Many nations have joined the World Government alliance, but many others have chosen not to.
Yet it is easy to imagine what fate awaits those who stand apart from the World Government, or who dare to oppose it.
The Kuja Pirates became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, and so Amazon Lily was spared the ruin that befell those other nations.
Now, the El Pirates have declared they will safeguard Amazon Lily. In a way, this promise is far more reliable than any guarantee from the World Government or Marine Headquarters.
You must know: when it comes to matters between pirates, the World Government and Marines cannot always step in too deeply. But pirates? They have no such restraints.
The El Pirates are now powerful enough to fully protect the Kuja Pirates.
What El said earlier in the square was truly compelling—even more attractive than the title of "Warlord of the Sea". After all, the El Pirates' standing is already solid and undeniable.
And for the Kuja, they never really had many options. Whether El's crew makes for a good ally or not, they are certainly an enemy no one would ever wish to face.
"Lord El, with your words today, I swear Amazon Lily shall forever be your most loyal follower!"
After speaking in the square, Hancock looked at him with even deeper adoration.
"Mm…" El frowned slightly.
He knew well: a few words alone could never make the Kuja—or the whole nation—devoted to him entirely. But this was the most he could do right now.
Nothing is achieved in one step. Only time will tell if this bond between them can truly hold.
"Do not ask too much of them, Hancock," he said gently.
He sensed clearly: if he didn't warn her, she might well do something extreme.
Hancock nodded quickly. "I know, I know, Lord El. You told me before—I won't do anything foolish. This is my country, after all."
She seemed to understand, but El still wasn't entirely at ease.
Hancock had long ruled Amazon Lily with absolute authority. Things were fine while he was here—but what if he left?
He shook his head softly. He already saw this island as his own, not something belonging only to Hancock.
With the El Pirates' guarantee, no one would dare attack the Kuja until his crew fell. But having more territory brought its own problems.
Just then, news arrived: trouble had come up.
"What did you say?"
"Trouble at the Sabaody Archipelago?"
Word came that the auction house once run by the Donquixote Family was facing serious issues.
Of course, the Donquixote Pirates were now a branch under El's crew.
Doflamingo himself was not far away, waiting for orders. Before the news could reach him, it had already reached El.
"Are you going there, Lord El?" Hancock stepped close at once.
She was now part of his crew, so he hadn't hidden the news from her.
"Yes… looks like I'll have to go."
He nodded. It wasn't strictly necessary for him to go personally—but he had time now, and it was a good chance to get away for a while.
Other officers in his crew were strong enough to handle most problems. But only he could be absolutely certain nothing would go wrong.
"Then… Lord El… may I come with you?"
Hancock stood beside him, shy and hesitant.
"You? You want to come to Sabaody too?"
He looked at her. The Pirate Empress nodded eagerly.
"Yes, yes! You said yourself—Amazon Lily doesn't really need me here. But you… if you step in straight away, things can't be undone. I can handle small matters for you, and help smooth things over."
She had a point. If El acted directly, there would be no room for compromise. With Hancock in between, most issues could still be negotiated.
"Hmm…"
He stroked his chin, thinking. Right now, her presence here wasn't even needed—and in some ways, he felt uneasy leaving her behind. Her old way of ruling had always been too harsh, in his eyes.
His crew had only just taken Amazon Lily under protection. He needed the island to recover and settle. Taking her along was actually a good choice.
"Please, Lord El… take me with you." She even began to act sweet and spoiled.
At last, he nodded. "Very well… you may come along."
Sabaody Archipelago sits exactly between the first and second halves of the Grand Line, beneath the Red Line, and right below Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
For pirates, it is a dangerous place—yet one you cannot avoid. It lies far too close to the Marines. But to enter the New World, there is no way past Sabaody.
For El, none of that mattered. He could go whenever he wanted. Even if he ran into Marines, they wouldn't dare make a move.
"Did you hear?"
"What?"
"Lady Hancock is leaving Amazon Lily… with Lord El!"
"Is that true?"
"What will happen to us now?"
Before, the Kuja relied only on their own crew. Now, they also had the El Pirates. But if both Hancock and El left at the same time… what of their safety?
"Stop worrying! Lord El promised—no one will dare touch us anymore!"
"Can we really trust that?"
"You doubt him? Even Lady Hancock looks up to him!"
"Exactly! Remember—we are part of his crew now…"
Those words silenced the warriors. They were no longer only the Kuja Pirates. They had the full protection of the El Pirates.
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