That day, a pirate ship arrived at the Navy Headquarters port, yet the Marines stationed there showed no alarm at all.
Because it was the Kuja Pirates' ship, and its captain was none other than one of the Shichibukai—the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock.
Hancock could be considered a frequent guest of Headquarters. In a single month, she would come at least five or six times. Accounting for the time spent traveling, one could say that if she wasn't at Headquarters, then she was on her way there.
With her graceful stride, Hancock descended from the ship surrounded by her Amazon warriors. A sailor who had been guarding the port immediately stepped forward to welcome her.
He tried his best to keep his eyes from straying toward Hancock. Everyone knew the precedent—Hancock's hatred of men was no secret. Soldiers who had once been enchanted by her beauty had turned to stone on the spot.
It wasn't that Hancock had done it on purpose. Ever since her Devil Fruit had awakened, her beauty had only grown more divine, and her charm more irresistible. The petrification powers of the Medusa Fruit had almost become passive—those who lost themselves in her beauty would instantly turn to stone.
Still, because of Kaito's influence, Hancock had helped undo the petrification for those poor men. She didn't want to draw Kaito's disapproval over something so petty.
Tightening the red cloak draped over her shoulders, Hancock spoke faintly,
"Is Fleet Admiral Shikiryū in?"
The sailor wiped the sweat from his forehead and answered,
"Fleet Admiral Shikiryū is currently working in his office. Shall I go and inform him for you?"
"Don't disturb him. I'll just wait for him in the back."
Hancock turned and ordered her subordinates to remain aboard the ship, while she herself walked toward Headquarters.
After she left, a Marine soldier leaned toward the sailor and whispered,
"Sir, shouldn't we at least report to Fleet Admiral Shikiryū that the Empress has arrived?"
"Forget it. She's been here so many times already. Fleet Admiral Shikiryū himself said there's no need to report when she comes."
"The Fleet Admiral really trusts her, huh?"
"Hmph. Do you even understand who the Fleet Admiral is? Forget the Empress—what about Big Mom herself? Didn't the Fleet Admiral defeat her all the same?"
At the mention of Kaito, the sailor's face filled with pride, as if he himself had been the one to defeat Big Mom.
...
Hancock, well familiar with the way, arrived at the Fleet Admiral's residence. The guards posted at the entrance even saluted her, offering no resistance as she entered.
She stepped into the hall, slipped off her cloak, and hung it neatly on the coat rack by the door. Then she sat on the sofa and quietly waited for Kaito's return.
Suddenly, voices from upstairs drew her attention.
"Shalria-sama, it's time for your lunch."
"What's the rush? I'll wait until Kaito comes back to eat!"
"But Kaito-sama said he has matters to attend to today. He'll be back late..."
"Then I'll wait! Without Kaito here, I have no appetite!"
The voices were clearly female. Hancock frowned and stood, heading upstairs.
She stopped before a bedroom door, hesitated a moment, and raised her hand to knock—only for the door to open first.
What appeared in Hancock's vision was a chubby, round face.
Seeing it, Hancock let out a subtle sigh of relief. But when her eyes moved past the figure to the person sprawled inside, her heart clenched again.
In the room sat Shalria with one of her maids. Shalria was lying across the bed, clutching a doll of Kaito, looking perfectly content.
The maid was struck dumb at the sight of Hancock's beauty, taking a long while before blurting,
"Y-you are...?"
Shalria, hearing the commotion at the door, turned to look—and her face quickly mirrored her maid's expression.
"So beautiful..."
Hancock ignored the maid and strode right to the bedside, her voice icy.
"Who are you? Why haven't I seen you here before?"
Shalria, who had still been entranced by Hancock's beauty, snapped out of it with irritation at those words.
Never seen before?
Didn't that imply this woman came here often? What was her relationship with Kaito!?
Shalria tried to spring up from the bed in outrage, but her weak body betrayed her. She didn't manage to get up—instead, the back of her head smacked heavily against the mattress.
Hancock's stern expression cracked at the ridiculous sight, and she couldn't help but let out a laugh.
Realizing she had embarrassed herself, Shalria covered her head and obediently lay flat, essentially giving up.
The maid quickly rushed forward to help her up, adjusting her clothes as she cried,
"Shalria-sama! Are you alright? It's all my fault, please forgive me!"
The old Shalria would have vented her anger on the maid for such an embarrassment, even if it wasn't the maid's fault. At worst, she might have ordered her executed.
But ever since meeting Kaito, Shalria had changed—subtly but profoundly. She wasn't as arrogant and overbearing toward others anymore, showing a trace of tolerance.
Her face flushed red, Shalria pressed the maid's hand down and said,
"Enough, enough. It was my own carelessness—it has nothing to do with you. And stop always dressing me. Kaito said I have to learn to do this myself!"
With that, she fumbled with her buttons. Her movements were clumsy, but she managed to fasten them correctly this time—much better than before.
Hancock silently watched Shalria's "great struggle" with the buttons, though inside, a storm was raging.
She had first heard the title "Shalria-sama" from downstairs, but hadn't paid it much mind. Now, hearing the maid repeat it—and seeing her behavior—Hancock had basically guessed her identity.
The only reason she couldn't be sure was because Shalria's behavior was utterly unlike the Celestial Dragons she remembered. Since when were Celestial Dragons so gentle with their servants?
Watching Shalria wrestle with her shoes, Hancock finally asked hesitantly,
"You're... a Celestial Dragons?"
Still focused on her shoes, Shalria answered without even looking up,
"Of course. Do I not look like one?"
"Do you even look at yourself!?" Hancock ranted silently in her head, but aloud she pressed on coldly,
"And why would a Celestial Dragon be living in Kaito's residence?"
As she spoke, Hancock's eyes flicked to the doll on the bed. Seeing the faint lip prints left on its face, she couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Yet even such a simple gesture from Hancock radiated such allure that the maid beside her couldn't withstand it—she was instantly petrified.
At last, Shalria finished tugging on her shoes. She hopped down from the bed proudly, grinning at Hancock.
"Of course it's because Kaito brought me here. This room is the one he prepared for me! So, what do you think? Impressive, right—eh!? Fiona!? What happened to you!?"
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo