The appearance of the Goddess of the Moon on Nine Snake Island left everyone in awe.
Even Boa Hancock, the proud and arrogant "Snake Princess," was overshadowed by the divine presence of the goddesses.
However, this didn't mean she submitted to them. It was the sheer charisma of the gods, combined with Yami's overwhelming display of power in defeating the Celestial Dragons, that kept her from acting out arrogantly.
When news spread that Goddess Artemis wanted to bring the warriors of Nine Snake Island into her Familia, it stirred quite a commotion.
From the perspective of the island's people, this was nothing short of a divine blessing.
After much discussion between Hancock and Granny Nyon, they ultimately agreed.
Ever since the fall of the Old World Government and the rise of the New World Government, the seas had undergone immense changes.
Not only had the Shichibukai system been abolished, but the protection for pirates had also diminished greatly.
With the New World Government growing in strength, the Nine Snake Pirates hadn't plundered in a long time.
If this continued, Nine Snake Island would soon face dire straits.
The island thrived in combat, but they weren't skilled in production. Many of their daily necessities were acquired by raiding passing ships. With that income now gone, Hancock was deeply concerned.
But now, her worries had vanished.
Traveling to a new world promised to be far more exciting than their current life. Even Hancock, as the Empress of Woman Island, found herself looking forward to this new opportunity.
Thus, in a short amount of time, the Artemis Familia, once in a weakened state—bordering on dissolution—experienced a swift resurgence.
Hancock alone was a force equivalent to a mighty army!
This transformation did not go unnoticed by Hestia, who couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
"Yami-kun, is there anyone suitable for my Familia?" she asked. "Although I already have Kagaya and the others, it's not enough. I want to grow my Familia even stronger!"
"You helped Artemis, so if you don't help me, I won't let this slide!"
The petite goddess pouted, acting playfully mischievous.
Her behavior made everyone laugh and shake their heads, but it was exactly what one would expect from Hestia.
"Calm down, Hestia," Yami replied with a chuckle.
"I honestly haven't thought of anyone suitable for your Familia yet. But, this world of pirates isn't the only place to look. We can always explore other worlds. Remember what I mentioned before the Moon Festival?"
Yami's words immediately made both Hephaestus and Hestia perk up.
Recalling their conversation before the Moon Festival, the two goddesses grew visibly excited.
"I would've completely forgotten if you hadn't reminded me!" exclaimed Hephaestus.
"Now that the festival is over, we can definitely travel to new worlds. So, when are we going?" she continued eagerly.
"Exactly! What Hephaestus said is what I want too!" Hestia chimed in. "Don't worry, Yami-kun, I'll protect you with my life!"
She confidently patted her chest, causing her... assets to bounce, entirely unaware of the effect it had.
Yami, however, was already used to Hestia's antics.
"Wait a minute, what's going on here? Don't leave me out of the conversation!" Artemis suddenly interjected, expressing her displeasure.
After all, being excluded while two of her closest friends made secret plans wasn't exactly pleasant.
Her words immediately caught Yami's attention.
"Well, Artemis-sama," Yami began, "I've obtained the key to yet another new world. But this world is extremely dangerous. There are beings in it even I can't defeat—beings that could potentially threaten my life."
"So, I planned to take Hestia and Hephaestus with me," he continued. "It's not that I'm asking them to help me solve all the problems, but having their protection will certainly help. That's my intention."
Yami's candid explanation helped Artemis understand the situation.
The next moment, a sly smile appeared on the face of the Moon Goddess.
"Is that so? Well, in that case, I'll join you!" Artemis declared. "It's hard to believe there are humans stronger than you, Yami-kun. What kind of heroes could they be?"
"Now that I know about this, I certainly don't want to miss out! You don't mind, do you?" she asked sweetly, tilting her head.
Her innocent question was met with Yami's gaze. He looked into her eyes and saw the determination there.
It was clear there was no reason to refuse her now.
Especially after what happened the previous night, Yami had no intention of rejecting her.
"Of course, I don't mind," Yami said with a smile. "You're more than welcome to join us, Artemis-sama."
Yami's agreement seemed to make Artemis genuinely happy. However, she lingered for a moment, her eyes fixed on him.
"What is it?" Yami asked, confused by her stare.
"Yami-kun, just call me Artemis, like you do with Hephaestus and Hestia. There's no need for formalities like 'Goddess' or 'Sama.' Just call me by my name," Artemis said, her head tilted slightly, a cute expression on her face.
Yami was momentarily stunned by her words.
How could he refuse such an adorable request?
"Well, if you don't mind, then sure—Artemis it is," he replied, smiling. "I look forward to working with you."
Artemis's smile grew even brighter.
But off to the side, Hestia glanced between Yami and Artemis, sensing something strange in the air between the two.
"I can't shake the feeling that you two are hiding something from me!" she pouted.