"It's him again!!"
Prince Sharkstar stared at the axe and blade embedded deeply into the reinforced gate, his face contorting with fury.
Because of these relentless attacks, they had fortified the entrance to Shirahoshi's quarters and launched an all-out manhunt for Hody Jones. Yet, the barrage never stopped. The piercing shriek they had heard moments ago was, without a doubt, Shirahoshi reacting to yet another terrifying assault.
Ever since Hody Jones had begun his twisted, obsessive courtship, Shirahoshi had been confined to her room, effectively stripped of her freedom. And even within these thick walls, peace eluded her.
"Shirahoshi, it's alright now. You're safe."
The moment the heavy doors creaked open, Queen Otohime rushed inside, immediately wrapping her arms around her daughter to comfort her.
"M-Mother..."
Massive tears welled up in Shirahoshi's eyes. Despite her immense size, she was still just a six-year-old child. Naturally timid and prone to crying, she was paralyzed with fear every time Hody Jones sent another violent expression of his "insane love." She used to swim freely outside, but ever since that monster had targeted her, her life had become a living nightmare.
Turning to his sons, King Neptune barked, "Have you tracked that bastard's whereabouts yet?!"
"No, Father," Prince Ryuboshi replied, shaking his head in bitter frustration. "We've been hunting him for years, but he slips through our fingers every time."
Is this the giant mermaid princess I'm looking for?
Standing slightly back, Bai Ye looked up at Shirahoshi. He had to admit, her scale was breathtaking. She hadn't yet reached the colossal proportions she would have in the future, looking to be only about six years old.
Speaking of which... the timeline has definitely shifted, Bai Ye mused, rubbing his chin.
According to the original anime plot, Hody Jones shouldn't have locked onto Shirahoshi with the Mark-Mark Fruit's ability until the day Queen Otohime was assassinated. Because Otohime was still alive and well in this timeline, Bai Ye hadn't given Shirahoshi's predicament much thought. In fact, when he first heard the scream, he assumed someone had made a move on the Queen.
While an assassination inside the royal palace sounded absurd, it wasn't impossible.
In the original sequence of events, Shirahoshi had awakened her latent power to summon and control Sea Kings out of sheer grief over her mother's death. That was what originally drew Hody Jones's attention. He knew exactly what that power meant—she was the legendary Mermaid Princess, Poseidon. That ancient power was one of the primary reasons he was so desperate to marry her.
But here, he had targeted her much earlier.
"I must apologize for the intrusion," Bai Ye said, stepping forward as the room's attention shifted toward him.
Shirahoshi, trembling, tried to hide her massive frame behind the petite Queen Otohime, peeking out at Bai Ye with wide, tearful eyes. Bai Ye bit back a smile. For someone so giant, her attempt at hiding was completely ineffective, yet incredibly endearing.
"Hearing the commotion, I wanted to come and ensure everyone was safe," Bai Ye explained smoothly, addressing the royal family. Since the plot had veered off course and Hody Jones had made his move early, Bai Ye needed to reassess his plans.
"Please, forgive the chaotic display," Neptune said heavily, his voice laced with exhaustion and shame.
As the ruler of the Ryuugu Kingdom, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Airing the royal family's dirty laundry to an outsider was humiliating enough, but the true sting lay in his own powerlessness. He was a king, yet he could neither protect his young daughter from terror nor bring her tormentor to justice.
"Do you need help? I've already sensed where the other party is."
"You know where Hody Jones is?"
A hint of surprise flashed across Neptune's face. He hadn't expected Bai Ye to be able to find him.
"Don't underestimate Bai Ye's Observation Haki. Bai Ye's Observation Haki can sense everything on the entire island and even hundreds of kilometers around!"
Yamato said, a hint of pride on her face, as if the ability belonged to her.
"Such strong Observation Haki!"
Queen Otohime finally understood why her mind-reading ability hadn't worked just now.
Compared to his Observation Haki, hers was like child's play. Did that mean he also detected her attempt to probe them with her Observation Haki?
Thinking about it, she felt a bit ashamed.
"Of course, I'll tell you the location, and you can go resolve it yourselves. This is your Fish-Man Island's business; just handle it yourselves."
Bai Ye's handling of the situation also gave the people present a sense of being respected.
If Bai Ye had offered to deal with the opponent for them, they would not have agreed. As Bai Ye said, this matter was their own business.
After all, Hody Jones was from their Fish-Man Island. Letting an outsider handle it would imply that their Fish-Man Island was incapable.
"Thank you."
Neptune looked at Bai Ye solemnly. He suddenly felt that Bai Ye in front of him seemed different from what the World Government had rumored.
Even though they had only just met for a short time, comparing his interaction with Bai Ye to the World Nobles he had encountered previously, Neptune would naturally choose to cooperate with Bai Ye if he had to choose someone.
And so, Neptune called for his eldest prince and asked him to fetch Jinbe.
Jinbe arrived at the palace with his guards. Among these people, Bai Ye noticed Hody Jones. At this time, he was still working as a guard here, but ambition had already taken root in his heart.
Bai Ye gave him a meaningful look. Being looked at like that, Hody Jones felt a strange sensation in his heart.
He had just seen such an important figure arrive at Fish-Man Island. Although he had always held prejudice against humans, he dared not say a word to Bai Ye.
Because he discriminated against humans, but only dared to discriminate against humans weaker than himself. For someone as powerful as Bai Ye, he was afraid that revealing anything would lead to Bai Ye directly eliminating him.
At that time, even if Neptune wanted to protect him, he probably couldn't.
Bullying the weak and fearing the strong, huh?
This was also something he learned from Arlong. He had always been learning from Arlong, but Arlong had left Fish-Man Island. Now, he also decided to rebuild the New Fish-Man Pirates and let humans know the power of Fishman!
"Jinbe, I'll leave this matter to you!"
Neptune told Jinbe about Hody Jones and also provided the location Bai Ye had given them earlier.
It hadn't been long since the incident at the palace, and Jinbe was also very angry, not expecting Hody Jones to be after Shirahoshi.
He immediately stated that he would definitely capture Hody Jones.
At the same time, Hody Jones was also a bit conflicted. He had actually known Hody Jones for a long time and had considered cooperating with him.
Because the conditions offered by the other party were very good, and at the same time, he was very dissatisfied with Queen Otohime.
If it weren't for Queen Otohime constantly demanding that Fishman and humans live in peace, then his goal might have already been achieved.
Therefore, Hody Jones had always wished for Queen Otohime, who stood in his way, to die. However, he dared not act himself. He hoped that Queen Otohime would die at the hands of humans.
This way, it could intensify the conflict between Fishman and humans, and at that time, many Fishman would choose to join his ranks.
Given time, he would overthrow the government of Fish-Man Island, and from then on, Fishman would completely cut ties with humans, letting everyone who landed on Fish-Man Island know the terror of Fishman!
Should he inform Hody Jones?
But it seemed he had no way to notify him.
He could only follow Jinbe and the three princes, without even a chance to give a warning.
However, as he followed them out, his mind involuntarily replayed Bai Ye's gaze, that blood-red Sharingan...
"The suggestion is complete, so Hody Jones should be dealt with now."
Bai Ye had just given Hody Jones a suggestion: during this encirclement operation, he would choose to side with Hody Jones.
So, let's send both of them away together to prevent Queen Otohime from being killed.
"Shirahoshi, next time we meet, I hope we can meet as friends and allies."
After Bai Ye finished speaking, he stood up and prepared to leave.
He also said the last sentence for Neptune and Queen Otohime to hear.
"Mr. Bai Ye, I'd like to ask, can humans and Fishman truly live in peace?"
Looking at Bai Ye, who was already preparing to leave, Neptune hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth, and finally decided to ask Bai Ye about the relationship between humans and Fishman.
Just as Bai Ye had said before, in the eyes of humans, Fishman were merely their slaves and tools for making money.
But in Bai Ye, he felt respect. This wasn't flattery or anything, but a genuine acknowledgment of Fishman as independent beings.
They, the Fishman, didn't need pity, nor did they want oppression. What they needed was for humans to treat them as equals.
"Humans are also divided into different classes. Living in peace requires long-term effort. If the rule of the Celestial Dragons is maintained, then equality is impossible. To achieve equality, those self-important individuals must be eliminated."
After all, the world of pirates might still experience floods, and after that, all land will be submerged. It's no wonder the Celestial Dragons live on the Red Line tens of thousands of meters high; they must have known about the world-engulfing tsunami that would occur eight hundred years ago.
"Celestial Dragons..."
"Don't think there will be no oppression at all. Even your Fish-Man Island has ordinary Fishman and noble Fishman."
Neptune had originally intended to say something more.
But upon hearing Bai Ye's words, he instantly fell silent.
Because Bai Ye was absolutely right.
Hadn't he himself enjoyed privileges?
Although Neptune wasn't like the Celestial Dragons, wasn't Fish-Man Island also divided into different classes?
He had actually hoped that Bai Ye could guarantee complete fairness between humans and Fishman.
Thinking of this, a slight, polite smile, tinged with embarrassment, flashed across his face.
"I can only guarantee that in the future, no Fishman will be enslaved by humans, and everyone can live on one continent, having their own jobs to support themselves."
As he spoke, Bai Ye somehow felt like he was about to create a 996 work factory here.
Is this world actually a giant factory?
In the future, everyone, whether Fishman, Tontattas, humans, Longlegs, Three-Eyes, or even Oni, will all have to work in the factory!
"I understand."
Neptune finally stopped dwelling on the matter, feeling that if he continued talking to Bai Ye, he would become very embarrassed.
"Um, I have a question!"
Yamato raised her hand, her eyes falling on Queen Otohime and Neptune.
"What is it?"
Neptune tried his best to maintain a kind expression. His interaction with Bai Ye made him feel very good, and he also held goodwill towards Yamato.
"I want to ask, why is Shirahoshi so big, and how do you guys give birth to children?"
"..."
The atmosphere in the room fell silent.
"Let's go, Yamato!"
Bai Ye grabbed Yamato's horn and dragged her away.
Robin covered her mouth, chuckling softly, while Lilia looked back and forth between Shirahoshi, Neptune, Queen Otohime, and Yamato. She wanted to laugh but held it in.
Only Yamato, not having received an answer, was making a fuss and wanted to know, clearly genuinely curious.
This ocean is simply too amazing!
It also made a curious baby like Yamato very eager to understand everything.
"Yamato, don't ask some questions. Asking them will just make everyone awkward."
Bai Ye admonished Yamato. He hadn't even asked her how the horns on her head were born.
"Damn it, Bai Ye clearly wants to know too!"
Yamato was unconvinced. When she asked that question, Bai Ye should have wanted to know as well, but he stopped her.
What the heck!
Didn't he want to know himself?
"Even if you want to know, you can't ask such questions." Saying that, Bai Ye ignored Yamato and looked at Madam Shirley, who was following beside them, asking, "I heard your prophecies have never failed?"
"Do you need a prophecy?"
Madam Shirley was originally brought over to give Bai Ye a prophecy, but then, due to some matters, it never started.
Hearing Bai Ye speak first gave Madam Shirley an opportunity.
Actually, she also wanted to see if Bai Ye could truly bring Fish-Man Island to the surface and change everything.
"No need. I never believe in prophecies. If a person knows their future, it's not a good thing. After all, if you know it, is it still truly your future?"
Bai Ye didn't want to know the future. In his opinion, the future should be created by himself, not by some so-called prophecy.
If he knew it, it would truly be meaningless.
Like the plot, hadn't he already completely destroyed it?
"Is that so..."
A hint of disappointment flashed across Madam Shirley's face. She had wanted to try.
The future of an important figure, ah.
She still really wanted to see it.
But it seemed Bai Ye didn't care about that at all.
"Understanding the future is a tragedy for both oneself and others."
Yes.
Understanding the future of others does indeed seem to be a tragic thing.
He understands me!
Madam Shirley suddenly had this thought in her heart.
It all seemed to be just as Bai Ye said.
"Then please tell Neptune for me. I'm leaving now."
"Leaving already?"
"Yes, I've stayed long enough. The World Government will probably know about my presence on Fish-Man Island by now. Oh, and give this to Queen Otohime. Consider it a small gift from me."
Saying that, Bai Ye handed a talisman to Madam Shirley.
This talisman could withstand one attack. Of course, it couldn't withstand too powerful abilities. Thinking that Queen Otohime was only killed by humans, the opponent wouldn't be too strong, so this should be enough.
He couldn't stay here as a babysitter. So, after this... the matters of Fish-Man Island should succeed, right?
"I understand."
Madam Shirley subconsciously took the talisman Bai Ye handed her.
Looking at Bai Ye and the others' retreating figures, she felt a sense of anticipation.
If what Bai Ye said was true, could they really go live on land?
Fishman had always yearned for land. In this bottomless deep sea and Fish-Man Island where sunlight couldn't reach, many mermaids were actually captured by human traffickers because they were playful and wanted to see the land.
"Gion, have you thought it through?"
Bai Ye put a hand on Gion's shoulder and looked at her. He was about to leave.
Gion followed behind Bai Ye, her head bowed in thought.
"I will leak your information!"
Gion looked at Bai Ye very seriously. She didn't understand why Bai Ye still dared to recruit her.
Hadn't she already made her intentions clear?
"What is your purpose? To capture me and continue maintaining the World Government's rule?"
Bai Ye was a bit curious. She couldn't go back to the Marine now. Was she really that loyal to the World Government?
"Even if the World Government has so many flaws, the evil of pirates is no less!"
Gion had witnessed the darkness of both the World Government and pirates. In her opinion, there wasn't much difference between the two.
Didn't pirates also burn, kill, loot, and commit all sorts of evil deeds?
"So I plan to eliminate the pirates as well. This world shouldn't have pirates. If all the islands were connected, would there still be pirates?"
"This?!"
To even completely eradicate pirates?
"I said, I want to change the world. Both pirates and Celestial Dragons are cancers of the world. I will not allow these cancers to continue harming this world. Since you can't go back, why not stay and see the world I want to change? Perhaps you might even see your Marine colleagues here in the future."
There are good people among pirates, and the same is true in the Marine; even the World Government is not entirely bad from top to bottom.
So Bai Ye does not kill everyone from a certain faction.
"Then let me see the world you want to change!"
Gion finally decided to stay and see the world Bai Ye wanted to change.
At the same time, she directly pulled out the secret Den Den Mushi in her hand and dialed Fleet Admiral Sengoku's number: "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I have successfully infiltrated."
...
This woman is truly too arrogant!
Yamato looked at Gion, annoyed. It's one thing for her to be an undercover agent, but she even announced her successful infiltration right in front of them.
She truly doesn't put them in her eyes!
"Gion, are you also on Fish-Man Island?"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku asked urgently. He had already received news of Bai Ye's appearance on Fish-Man Island.
The World Government had already set up ambushes in the New World and Sabaody Archipelago. No matter where Bai Ye landed, he would be attacked by them.
And if Gion joined the Bai Ye Pirates, she could report Bai Ye's movements, which would make it easier for them to concentrate their forces to deal with Bai Ye.
Sengoku felt truly lucky. He didn't expect that as soon as he got news of Bai Ye, Gion would have successfully infiltrated.
"Yes, I'm also on Fish-Man Island."
"So what's your situation now?"
Sengoku continued to ask.
Gion pondered for a moment, glanced at Bai Ye, and then replied: "I said I wanted to join him, and he agreed. That's pretty much it."
"Alright, then do you know where he's going next?"
"Not clear."
However, after she finished speaking, Bai Ye's lips also moved. From his lip movements, he said Sabaody.
"It seems to be Sabaody."
Although she didn't know why Bai Ye would tell her, since Bai Ye said it, she would just follow what Bai Ye told her.
"Good! Then I'll hang up now, be careful!!"
Sengoku hung up the Den Den Mushi after speaking and began to instruct others to prepare to go to Sabaody Archipelago for an ambush.
"Why tell me?"
Gion didn't understand why Bai Ye would tell her this.
"Because I'm going to Amazon Lily."
Nima?!
Gion felt a pang of exhaustion. This was essentially making her send back false information!
Thinking of Fleet Admiral Sengoku concentrating all his soldiers on Sabaody Archipelago, only for Bai Ye to go directly to Amazon Lily, she could already imagine Sengoku's expression afterward.
However...
This seemed completely different from the Bai Ye she understood from the intelligence.
"Heh heh, no one will believe you, this spy, from now on!"
A hint of a smile flashed across Yamato's face. As expected of Lord Bai Ye, with just a slight move, he had already made Gion, this spy, transmit false information once!
"Was this also intentional on your part?"
Ignoring Yamato's taunt, Gion smiled bitterly, looked at Bai Ye, and asked.
Although she didn't want to admit it, sending back false information on her very first piece of intelligence truly made her a failure.
Why didn't she think carefully just now? Since he already knew she was a spy, how could he possibly tell her the real information?
"Sort of. Although I say I'm open-minded, I still hope you, Miss Marine, can stay here with me with peace of mind. Don't forget, I am a despicable pirate!"
"You are indeed a despicable pirate!"
Gion gritted her teeth as she looked at Bai Ye, which made Bai Ye in her eyes appear even more three-dimensional. She had been too trusting of him just now.
She even thought he genuinely didn't care, just as he said, and that he was trying to win her over, so she could send information back as she pleased. But it turns out she was the naive fool!
"Let's go then. The information has been given to Sengoku. I hope Sengoku can seize this opportunity."
Saying that, Bai Ye directly used Susanoo to cover the ship and then rushed towards Amazon Lily.
And after seeing Bai Ye's method of leaving Fish-Man Island, Gion also understood that ambushing Bai Ye was probably impossible.
Sabaody Archipelago.
The Marine's Three Admirals, along with Kong and Garp, were waiting here.
After receiving the news from Sengoku, they had been waiting for Bai Ye's arrival. Kong was also urgently transferred by the World Government.
Three consecutive days.
Sengoku's face changed from an initial spring breeze to one as if he had lost a loved one.
These days, he had been trying to contact Gion, but her current situation was that she had left with Bai Ye, so he didn't dare to contact her actively.
Just waiting like this.
Until this morning, he received news that Bai Ye had changed course and gone elsewhere. As for where, Gion didn't say.
"Sengoku, this old man has been waiting for three whole days, and now you're telling me that guy isn't coming?!"
Garp was numb!
He had originally planned to take leave to go back to Foosha Village to see his adorable grandson.
But a call from Sengoku made him change his course, and after waiting for three days, he didn't even see the person. Is that all?
"That guy suddenly changed course. Everyone, go back. I'm sorry, Fleet Admiral Kong."
"It's fine."
Kong took the Den Den Mushi and shook his head. The enemy seemed a bit cunning, but it was understandable.
Gion had just joined the other side, so it seemed normal for her not to be trusted.
Near the waters of Amazon Lily, Bai Ye was driving a Sea King to pull their ship, while also looking at Gion, who had a look of despair.
Gion now seriously doubted whether her decision to infiltrate Bai Ye's side was the right one.
Even before notifying Sengoku, she could already imagine how Sengoku would react upon learning this news.
If she sent one or two more false messages, Sengoku might even think she had defected.
"So your goal is to make the Marine completely lose trust in me, and then the World Government has the Celestial Dragons coveting me. I can't go back anywhere. Even if you get my person, I won't truly stay."
"I only need your person. If you don't go back to the Marine, then the Marine naturally loses a combat force, isn't that also our benefit? Also, don't say such ambiguous words."
Bai Ye answered Gion's question seriously.
For Gion, it was good enough if she just stayed with him.
"I'm truly fed up. I should have never left the Marine in the first place. What's the point of this so-called undercover plan?"
Gion was numb.
She truly couldn't go back now.
She had already realized that she would be completely trapped by Bai Ye later on.
"You're wrong. Actually, at first, you could still go back. The reason you can't go back is because of the Celestial Dragons. Whatever they set their eyes on, they must obtain it. Gion, have you ever thought, even if you are in the Marine, if one day you are targeted by them, can the Marine protect you?
Even if you can, what about your child? This world is already sick. If you continue to maintain the root cause of the illness, suffering may befall you.
What can you do when one day you or your friends and family are oppressed by such privilege?
Now you choose to give up resistance; later, you will have no chance to resist. People are not born to serve the Celestial Dragons; we should all live for ourselves."
Would Marines be targeted and taken away by Celestial Dragons?
It didn't happen in the anime, but who knows if it exists?
"You truly have a lot of grand theories... I finally understand why the World Government considers you the most dangerous man. Even Dragon can't compare to you; your ideology is even more dangerous than his!"
Gion was even a little moved.
Because she herself couldn't guarantee that the situation Bai Ye described wouldn't occur.
Bai Ye's ideology was too dangerous. Once everyone accepted Bai Ye's ideology, she could even imagine how precarious the World Government's position would become.
The tide of rebellion would become mainstream, and oppression would be silenced in the currents of history along with the resistance.
"My ideology is dangerous to those who benefit, but the common people are all yearning for my ideology to change this world."
"Will you always stand from the perspective of the common people?"
Gion was a little curious whether Bai Ye would always stand with the common people once he was in power.
"Hmph! How would you, a woman, know what Lord Bai Ye has done? Lord Bai Ye once transformed a country where common people were extremely poor but nobles were extraordinarily rich into a country where everyone had food and no oppression!"
Yamato felt that she and Gion were always at odds. She kept questioning Bai Ye, whom she admired.
Everything Bai Ye did was just as he said. Bai Ye had always been consistent, not someone who said one thing and did another behind the scenes, yet she kept questioning Bai Ye.
And Gion was also a little surprised after hearing Yamato's words. She didn't expect Bai Ye to have already changed a country.
"Ultimately, no one wants to be oppressed. Me, you, or anyone else. Changing the world isn't just talk. Besides ambitious people, everyone actually likes a peaceful environment, and so do I."
"I want to see the country you transformed."
Gion said in a low voice, but after saying it, she felt a bit uneasy. After all, once she got involved, as an undercover agent, she might also tell Sengoku the location.
And this would definitely be something Bai Ye would be wary of. Bai Ye probably wouldn't take her there, right?
"Of course, after this matter is over, I will take you there."
There was still a lot of time on the way. At worst, after returning, he could give Gion some hints. Under his supervision, it would be impossible for Gion to transmit any news.
"En."
Gion's mood was a bit complicated. Bai Ye agreed to her request. In her opinion, Bai Ye should have refused.
But he agreed. Was he really that trusting of her, or was Bai Ye planning something again?
Because of the previous events, Gion already had a psychological Shadow regarding Bai Ye.
"I know what you're thinking, but when you see what the World Government and those nobles have done, perhaps you will also choose to stand with me. I believe you are righteous, and there are many righteous people in the Marine."
Is that so?
A hint of doubt flashed in Gion's heart, but she didn't have time to think too much, as Amazon Lily was getting closer and closer.
And around Amazon Lily, a circle of people had already gathered.
The woman at the head, even Gion's heart unconsciously quickened a few beats just looking at her.
So beautiful!
This was Gion's first reaction. She had seen this beauty before, a few glimpses on Shirahoshi, but Shirahoshi was still young and hadn't fully blossomed, unlike the woman in front of her.
"Lord Bai Ye!!"
Hancock looked at the approaching figure, her heart unconsciously drifting over.
So many years had passed, and Hancock had always been looking forward to Bai Ye coming to pick her up.
Finally, this day had come.
Looking at that familiar face, Hancock thought of the ray of light that had shone into her heart when she was captured. It was still the same as before!
"That guy Bai Ye still came. He really hasn't changed at all after all these years."
Elder Nyon sighed with emotion. Bai Ye was the same now as he was when he was in the Rocks Pirates. As expected of the guy liked by most of the female pirates in the entire pirate crew.
"Hancock, long time no see. And Elder Nyon?"
"Hey, don't call me old! At least I'm from the same era as you!"
Elder Nyon grumbled discontentedly. What did this guy mean?
She was clearly from the same era as him!
What did he mean by calling her 'Elder Nyon' as soon as he opened his mouth?
"What a pity, the beauty of the past has also grown old."
"Yes, you're still the same as before."
Elder Nyon's eyes and mind couldn't help but recall the scene of their Rocks Pirates conquering the seas back then.
Everyone was still young then. In the New World at that time, anyone who saw their Rocks Pirates would turn around and run. Even Pirate King Roger was beaten by them and forced to leave the New World.
Time truly flies.
Speaking of which, she didn't know what Shiki, Kaido, and John were doing.
Silver Axe was already dead. Charlotte Linlin and Whitebeard became emperors of the New World. There wasn't much news about the others.
"Old woman, don't reminisce here."
Hancock said, then quickly walked towards Bai Ye and asked: "Lord Bai Ye, when are we leaving here?"
She was already practically vibrating with impatience, desperate to leave with Bai Ye.
"Hey! Hancock, you are the Empress of Amazon Lily! How can you be so utterly irresponsible?!" Elder Nyon barked, her walking stick thumping against the floor. If Hancock just abandoned her duties to run off with Bai Ye, what would become of the Kuja tribe?
Hancock scoffed, tossing her head back with supreme arrogance. "And what right do you have to lecture me, you old hag?"
Elder Nyon choked on her words.
That... hit a sore spot. She really didn't have the right to talk. Decades ago, she had abandoned Amazon Lily herself for love. Was this the inescapable curse of the Kuja Empress?
"Are those two... together?" Gion murmured, her eyes darting between Bai Ye and Hancock. If she remembered correctly, the Marines had just extended an invitation for the Pirate Empress to join the Shichibukai. As it turned out, had they just invited her lover along too?
"He truly is an incorrigible philanderer," Robin noted mildly. Looking like a detached spectator enjoying a theater performance, she was already jotting notes down in a small leather book.
Robin wanted to record everything, to pass it down as future history. To her, what could be more exhilarating than uncovering the secrets of the past? Why, writing her own history, of course. And her first step in doing that was figuring out every single secret Bai Ye was hiding.
"What's gotten into Big Sister?" Marigold muttered.
"I have no idea," Sandersonia replied, shaking her head.
The Boa sisters exchanged baffled glances, completely lost as to what had come over Hancock. Still, seeing Bai Ye safe and sound brought genuine smiles to their faces.
[Ding! Successfully altered the fate of Queen Otohime. Reward: One Gacha Draw!]
Huh?!
Bai Ye, who had been just about to answer Hancock, froze.
Just like that? Queen Otohime's death line had been shattered? It seemed the talisman he had planted had done its job perfectly, rewriting her tragic destiny.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Bai Ye decided to strike while the iron was hot. He chose to burn the gacha draw immediately.
[Ding! One Gacha Draw consumed. Congratulations! You have obtained: The Devil Fruit Replication Scroll!]
[Devil Fruit Replication Scroll]: Upon activation, allows the user to flawlessly replicate the Devil Fruit ability of any chosen target. The replicated power is completely stripped of all standard weaknesses, including vulnerability to Seastone, seawater, and the inherent 'will' or ego residing within the fruit.
Bai Ye's breath hitched. What exactly is the system implying here?!
The sheer utility of this scroll was staggering. His mind raced as he calculated which Devil Fruit would give him the absolute highest return on investment.
The reason he had hesitated to pursue certain fruits in the past was twofold: first, some fruits fundamentally warped the user's personality and mind. Second, specific Mythical Zoans possessed a literal will of their own, choosing their masters and actively evading capture. He had searched for them before, but every attempt had ended in failure.
But now... should he use this scroll to force a replication of that specific fruit?
As Bai Ye stood there locked in deep thought, Hancock fidgeted at his side. Looking at his silent profile with growing anxiety, she tugged gently at his sleeve.
"Lord Bai Ye...?" she called out softly, her heart sinking.
He's... he's not going to leave me behind again, is he?
----
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