Her skin was as pale and flawless as freshly fallen snow, and her graceful figure exuded an almost otherworldly allure.
The curves of her body were striking, accentuated by a narrow waist and elegant hips.
Her long, well-shaped legs conveyed both strength and poise, each step suggesting both confidence and refinement.
Framing her face was a cascade of jet-black hair that fell smoothly down to her waist, sleek and polished like it had been painted by a master artist.
Her refined nose, sharp jawline, and delicately sculpted features gave her the beauty of a statue carved by a skilled artisan.
Her lips, naturally tinted with a soft rose hue, added a gentle warmth to her dignified expression.
A faint blush colored her porcelain cheeks, enhancing her charm even more.
Her dark eyes, which refused to meet his gaze, glimmered like obsidian pearls—mysterious and captivating.
Even the golden serpent-shaped earrings adorning her ears, as lavish as they were, felt like mere accessories in comparison to her overwhelming presence.
"You called me here dressed like this... Can you explain what you meant by that?"
Rengoku, as a strong and disciplined man, couldn't deny that the breathtaking beauty before him stirred something within. But his unshakable willpower kept his composure firmly in check.
Hancock, still unclothed, turned away from him and gently swept her long hair over her shoulder, revealing her back.
"You recognize this, don't you?"
"...The mark of the Celestial Dragons."
Etched—no, branded—into her skin was the unmistakable symbol of the World Nobles: a dragon's hoof.
"Yes. I was... a slave to the Celestial Dragons."
After Rengoku's quiet response, Hancock returned to the bed and sat down. Her snake slithered over and gently covered her with a blanket, shielding her bare form.
"Seventeen years ago, during warrior training outside Amazon Lily, we were suddenly captured by raiders. For four years, we were reduced to slaves—stripped of our dignity, treated as less than animals."
Hancock began to speak of the torment she had long buried.
"Those years were filled with forced labor and relentless abuse. Not only the Celestial Dragons, but even the Marines who guarded them made my skin crawl."
"One day, by sheer luck, we managed to escape. Thirteen years ago, we returned to Amazon Lily. Not long after, I became the captain of the Kuja Pirates. With just a single expedition, I earned a bounty high enough for the government to take notice."
"Unaware of my past, they approached me and offered a position as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
As she continued, her expression darkened, but her voice remained steady.
"I hated the idea of becoming a dog for the World Government. But for the sake of the Kuja Pirates, for Amazon Lily—I accepted."
"Still, I never once responded to the summons of the Warlords. I had no desire to see the faces of those monsters again."
"I've heard why you're here. It's about the new Warlord summons... I appreciate your kindness, but I must decline. I cannot go."
Hancock gave her refusal clearly and firmly. Rengoku, having already heard the details of her past, did not press her any further.
"Then you don't have to come. Don't push yourself."
"…Why aren't you trying to persuade me?"
Hancock questioned Rengoku, surprised by how easily he let the matter go.
"As someone who has also borne the weight of leadership, I understand the burden of responsibility—and the pain that comes with it."
"Unlike the other Warlords, you are a true sovereign, an empress of your own nation. I know that your refusal to engage with the Navy and the World Government is, in part, a shield to protect your people from danger."
The mission was a failure.
And yet, somehow, Rengoku didn't feel disappointed.
"Well then, thank you for your time. I'll begin preparations today and leave by tomorrow morning."
Just as he turned to leave the room, Hancock stopped him.
"Wait."
At her voice, Rengoku halted and turned to face her.
"…Do you believe the Celestial Dragons should be eradicated?"
"…You overheard yesterday's conversation, didn't you?"
"…I did. You're a rising star in the Navy, with a clear path to the position of Admiral. If you just keep your distance from the Celestial Dragons, they might even support and promote someone as powerful as you. Why, then, do you choose to oppose them?"
Rengoku paused before answering her solemnly.
"The Navy's authority—its power, influence, and resources—are granted by the people of the world."
"We are funded by their taxes, built on their trust. As an officer of the Navy, I have a duty to protect those very people. That is my obligation."
"The Celestial Dragons, however, only demand tribute—'Heavenly Tribute'—from allied nations, giving nothing in return."
"They wield their unchecked power solely for their own selfish desires. That's not only unjust—it's a deep corruption. To fix that, I must become an Admiral."
"…And how is that any different from the path of the Revolutionary Army?"
"Do you know how to topple a towering, fortified castle?"
"You dismantle it from the inside."
Rengoku had harbored deep resentment toward the Celestial Dragons ever since he learned of their existence after joining the Navy.
Gods? Noble bloodlines? Descendants of the creators?
Such injustice had no right to exist. Not in this world. Never.
"…"
"…"
"In any case, I understand your position. I won't press you any further. I'll make sure the Navy Headquarters receives a proper report. Please… stay well."
Suddenly—
A warmth embraced his back.
And with it came Hancock's voice, trembling and tearful.
"Don't go… please don't go… Why… why didn't a man like you show up back then…?"
Her words gave way to sobs. Her tears carried the weight of her pain—the years of suffering, fear, helplessness… all of it, now finally released.
Rengoku gently grasped the hands of Hancock, who was holding him tightly, and replied:
"That will never happen again. Because I will be the one to change it."
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