The beach was dotted with figures as the sea breeze carried its briny scent.
Hancock clung tightly to Bahr's arm, her cheeks still flushed pink from their earlier intimacy. Her snake-shaped earrings swayed gently with each step, her eyes still languid with lingering affection. She instinctively pressed closer to Bahr with every movement, as if afraid someone might steal him away.
The warriors of Amazon Lily stood guard with silver-tipped spears glinting coldly in the sunlight, their gazes repeatedly darting toward Bahr with a mix of curiosity and reverence.
Nearby, Mr. Bon Clay was circling the straw-hatted boy excitedly: "Luffy! Luffy! How are you feeling? Want to see my latest impersonation act? I guarantee it'll blow your mind!"
Luffy had just scratched the back of his head when he spotted Bahr approaching. He immediately waved enthusiastically. "Yo! Uchiha Obito!"
Bahr's mouth twitched imperceptibly. He'd only used that alias once casually, yet this kid had remembered it and now used it so naturally. Truly exasperating.
"I heard you helped me—and Bon Clay too! Thanks!" Luffy grinned, showing a full set of white teeth, completely oblivious to Bahr's darkening expression. "I thought I'd never see Bon Clay again, but you actually rescued him!"
Beside him, Jimbei nodded solemnly, his blue fishman features composed as he clasped his hands together. "Mr. Bahr, we appreciate your assistance this time."
On the rocks at the edge of the crowd, an elderly man with white hair idly toyed with a flask—none other than the Dark King Rayleigh.
When his gaze landed on Bahr, his murky eyes flickered with surprise before settling on Hancock's possessive grip on Bahr's arm. His brow arched slightly.
"Seems Shakky guessed wrong," Rayleigh murmured, running a finger along the smooth rim of his flask. "She predicted the Straw Hat boy would end up on Amazon Lily, but she didn't expect..."
His eyes traced the undisguised infatuation in Hancock's usually arrogant peach-blossom eyes as she gazed at Bahr, recalling this man's bold defiance against the Celestial Dragons. A low chuckle escaped him.
Such audacity was indeed worthy of admiration.
Just then, a blinding streak of blue lightning split the air as Enel descended onto the sand, crackling with electricity. His eyes swept over Bahr, his tone dripping with irritation. "Hey! Making us wait on the ship for days—what's the big idea?"
"How dare you!" Hancock immediately stepped half a pace in front of Bahr, her snake earrings jangling sharply. "How dare you address Lord Bahr in such a disrespectful tone!"
"No need," Bahr soothed, patting the back of Hancock's hand before turning toward Nico Robin and the others who had just disembarked. "I'll go talk to them first."
Hancock obediently murmured "Alright," but her gaze remained glued to Bahr's retreating back until Rayleigh called out from the rocks, "Hancock."
"Rayleigh? You're here too! Long time no see!" She snapped out of her daze, her eyes lighting up with delight.
Rayleigh wiped a bead of sweat from his temple at her lovestruck expression, while Nyon beside him facepalmed in resignation.
That once aloof girl had fallen hard.
Meanwhile, Bahr had just reached Robin when her amused gaze swept over him, her tone teasing. "Seems the Boss has been enjoying himself these past few days."
"Robin, are you jealous?" Bahr countered with a raised brow.
"Hardly," Robin scoffed, turning toward the ship.
No sooner had she spoken than Miss. Valentine and Porche latched onto Bahr's arms from either side.
Miss. Valentine shook his arm playfully. "Boss, we've been so bored! When are we leaving?"
"Yeah!" Porche nodded eagerly, eyes sparkling. "We missed you!"
"No rush," Bahr patted their hands. "We're staying a while longer. Rest up on shore for now."
"Tch, utterly tedious." Enel crackled with electricity nearby, already striding toward the airship. "This god is returning. Hurry up—I've no interest in idling here."
Bahr didn't respond. Enel's temper was as volatile as his lightning—as long as he obeyed, his moods could be indulged.
But just then, Hancock—who had been chatting with Rayleigh—caught sight of something from the corner of her eye. Her face darkened instantly.
Miss. Valentine and Porche were clinging to Bahr's arms, their intimate posture like needles stabbing into her vision.
"What do you two think you're doing?!"
Her furious shout rang out as Hancock stormed over in her high heels, her red cape flaring dramatically behind her, snake earrings swinging violently.
She pointed at the two women, her eyes blazing with warning. "Release Lord Bahr this instant, or I'll turn you to stone!"
The two women didn't dare oppose the Pirate Empress. Under her glare, they immediately let go, retreating awkwardly.
Only then did Hancock lift her chin triumphantly, planting her hands on her hips and puffing out her chest in her signature haughty pose, her neck arched regally as if the entire world was beneath her notice.
She cast a disdainful glance at the cowering Miss. Valentine and Porche, her voice dripping with authority. "Hmph! Know your place. I am Lord Bahr's First Wife. All of you had better behave!"
"First Wife...?" Miss. Valentine and Porche exchanged glances, stars practically shining in their eyes.
There was something oddly captivating about the Empress's domineering yet spoiled demeanor.
Nico Robin observed Hancock's posturing, then glanced at Bahr, her lips twitching imperceptibly.
Say what you will, but Bahr certainly had a way with women. That once untouchable Pirate Empress was now fighting over the title of "First Wife"—who would believe it?
Bahr watched Hancock's territorial display with inner amusement.
This lovestruck woman never missed a chance to assert her status. He stepped forward, ruffling her hair indulgently. "Alright, don't scare them."
A woman's possessiveness was natural—and as the "Sea Clam King," he had plenty of ways to handle it.
The moment he touched her, Hancock's aggression melted away, her cheeks flushing though she still tried maintaining her tsundere act. "I was merely reminding them of their place!"
Despite her words, her tense shoulders had already relaxed. Clearly, his methods worked.