Having left the waters near Marineford, Ryuen went straight to Nine Serpent Island!
Now that the war at Mary Geoise is over, it's time to safely return Vivi to Alabasta.
Of course, this time visiting Nine Serpent Island is not only to take Vivi back to Alabasta, but also to visit Hancock and see the lovely and innocent Shirahoshi.
And since the last time, Ryuen has had a feeling that Hancock is pregnant.
This is his first child!
When Ryuen finally arrived at Nine Serpent Island, the sky was already turning light gray, and the morning sun shone through the clouds, lighting up the whole island.
Looking around, the whole Amazon Lily kingdom was busy and lively.
Some women warriors were sailing ships toward the calm sea, ready to start a new day of fishing.
Others were working hard in the rich soil, planting, watering, and weeding, carefully taking care of each crop.
Some skilled women moved through the mountains and forests, chasing various animals, showing their great hunting skills.
And the market was crowded, with sellers calling out and all sorts of goods filling the stalls.
At the same time, in a room deep in the palace, Shirahoshi, who was fast asleep, suddenly opened her eyes without warning.
At this moment, among all the people in the Amazon Lily kingdom, Shirahoshi has the strongest and most sensitive observation power.
So, she was the first to notice Ryuen's arrival.
"It's Ryuen-sama!" Shirahoshi was so excited that she jumped out of bed, put a bubble ring around her waist, and rushed out of the room.
Just then, Ryuen also noticed Shirahoshi's figure with his own special sensing ability.
He smiled slightly, then flapped his wings to change direction, and landed firmly in the middle of the yard where Shirahoshi lived.
When she saw the Ryuen she had been missing in front of her, standing so close in her yard, Shirahoshi's excited heart was about to jump out of her chest.
"Ryuen-sama!"
With a cry full of joy and love, the nearly twelve-meter-tall Shirahoshi, now like a happy deer, ran excitedly towards Ryuen.
She picked up Ryuen and held him to her chest, then looked down and rubbed her smooth face against Ryuen.
Ryuen was held tightly in Shirahoshi's arms, feeling her smooth face rubbing against him, and he felt a warm and loving feeling in his heart.
He gently patted Shirahoshi's arm and said softly, "Okay, Shirahoshi, I'm here, aren't I? Don't be so excited."
Shirahoshi loosened her grip a little, but still wouldn't let go, looking down at Ryuen, her eyes full of joy and clinging: "Ryuen-sama, you're finally here! I think about you every day, you know?"
Ryuen smiled slightly, reached out and gently stroked Shirahoshi's cheek, and said softly, "I know, I miss you too. This time, besides taking your sister Vivi back to Alabasta, I want to spend some time with you."
When Shirahoshi heard this, a bright smile appeared on her face, as if the whole world had lit up.
She nodded hard and said happily, "That's great! Ryuen-sama, you must stay for a few more days. I'll take you to see a beautiful underwater garden I found recently. There are so many pretty fish and coral there!"
Ryuen smiled and nodded, agreeing: "Okay, I'll definitely go."
Just then, light footsteps came from a distance.
Ryuen and Shirahoshi turned their heads at the same time, and saw Hancock walking slowly.
She was wearing a beautiful long dress, graceful, but with a hint of shyness in her expression.
This shyness not only didn't take away from her charm, but also added a unique touch to her already beautiful face, making people fall for her even more.
Her eyes moved between Ryuen and Shirahoshi, and finally landed on Ryuen, with a hint of tenderness in her eyes that was hard to notice.
"Ryuen, you're here." When there were outsiders, Hancock's voice was still proud, but her tone had a hint of gentleness.
Ryuen nodded and replied with a smile: "Hancock, it's been a few days."
Hancock took a few steps closer, looked at Shirahoshi, and said softly, "Shirahoshi, go and call Vivi. We'll be welcoming Ryuen-sama later."
Although Shirahoshi was a little unwilling, she still nodded obediently, put Ryuen down gently, and turned to leave the yard.
After Shirahoshi was far away, Hancock turned her eyes back to Ryuen, and her expression became much softer.
She said softly, "You're here this time for Princess Vivi's matter, right?"
Ryuen nodded, his expression also became serious: "Yes, the war at Mary Geoise is over, and Vivi should return to Alabasta. But, I have something more important to do this time."
Hancock was slightly stunned, and a trace of doubt flashed in her eyes: "Something more important?"
Ryuen took a deep breath, looked at Hancock with firm eyes, and said slowly, "Hancock, I have a feeling... you're already pregnant."
Hancock's body trembled slightly, and the expression on her face instantly turned shy.
She lowered her red cheeks, was silent for a moment, and finally nodded lightly, and said softly, "Yes... Granny Nyon confirmed that I am pregnant."
Although Ryuen had a feeling about it, he was still excited and happy to hear Hancock admit it herself.
He took a step forward, gently took Hancock's hand, and his eyes were full of tenderness and gratitude: "Hancock, thank you. This is our first child, I will take good care of you."
A blush appeared on Hancock's face, she gently pulled her hand back, turned her head away, and said with a hint of shyness, "Who wants you to take care of me... I am the empress of Amazon Lily, I don't need anyone to take care of me."
Ryuen smiled, knowing that Hancock was always proud, so he didn't say anything more, just looked at her gently.
The two looked at each other and smiled, and the atmosphere became warm and peaceful.
Just then, a burst of noise came from a distance. Ryuen and Hancock turned their heads at the same time, and saw Shirahoshi and Vivi leading a group of women warriors walking towards them.
They were holding all kinds of food and flowers in their hands, with happy smiles on their faces.
"Ryuen-sama, Sister Hancock, we're ready!" Shirahoshi shouted excitedly, her eyes full of anticipation.
"Ryuen!" Vivi was also very excited to see Ryuen.
Hancock returned to her usual proud expression, and nodded lightly: "Okay, let's go over there now."
Ryuen looked at the lively scene in front of him, and felt a warm feeling in his heart.
In the following time, Ryuen accompanied Shirahoshi to tour every corner of Nine Serpent Island, admired the beautiful underwater garden, and also hunted with her in the forest, enjoying a rare peace and happiness.
And although Hancock was still proud on the surface, her expression was always gentle and loving whenever she was alone with Ryuen.
As evening approached, Ryuen finally decided to set off and escort Vivi back to Alabasta.
Before leaving, Shirahoshi reluctantly held Ryuen next to her face, her eyes full of tears: "Ryuen-sama, you must come back soon!"
Ryuen gently stroked Shirahoshi's cheek and said softly, "Don't worry, I will definitely come back. When I finish handling Vivi's business, and the business in the sky island, I will come back to be with you."
Although she was very reluctant, Shirahoshi still put Ryuen down.
Hancock stood aside, and although she didn't say much, the unwillingness in her eyes was obvious. She nodded lightly and said softly, "Be careful on the way."
Ryuen looked at Hancock deeply, nodded solemnly, "I will."
In this way, Ryuen released his flame cloud and took Vivi to Alabasta immediately.