"Hey, Merry!"
Luffy, sporting a large bump on his head, suddenly stood up and asked, "Where's Merry?"
If he had lost consciousness from eating those mushrooms, what about Merry...? How was Merry doing?
"Don't worry, Merry's fine." Meiser unclenched his fist.
Clearly, if this idiot had forgotten about Merry, Meiser wouldn't have hesitated to punch him again.
"That's a relief..."
Luffy sighed in relief, then asked, "Did you find a ship?"
If they had a ship, they could leave this place and reunite with their crew at Sabaody Archipelago!
"Finding a ship depends on meeting this country's ruler first," Meiser replied. "Let's go meet up with Merry first."
"Oh..."
Luffy nodded and followed silently beside Meiser as they sped away using the Earth Release Technique.
"Dammit, where did that guy run off to?!"
"We have to find him quickly, or it'll be over if Serpent Princess sees him!"
"And who was that unfamiliar presence that appeared beside the man?"
"Not sure..."
"Regardless, we have to capture them!" Kikyo declared. "Then we'll get our answers."
"Understood!"
Watching her comrades scatter in all directions, Kikyo's expression grew increasingly grim.
She hoped they could capture that man soon...
If Serpent Princess found out a man had appeared in this country... the three warriors who brought him here would face severe punishment!
They might even... be executed outright!
At that thought, Kikyo's face darkened.
"What's going on?"
Granny Nyon, sitting beside Merry, glanced at the commotion and asked, "What happened?"
"Granny Nyon, the man imprisoned in the cell has disappeared," Kikyo explained. "He was dragged underground by a rocky hand that emerged from the ground."
"Then an extremely unfamiliar presence took him away."
The speed at which they moved underground was too fast—her Observation Haki couldn't keep up.
"An unfamiliar... presence?"
Granny Nyon blinked, then looked at Merry. "That must be the boy."
"Probably... Meiser."
Earlier, Meiser had said he was going to find Luffy, and then the man was dragged underground by a rocky hand... That was undoubtedly Meiser's Earth Release Technique!
Still, she hadn't expected Meiser to retrieve Luffy in such a way.
The next moment, the ground burst open not far from them, and Luffy and Meiser shot out from below—stunning everyone present.
"Ahhh—!"
"Sunlight!"
Luffy immediately spread his arms wide and cheered, "We're out!!"
"Hahahaha!"
Watching Luffy laugh boisterously, Meiser could only sigh in exasperation. Why did this guy always have to be so loud?
"Meiser, let's play again," Luffy turned to Meiser and said.
"Play what?"
Meiser replied irritably, "We have serious business to attend to now, understand?"
"Oh..." Seeing Luffy's seemingly dejected expression, Meiser's lips twitched. Why was this kid always like this?
What's going on with these two?!
Granny Nyon stared at them in disbelief. Why had they emerged from underground?
Could this be... a Devil Fruit ability?
No... Could it be the legendary Earth Release Technique?
At this thought, Granny Nyon fixed her gaze on Meiser, thinking to herself, 'The Earth Release Technique of a ninja... This is truly the first time I've seen it.'
"Men!"
"Quick, they're here!"
Hearing Kikyo's voice, the Kuja warriors immediately rushed over from all directions, their sharp eyes locking onto Meiser and the others.
However, when Margaret saw the person standing beside Luffy, she froze for a moment.
"Who is this person?"
"I don't know, but his aura matches that of the stranger earlier," Kikyo said.
"A stranger?"
"So he's not from our village?"
"I'm not sure, but at least I don't recognize him."
Listening to the chatter around him, Meiser raised an eyebrow. "Aura?"
"Observation Haki?"
Could it be that all these people have mastered Observation Haki?
They must be quite formidable, then. Are they this country's defense force?
"Hey, who are you?"
"That's right, are you from the village? Why are you helping a man?"
"From the village?"
Meiser shook his head. "I'm not from your village. I came here with this guy."
As he spoke, he pointed at Luffy, who was cheerfully greeting Merry.
"In that case, you're a man too!" Kikyo's eyes widened.
At these words, the surrounding warriors immediately raised their bows, nocking arrows and infusing them with Armament Haki.
They've mastered both types of Haki... They must be quite skilled.
"Granny Nyon, say something!"
Seeing the situation on the verge of erupting into a fight, Merry tugged at the silent Granny Nyon. Why hadn't she spoken since Meiser appeared?
"Huh?"
"Ah, sorry, I was lost in thought just now," Granny Nyon said awkwardly.
She had been so absorbed in her musings that she'd completely zoned out, oblivious to what was happening around her.
I must really be getting old...
Shaking her head, Granny Nyon stood up and slowly walked toward Meiser.
"Hey, Granny Nyon, be careful! These two are men!" Kikyo said anxiously.
Approaching dangerous men so casually... What if she lost her life?
"I know," Granny Nyon waved her hand dismissively. "Leave them to me."
"But—" Kikyo hesitated. If the Serpent Princess found out about this, they would all be punished—including Granny Nyon!
"Don't worry, I'll explain the situation to the Serpent Princess," Granny Nyon said.
However, there was one thing she didn't mention: even if all of them attacked together, they might not be a match for this ninja.
After all... this guy is a ninja with a 400 million Berries bounty.
"Alright then."
Seeing that even Granny Nyon had spoken, the other warriors lowered their weapons.
Yet their eyes still burned with intense curiosity.
This was... after all... their first time seeing a living man.
"Hey, my hat!"
Luffy suddenly noticed the hat on Margaret and immediately stretched his arm over, snatching it back in one swift motion.
"Phew... glad it's okay..."
After placing the hat back on his head, Luffy broke into his usual goofy grin.
"Wha—?! Did you all see that? That man's arm just stretched!"
"We saw it..."
"So this is what men are like? Their arms can stretch?" Margaret said, then turned to Meiser with a look that seemed to say: Why don't you give it a try too?
Meiser: "..."
Arm stretching? Yeah, that wasn't happening.
Though if it was just enlarging, he could manage that.
A Devil Fruit Ability User, huh...
Granny Nyon studied Luffy and immediately reached that conclusion before announcing, "Enough crowding around here. Everyone, disperse."
With that, she glanced at Meiser and the other two. "Come, you three. Follow me."
As she spoke, she beckoned, summoning her snake companion.
The snake's body then hardened, transforming into a serpent-shaped cane—leaving Luffy utterly dumbfounded.
"Hey, Granny! How'd that snake turn into a cane?!"
"Ahaha, this is a unique species native to Kuja Island," Granny Nyon chuckled. "They can transform into many things. Quite handy."
"Every warrior on Kuja Island has a snake as their partner."
"Definitely useful..."
Meiser glanced at the snakes coiled around Kikyo and the others. "Earlier, they even turned into bows."
What kind of biological structure allowed snakes to morph into bows in an instant? Absolutely absurd.
"Can I have one too?" Merry blinked eagerly.
Granny Nyon paused before replying, "If you'd like, I can give you a snake egg."
"Once you hatch it yourself, you'll gain a lifelong battle partner."
She considered carefully—even if this Meiser fellow was lying to her, there was no need to kill this little Merry.
After all... the girl looked barely a few years old, didn't she?
At worst, she could just take her in as a granddaughter. Hahaha.
Of course, if Meiser wasn't deceiving her, then keeping them here wouldn't be an option.
Because... she couldn't just steal someone else's companions.
"A partner..."
"Okay, got it!"
Merry, oblivious to the deeper implications, cheerfully agreed.
She'd never hatched a snake egg before, but... she could always ask Granny Nyon for guidance!
With that excitement, the three followed Granny Nyon toward her residence.
Though... the Kuja warriors continued trailing behind, as if still concerned for the elder's safety.
Of course, this was assuming one ignored the intense curiosity in their eyes. Meiser glanced back and remarked, "We might as well be exhibit babies at this point."
The group had been following them since earlier, showing no intention of leaving—not even the stern-looking woman with a ponytail.
"Can't be helped. They've never seen men before, so their curiosity is natural," Granny Nyon chuckled. "Bear with it a little."
Meiser nodded and said nothing more. In the end, he was just venting and didn't actually mind their stares. After all... he wasn't the shy type and didn't care about being watched.
Just then, a distant clanging echoed from the city walls, as if signaling something. The Kuja warriors stiffened at the sound.
"That noise...!"
"Serpent Princess-sama has returned!"
Hearing their voices, Meiser's eyes lit up. "That woman's back?!"
"Who?" Luffy blinked at him, confused.
"The ruler of this country," Meiser explained.
"Ohhh!" Luffy's face brightened too. If that was the case, they'd be able to get a ship soon. Perfect!
"You seem quite familiar with this nation," Granny Nyon remarked, eyeing Meiser. "Even knowing who the ruler is."
"Shakky-nee told me."
"I see..." Granny Nyon fell silent for a moment before continuing, "Meeting the Serpent Princess can wait. First, come with me—there's something I must confirm."
Understanding her meaning, Meiser didn't resist and followed without protest. He also made sure to grab Luffy, who was about to dash off in search of the ruler.
"Hey, aren't we going to see the queen?"
"Idiot, behave," Meiser scolded. "Didn't you hear Granny? We'll look for her later! Remember, we're here to ask for a favor—we follow their rules!"
If Luffy's recklessness sparked a fight, Meiser wouldn't know how to explain it to Shakky. After all... given his strength, reducing this place to ruins wouldn't even be a challenge.
"Oh." Luffy immediately settled down, trailing obediently beside Meiser like a well-behaved child.
The sight left Granny Nyon stunned.
Wait... who's the captain here?
Why did the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates... seem to have zero authority? Yet his bounty of over 400 million berries was no joke... Just what was up with this kid?
Lost in thought, Granny Nyon could only conclude one thing:
What a bizarre crew...
"How much longer must I wait?!" Vice Admiral Momonga muttered, his brow furrowed.
Anchoring in these perilous waters was dangerous—even with Sea Stone-equipped battleships. After all... Sea Kings could breach the surface at any moment, and bad luck meant drawing their attention.
His gaze darkened as he glanced at the freshly slain Sea King floating nearby.
If a large number of Sea Kings appear here... he might not be able to protect this ship.
Hopefully, other Sea Kings won't be drawn to this carcass.
Just then, the lookout shouted, "Vice Admiral! We've spotted the Pirate Empress's Kuja Ship!"
"Finally back, are they?!"
Mouse quickly moved to the ship's side, frowning as he watched the approaching pirate ship. "You've kept me waiting long enough..."
Soon, the Kuja Ship drew near and anchored beside the Marine vessel.
"A pirate crew made up entirely of women..."
"I've heard they're incredibly strong, though who knows if that's true."
The Marines gripped their weapons, staring intently at the Kuja Ship.
If a conflict broke out, they would fight with everything they had!
In contrast, the pirates aboard the Kuja Ship appeared completely at ease.
"Quite bold of you, Marines," Ran said, eyeing Mouse. "Anchoring in waters teeming with monsters—aren't you afraid of being attacked by Sea Kings?"
"Your Kuja Island has an agreement with the World Government prohibiting us from approaching within three nautical miles," Mouse replied. "So we had no choice but to anchor in the Sea Kings' hunting grounds."
If possible, he would have preferred to enter Kuja Island's waters—but the World Government forbade it!
"Is that so?" Ran chuckled before glancing at the nearby Sea King floating belly-up. "Did you take this one down?"
"Yeah. If it had destroyed our ship, the justice I stand for would've been disgraced," Mouse said. "So I cut it down."
"Hmph. Not bad."
Listening to their exchange, the Marines couldn't help but smirk.
After all... having a superior officer with such strength was something to be proud of!
"I didn't come here to hunt Sea Kings," Mouse said. "I'd like to finish this business quickly so we can leave sooner."
Taking a deep breath, he raised his voice. "I am Vice Admiral Mouse of Marine Headquarters!"
"Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock—come out! I'm here to escort you!"
"Sorry, but the Serpent Princess won't be appearing," Ran replied.
"Exactly. We've already given our answer multiple times. Why keep coming after us?"
"Your answer?"
Mouse's expression darkened. "We received it. You claimed you would respond to the summons, but... it's been so long, and there's still no sign of you heading to Marine Headquarters. Is this your attitude?"
"This mandatory summons for the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea is a direct order from the World Government. Refusal means breaking the agreement—and losing your Warlord title!"
"You know what that means, don't you?"
"Once stripped of your Warlord status, you'll be reduced to ordinary pirates—enemies of the Marines and the World Government!"
"Hey, Boa Hancock! Are you listening?!"
He had laid out the stakes clearly. Surely the Pirate Empress understood the consequences.
Lose the Warlord title... and Kuja Island would become a target of the World Government's wrath.
"How... annoyingly persistent..."
Hancock rose from her seat and walked step by step toward the exit.
Sandersonia and Marigold exchanged a glance before silently following their elder sister outside.
Creak—
The door swung open as Hancock slowly emerged.
Then, she glanced at a cat scurrying along the ground and remarked, "Who dares leave a cat in my path?"
Thud!
With a single kick, she sent the cat flying.
"Forgive me, Serpent Princess! It was my fault..." The cat's owner rushed over, clutching the feline protectively, terrified of provoking Hancock further.
"Is that so? Be more careful next time."
"Yes, Serpent Princess..."
Hancock nodded indifferently and turned toward the sea serpent without another word.
"Finally decided to show yourself, Boa Hancock?" Mouse frowned as he observed her cruel behavior. "Just as the rumors say..."
Taking a deep breath, he barked, "Stay sharp, all of you!"
At his command, the Marines tensed up immediately.
Their opponent was the legendary Pirate Empress—her true strength remained unknown, but... she was a terrifying being capable of turning people to stone!
Against such a foe, they had to be on high alert.
Yet, the moment they laid eyes on Hancock, the Marines were utterly stunned.
"This... this is the Pirate Empress?"
"She's... unbelievably beautiful!"
"I'd heard she was the most beautiful woman in the world, but I never imagined it was true..."
As the Pirate Empress approached atop the serpent's head, the Marines trembled so much they could barely hold their weapons.
To witness such a person in their lifetime... they could die without regrets now!
Hancock swept a cold gaze over the Marines before settling her eyes on Mouse. "A Navy Vice Admiral, hmm?"
"Boa Hancock, what is the meaning of this?" Mouse demanded. "You agreed to participate in this war—why haven't you reported to Marine Headquarters?"
"Oh, that earlier response was just to placate you." Hancock replied coolly. "I have no intention of joining the war."
"What did you say?!"
Vice Admiral Momonga's expression darkened—this was an outright refusal!
"You do realize what this means, don't you?"
"Of course." Hancock nodded. "However... I don't wish to lose my title as one of the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea, and at the same time... I want the cargo on your ship. What should I do?"
As she spoke, she tilted her head slightly, offering a faint smile that left the Marines utterly dazed.
"You fool, what nonsense are you spouting?!" Mouse roared. "Do you think acting like a spoiled child will solve this problem?"
"You—"
Before he could finish, the sound of his subordinates moving cargo interrupted him.
"Quick, bring everything out!"
"Take it all, just take it all!!"
Watching the scene unfold, Hancock's smile widened.
Mouse: ???
"Idiots, what are you doing?!" Mouse bellowed, his shark-like mouth gaping. "Pull yourselves together!!"
Did these fools truly believe this woman was someone to be trifled with?
She was a venomous serpent!
"I... I'm sorry..."
The navy soldiers snapped back to their senses, their faces instantly flushing with embarrassment.
They had been controlled without realizing it, and none of them could figure out why.
After taking a deep breath, Momonga turned to Hancock and said, "In a few days, the public execution of Fire Fist Ace will take place. At that time, Marine Headquarters will mobilize forces including the three Admirals to engage in a life-and-death battle against the Whitebeard Pirates at Marine Headquarters."
"And you Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea must heed the World Government's summons to participate in this war!"
"Refusal will result in the revocation of your Warlord title!"
"Boa Hancock, give me your answer now. Will you come with us, or lose your title?"
The atmosphere instantly grew tense.
After a moment, Hancock replied, "This queen does not wish to lose her Warlord title, nor does she enjoy being ordered around by the World Government..."
"Hmm~"
"Very well—let's say the Marines sent to retrieve me encountered something inexplicable at sea, turning them all to stone before sinking into the depths. Problem solved!"
"What did you say?!"
Veins bulged on Momonga's forehead. Was this woman seriously planning to kill them all? Did she truly believe this would spare her from retaliation?
If they lost contact here, the Marines would hold Kuja Island accountable! How could she not realize that?
Watching Hancock leap onto the warship, Momonga growled, "Do you really think this will let you keep your Warlord title? The World Government will never forgive you!"
"No, Sister will be forgiven~"
"Indeed, for she has a reason to be forgiven."
Momonga froze at the words of Hancock's two younger sisters. What did they mean?
"Would you like to know why?"
Hancock declared, "Whether I kick a kitten or tear off your ears, this queen will always be forgiven!"
"Why?"
"Because this queen... is simply too beautiful!"
"Ahhh!"
"We forgive you! We forgive you!"
The Marines erupted into frenzied cheers at the sight of her.
"Fools! What are you doing?!" Momonga roared, but the Marines were already beyond reason.
"Tch, this woman—"
Just then, Momonga realized Hancock had activated her Devil Fruit powers.
"Mero Mero Mero~"
"Crack~"
A pink light swept through the Marines, petrifying everyone except Vice Admiral Momonga.
"Damn you...!"
"How amusing—using pain to suppress desire." Hancock glanced at Momonga, who had stabbed his own hand with a dagger. "As expected of a Marine Vice Admiral."
She then gestured for her subordinates to loot the ship.
"Haha, time to plunder~"
"Hurry! Leave no treasure behind!"
"Aye!"
Soon, all valuables were carried off, leaving only bulky items behind. Momonga paid no mind to the stolen goods, his glare fixed solely on Hancock.
"You understand the consequences of this, Boa Hancock!"
Perched on her serpent's head, Hancock didn't even turn to acknowledge him.
"Crack~"
Veins throbbed on Vice Admiral Momonga's face as he yanked the dagger from his hand. "I'll wait here until tomorrow morning. If you fail to appear by then, I'll consider our agreement void!"
"Bastard, did you hear me?!"
However, in response to Vice Admiral Momonga's roar, Hancock merely glanced at him coldly before replying indifferently:
"Do as you please."
With that, she ignored the noisy Marine and turned away, commanding, "Set sail, back to Kuja Island!"
"Ooh!!"