"Oh right, Merry!"
Luffy suddenly jumped up despite the massive lump on his head.
"Where's Merry?!"
He had lost consciousness after eating those mushrooms.
So what about Merry?
Was she okay?!
"Relax. Merry's fine."
Jin slowly lowered his fist.
Clearly—
If this idiot hadn't remembered Merry at all, Jin fully intended to punch him again.
"That's good…"
Luffy sighed in relief.
Then immediately asked:
"So did you find a ship?"
If they had a ship—
They could return to Sabaody and reunite with everyone!
"The ship situation depends on meeting this country's empress first."
Jin replied calmly.
"Come on. Let's regroup with Merry first."
"Oh…"
Luffy obediently nodded.
Then he silently followed beside Jin as the two moved underground using Earth Style.
Meanwhile—
"Damn it! Where did that guy go?!"
"We have to find him before Snake Princess-sama notices!"
"And who was that unfamiliar presence that appeared beside the man?"
"No idea…"
"Regardless, we need to capture them first!"
Kikyo shouted seriously.
"Once we catch them, we'll understand everything."
"Understood!"
Watching the warriors scatter everywhere—
Kikyo's expression grew more and more solemn.
Hopefully we can capture that man quickly…
If Snake Princess-sama discovered men had entered the country—
The three warriors who brought them back would face severe punishment.
Possibly even execution.
Just thinking about it made her face pale.
"What's going on?"
Sitting beside Merry, Gloriosa looked toward the noisy crowd.
"Did something happen?"
"Granny Nyon, the man imprisoned earlier disappeared."
Kikyo explained.
"A giant stone hand emerged from underground and dragged him below."
"Then another unfamiliar presence appeared and took him away."
The movement underground had been incredibly fast.
Even her Observation Haki couldn't keep up.
"…An unfamiliar presence?"
Gloriosa blinked.
Then glanced toward Merry.
"…That should be that brat."
"It's probably Jin…"
Jin had just said he was going to retrieve Luffy.
Then Luffy got dragged underground by a stone hand.
Obviously—
That was Jin's Earth Style technique.
Still—
She truly hadn't expected him to retrieve Luffy in such an outrageous way.
BOOM!
Suddenly the ground nearby burst open.
Then Luffy and Jin emerged directly from underground.
The scene instantly stunned everyone present.
"AHHH~!"
"Sunlight!"
Luffy immediately spread his arms dramatically.
"We're back outside!!"
"Hahahaha!"
Seeing Luffy laughing loudly—
Jin could only sigh helplessly.
This guy really loved making a scene.
"Jin, let's do it again!"
Luffy turned excitedly toward him.
"Again your head."
Jin rolled his eyes.
"We have actual business to handle right now, understand?"
"Oh…"
Luffy instantly looked pitiful.
Jin's mouth twitched.
Why did this guy always react like that?
These two brats… what exactly are they?
Gloriosa stared at them in disbelief.
Why were they casually popping out of the ground?!
Was this—
A Devil Fruit ability?
No…
Could this actually be the legendary Earth Style ninjutsu?
So this is a ninja's Earth Style…
First time seeing it in person.
"THE MEN ARE HERE!"
"Hurry!"
"They're over here!"
Hearing Kikyo's shout—
The island warriors rushed over from every direction, surrounding Jin and Luffy cautiously.
But when Marguerite looked at the person beside Luffy—
She froze.
"Who's this?"
"No idea."
Kikyo frowned.
"But that's the same unfamiliar presence from before."
"…Unfamiliar?"
"Isn't she from the village?"
"No clue. But I definitely don't recognize her."
Listening to the chatter around him—
Jin raised an eyebrow.
"…Presence?"
"Observation Haki?"
Did all these women know Observation Haki?
Looks like this country's fighters were stronger than expected.
Probably the island guard.
"Hey! Who exactly are you?!"
"That's right! Are you from the village? Why are you helping men?!"
"From the village?"
Jin shook his head.
"I'm not from your village."
"I came here together with this guy."
As he spoke, he pointed toward Luffy, who was currently greeting Merry happily.
"…Then that means YOU'RE a man too!"
Kikyo's eyes widened.
Instantly—
The surrounding warriors drew their bows.
Arrows were nocked.
And Armament Haki coated every arrowhead.
Armament Haki too…
So they all possessed both Observation and Armament.
These women were definitely no pushovers.
"Granny Nyon, say something already!"
Seeing battle about to erupt—
Merry hurriedly tugged on Gloriosa's sleeve.
Why had she gone quiet ever since Jin appeared?
"Hm?"
"Oh, sorry."
Gloriosa laughed awkwardly.
"I got lost in thought."
She'd been thinking too deeply and completely tuned out everything happening around her.
Am I really getting old…?
Shaking her head—
She slowly walked toward Jin.
"Granny Nyon, be careful!"
Kikyo shouted anxiously.
"Those are MEN!"
Approaching dangerous men carelessly—
What if she lost her life?!
"I know."
Gloriosa waved dismissively.
"Leave them to me."
"But—"
Kikyo hesitated.
If Snake Princess-sama learned about this—
Everyone involved would be punished.
Including Granny Nyon herself.
"Relax."
"I'll explain everything to Snake Princess."
Gloriosa replied calmly.
What she didn't say was—
Even if all these warriors attacked together…
They still might not be a match for this ninja.
After all—
This brat carried a bounty exceeding 400 million Beli.
"…Understood."
The warriors reluctantly lowered their weapons.
But their eyes still brimmed with curiosity.
After all—
This was the first time they'd ever seen living men.
"Ah! My hat!"
Luffy suddenly noticed his straw hat hanging on Marguerite.
His arm stretched instantly and snatched it back.
"Whew… thank goodness it's okay…"
After placing the hat back on his head—
He grinned stupidly again.
"EH?!"
"Did you see that?!"
"That man's arm stretched out!"
"I saw it too…"
"So that's what men are like? Men's arms can stretch?!"
Marguerite turned toward Jin with sparkling eyes.
The look basically screamed:
You try too!
Jin: …
Stretching limbs wasn't exactly something he could do.
Although—
If it was simply making things bigger…
He technically could.
Definitely a Devil Fruit user.
Gloriosa immediately reached that conclusion after observing Luffy.
Then she said:
"Enough gathering around here."
"Everyone disperse."
Afterward, she turned toward the trio.
"You three, come with me."
As she spoke—
She beckoned a nearby snake over.
The snake's body instantly hardened and transformed into a cane.
Luffy's eyes nearly popped out.
"Whoa!! Granny! Why did that snake turn into a cane?!"
"Hahaha."
Gloriosa chuckled.
"These are special snakes unique to Amazon Lily."
"They can transform into various tools."
"Very convenient."
"Every warrior of Amazon Lily has one as a partner."
"…That really is useful."
Jin glanced toward the snakes wrapped around Kikyo and the others.
"They transformed into bows earlier too."
He honestly couldn't understand what kind of biological structure allowed snakes to become weapons so quickly.
Ridiculous.
"Can I get one too?"
Merry asked excitedly.
Gloriosa fell silent briefly.
Then smiled softly.
"If you really like them…"
"I can give you a snake egg."
"Once you hatch it yourself, you'll gain a partner who can fight beside you."
Gloriosa had already thought things through.
Even if Jin was lying—
There was no need to kill little Merry.
After all—
This child only looked a few years old.
Worst case?
She could simply adopt the little girl herself.
Maybe gain a granddaughter~
Hahahaha.
Of course—
If Jin wasn't lying—
Then she couldn't keep the child here.
She couldn't steal someone else's companion.
"A partner…"
"Okay! I understand!"
Merry happily agreed.
She'd never hatched a snake egg before—
But she could ask Granny Nyon for help later.
With that cheerful mood—
The three followed Gloriosa back toward her residence.
Though the island warriors continued trailing behind them the entire way—
Clearly worried about Gloriosa's safety.
Well…
Or perhaps mostly curious.
"We're basically zoo exhibits now."
Jin glanced behind himself helplessly.
These women had been following nonstop since earlier.
Even that stern ponytailed warrior was still staring.
"Can't be helped."
Gloriosa laughed.
"They've never seen men before."
"Curiosity is natural."
"Please bear with them."
Jin nodded casually.
He'd only been joking anyway.
He wasn't some shy introvert afraid of attention.
At that moment—
A loud clang clang clang echoed from the distant city walls.
The expressions of the island warriors instantly changed.
"That signal…"
"Snake Princess-sama has returned!"
Hearing that—
Jin's eyes lit up.
"So that person's back already?!"
"Who?"
Luffy looked confused.
"The empress of this country."
"Ohhh!"
Luffy's eyes immediately brightened too.
Then that meant—
They could finally get a ship!
That was amazing!
"You seem surprisingly knowledgeable about this country."
Gloriosa glanced at Jin.
"You even know who the empress is."
"Shakky-neesan told me."
"…I see."
Gloriosa fell silent briefly.
Then said:
"We'll discuss meeting Snake Princess later."
"First, come with me."
"There's something I need to confirm."
Jin naturally understood what she meant.
So he simply nodded.
At the same time—
He grabbed Luffy by the collar before the idiot could run off.
"Hey! Aren't we going to meet the empress?!"
"You idiot."
Jin glared.
"Didn't Granny Nyon just say later?"
"We're asking for help here."
"So follow THEIR rules."
If Luffy's recklessness started a fight—
Explaining things to Shakky later would become impossible.
Especially since—
With his current strength, destroying this entire place honestly wasn't difficult.
"Oh…"
Luffy immediately became obedient.
Like a well-behaved child, he quietly followed beside Jin.
That sight completely stunned Gloriosa.
…Wait.
Who exactly is the captain here?!
Why did the Straw Hat captain possess absolutely zero authority?!
Yet that bounty exceeding 400 million definitely wasn't fake.
What exactly was wrong with this crew?
"…What a strange bunch."
Meanwhile—
Far away at sea.
"This damned crew…"
Momonga frowned heavily.
"How much longer are they planning to make me wait?!"
Anchoring in such dangerous waters was extremely risky.
Even with Seastone-equipped warships—
It wasn't safe.
After all—
Sea Kings constantly emerged from the water.
One unlucky moment and disaster would strike.
Thinking that—
Momonga glanced toward the gigantic Sea King corpse floating nearby.
The one he had personally killed earlier.
A shadow crossed his eyes.
If multiple Sea Kings appeared at once—
He wasn't confident he could protect the ship.
Hopefully the corpse wouldn't attract more monsters.
At that moment—
A lookout shouted loudly:
"Vice Admiral Momonga!"
"We've spotted the Pirate Empress's ship!"
"They've finally returned…"
Momonga immediately walked to the edge of the ship and stared toward the approaching pirate vessel.
"You certainly took your time…"
Soon—
The Nine Snake ship docked beside the Marine warship.
"So it really is an all-female pirate crew…"
"I heard they're extremely strong."
"Wonder if that's true."
The Marines tightly gripped their weapons.
If conflict erupted—
They were prepared to fight seriously.
Compared to them—
The women aboard the Nine Snake ship appeared completely relaxed.
"You've got guts, Marines."
Ran looked toward Momonga.
"Anchoring in waters full of monsters."
"Aren't you afraid of Sea King attacks?"
"Your Kuja tribe has an agreement with the World Government."
Momonga replied calmly.
"Marines are forbidden from approaching within three nautical miles of Amazon Lily."
"So we had no choice but to anchor directly in Sea King territory."
If possible—
He would've preferred sailing closer.
But the World Government forbade it.
"Hehe. Is that so?"
Ran smiled faintly.
Then glanced at the dead Sea King nearby.
"You killed that thing?"
"Yeah."
"If it destroyed my ship…"
"The justice on my back would be disgraced."
"So I cut it down."
"Hah. Not bad."
Hearing the exchange—
The Marines couldn't help smiling proudly.
Having a powerful commanding officer was naturally reassuring.
"I didn't come here to hunt Sea Kings."
Momonga said seriously.
"I'd prefer finishing this quickly and leaving immediately."
Taking a deep breath—
He shouted loudly:
"I am Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Momonga!"
"Pirate Empress Boa Hancock—"
"Come out! I'm here to escort you!"
"Sorry."
Ran answered casually.
"Snake Princess-sama won't be coming out."
"That's right."
"We already replied to your summons many times."
"So why keep bothering us?"
"Your reply?"
Momonga's expression darkened.
"Yes, we received your response."
"You claimed you would obey the summons."
"But despite all this time passing…"
"You've shown absolutely no intention of heading to Marine Headquarters."
"Is THIS your answer?"
"The Seven Warlord emergency summons was issued directly by the World Government!"
"If you refuse, the agreement will be considered broken!"
"You'll lose your title as a Warlord!"
"You understand what that means, don't you?"
"Without that title…"
"You become ordinary pirates."
"Enemies of both the Marines and the World Government."
"Boa Hancock!"
"Did you hear me?!"
He had already explained the consequences perfectly clearly.
Surely the Pirate Empress understood the stakes.
If she lost Warlord status—
Amazon Lily itself would become a World Government target.
"…How noisy."
A cold voice sounded.
Boa Hancock slowly rose from her seat and walked outside.
Behind her—
Boa Sandersonia and Boa Marigold silently followed.
CREAK—
The doors opened.
Hancock stepped outside gracefully.
Then suddenly—
She looked toward a kitten running across the ground.
"Who left this cat in the path of my walk?"
BANG!
She kicked the kitten flying without hesitation.
"S-Sorry, Snake Princess-sama!"
The kitten's owner rushed over and hugged the poor animal nervously.
"It was my fault…"
"Is that so? Be more careful next time."
"Yes, Snake Princess-sama…"
Without another glance—
Hancock continued walking toward the sea serpent.
"So you've finally appeared…"
Momonga frowned deeply at her terrible behavior.
"Exactly like the rumors…"
Taking a breath—
He shouted:
"All soldiers, stay focused!"
Instantly—
The Marines tensed.
The Pirate Empress was infamous for turning people into stone.
Facing someone like that—
They needed absolute concentration.
Yet the moment they actually saw Hancock—
The Marines froze completely.
"T-This is the Pirate Empress?!"
"She's… unbelievably beautiful!"
"They said she was the world's greatest beauty…"
"But it's actually true…"
As Hancock approached while standing atop the serpent's head—
The Marines nearly lost their grip on their weapons.
To witness someone this beautiful…
They could die without regrets.
Hancock coldly swept her gaze across them before looking toward Momonga.
"A Marine Vice Admiral…"
"Boa Hancock."
Momonga spoke sternly.
"What exactly are you planning?"
"You agreed to participate in the war."
"So why haven't you come to Marine Headquarters?"
"Oh."
Hancock replied lazily.
"That reply was merely to brush you off."
"I have no intention of participating in your war."
"…What?!"
Momonga's face darkened instantly.
So she truly intended to refuse.
"You understand the consequences, don't you?"
"Of course."
Hancock nodded lightly.
"However…"
"I do not wish to lose my Warlord title."
"And at the same time…"
"I rather like the cargo on your ship."
"So what should I do~?"
Tilting her head slightly—
She revealed a faint smile.
The Marines instantly lost their minds.
"Idiot! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
Momonga roared angrily.
"You think childish tantrums will solve this problem?!"
Before he could finish—
He suddenly heard movement behind him.
"Hurry! Bring everything out!"
"Take it! Take everything!"
Seeing the Marines voluntarily carrying treasure toward Hancock—
Her smile widened further.
Momonga: ???
"YOU MORONS!"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
He roared furiously.
Did these idiots seriously think this woman was harmless?!
She was a venomous snake!
"S-Sorry…"
The Marines finally regained awareness, embarrassed.
Apparently—
They'd unconsciously fallen under her influence.
Taking another deep breath—
Momonga stared toward Hancock.
"In only a few days…"
"Fire Fist Ace will be publicly executed."
"At that time, Marine Headquarters will deploy the Three Admirals and every major combat force."
"We will engage the Whitebeard Pirates in an all-out war!"
"And you Seven Warlords MUST obey the World Government summons and participate!"
"If you refuse…"
"You will lose your title!"
"Boa Hancock."
"Now answer."
"Will you come with us?"
"Or will you surrender your position?"
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
After several seconds—
Hancock spoke calmly.
"I dislike losing my Warlord status."
"But I also dislike being ordered around by the World Government…"
"…Hm~"
"I know."
"How about this?"
"The Marines sent to retrieve me encountered a mysterious incident at sea."
"They all became stone statues…"
"And sank into the ocean."
"Wouldn't that solve everything?"
"…WHAT?!"
Veins bulged across Momonga's forehead.
This woman intended to kill them all?!
Did she seriously believe that would preserve her title?!
If contact with them vanished—
The Marines would absolutely retaliate against Amazon Lily.
Couldn't she understand that?!
Watching Hancock leap onto the warship—
Momonga shouted furiously:
"You think doing this will preserve your Warlord status?!"
"The World Government will never forgive you!"
"No."
Sandersonia answered proudly.
"Elder Sister will absolutely be forgiven~"
"That's right."
Marigold nodded seriously.
"She possesses a reason to be forgiven."
Momonga froze.
"…What does that mean?"
"You wish to know why?"
Hancock spoke proudly.
"No matter whether I kick kittens…"
"Or tear off your ears…"
"I will always be forgiven."
"Why?"
"Because…"
"I am simply too beautiful!"
"AHHHH!"
"WE FORGIVE YOU!"
The Marines instantly screamed in excitement again.
"YOU IDIOTS!"
Momonga roared furiously.
But by now—
The Marines were completely incapable of calming themselves.
"Tch. This woman…"
At that moment—
Momonga realized Hancock had activated her Devil Fruit power.
"Mero Mero Mero…"
CRACK!
Pink light swept across the warship.
Every Marine except Momonga instantly transformed into stone statues.
"…Damn it."
"Hehe."
Hancock glanced toward the knife Momonga had stabbed into his own hand.
"Using pain to suppress desire…"
"As expected of a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral."
Then she casually waved her hand.
Signaling her subordinates to loot the ship.
"Hahaha! Time to carry treasure!"
"Hurry! Don't leave anything valuable behind!"
"Got it!"
Soon—
Everything valuable aboard the warship was hauled away.
Only bulky supplies remained.
Yet Momonga barely cared about the stolen goods.
His eyes remained fixed on Hancock.
"You understand what this means, Boa Hancock!"
Standing once again atop the serpent—
Hancock didn't even turn around.
Veins bulged across Momonga's face again.
Pulling the blade from his hand—
He shouted coldly:
"I will wait here until tomorrow morning!"
"If you still refuse to appear…"
"I will consider the agreement broken!"
"You hear me, damn it?!"
But Hancock merely glanced at him indifferently.
Then replied calmly:
"Do as you wish."
After that—
She completely ignored the noisy Marine.
Turning toward her crew, she ordered:
"Set sail."
"We're returning to Amazon Lily."
"YES!!"
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