The Calm Belt
The waters stilled so suddenly that Heaven's Embrace seemed to glide on glass. There was no wind, no waves — only the eerie shimmer of sunlight on perfectly flat water.
Perona shivered. "I don't like this. It's too… quiet."
Jinbe's voice was calm but firm. "We are in the Calm Belt. This is Sea King territory."
As if on cue, a shadow the size of a city block passed beneath the ship. Nojiko gripped the railing; Kaya's fingers twitched toward her medical bag out of reflex.
Bell-mère looked over at Vegito. "So, Captain… how exactly are we getting through?"
Vegito's tail flicked lazily. "Through? No, Bell-mère… we're going in."
First Sight of Amazon Lily
From the horizon, it rose like something out of a dream — a vast island of emerald jungle and towering cliffs, crowned by ornate temples and waterfalls spilling into crystalline pools. Birds of impossible colors wheeled above, and the scent of flowers drifted on the air.
Shalria, perched on the deck with a teacup in hand, sniffed. "Hmph. Is this what passes for 'beautiful' in the commoner world?"
Nami, not even looking at her, said, "Give it ten minutes. You'll be begging to move here."
Arrival… With Style
Amazon Lily had no harbor — but Heaven's Embrace didn't need one. Its wings unfolded in a glorious sweep of light and rune-carved steel, lifting the entire vessel into the air. The ship soared over the island's outer wall and descended into the lagoon at its heart like a scene from a storybook.
From the shore, dozens of women in ornate armor and leopard pelts gawked, bows half-raised.
One finally shouted, "A man! There's a man on the ship!"
The Empress Appears
The crowd parted as Boa Hancock strode forward, flanked by her sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold. Even among warriors, her beauty was devastating — every step measured, every glance a calculated strike.
When her eyes landed on Vegito, she froze.
The other women tensed, waiting for the Empress to speak. Instead, Hancock's fingers twitched near her lips, and she looked away sharply, hiding a faint blush.
First Words
Vegito hopped down from the ship and landed before her, tail swaying, smile warm but confident. "Boa Hancock," he said as if greeting an old friend. "The most beautiful woman in the world. I've wanted to meet you."
Her composure faltered just for a moment. "Flattery… will not spare you from the law of this island."
"Oh, I'm not here to be spared," Vegito said. "I'm here to talk."
Rom-Com Sparks
From the sidelines, Bell-mère muttered, "Here we go again."
Shalria sipped her tea. "She'll be falling for him in an hour."
"Half an hour," Nami corrected.
Hancock turned sharply toward them, chin high. "This island does not welcome men. Your crew will—"
She cut herself off as Vegito reached into thin air and pulled out a massive chest of golden treasure. "Gift," he said simply. "For your people. No strings attached."
The gasps from the gathered warriors nearly drowned out Hancock's heartbeat.
The Poneglyph Revelation
Robin stepped forward. "Captain, there's a Poneglyph here."
Vegito nodded. "I know. It's why we're staying a little while."
Hancock's eyes narrowed. "How do you—"
"Because I've been to places that even your enemies have forgotten," Vegito said quietly. "And I think… you deserve to know the truth about your island's past."
Something in his voice shifted the air. The Amazon warriors, who had been ready to drag him off, now hesitated.
The Hidden Chamber
Led by a wary but curious Hancock, Vegito and Robin were taken deep into the palace. The Poneglyph sat in a sealed chamber, its ancient script glowing faintly in the filtered light.
Robin traced the markings with reverent fingers. "It speaks of Nefertari D. Lili… and the founding of Amazon Lily."
Hancock's eyes widened. "Queen Lili… is not a myth?"
Vegito stepped closer. "No. And the truth is even stranger. She fought against the World Government — and won. That's why they've hidden her name."
The Wall Cracks
For the first time since they met, Hancock's guarded expression softened. "You speak as if you were there."
Vegito smiled faintly. "I've seen enough to know who deserves to be remembered."
There was a pause. Then, almost against her will, Hancock murmured, "Why… are you really here?"
Vegito's answer was simple: "To see you smile."
Her cheeks flamed, and she turned away sharply. "Foolish man…"
The Feast
By nightfall, Amazon Lily was in celebration. Tables groaned under the weight of roasted game, tropical fruits, and jugs of sweet sake. The warriors had warmed to the crew, even Shalria — who, to her visible horror, was dragged into a dancing circle by Mikita and Perona.
Hancock sat at the head table, chin resting in her palm, stealing glances at Vegito when she thought he wasn't looking.
Bell-mère elbowed Nami. "Half an hour, my ass. She's already gone."
The Quiet Moment
Later, under the moonlit canopy of the jungle, Hancock found Vegito leaning against a tree, watching the fireflies.
"You're… different from other men," she said quietly.
"Is that good or bad?" he asked.
"…Good," she admitted, almost too softly to hear. Then, after a pause: "Stay. A little longer."
Vegito's smile was slow, genuine. "As you wish."
[Crew Roster Unchanged]
Next Destination: A secret from the Calm Belt leads Vegito to revive someone long thought lost — and shake the foundations of the World Government's history.