That nation was one where nearly everyone could wield Haki—an unimaginably terrifying fighting force.
Although Wano's military strength was already formidable, high-quality soldiers like these were naturally something the more the better.
What's more, conquering the legendary land of women was, deep down, a kind of unspeakable masculine romance for Tenma.
As for the Boa sisters, reaching out to them at their most desperate moment was undoubtedly the best way to farm goodwill and win their loyalty—while also conveniently securing that heaven-defying Love-Love Fruit.
What belonged to him, Tenma would never allow anyone else to touch—especially not those bloated, pig-like Celestial Dragons.
With his current methods and strength, even someone like Toki of the Amatsuki clan could be handled; taking control of a still-young Hancock would merely require a bit more patience.
The only pity was that the Love-Love Fruit's rule-based petrification ability, when paired with Hancock's future peerless beauty, was truly a battlefield superweapon.
But that was the price of recruiting the Boa sisters early.
Even without the Devil Fruit, Hancock's innate talent in all three forms of Haki was top-tier—after all, she was someone who would ascend the throne of Amazon Lily before even turning nineteen.
Especially in a nation like Amazon Lily, where "strength equals beauty," as long as Hancock was strong enough, she would still become the adored Empress. That would only make it easier for Tenma to control the country.
Now that they were heading to Amazon Lily, the top priority was to execute the first step of the plan—codenamed "Transfer."
Once Amazon Lily itself was relocated near Wano, Tenma could then, through Hancock's authority after taking the throne, gradually assimilate it fully into Wano's sphere.
As for Sabaody Archipelago, Tenma had little interest for now. The only pressing matter there was repaying the money he owed Shakky—but that was clearly far less important than subduing Amazon Lily.
So Tenma had Lafitte command a white seagull, loaded with enough Beli, to fly to that extortionate bar.
Whether he showed up in person didn't matter. As long as the money arrived, the result was the same for a woman like Shakky.
After a thorough cleaning and changing into fresh clothes prepared by the geisha, Sandersonia and Marigold—emotionally exhausted after their extreme ordeal—had already fallen asleep in their room.
Hancock was just as tired, but she forced herself to stay awake, wanting to express her gratitude to her benefactor once more.
Amazon Lily lay on a small island within the Calm Belt. Without precise coordinates, it was hard to locate—even the Boa sisters themselves couldn't describe its exact position.
Fortunately, Tenma had a rough sense of its location in his mind. Combined with an aerial vantage point, the search area shrank dramatically.
During the journey, Hancock worried aloud about the dangers of the Calm Belt. But when she saw the massive ship rise directly into the sky and cross the sea, she was utterly stunned.
Never having witnessed such a miracle, Hancock was not only reassured—her admiration for Tenma surged like a volcanic eruption.
Although Amazon Lily rejected men, it revered strength even more. This instinctive worship of power, carved into their bones, made Hancock completely overlook Tenma's gender.
Even Tenma himself hadn't expected that simply displaying his strength would elevate his position in Hancock's heart to an almost unshakable height.
In the Calm Belt, ordinary sailing ships were completely immobilized by the lack of wind. Coupled with the presence of massive Sea Kings, it formed a natural defensive barrier for Amazon Lily.
But for the Kuja Pirates, who possessed special methods, this barrier wasn't much of an obstacle.
They used a highly venomous breed of sea serpent to tow their ships—solving the propulsion problem while also driving away Sea Kings. This made the Kuja Pirates the undisputed rulers of these waters.
Anyone allowed to sail aboard the Kuja Pirates' ships was an elite warrior, carefully selected from Amazon Lily.
Young Hancock, longing for this honor, had taken her sisters to sea before her strength was ready—only to suffer the calamity that changed her fate the moment they left the Calm Belt.
At this moment, Tenma lounged lazily on a sofa, pretending to be very interested in Amazon Lily's customs and culture.
To repay his kindness, Hancock held nothing back, telling him everything she knew as if pouring out beans.
From the island's terrain to certain royal secrets—she told him all of it.
It turned out Amazon Lily was currently in an awkward interregnum.
The previous Empress had gone to sea two years ago, contracted the dreaded "Love Sickness," and soon after died in despair.
Since no one in the younger generation yet met the strength requirement to ascend the throne, the position was temporarily held by the former-former-former Empress—Guoriosa, the legendary "Elder Nyon," who had once gone to sea with Love Sickness and survived.
When speaking of Elder Nyon, clear affection and respect appeared on Hancock's small face.
Robin, who was resting nearby, wore a slightly strange expression when she heard the term "Love Sickness." When she heard the story of Elder Nyon overcoming it and returning, the corner of her lips even curved upward faintly.
Tenma chuckled and teased, "Sounds like you really respect that acting Empress."
Compared to the so-called Love Sickness, Tenma found the contrast more amusing—after all, future Hancock would kick this very benefactor flying without hesitation.
Hancock explained seriously, "Once I wandered into a dangerous forest and passed out. It was Granny Nyon who saved me and took care of us sisters."
This life-saving grace was similar to Tenma's. In Hancock's heart, at this moment, Tenma's status had already risen to equal that of Granny Nyon.
Hearing this, Tenma formed a hypothesis—perhaps Hancock had subconsciously released Conqueror's Haki during that crisis, which Granny Nyon sensed, marking her as the successor.
That would explain why the throne had remained vacant—Granny Nyon had likely already chosen Hancock as the next Empress.
With that thought, Tenma looked intently at the little girl before him.
"Hancock, what do you think about the throne of the Kuja?"
He added, "Or rather—do you want to become the Empress of the Kuja?"
"Yes!"
Without a shred of hesitation, Hancock answered decisively.
In a nation that worshipped strength, who wouldn't want to stand at the very top? Especially her, someone awakened with the qualities of a king—her ambition surpassed that of most.
Tenma nodded in satisfaction. "Ambition is a good thing. Hancock, you possess the qualities of a ruler. I look forward to the day you wear the crown."
Hancock felt an immense sense of validation—but she had no idea that the "Empress" Tenma envisioned differed subtly from the one in her imagination.
Cold and aloof before the world, yet obedient and gentle before him—how could Tenma not look forward to cultivating such a future Empress?
Less than a day later, the flying fleet crossed vast seas. In the distance, the island within the Calm Belt—Amazon Lily—came into view.
The Kuja Island's iconic defensive gate was meaningless against an enemy descending from the sky.
A massive shadow instantly covered the island. The inhabitants looked up in horror as a colossal object appeared overhead. The island's warriors and Kuja Pirates immediately sounded the alarm.
No matter who the intruder was, barging in without warning was invasion. The warriors instantly assumed battle stances, all weapons aimed skyward.
—Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Without any preamble, countless arrows wrapped in Armament Haki shot upward like a black storm, screeching as they tore through the air toward the ship's underside.
In the next instant, a white figure leapt from the ship, transforming midair into raging lightning and smashing directly into the dense barrage.
—BOOM!
A thunderous explosion shook the heavens. The powerful arrows disintegrated instantly within the dazzling lightning, turning into scorched fragments that rained back down on the island.
"More than one ability user! Everyone be careful—continue the attack!" a seasoned Kuja officer shouted.
At her command, the warriors drew again, a second volley ready to fire.
"Everyone, stop!"
An aged yet authoritative voice rang out, causing all warriors to instinctively halt. The speaker was none other than their acting Empress—Guoriosa.
"Lady Guoriosa!" the warriors cried. "They're invaders! Why stop the attack?!"
Leaning on her snake staff, Guoriosa stared at the descending behemoth, her expression grave.
"Can't you feel it? Those attacks are useless. This is not an existence we can oppose."
Years of following overseas news caused a name to flash through her mind—the new-era overlord who inherited Golden Lion's power:
Sky Admiral Tenma.
She never imagined that this calamity would truly descend upon Amazon Lily.
As the ship drew closer, exuding terrifying pressure, Guoriosa's heart leapt into her throat. If such a being turned hostile, the entire nation would face annihilation.
"Granny Nyon! Everyone!!"
At that moment, a familiar shout came from the railing above, snapping Guoriosa out of her dread.
"Those are… Hancock and the others?!"
Guoriosa's eyes widened. The three small figures were leaning over the railing, waving desperately.
Others recognized them too, easing slightly—though the sight of men aboard immediately reignited their vigilance.
However, due to Guoriosa's command, no one launched another attack.
When the ship hovered above the port, the Boa sisters leapt down, crying as they ran toward the crowd.
"You little brats—where did you run off to?! Do you know how long I've been looking for you?!" Guoriosa threw aside her cane and pulled the three into a tight embrace.
"We were captured by traffickers…" Seeing family again, Marigold and Sandersonia finally broke down sobbing.
Hancock wiped her tears and pointed behind her.
"If we hadn't met Lord Tenma halfway, we might never have come back."
Kuja warriors quickly surrounded them, softly comforting the shaken sisters.
Guoriosa wept openly, her heart finally settling. She'd even planned to seek Shakky's help at Sabaody—thankfully, the girls were safe.
After calming herself, Guoriosa turned to Tenma and his group. Though he differed slightly from the bounty poster, that aura was unmistakable.
She picked up her snake staff, straightened herself, and spoke respectfully:
"I am Guoriosa, former Empress of Amazon Lily. Thank you, famed Sky Admiral, for returning my people."
She bowed deeply. "My people mistook you for invaders earlier—please forgive the offense."
Though the warriors still gripped their weapons, Guoriosa's attitude showed utmost respect.
Had Tenma no ulterior motives, Guoriosa would likely thank him and see him off—never allowing a man to stay another minute.
But Tenma hadn't come for gratitude alone.
Guoriosa knew well—someone who crossed oceans to return them surely had designs on Amazon Lily. With Golden Lion's power, he might even intend to turn the island into an aerial domain.
"Of course," Tenma said, smiling faintly at her shifting expression.
"Our relationship will be quite pleasant."
"Besides returning them… just as you suspected, I came for this country."
"You—!" Her thoughts exposed, Guoriosa staggered back in shock.
Legends of Observation Haki flashed in her mind—masters who could hear the Voice of All Things, even read hearts.
Tenma's next words confirmed her fear:
"That's right. My Observation Haki can hear what's in your heart. So—I'd like to speak with you alone."
Ignoring the warning glares around him, Tenma stepped onto the port.
A fiery-tempered warrior shouted, "Men are forbidden from stepping on this island! Leave now, or don't blame us!"
Such was the way of a pirate nation—even benefactors became enemies if they broke taboos.
Tenma had expected this. He raised a hand lightly, a cold curve forming at his lips.
If words failed—then strength would speak.
—RUMBLE!!
The ground shook violently. In horror, everyone realized the island itself was lifting from the sea, rising into the air!
"Was this your doing?!" the warrior roared, weapon raised.
Tenma glanced at her indifferently. A terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki erupted—palpable pressure crashing down like a mountain.
Though no one fainted, all fighting spirit was instantly crushed. The warrior collapsed, trembling uncontrollably.
Seeing the situation spiraling, Guoriosa shouted urgently:
"Enough! I told you—this man is beyond you! Do you want the whole nation buried with us?!"
She turned to Tenma, her bearing shrinking as dread filled her heart.
This man was insane—one disagreement and he acted. With the Float-Float Fruit, Amazon Lily hung like a blade overhead. One thought, and the island would plunge into the abyss.
Unable to avoid it, Guoriosa yielded. She gestured inward.
"Please… come with me. This isn't a place for discussion."
"Lead the way."
Tenma snapped his fingers. The rising island stabilized midair—but he made no move to lower it, the threat unmistakable.
Watching them depart, Hancock bit her lip and, as if possessed, quietly followed behind.
In a simple side hall of the palace, Guoriosa sat with Tenma.
Because of her past—abandoning her country for love—she believed herself unworthy of palace luxury, acting as regent only for Hancock's sake.
Tenma pulled over a chair and sat, getting straight to the point.
"Let's be quick. After all, I can hear what you're thinking."
Guoriosa's face darkened like the bottom of a pot.
Tenma continued, "Amazon Lily will join my banner. Rest assured—your traditions won't vanish."
"You'll retain your national title and self-rule. I won't interfere in your internal affairs. I'll even provide funding and supplies—you won't need to live by plunder anymore."
"In exchange, your military answers to me. In this chaotic era, Amazon Lily will be a blade in my hand."
The terms were blunt—but tempting. No more living on the brink of survival.
After hesitating, Guoriosa asked the key question:
"The nation you speak of—is it already established… or still in preparation?"
"I didn't found it," Tenma leaned back casually.
"More accurately, I took control of an existing great power—through lawful means."
He looked at her and said three words:
"Wano Country."
"Wano?! That nation?!"
Guoriosa was stunned, then asked in confusion,
"If you already possess a power like Wano, why would you need our relatively small force?"
Tenma looked at her with amusement.
"Oh? You know Wano well. Rare. Did you hear of it when you abandoned your throne for love and went to sea?"
Her old wound exposed, Guoriosa blushed and coughed awkwardly.
"Let's… not bring up old history. I learned about Wano from a younger generation—someone very skilled in intelligence."
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