"Don't worry."
Ulti patted Page One's shoulder.
"If he hits you, I'll help beat him up."
Page One shrugged:
"I don't think Sasaki will challenge me."
"You're the one he'll go after next, Sis."
"You said it yourself—I'm too weak."
"He mocks me all the time too."
"If he challenged me for a promotion, people would just laugh at him."
Sasaki was normally arrogant to no end.
But he did have the strength to back it up.
He looked down on small fry and the weak.
But for him to fight someone he constantly insulted just to rise in rank?
He'd rather die than do something that humiliating.
Ulti furrowed her brows, thinking her brother had a point.
That proud and conceited Sasaki definitely wouldn't try to advance by fighting someone he deemed weak.
And among the Flying Six, she was the most "suitable" target.
Her strength and bounty were roughly on par with his.
If anything, Sasaki might be just a little stronger.
Challenging her would let him reclaim a spot in the Flying Six without losing face.
"You're smarter than you look, little brother."
"Aren't you afraid I'll take it out on you later?"
Ulti ruffled his purple hair again.
"But I'll make sure he knows—if he thinks he can use me as a stepping stone..."
"He's not qualified!"
There was a fierce glint in Ulti's eyes.
In the cruel, survival-of-the-fittest world of the Beasts Pirates, every single Flying Six member had fought through countless battles to reach their status.
If Sasaki thought she was some soft target...
She wouldn't hesitate to bash his horns off with her headbutt!
After more than two hours of fighting, the sandstorm finally began to settle.
Everyone turned to look at the battlefield.
The outcome was clear.
Crocodile stood there, cigar in his mouth, breathing slightly heavy.
His golden hook on his left arm still dripped with fresh blood.
"Nice job, boss!"
Mr. 3 cheered loudly.
The other former Baroque Works agents also wore smiles.
After joining the Beasts Pirates, they hadn't been well treated.
Back in the first half of the Grand Line, they had made names for themselves.
But here?
There were countless stronger, more infamous pirates— and they had to keep their heads down just to survive.
They had been having a hard time adjusting.
But now that their boss's status had risen, things were looking up for them as well.
It would also help in the future search for Pluton.
Ignoring the cheers of his subordinates, Crocodile glanced at his fallen opponent with a blank expression and turned to leave.
From this moment on, he was officially one of the strongest Tobiroppo.
Once he had rested, his next goal would be to challenge Drought Jack for his position.
"What a terrifying Devil Fruit ability."
Ulti murmured as she looked at the battlefield, now turned into a desert.
"He's more deserving of the name 'Drought' than Jack himself."
"He's probably stronger than Jack too."
After all, a clumsy mammoth likely wouldn't fare well against a sandstorm.
"Sis, should we use this chance to knock Sasaki off the board?"
Page One's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
He still resented Sasaki for all the mockery.
"Don't even think about it, Page One."
Ulti shot him a glare and said sternly,
"Lord Kaido still values Sasaki's strength."
If Sasaki died during a formal challenge, that would be acceptable.
Death was common in the Beasts Pirates.
But not now.
Neither Kaido nor King the Wildfire would tolerate Sasaki being killed without resistance.
The mention of Kaido made Page One shrink back a bit, a flicker of fear flashing in his eyes—
his wild thoughts immediately vanished.
News of Crocodile's victory quickly spread throughout Onigashima.
Everyone knew— Crocodile, who had defeated Sasaki with relative ease, was sure to set his sights on even higher ranks.
Inside Drought Jack's quarters, Jack was gorging on meat while listening to his underlings' report.
"Crocodile, huh?"
"If he wants to challenge me, bring it on!"
"Damn former Warlord—just a government lapdog!"
"He thinks beating that trash Sasaki gives him the right to challenge me?"
"I'm Drought Jack!"
Meanwhile, unaware of the commotion in the Beasts Pirates—
Sanders was preparing to leave Amazon Lily.
Early that morning, Hancock had prepared a boatload of gifts for him.
The ship's hold was filled with goods, mostly food from Amazon Lily.
In the Tenshukaku (Main Hall)
Hancock helped Sanders straighten his clothes, her eyes full of reluctance.
"I'll come visit often, Hancock,"
Sanders said softly, putting an arm around her waist.
"I wish you a safe journey,"
Hancock replied, cheeks slightly flushed.
"Be careful. You've caused the World Government a lot of trouble—they won't let you off easily."
"Hahaha, I know. Don't worry."
"The World Government can't do anything to me."
"Or rather, they won't even be able to find me."
Sanders wasn't worried at all about the World Government's retaliation.
Just Sky Island alone was enough to keep them searching endlessly.
The sea was vast—but the sky was even more so.
Trying to locate a floating island in the sky was even harder than finding a single island in the ocean.
Not to mention, with Violet's Glare-Glare Fruit ability as an early warning system, they would always be one step ahead.
Sanders gently kissed Hancock on the forehead, then turned and flew out of the Tenshukaku's window, waving at Hancock as he gradually vanished into the sky.
Inside the Tenshukaku
Hancock stood at the window, her gaze fixed in the direction Sanders had gone.
She stood motionless for a long time, reluctant to look away.
"Sister, Lord Sanders has already left,"
Marigold reminded her softly.
Hancock snapped out of her trance.
Her dazed expression was instantly replaced by a look of regal authority.
"Is something the matter?"
She sat gracefully on the sofa, head tilted upward— no longer a love-struck woman, but once again the empress of Amazon Lily, radiating arrogance and dignity.
"My lady, it's been a long time since we set sail."
"The others can't wait to head out again."
Marigold had grown used to her sister's rapid mood swings.
Ever since Sanders arrived, the Kuja Pirates hadn't left the island once.
It had been a long time since they'd gone raiding—and some supplies were due for replenishment.
"Hmph! Whatever I do should be forgiven."
Hancock crossed her legs and brushed her hair with a haughty air.
"Because I am just too beautiful!"
"Make preparations—we set sail tomorrow!"
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