The newspaper eventually reached Amazon Lily.
Upon reading it, Hancock was unable to hide her shock.
"That man!"
"So powerful!"
"So different from the rest!"
He had slain a Celestial Dragon — and even made them publicly admit they were nothing but pigs. Now, he was on the verge of ruling over the New World itself!
Hancock's surprise was understandable. Elior was the only man who had ever truly caught her attention.
His face haunted her thoughts like a relentless shadow she couldn't shake off.
"Snake Princess, the Vice Admiral from Marine Headquarters has been waiting outside for over two days now!"
Elder Nyon's voice was filled with exasperation as she stood nearby.
"As a Shichibukai, if you refuse the summons now, the World Government may strip you of your title!"
Her tone carried deep concern. She knew better than anyone how willful Boa Hancock could be, but this was no time to be selfish.
"Let them strip me. I have no interest in the title of Shichibukai" Hancock replied coldly.
"Boa Hancock, you—!"
"Old hag, get out of my sight!"
"Ah! You wretched girl! I was once your empress, you owe me respect!"
Then, Elder Nyon's eyes lit up as a thought struck her.
"Wait, Hancock! That man — he's going to Marineford! There's no way he won't show up!"
Elior. A man of immense importance — not only did he kill a Celestial Dragon, but he also humiliated them all. Because of that, Hancock had been secretly following his every move.
Elder Nyon took a gamble, hoping her words would push Hancock to reconsider. After all, if anyone could move her, it was Elior. It was practically unheard of for Hancock to show interest in a man.
If Hancock refused to participate and lost her Shichibukai status, the World Government's newer, more advanced battleships could enter the Calm Belt with ease. Without the protection of that title, Amazon Lily — an all-female island of pirates — would be exposed.
It would become a living hell, targeted by Marines and pirates alike.
Fishman Island in the early Great Pirate Era was a grim precedent.
Never underestimate the cruelty of pirates… or overestimate the "justice" of the Marines or the World Government.
"What man? I have no interest in such filthy creatures!"
Hancock scoffed at Nyon's words.
"Elior! He'll be there! He has to be there!"
The moment Nyon said his name, she closely watched Hancock's face — and saw it flash not with surprise, but joy.
'Hancock, you liar! You do care about a man!'
Nyon couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"If that man will be there... then I suppose I can reluctantly accept the World Government's call."
Six hours later, Vice Admiral Momonga, who had been stationed outside Amazon Lily, contacted Fleet Admiral Sengoku via Den Den Mushi.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Boa Hancock has agreed."
"She finally agreed?" Sengoku sighed in relief.
Hancock was a vital asset—her strength was indispensable in the coming war.
Now, all active Shichibukai had agreed to participate — except Jinbe. Jinbe had refused to fight against Whitebeard, even if it meant imprisonment.
There was also the newest member: Blackbeard, Marshall D. Teach.
He had exchanged Ace for the vacant Shichibukai seat left by Crocodile. The World Government accepted the trade, considering Teach's strength and the value of Ace as a prisoner.
What they didn't know, however, was just how dangerous Blackbeard truly was — his power, his ambition. Nearly everything happening in the world right now — apart from the chaos stirred up by Elior — had Blackbeard's fingerprints on it.
Sabaody Archipelago.
"Heh heh… Things sure are getting lively around here, zehahaha!"
Blackbeard and his crew were currently on Sabaody, watching the flood of Marines relocating their families from Marineford and the increasing swarm of pirates arriving.
Rumors had spread: the Marineford execution and war would be broadcasted live, and the main viewing site would be Sabaody's central plaza. Many pirates who were planning to enter the New World postponed their journeys to witness the spectacle.
"Heh, gotta admit… I'm getting fired up myself!"
"Champion of Combat" Jesus Burgess laughed, the strongest fighter under Blackbeard's command.
"Captain, when are we heading to Impel Down?" asked sniper Van Augur.
"Let's check in at Marine HQ first. After all, I am a Shichibukai now, zehahaha!"
Blackbeard laughed darkly. Per the Government's orders, all Shichibukais participating in the war had to report to Marineford and stay there until the day of the execution.
Blackbeard's plan? Report in, just to keep up appearances — and then head straight to Impel Down to recruit new crew members.
Would he fight in the war? Absolutely.
How else would he get his hands on the Tremor-Tremor Fruit?
Even Blackbeard himself knew this was a massive gamble — a high-stakes game of deceit and destruction. But if he won…
He would take Whitebeard's place.
And rise as one of the next emperors — standing atop Whitebeard's corpse.