Three days passed quickly. During that time, Vane remained in the palace on Nine Snake Island. Before long, word spread across the entire island that a man was staying there — the only man to set foot on the island in living memory.
Most of the women outside the Nine Snake Pirates had never even seen a man before. To them, Vane was something rare, almost like a living treasure. No one disliked him, especially since he was favored by their ruler, Hancock. Their fondness wasn't romantic, though — more like the way one admires the beauty of a distant landscape.
That morning, Vane prepared to leave Nine Snake Island. Hancock had wanted to accompany him, but he refused. He still had many things to do, and despite her charms, Hancock could be… overwhelming at times. Still, there was no denying her power — she was easily among the top five strongest women in the world. With mastery over all three types of Haki, a formidable Devil Fruit ability, and beauty that rivaled no other, only Big Mom could match her in overall presence.
Leaving the island behind, Vane set his course for the Navy Headquarters.
Was he going to attack it? Not exactly. He wasn't looking to start a war there — not yet. His goal was to retrieve something for Gion. She had described it as a box but never revealed what was inside. Whatever it was, he intended to get it for her.
The town of Marineford, located behind the Navy Headquarters, housed both Marines and their families. Gion kept an apartment there.
For his journey, Vane traveled with a massive Sea King as his mount — an impressive sight across the open ocean. With his Conqueror's Haki, he could easily intimidate even the most ferocious Sea Kings, making them bow to his will.
By nightfall on the second day, Vane reached the waters near Marineford. Instead of entering through the heavily guarded bay, he slipped in from the right side of the island and entered the town directly.
The headquarters itself seemed calm. Few Marines were on patrol; after all, most people wouldn't dare invade such a place, and those who would were far beyond the ability of regular soldiers to stop. In the past, the only notable intruders had been legends like the Golden Lion and Kaido — both driven by sheer madness or desperation.
The Navy certainly wasn't expecting Vane tonight. Months ago, they had placed the entire headquarters under tight security after his infamous attack on Mariejois. At that time, they feared he might also target them. But after the invasion, he had seemingly remained in Wano.
Now, the whole world knew Wano was his domain. It had once belonged to Kaido, but the two were now believed to have either allied or, more dangerously, joined forces entirely. Two Emperor-level pirates ruling from one country — it had instantly made Wano the most feared territory in the world.
The two most dangerous Emperors alive.
And tonight, one of them was here.
Vane moved through the streets of Marineford's residential district. The town was vast, with rows of houses scattered across different blocks. He didn't know where Gion's apartment was, so he decided to ask someone.
Ten minutes later, he spotted a female Marine, a subordinate of Vice Admiral Tsuru. Female Marines were rare, making her stand out immediately.
When she recognized him, her face turned pale. Vane's appearance was now infamous worldwide, his handsome features contrasting sharply with his reputation. His bounty — six billion Berries — was the highest in the world. The sight of those numbers alone was enough to send chills down anyone's spine.
"Beautiful lady," Vane said smoothly, "where is Vice Admiral Gion's apartment?"
The Marine had backed up to the end of a narrow alley, pointing shakily.
"O-over there… there's a plate on the door with the word 'peach' on it…"
Her voice trembled. The thought of what a pirate like him could do to a captured Marine clearly terrified her. Gion herself had once fallen into his hands — who knew what had happened since?
"Thank you," Vane replied with a small smile. Then, locking eyes with her, he said softly, "Look at me."
The woman's gaze met his, and within moments, her eyes rolled back and she collapsed. A subtle pulse of Conqueror's Haki was all it had taken to knock her unconscious.
Leaving her unharmed but out cold, Vane continued on his way. It didn't take long before he found the apartment. The door bore the mark she had described — confirming that it was indeed Gion's.
He stepped closer, ready to claim the box she had spoken of.
______
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