"Welcome back, Snake Princess-sama!"
"Thank you for watching over the island, Enishida."
Boa Hancock nodded lightly toward the woman before her.
"It was merely my duty."
Enishida smiled warmly.
As she spoke—
She opened the box in her hands and respectfully presented it forward.
"Snake Princess-sama, these are the finest jewels selected from the spoils."
"Please have a look."
Inside the box—
A gemstone as large as a pigeon egg sparkled brilliantly.
Hancock casually picked it up and examined it.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"Jewels…"
"KYAAAH!!"
"Look! Snake Princess-sama's smile is even more dazzling than the gemstone itself!"
"So beautiful!"
The women around her instantly burst into heart-eyed excitement.
Then—
The next second—
They froze.
Because Hancock casually tossed the jewel away.
"EH?!"
"Snake Princess-sama?!"
Even Enishida looked dumbfounded.
She had spent considerable effort selecting that gem.
And yet—
It had been discarded just like that.
"Hmph."
"A mere decoration like this only hinders my beauty."
Hancock said coldly.
"KYYYAAAH!!"
"Snake Princess-sama!!"
Not only were the women not upset—
They became even more excited.
This was exactly their Snake Princess-sama!
Absolute beauty.
Absolute confidence.
At that moment—
Hancock noticed a clay sculpture nearby.
Her brows immediately furrowed.
Walking over—
She examined it carefully.
"Enishida."
"What is this thing?"
"Ah, that?"
Enishida smiled proudly.
"The children of the village made it for you."
"They even painted it carefully to make it look prettier."
"They clearly put a lot of effort into it."
"Those children were terrified it might break, so they carried it here on wooden boards all the way from the village."
"They looked adorable while doing it~"
Recalling the scene—
Enishida smiled even wider.
Hancock: …
Looking at the ugly clay sculpture—
She fell completely silent.
After several seconds—
She gently touched it.
"They… made me out of mud?"
Even Salome's snake face began sweating nervously.
As Hancock's closest companion—
She knew exactly what expression her master currently wore.
The next instant—
BANG!!
"AH?!"
The statue crashed to the ground and shattered instantly.
"Do not bring filthy things like this into my castle."
"Clean it up immediately!"
"Y-Yes!"
Cold sweat rolled down Enishida's face.
She genuinely thought Hancock would like it.
Waving toward the others—
She quickly instructed them to clean up the remains before hurrying after Hancock.
"Enishida."
"Yes!"
"Nothing happened in the village while I was away, correct?"
Hancock asked calmly as she sat down.
"…Uh…"
Enishida's expression stiffened.
For a moment—
She didn't know whether she should speak.
"Hm?"
Hancock instantly sensed something wrong.
Had something happened on the island while she was gone?
"Speak."
Hancock's eyes narrowed sharply.
"Enishida."
"You understand the consequences of lying to me."
"Y-Yes, Snake Princess-sama…"
Enishida swallowed nervously before saying:
"…Men appeared in the village."
"…What did you say?"
Hancock instantly stood up.
An indescribable fury appeared in her eyes.
"Why are there men on this island?!"
Was it the Marines?!
Had those damned Marines secretly infiltrated Amazon Lily?!
The thought alone filled Hancock with killing intent.
It seems I was too merciful…
I should have killed that Marine Vice Admiral too.
"We're sorry, Snake Princess-sama."
"We don't know how the men appeared either."
Enishida lowered her head.
"But Granny Nyon said she would personally explain everything to you."
CRACK.
Veins bulged on Hancock's forehead instantly.
What exactly was that old woman trying to do?!
"Go and bring her—"
Before Hancock could finish—
A warrior suddenly rushed over while shouting anxiously:
"Snake Princess-sama!"
"Granny Nyon has brought the men here!!"
"Heh."
"They certainly have guts."
Hancock laughed from anger.
Did they truly think she wouldn't punish them?
Surely they understood the consequences of violating Amazon Lily's laws.
"Snake Princess-sama?"
"Bring them in."
Hancock's voice turned ice-cold.
"I want to see exactly what she thinks she's doing."
"Yes!"
Meanwhile—
Outside the palace.
"So this is Hancock's residence?"
Jin observed the enormous palace before him.
"What an extravagant place."
"Well, she is the empress of this nation."
Gloriosa replied.
"That's true."
Jin nodded slightly.
A nation's ruler living luxuriously was perfectly normal.
Then—
He glanced toward the direction they came from.
Hopefully that idiot Luffy behaves himself…
According to Gloriosa—
Even a single man appearing here could drive Hancock into a violent rage.
If two appeared?
Then things would probably escalate into an immediate fight.
There might not even be a chance to talk.
Thus—
Luffy and Merry had temporarily remained behind at Gloriosa's home.
Naturally—
Food had been prepared for them beforehand.
Before leaving—
Jin specifically requested that the warriors buy large amounts of food.
That way Luffy could replenish his energy.
Though… maybe this arrangement is better.
After all—
Even Jin himself wasn't certain whether he would end up fighting Hancock.
If battle broke out—
Bringing Merry here would only place her in danger.
"Truthfully…"
Gloriosa suddenly spoke.
"Going to Impel Down would be the better option."
"Shakky-neesan said the same thing."
Jin sighed.
"But we simply have no way to get there."
If they could rescue Ace beforehand—
Then they wouldn't need to participate in a Yonko-level war at Marineford.
After all—
Even Admirals could die in battles of that scale.
Unfortunately—
There was simply no way into Impel Down.
Thus—
Marine Headquarters became the only remaining option.
Gloriosa smiled faintly.
"That's true."
"Granny Nyon…"
The warriors guarding the palace greeted respectfully.
Then—
Their eyes curiously drifted toward Jin.
A man…
Aside from those who had accompanied Hancock outside before—
Most of them had never seen a real man.
"Mm. Where is Snake Princess?"
"She is waiting inside."
Gloriosa frowned slightly.
So Hancock already knew she had brought a man here.
Still—
Since Hancock hadn't immediately ordered an attack—
That meant there was at least room for conversation.
Thinking that—
Gloriosa relaxed slightly.
"Come on then, ninja brat."
"Alright."
Jin nodded calmly.
Ignoring the countless curious stares—
He followed Gloriosa deeper into the palace.
Soon—
He finally met the so-called Snake Princess.
Seeing Hancock casually holding a wine glass while staring at him with absolute disdain—
Jin frowned immediately.
What's with that look?
Sure—
This woman was undeniably beautiful.
But staring at someone like that the moment they met?
Did she have some kind of problem?
"Hancock, he—"
"Address me as Snake Princess-sama."
Gloriosa: …
This child truly gave her zero face.
Back then—
Gloriosa had rescued Hancock and raised the sisters personally.
She had taught them combat.
Protected them.
Guided them.
And now?
Not even a shred of respect remained.
After several seconds—
Gloriosa sighed helplessly.
"…Snake Princess-sama."
Jin: …
Why did this respected old woman seem slightly afraid of Hancock?
A trace of unease appeared in his heart.
Will this conversation even go smoothly…?
"Granny Nyon."
"You should understand perfectly what it means for men to appear in this country."
Hancock crushed her wine glass instantly.
CRACK.
"And yet you brought him before me."
"What exactly are you trying to do?"
Cold sweat formed on Gloriosa's forehead.
"His situation is special. He—"
"Heh. Special?"
Hancock coldly interrupted.
"Being special does not erase the fact that he violated Amazon Lily's laws."
The surrounding warriors immediately drew their weapons.
A complete encirclement formed instantly.
"Can you at least let me finish speaking?!"
Gloriosa nearly exploded from frustration.
Why was this child's personality always so difficult?!
"And what if I don't?"
Hancock sneered.
"Even if I interrupted you…"
"Even if I turned you into stone…"
"Even if I killed this man…"
"I would still be forgiven."
"And do you know why?"
"THAT'S RIGHT!!"
"Because Snake Princess-sama is beautiful beyond compare!"
As she spoke—
Hancock struck her signature arrogant pose.
"IT APPEARED!"
"Snake Princess-sama's posture of absolute disdain toward the world!"
"KYAAAH!!"
The surrounding women screamed excitedly.
Jin fell silent briefly.
Then—
He slowly turned toward Gloriosa.
"…Has this woman always been this narcissistic?"
CRACK.
It felt as though lightning had struck everyone's minds.
The entire room froze instantly.
Even Hancock herself stiffened.
"N-Narcissistic?"
Gloriosa stared at Jin in utter disbelief.
This brat actually dared say that?!
No one had ever called Hancock narcissistic before.
Did he not want the Eternal Pose anymore?!
"You insolent man!"
"How dare you insult Snake Princess-sama!"
"Kneel and beg forgiveness immediately!"
Ignoring the surrounding uproar—
Jin calmly replied:
"Am I wrong?"
Honestly—
He had never met someone this ridiculous in his life.
At that moment—
Gloriosa suddenly realized something.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
Why isn't he affected by Hancock's beauty?!
Was he simply good at hiding his emotions?
Or—
Was he genuinely uninterested in Hancock entirely?
"You're merely pretending."
Hancock suddenly sneered.
"I'll tear apart your facade."
The next second—
She raised her hand toward Jin.
Gloriosa's pupils shrank instantly.
"Wait, Snake Princess—!"
"Slave Arrow!"
A pink beam shot directly toward Jin.
"What the hell is that?!"
Seeing the strange attack approach—
Jin instantly activated his Mangekyo Sharingan.
Though he didn't understand the ability—
Using his ocular technique ensured he wouldn't die easily.
WHOOSH.
The pink beam passed straight through Jin's body—
And continued into the hallway behind him.
A gust of wind blew past.
Nothing happened.
"…Huh?"
Jin glanced at his body in confusion.
Then looked toward the stunned Hancock.
Was she bluffing?
"Did you see that?!"
"I did… Why is that man completely fine?!"
"No idea…"
"Brat…"
Gloriosa stared at Jin in utter shock.
This was the first man she had ever seen completely immune to Hancock's petrification.
"Why…"
"Why didn't it work?"
"What are you talking about?"
Ignoring Jin—
Hancock muttered to herself:
"That's impossible…"
"How can a man feel no lust toward me at all?!"
Even Vice Admiral Momonga had to stab himself to suppress his desires.
Yet this man?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
"…Lust?"
Jin frowned slightly.
So that was the activation condition?
What a bizarre ability.
Suddenly—
Hancock looked up again and smiled sweetly toward him.
Jin: ???
"KYAAAH!!"
"Snake Princess-sama's smile is so beautiful!"
"She's adorable like a kitten!"
Even Gloriosa became heart-eyed instantly.
The next second—
Hancock raised her hand again.
"Mero Mero Mellow!"
"Not good!"
Gloriosa immediately lunged toward Jin.
Shakky entrusted this brat to her—
She couldn't let Hancock kill him!
"Snake Princess! He's Shakky's—"
CRACK.
Before she could finish—
She was instantly transformed into stone.
"Granny Nyon?!"
Jin's pupils shrank violently.
Why had she suddenly turned into stone?!
Catching the falling statue quickly—
Jin frowned deeply.
"So this is your Devil Fruit ability…"
At that moment—
Everything suddenly connected in his mind.
Her first attack had failed because he felt nothing toward her.
But Gloriosa had been petrified instantly.
The difference was obvious.
"…I see."
"A charm-based ability."
Jin carefully steadied the stone statue before turning toward Hancock.
"So that's why you're so narcissistic."
With such overwhelming charm—
She could enchant almost anyone and turn them to stone.
And this power…
Was probably the reason her personality became this twisted.
"How is this possible?!"
Hancock stared at him in disbelief.
"How can you resist my beauty?!"
"…Are you even a man?!"
Every man she'd ever met fell under her spell instantly.
Yet this one?
Completely indifferent.
For the first time in her life—
Hancock felt shaken.
"Your little charm tricks don't work on me."
Jin stared coldly at her.
As a Mangekyo Sharingan user—
His mental state was probably far more deranged than hers.
A mere charm ability?
Completely useless.
"…Useless…"
Hancock staggered back two steps.
Then straightened herself forcefully.
"I don't believe it."
"Believe whatever you want."
Jin glanced toward the petrified Gloriosa.
Then said coldly:
"Turn Granny Nyon back immediately."
This old woman had treated him well.
If she died because of him—
He'd feel genuinely guilty.
Still—
Since this was a Devil Fruit effect—
She likely wasn't dead yet.
"Heh."
"She violated this nation's laws."
"So turning her into stone is perfectly reasonable."
Hancock's gaze turned cold again.
"And besides…"
"What gives a mere man the right to command me?"
Turning Gloriosa back could wait.
But this man—
Needed to die immediately.
"Kill him."
"Yes!"
Enishida and the warriors instantly charged toward Jin with murderous intent.
For them—
Hancock's commands were absolute.
Yet—
Jin merely glanced at them once.
CRACK.
In an instant—
Every warrior froze in place.
Their eyes lost all focus completely.
They stood there like lifeless dolls.
Clearly—
Their minds could not resist Mangekyo-level genjutsu.
"Enishida!"
"What are you all doing?!"
"Hurry and kill him!"
"…Enishida?!"
No response came.
It was as though they had all died.
Hancock froze in shock.
Hancock: ???
"What did you do to them?!"
"I'm not interested in answering you."
Jin replied coldly.
"Undo Granny Nyon's petrification."
"Then I'll release them."
"…How arrogant."
Hancock's expression darkened completely.
She had already guessed—
His strange eyes were likely some kind of Devil Fruit ability.
If so—
Then she'd simply beat him half to death first.
"You really want to fight me?"
Jin frowned.
"You don't care about their lives?"
Was this woman truly not afraid he'd kill all of them in rage?
"Hehe."
"They would gladly die for me."
Hancock brushed aside her hair proudly.
"Even if they die during this conflict…"
"They would still forgive me."
"And do you know why?"
"Because…"
"I am beautiful beyond compare!!!"
She struck that same arrogant pose once more.
Veins bulged instantly on Jin's forehead.
"…You really piss me off."
Even now—
This woman still wouldn't stop showing off?!
How narcissistic was she?!
Taking a deep breath—
Jin slowly walked toward Hancock.
"Then I guess we'll have to settle this by force."
"What?"
Hancock straightened elegantly.
"You truly intend to fight me?"
"…Can you even bring yourself to hit me?"
"After all, I'm beauti—"
"Enough talking."
Jin coldly interrupted her.
"…Has nobody ever beaten you before?"
"No one could ever bear to strike me."
Hancock declared confidently.
"…Really?"
Jin cracked his knuckles slowly.
"Then today…"
"I'll make sure you experience exactly what getting beaten feels like."
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