"Big sis is asking for you."
"She is? Looks like she's finally settled down a bit."
"That's good news! Where should I go?"
"She's waiting in her bedchamber. Go on."
"Understood. Thank you!"
With long strides, Rengoku arrived before the large doors to Hancock's chamber. He knocked on the closed door.
"Boa Hancock! May I come in?"
"…You may."
"Pardon my intrusion."
Rengoku opened the door and stepped inside Hancock's room once more.
But what greeted him this time was… startling.
"…Hm? What's going on here?"
Seated before him—
Was Boa Hancock, completely unclothed.
--------------
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