"So, the Kuja Empress was once a slave to the Celestial Dragons."
After hearing Saint Shamrock's words, the Marines' gazes toward Boa Hancock began to change.
"So the high and mighty Pirate Empress was once just a slave to the Celestial Dragons."
"I thought she was someone important. Turns out she's just a S-L-A-V-E."
Realization spread quickly, and disdain surfaced in the eyes of many Marines as they looked at Hancock.
To them, she was no longer an untouchable empress, but a former slave. Even if that status placed her under the Celestial Dragons, a slave was still a slave. Many Marines revered the Celestial Dragons and sought their favor, yet none would willingly accept such a fate. Once enslaved, a person lost all control over their own life.
Meanwhile, the Kuja Pirates began whispering among themselves.
"Now that I think about it, the Empress only returned to Amazon Lily after Fisher Tiger freed the slaves. She was gone for years before that."
"I heard she and her sisters were adventuring during that time. Could it be they were captured by the Celestial Dragons?"
"Keep your voice down. We should not speak of this."
Luffy could not tolerate it any longer.
"Hey, you guy who looks like Shanks!"
Saint Shamrock turned his gaze toward him.
"Stop talking nonsense. If you want to fight, then fight. I will send you flying!"
Saint Shamrock let out a cold snort. "Shanks? So you know my foolish brother. Still, one thing you said is correct."
His gaze shifted back to Hancock.
"It does not matter whether you are slave number seventy-seven or not. You are harboring the criminal Straw Hat Luffy. As an Admiral, I should execute you. However, I can show mercy and allow you to become part of my collection. Accept it. This is your destiny."
"What destiny are you talking about?"
Luffy stepped forward, anger flaring.
"What gives you the right to decide someone else's life? Hancock is not becoming your collection!"
Without hesitation, he charged.
"Luffy…" Rayleigh called out, his tone tense. He could sense the danger radiating from Saint Shamrock.
Saint Shamrock looked at Luffy with clear disdain. "Is this all the so-called Joy Boy's successor has?"
His body began to change.
The Marine coat slipped from his shoulders as his form expanded rapidly. Within moments, he towered over the battlefield, surpassing ten meters in height. His skin turned dark like a withered corpse. Three grotesque heads emerged, each with green faces and sharp fangs. Six gaunt arms stretched outward, each radiating a sinister aura.
Luffy halted for a brief moment, surprised.
In the next instant, dark energy gathered in Saint Shamrock's six arms. Massive black swords formed, each nearly ten meters long. One arm swung downward toward Luffy.
Rayleigh moved instantly.
His blade intercepted the attack, stopping the massive strike mid-swing.
"Luffy, step back. He is not someone you can handle yet."
At the same time, a Marine officer raised his voice.
"Attack. Capture all the women of Amazon Lily. Anyone who resists will be eliminated."
"Yes, sir."
The Marines surged forward once more under the command of Vice Admiral Walker, clashing with the Kuja warriors.
"Bring it on!"
Luffy activated Gear Second, steam rising from his body as his speed and strength surged. He welcomed the incoming Marines, eager to test his current power.
Amid the chaos, Boa Hancock stood frozen.
Her eyes were unfocused, her body trembling. The battlefield roared around her, yet she seemed trapped in her own memories. The voices, the fear, the humiliation, they dragged her back into the past.
"Sister!"
Sandersonia and Marigold shook her desperately.
"Sister, snap out of it!"
Their voices finally reached her.
Hancock blinked, her vision clearing as the battle came back into focus.
"What… is happening?"
Marigold's expression hardened. "Sister, we have to fight. If we do not defeat them, we will die."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"And we might be dragged back to that place."
Those words struck deeply.
Hancock's eyes sharpened as the memories surged forward.
That nightmare could never happen again.
"Sandersonia, Marigold, all warriors of Amazon Lily, follow me. We will repel the Marines."
She moved at last, launching herself into battle against the Marines. Even so, she avoided directing her attacks toward Saint Shamrock.
High above the battlefield, Saint Shamrock watched Rayleigh with interest.
"Dark King Rayleigh. Even a mere insect like you has some reputation. This is perfect. I will use you to test my new power."
Rayleigh studied him carefully, his expression serious.
"A Mythical Zoan. That form resembles the Asura of legend."
Saint Shamrock grinned, his three faces twisting with malice.
"Correct. Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan Model Shura."
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