Meanwhile, the gap between Luffy and Saint Figarland Shamrock was overwhelming. Whether it was speed, strength, or Haki intensity, the difference between them was absolute. Gear Second and Gear Third had no effect, and even Gear Fourth failed to make a difference.
Luffy was driven into despair.
After exhausting himself with Gear Fourth, his body gave out. He collapsed to the ground, completely drained. Saint Shamrock stepped forward without hesitation, placing his foot firmly on Luffy's body. His long sword pressed against Luffy's neck as he spoke in a cold voice.
"Straw Hat, it seems you are not Joy Boy. But that does not matter. I will end your life now."
"Luffy..."
From a distance, Boa Hancock watched in horror. Her expression twisted, panic spreading across her face.
"What are you planning to do to him...?"
"Sister, be careful," Marigold shouted.
Before Hancock could react, two Marine Vice Admirals unleashed powerful sword slashes. The attacks struck her from behind. Blood spilled from her mouth as her cloak and clothing were torn apart, leaving a deep X-shaped wound across her back.
At that moment, the two Vice Admirals froze slightly.
What caught their attention was not just the wound, but something far more shocking.
On Hancock's back was a mark, the Hoof of the Celestial Dragons.
"This is..."
Their eyes narrowed in disbelief. The truth became undeniable. The Pirate Empress, known across the seas as the most beautiful woman, had once been a slave of the Celestial Dragons.
"Sister..." Sandersonia called out in alarm.
By now, both Marines and Kuja warriors had seen it clearly.
"The Hoof of the Celestial Dragons..."
"So it is true..."
"The Pirate Empress was really a slave..."
Whispers spread rapidly through the battlefield.
Although some had suspected it before, there had never been proof. Now, the mark on her back confirmed everything beyond doubt.
Hancock immediately tried to cover herself, but her torn clothing made it impossible. No matter what she did, the mark could no longer be hidden.
The Kuja warriors stared at her in shock.
"Snake Princess..."
Their confusion and disbelief were obvious. Questions that had lingered for years were finally answered. Why she always bathed alone, why she dismissed everyone, why she spoke of a curse involving the Gorgon.
It had all been a lie to conceal this mark.
Hancock saw the change in their expressions. Fear began to surface in her eyes.
Her greatest secret had been exposed.
Even if she survived this battle, everything would change. She could no longer remain the Empress of Amazon Lily. The pride she carried would be shattered, and she would have to face the truth she had buried for so long.
But in that moment, her thoughts returned to Luffy.
She looked toward him.
Saint Shamrock had already raised his sword and thrust it down.
"Luffy..."
Her pupils shrank as the blade pierced his throat. Blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. His body trembled, but no sound came out.
(Ooh, fahhhhh...)
Tears streamed down Hancock's face.
The pain in her heart far surpassed the injuries on her body.
A sharp cry rang out.
Sandersonia was cut down by a Marine Vice Admiral. She collapsed onto the ground, her body motionless.
"Sister..." Marigold screamed.
Her distraction proved fatal.
The Vice Admiral she was fighting seized the opportunity. A swift slash cut across her throat. Blood burst out as she clutched her neck, collapsing beside her sister.
"Sandersonia... Marigold..."
Hancock's grief exploded into fury.
Those were her sisters, the ones who had endured everything with her since childhood.
Her tears fell uncontrollably as rage filled her eyes. She charged forward toward the Marines, her voice shaking with anger.
"Even if I die, I will kill all of you!"
Not far away, Saint Shamrock pulled his sword free from Luffy's throat. He glanced at the lifeless body without interest.
"Hmph. So you were not Joy Boy after all. Just a worthless pirate. You dared to oppose the creators of this world, yet you are not even fit to be a slave."
With that, he turned away from Luffy's corpse and walked toward Hancock.
At this point, several Marine Vice Admirals had already surrounded her. Despite being outnumbered, Hancock fought even more fiercely, her attacks driven by grief and anger.
Suddenly, a Marine Rear Admiral threw out a chain. It wrapped tightly around Hancock's ankle.
In an instant, her strength vanished.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"Sea Prism Stone..."
Taking advantage of the moment, the Vice Admirals moved together. They forced her to the ground, pinning her down completely.