Chapter 28 – The Promise and the Compass
Arthur was about to enter the bar when he heard voices coming from inside. Curious, he paused for a moment, resting his hand on the slightly open door. One of the voices was familiar... and then he saw it: Gloriosa was talking with Shakky, asking for help to find Hancock and her sisters.
Arthur smiled slightly.
— What a perfect opportunity…
He slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside. The scent of tobacco mixed with rum filled the air. The bar was almost empty, but the atmosphere was tense.
Shakky turned slowly, sensing his presence. Despite his young appearance, her instincts screamed danger. She narrowed her eyes.
— What do you need, kid? — she asked with a seasoned smile.
Arthur approached with calm steps.
— I rescued some girls from slave traffickers. Now I want to send them back home… but I don't know how to navigate. So I was wondering how much you'd charge to get them back safely.
Shakky raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request. It was rare to hear something like that in such a cruel world.
— First, you'll need to tell me where they're from — she replied, crossing her arms.
Arthur scratched the back of his head, a little awkward.
— I don't actually know yet. I just saved them today and didn't have time to ask. But I'll go get them now, and we can talk more then.
Without waiting for a reply, Arthur activated his Shadow power and vanished in a flash of speed. Shakky stood still, a bitter smile forming on her lips.
— Instincts never fail...
Gloriosa noticed the bitter smile and understood instantly: even Shakky — sharp, quick, and tough — couldn't react to the boy's speed.
---
At the hotel, Arthur entered the room and was greeted by Hancock running into his arms. She clung to him tightly, her eyes shimmering.
— You came back…! — she whispered, her voice trembling.
Arthur gently ran his fingers through her hair.
— I found someone who can help you and your sisters get home.
Hancock's sisters smiled with relief, but Hancock held on tightly to his shirt.
— Don't you want me to stay with you?
Arthur understood immediately. Her expression… those eyes… she had fallen for him.
With tenderness, he answered:
— Hancock, I'm going to very dangerous places. I can't take you right now. But… — he knelt down in front of her — when you grow up and become stronger, I'll marry you. How does that sound?
Her eyes widened.
— Really?! Then I'll train! I'll get stronger! I promise!
Arthur smiled. He took her hand, and they walked through the city streets together. They passed shops glowing with lantern light until Arthur stopped in front of a jewelry store.
— Wait here a second.
He went in and came back with a small velvet box. Inside was a necklace with a golden pendant. He placed it around her neck.
— With this, you'll always know I'm thinking of you.
Hancock turned red and hugged him tightly, kissing his cheek again and again, overjoyed.
---
Back at Shakky's bar, Gloriosa stood up, shocked as she saw Hancock enter.
— Hancock?! You're alive?!
Her sisters quickly explained everything. Gloriosa nearly cried.
— My girls… you're all safe!
Shakky approached, arms crossed.
— Looks like I won't need to help with the travel anymore, huh?
Arthur shook his head.
— Actually, I still need one thing.
His tone became serious.
— I need a Log Pose that points directly to Wano.
Shakky blinked in surprise.
— That'll be twenty million berries.
Arthur, without hesitation, handed her the bag of money he had taken from the traffickers. She nodded, walked into the back, and returned with a small case.
— Here it is.
Arthur accepted the compass and thanked her. Then he turned to Hancock and her sisters, who were preparing to leave that same night.
Hancock, realizing this, jumped into his arms and curled up against his chest like a princess. He held her gently while she nuzzled her face against his chest.
Gloriosa stepped forward. Seeing Hancock with that lovestruck, dreamy smile, she sighed.
— You really can't escape the curse of love…
Arthur looked at her seriously.
— Please, take care of my Hancock.
Gloriosa gazed into his eyes and saw how sincere he was. She nodded with determination.
— I'll protect her with my life.
---
Minutes later, Arthur stood at the dock, watching the ship vanish into the horizon. The cold wind brushed against his face, but he didn't move. He stayed still until the ship disappeared from view completely.
He let out a long breath.
— Alright… time to go get my Black Maria.
With a gleam in his eyes, he launched into the sky, combining Viltrumite flight with Shadow-enhanced speed, shooting through the clouds toward Wano — where his next wife awaited him.
Shakky watched from afar, eyes narrowing.
— Now it all makes sense… he can't navigate, yet still managed to get here. What kind of monster is that boy…?
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