"What exactly is this Medical Ninja Technique you mentioned?" Marigold couldn't help but ask.
This was something she had never even heard of... Could it really help remove the marks on their backs?
Hancock also glanced curiously at Meiser, clearly wanting to know what it was.
"It's a special ninjutsu used to treat injuries," Meiser explained. "By using Chakra to stimulate cells..."
Before he could finish, he noticed the confused expressions on their faces.
Clearly, they had no idea what Chakra was.
Realizing this, Meiser sighed. "In short, just know that it can solve your problem."
Marigold nodded vaguely, not pressing further.
"A special Release Technique of ninjas..." Hancock thought to herself.
"Serpent Princess!!"
Seeing Hancock return with Meiser, Mira and the others immediately straightened up.
"Hm."
Hancock glanced at the unconscious warriors on the ground and said, "Mira, I'll need you to stay here for a while longer. Wait until they wake up before returning to the village."
They had been knocked out by her Conqueror's Haki and wouldn't regain consciousness anytime soon.
So, she left Mira to keep watch.
"Yes!"
"Serpent Princess!"
Hancock nodded without another word and turned toward the village's back gate.
As she watched the three leave, Mira turned to her companion. "Kaira, isn't that the man beside the Serpent Princess...?"
"Yeah, the one Granny Nyon brought earlier."
"Then who's the man on Granny Nyon's roof?"
"No idea—"
"More importantly, why is that man with the Serpent Princess?"
"How should I know?" Kaira shook her head.
Honestly, she was just as surprised. But... since the Serpent Princess hadn't killed him, there must be a special reason.
So... it was best not to ask too much. She then looked at their unconscious companions and sighed.
Having so many people lying around wasn't ideal... Hopefully, they'd wake up soon.
Otherwise, they might run into dangerous beasts.
"Who's that guy who came with you?" Hancock asked, glancing at Meiser.
"Him?"
Meiser clasped his hands behind his head. "He's my captain—the Straw Hat Boy, Monkey D. Luffy."
"Captain?"
Hancock was taken aback. Someone like him was actually another man's crewmate?
With that kind of strength...
"Yeah, captain," Meiser confirmed.
A trace of concern then crossed his face. "Who knows if that guy's even waiting patiently at Granny Nyon's place for me..."
Luffy's personality was as restless as a monkey's. And with his brother's situation... there was no guarantee he'd stay put.
Hopefully, he hadn't caused too much trouble.
"He..."
Marigold wore an expression of hesitation, unsure of what to say for a moment.
"What's wrong?"
"Your captain... he's probably been captured by Sister Sandersonia by now..." Marigold said.
Meiser: ???
Meiser stared at Marigold with a face full of confusion. What did she mean by "captured"?
"While searching for Sister Hancock with Sandersonia, we found your captain on Granny Nyon's roof," Marigold explained. "So Sandersonia told me to keep looking for Sister Hancock while she went to capture your captain herself."
At this point, Marigold paused before continuing, "I think... he's probably already been caught."
Of course, there was also the possibility he'd been killed.
But... Marigold didn't want that man to die just yet.
Otherwise, their deal with him would be over.
After all... he would never forgive anyone who killed his captain!
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go."
Meiser's face twisted in frustration. He should've known better than to expect Luffy to stay put quietly.
He wondered how Merry was doing.
Luffy was tough—he could take a beating—but Merry couldn't. Those Haki-infused attacks were no joke!
"Let's go."
Hancock nodded, and the three of them quickly moved, sprinting toward the village's back gate at full speed.
"Damn it, what do you want from me?!"
Luffy, who was being chased all over by Sandersonia, felt like his head was about to explode.
He'd said it multiple times—he didn't want to fight—but she just wouldn't stop pursuing him.
"Of course, I'm going to capture you!" Sandersonia declared.
Once she caught this guy, she'd hand him over to Sister Hancock for judgment... and then execute him along with that other man!!
Any man who dared trespass on Kuja Island would meet the same fate—death!
"We just want the Eternal Log Pose!"
"And you're not getting it!"
"Whoosh—"
As soon as she finished speaking, Sandersonia leaped onto the roof and threw a punch straight at Luffy.
"BOOM!!"
The force of the blow shattered the roof, leaving a gaping hole.
Unfortunately, Luffy was too agile and dodged the attack.
"Damn it, he's as slippery as a monkey!"
Sandersonia scowled as she watched Luffy flee into the distance.
Just then, she noticed Luffy gripping the roof's edge with both hands, stretching his body backward.
"Wait, is he—?!"
Before she could finish, Luffy launched himself into the air.
"Rocket Punch!"
"Whoosh—!"
Sandersonia: !!!
Her jaw dropped as Luffy soared away.
What kind of weird Devil Fruit Ability was this, damn it?!
"Lady Sandersonia, he's too fast—we can't corner him..."
"I know."
Sandersonia clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Keep chasing! I refuse to believe we can't catch him!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Ugh, I told them I don't wanna fight, so why won't they leave me alone?" Luffy grumbled midair, looking thoroughly exasperated.
Now that such a big mess has been made, I wonder if it will affect Meiser's affairs.
Fortunately, they didn't lay a hand on Merry.
Just then, Luffy noticed Meiser appearing on the street and immediately broke into a grin, shouting, "Meiser!!"
"Luffy?"
Seeing Luffy in midair, Meiser was stunned—why was this guy in the sky?
"Whoosh~"
"Boom!!"
In the end, Luffy plummeted headfirst into a rock.
Marigold: ...
Hancock: ...
Watching as his head got lodged deep into the stone, both women's eyelids twitched slightly, sharing the same thought in their minds.
Is this guy dead...?
But soon, they realized he wasn't, because once Luffy steadied himself, he started struggling to pull his head out.
Unfortunately... it wasn't that easy.
"Damn it, I can't get out!" Luffy groaned in frustration.
Why was this rock gripping him so tightly? Even pulling himself free was proving difficult.
"This guy..."
Seeing Luffy's neck stretch longer and longer, Marigold remarked in surprise, "Is he a Devil Fruit Ability User?"
"Yeah."
"A Devil Fruit Ability User," Meiser nodded in agreement.
Only this rubber-brained kid could survive such antics—anyone else would've been done for by now.
Just then, a squad of warriors appeared at the street corner.
"Found him, over there!"
"Quick, capture him!"
"Whoosh~"
No sooner had the words left their mouths than an arrow infused with Haki shot straight toward Luffy's backside.
Meiser: !!!
Are these women insane? What kind of target is that?!
"Whoosh~"
"Snap~"
Meiser dashed to Luffy's side and snatched the Haki-coated arrow out of the air.
"Phew... That was brutal."
At that moment, Luffy finally wrenched himself free from the rock.
"Ahhh~"
"Saved!" Luffy cheered loudly.
Then, noticing Meiser standing behind him, his face lit up with excitement. "Meiser!!"
"You idiot!"
Tossing the arrow aside, Meiser scowled. "Didn't I tell you to stay put inside the house? What were you doing on the roof?"
"I couldn't sit still..."
Looking at Luffy's sheepish expression, Meiser sighed.
Well, it made sense—this guy was as restless as a monkey. Keeping him in one place was practically impossible.
"Is Merry okay?"
"She's fine."
"That's good," Meiser said, relieved.
"Hey, Meiser, did you manage to get that Eternal Log Pose?" Luffy grabbed him eagerly.
He was itching to rescue his brother as soon as possible.
"Almost," Meiser replied. "Once I help them with their task, they'll give me the Eternal Log Pose."
"Help them?"
Luffy tilted his head in confusion. Help with what?
"It's too complicated to explain. Just... we have to wait a little longer," Meiser said. "I need to fulfill my promise first, or I won't get it."
After a pause, he added, "Don't worry, it won't take too long."
"Alright..."
This time, Luffy didn't press further. He simply chose to trust Meiser.
At that moment, Sandersonia charged over with murderous intent in her eyes.
However, she froze momentarily upon seeing Meiser.
Then, a terrible thought crossed her mind.
Could it be... something happened to Big Sister?
At this realization, Sandersonia's eyes instantly reddened.
"You despicable man, what have you done to Big Sister?!" Sandersonia roared.
As her voice fell, Sandersonia's speed surged dramatically. In the blink of an eye, she appeared before Meiser and swung an Armament Haki-coated fist downward!
"Clang!!"
"Hmm?"
"Big Sister!!"
Seeing Hancock blocking her punch, Sandersonia was both overjoyed and bewildered.
Overjoyed that her elder sister was unharmed, yet puzzled... why was she protecting this man?
"Sandersonia, there's no need to capture them anymore," Hancock stated.
"Why not?"
Sandersonia was utterly confused. These two men had trespassed onto their Kuja Island—what did she mean by not apprehending them?
This was a capital offense!
"I'll explain later," Hancock said before turning to the stunned warriors nearby. "All of you, disperse. These two are no longer your concern."
"Yes... Serpent Princess."
Though bewildered by their empress's command, as subordinates, they could only obey. The warriors soon departed.
"So you're not arresting us anymore?" Luffy scratched his head. "That's good..."
While he didn't understand why, it was a relief they wouldn't pursue him further.
"Come, follow me to my chambers," Hancock said, glancing at Meiser. "I hope you haven't lied to me."
"Don't worry," Meiser chuckled.
Having given his word, he wouldn't go back on it.
Hancock nodded silently and led the way with her two sisters.
"Let's go."
"After helping them, we can leave, right?" Luffy remarked as he walked beside Meiser.
Hancock immediately halted.
"Yes, we—"
"He cannot accompany us," Hancock interjected.
Both Luffy and Meiser froze.
"Why not?" Luffy asked, puzzled.
He and Meiser were partners—wasn't it natural to work together? What was this woman implying?
"Because it's my private chamber," Hancock frowned at Luffy. "I'm only permitting him entry as a physician. No other man has that privilege."
Meiser understood her meaning—she didn't want Luffy learning about the mark.
"Here's the thing, Luffy," Meiser said.
"Our trip to Marine Headquarters might take a while, so we'll need ample food supplies."
He paused before adding, "You know your own appetite."
"Food, huh?" Luffy scratched his head. "We definitely need more."
Come to think of it, he hadn't eaten his fill at Granny Nyon's place earlier.
Before they could even eat the food they had bought, they were chased out by that woman.
"Merry has the money," Meiser said. "You take Merry to buy—"
Meiser's words abruptly stopped as he realized a problem: Was it really a good idea to let Luffy handle buying food?
He'd probably eat while shopping, and in the end, there might be nothing left.
The thought gave Meiser a headache.
Perhaps sensing something, Hancock spoke up. "Sandersonia, take him to purchase supplies."
"Sister?"
Sandersonia stared at Hancock in disbelief. First, she wasn't allowed to capture them, and now she was being ordered to help them buy supplies?
What... what was the meaning of this?
"Hmm?"
Hancock raised an eyebrow, as if saying, What, does my word no longer hold weight?
Sandersonia:
"...Understood, Sister," Sandersonia replied dejectedly. "I'll go now."
If Sister said so, what else could she do?
She had no choice but to obey.
"Good," Hancock nodded. "Once everything is arranged, come to my chambers."
With Sandersonia accompanying them, the Ninja captain wouldn't be killed, ensuring their deal could proceed smoothly.
Once the mark on her back was completely gone... she would ask him to remove her sisters' marks as well. That way, they could all be free of this damned thing.
"Alright, I understand."
Though she didn't know why Sister wanted her to return later, since it was an order, she would comply.
"Let's go."
With that, Hancock led Meiser away, heading toward her chambers.
As for the curious gazes from the streets?
Hancock ignored them.
Until she confirmed whether this man could truly remove the mark, she wouldn't explain a thing.
Watching Hancock leave, Sandersonia muttered in confusion, "I don't know what's gotten into Sister..."
She had never seen Sister act like this—not only actively protecting a man but even taking him to her private chambers. Why?
Was there something special about this man?
With that thought, Sandersonia glanced at Luffy and asked, "Hey, what's the deal with that guy?"
"You mean Meiser?" Luffy said. "I don't know. He didn't tell me what's going on."
"I just know he's supposed to do something for that woman."
As for what exactly, he had no clue.
But Luffy didn't dwell on it. All he cared about was that Meiser could get them an Eternal Log Pose.
"Do something, huh..."
Sandersonia frowned, lost in thought, before shaking her head. "I don't get it..."
She truly couldn't figure out what had happened to make Sister act this way.
Well, no use overthinking it. She'd ask Sister directly later.
Shooting another glance at Luffy, Sandersonia said, "Come on, I'll take you to find that—"
?
"Who was it again?"
"Merry."
"Oh, Merry..." Sandersonia trailed off, then suddenly froze before exclaiming, "Wait... this Merry... you don't mean that little girl in Granny Nyon's courtyard, do you?"
At that moment, an image of Merry flashed through Sandersonia's mind.
The girl had seemed like she wanted to say something back then, only to be stopped by Margaret.
So she was this kid's companion all along?
Wait, taking such a young girl out to sea?
What on earth was this guy thinking?
"That's right, it's her," Luffy said. "Thanks for not attacking her earlier."
Hearing this, Sandersonia was completely silenced.
Had she known that little girl was this man's companion, she might have ordered her capture immediately.
Shaking her head at the thought, Sandersonia replied, "No need to thank me. I simply didn't know she was your comrade."
While they might have spared the child for being just a few years old... they definitely would have captured her first.
As for whether to kill her in the end... that would have been entirely up to Elder Sister's decision.
"But you didn't attack her then, did you?" Luffy insisted.
Clearly, this single-minded guy wasn't letting it go.
This time, Sandersonia didn't bother responding to such reasoning. Striding forward, she simply commanded, "Follow me."
"Okay!"
"Is Luffy going to be alright..."
Merry, cradled in Margaret's arms, wore a face full of worry.
That tall woman didn't seem like a good person. She wondered if Luffy might get captured.
And what about Meiser's situation over there?
Should she summon him to ask?
But she immediately dismissed the thought.
It wouldn't do to ruin Meiser's plans with her actions, so... better to wait.
"Seeing how nimble he is, he should be fine," Margaret reassured.
Merry looked up at her. "Margaret, are you really going to be okay with this?"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm an outsider too..."
Wouldn't sheltering an outsider like her bring punishment?
Margaret fell silent. Honestly, she didn't know whether she'd face consequences later. But when she'd seen Merry about to speak up, she'd instinctively stopped her.
After all... she couldn't bear to see such a young child get hurt.
After a long pause, Margaret shook her head. "I don't know."
"Don't worry, Margaret!" Merry clenched her fists. "If they really try to hurt you, we'll snatch you away!"
If they dared punish Margaret for this, they'd just take her with them.
Because... they couldn't let her die here!
A faint smile crossed Margaret's face as she nuzzled the top of the child's head with her chin. "I appreciate the thought, but... I won't leave this place."
This was her home. Even if it meant dying... she'd choose to die here.
The little one didn't say anything more about it, but her mind was made up.
At that moment, Sandersonia returned to the courtyard and immediately spotted the two sitting there.
"Sa...Sandersonia-sama!!" Margaret stood up hastily, her face tinged with unease.
After all, there was no changing the fact that she had sheltered this little one. Moreover...Luffy was someone they had brought back from the forest. If this were to be investigated, they might all face punishment.
Just then, Merry struggled free from Margaret's arms, spreading her tiny hands to shield Margaret. "Don't you dare bully Margaret-neechan!"
Sandersonia couldn't help but laugh at Merry's display. "Quite the brave little runt," she teased. "Daring to stand in my way."
"I-I'm not afraid of you!"
At that moment, Merry noticed Luffy approaching from behind and her eyes lit up. "Luffy!!"
"Ah, Merry!" Luffy jogged over. "Glad you're okay."
After saying this, he stuffed an enormous chunk of meat into his mouth and swallowed it whole, leaving Margaret utterly dumbfounded.
Such a huge piece of meat—just tossed into his mouth and gulped down? What kind of terrifying eating habit was this?
"Luffy, what's going on?" Merry whispered, casting a furtive glance at Sandersonia that made the latter roll her eyes.
The kid wasn't even trying to be subtle.
"It's complicated... Anyway, we're not fighting anymore." Luffy scratched his head.
"Huh??"
"Meiser can explain later." Luffy grinned toothily. "More importantly... Merry, let's go shopping!"
"Eh??"
"Ehh!!"