"..."
Hancock shot a fierce glare at Wright—what was with this Navy officer talking to her like coaxing a little girl?!
Even if he was a few years older than her…
Suddenly realizing something, Hancock's eyes widened—this man was a Marine Admiral only four or five years older than herself!
"What a monster…"
Silently grumbling, Hancock carefully mulled over Wright's words.
The deeds of Marine Admiral Wright were known across the world. His attitude towards the Celestial Dragons was no secret to most of the higher-ups either.
However, his immense popularity, global support, and the unwavering backing of Marine Headquarters forced the World Government to accept this unprecedented fourth Admiral seat—despite their reluctance.
Some curious researchers even speculated that if anyone else—be it the current Fleet Admiral or the three Admirals—were in the same position, the World Government would never have compromised!
But the World Government's concession was only one aspect. The other reason was Wright's extraordinary strength and unique abilities. Such a special Admiral-level powerhouse was not someone even the World Government wanted to antagonize—
A powerful healer like him… who could guarantee they wouldn't need his abilities one day?
Even if he wasn't fond of the Celestial Dragons, there were still three other Admirals. As long as Wright remained in the Navy, he couldn't openly defy the World Government—at most, he'd grumble like that old codger Garp.
With that in mind, what was there to worry about?
Today, however, Hancock realized that the World Government might have dug a massive pit for her!
"I truly did not expect… you to be such a Marine Admiral."
Hancock's hatred for the World Government was well-known. The willful Empress never hesitated to voice her disdain in public, and the World Government could only turn a blind eye—
After all, Hancock's position as a Warlord of the Sea was earned through strength!
With strength comes the right to speak!
As long as she didn't take any concrete actions, even voicing her discontent with the World Government in front of a Marine Admiral was something no one could do anything about.
"A Marine Admiral with Conqueror's Haki… just how many secrets does this man hold?"
Hancock silently pondered while flashing a captivating smile.
"Well then, I shall have a proper discussion with the Ryugu Kingdom… It seems things have become quite interesting!"
"No problem, please proceed."
Wright dispelled the Holy Light Wall—Sanctuary, glancing at the dazed Marines nearby before introducing Queen Otohime and Prince Fukaboshi to Hancock.
"You can speak privately. I won't interfere in confidential state affairs between nations."
"Thank you for your help, Admiral Wright."
Queen Otohime and Prince Fukaboshi bowed. Although the Pirate Empress showed no hostility, she was clearly here to give their new neighbors a show of force. Without Wright's presence, the Ryugu Kingdom would have undoubtedly suffered greatly.
Hancock's charm was simply too powerful, transcending race and appealing to both men and women. Even the female warriors aboard her own pirate ship were utterly smitten!
With Prince Fukaboshi remaining behind, Queen Otohime and Hancock entered the cabin. The outcome of this negotiation would determine the success of the New Fish-Man Island plan.
"Admiral Wright."
Prince Fukaboshi nervously whispered to Wright.
"That Pirate Empress… is she really not a problem? Her behavior seems… rather odd."
"Odd, isn't it?"
Wright chuckled.
"Your Highness, compared to the title of Pirate Empress, Hancock is first and foremost a powerful pirate—Amazon Lily's philosophy is that the strongest is the most beautiful."
"With both beauty and strength at their peak, Hancock's way of ruling her nation is naturally different from ordinary monarchs."
"Amazon Lily's population is less than a fraction of Fish-Man Island's. She doesn't need to worry about governance—strength is the foundation of her rule."
"By displaying her strength, she maintains order internally and deters enemies externally."
"I see…"
Prince Fukaboshi nodded thoughtfully. Such a model would never work on Fish-Man Island or any larger nation.
Perhaps the unique culture of Amazon Lily had shaped the Pirate Empress's distinct methods?
"I trust Queen Otohime can persuade Hancock. Fish-Man Island and Amazon Lily looking out for each other is only natural."
"Admiral Wright… did you recommend this side of the Calm Belt with Amazon Lily in mind from the start?"
Prince Fukaboshi couldn't help but ask, seeing how familiar Wright seemed with Amazon Lily.
"Your judgment has never been wrong… Did you predict the Pirate Empress's reaction too?"
"Well…"
Wright glanced at Fukaboshi in surprise.
"King Neptune has a fine successor, hahaha…"
…
Time passed slowly. The Kuja Pirates' crew would have been restless long ago if not for their unwavering trust in the Snake Empress's strength and Wright's constant presence on deck.
Even so, Sandersonia and Marigold were growing anxious.
"Ane-sama won't have any problems, right?"
"With ane-sama's personality, there's no way she could endure such a long negotiation!"
"But… that's Queen Otohime. Maybe ane-sama will have extra patience?"
"Let's hope so… Besides, with Admiral Wright here, no one can threaten ane-sama!"
While they discussed, the cabin door finally opened. Hancock and Queen Otohime emerged, both smiling.
"Hmph, looks like the talks went well."
Wright exchanged a glance with Prince Fukaboshi, who quickly followed his mother.
"Admiral Wright, thank you once again for your help."
Queen Otohime winked playfully, and Wright smiled faintly.
"You're too kind."
"Marine… our business is settled. From now on, Amazon Lily and New Fish-Man Island are friendly neighboring nations, bound by mutual support."
Hancock approached Wright, tilting her chin upward haughtily, one hand pointing at his chest—her ample curves nearly bursting from her dress.
"I heard you showed great sincerity in promoting friendship between humans and Fish-Man Island."
"With my own show of goodwill… shouldn't you display some sincerity as well? I believe sparkling ornaments would suit me quite nicely~"
"After all… don't you think I'm simply too beautiful?"
"..."
Queen Otohime awkwardly covered her face, Prince Fukaboshi averted his eyes, while the Fish-Man Island crew and Marines began clamoring:
"That's right! You're too beautiful!"
"Shut up!"
Wright snapped at them, sighing helplessly before producing three small boxes from his coat.
"Here. It's the same model as Queen Otohime's—no need for explanations. One for each of you sisters."
"That's more like it!"
Hancock opened the boxes, satisfied as she fastened the radiant crystal pendant around her snowy neck.
The Marines erupted into a frenzy once more—this time, even Vigor Aura couldn't calm them down.
"Hancock-sama! You're even more beautiful!"
"Training doubled!"
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