Deep within the jungles of Amazon Lily, towering ancient trees blocked out the sky, with only scattered beams of sunlight filtering through the gaps to illuminate the fallen leaves on the ground.
Bahr stood before a massive boulder, his eyes focused as an invisible pressure began to emanate from his body.
He attempted to concentrate his Conqueror's Haki into his fist. Unlike ordinary Haki, which was akin to a sharp blade coating the body—capable of tearing through steel but lacking agility—Conqueror's Haki Coating carried a domineering penetrative force, as if it could infuse his will into every wisp of air.
At this moment, the swirling currents around his fist were no longer chaotic pressure but had condensed into a faint purple glow visible to the naked eye, like countless tiny lightning bolts flickering within.
"Ha!" Bahr exhaled sharply, his fist striking the boulder with a sound that split the air.
There was no earth-shattering explosion, but the faint purple currents coiled around the boulder like vines, instantly seeping into its cracks. In the next second, the entire boulder shattered from within, crumbling into countless tiny grains of sand, the very dust trembling as if crushed by sheer will.
Truly, this was Conqueror's Haki Coating. The destructive power was worlds apart from ordinary Haki.
"Ah—" Hancock, who had been watching from the side, clasped her hands to her cheeks, her red cape spread across the grass behind her. Her snake-shaped earrings swayed gently with her movements, emitting soft chimes.
Today, she wore a purple off-shoulder blouse, the slit in her skirt revealing her pale, slender legs. Her usually haughty peach-blossom eyes now shone with unmistakable admiration, brimming with undisguised adoration. "Lord Bahr is truly amazing! To grasp the essence of Conqueror's Haki Coating so quickly!"
Bahr shook his slightly numb fist, surveying the scattered rubble with a hint of pride swelling in his chest.
His Conqueror's Haki had been awakened unexpectedly during battle, but he had no idea how to wield it properly. Thus, he had turned to Hancock for guidance.
Among the past emperors of Amazon Lily, there had been users of Conqueror's Haki, and they had left behind systematic training methods. Even the ordinary warriors on the island were well-versed in Haki application.
Yet, his current situation was like trying to rein in a wild stallion. Releasing Conqueror's Haki wasn't difficult, but every time he attempted to coat his fists or feet with it, the power became unruly and difficult to control. The punch that had shattered the boulder just now was already the result of his barely restrained effort.
"Is there a trick to Conqueror's Haki Coating?" He turned to Hancock and asked bluntly.
"For Lord Bahr to ask me is my greatest honor."
Hancock's eyes brightened even further at his question. She quickly stepped forward, clasping her hands behind her back and tilting her head slightly to gaze up at Bahr, her snake eyes gleaming with earnestness. "The ancient texts of Amazon Lily say that Conqueror's Haki Coating is like taming the fiercest sea serpent. You must make the Haki follow your will, not let the Haki lead you astray."
"Make the Haki follow my will..." Bahr murmured, his brow furrowing in thought.
He tried to recall the sensation from his earlier punch. That faint purple current had indeed seemed to have a will of its own, struggling to break free from his control.
As he pondered, he glanced up and caught Hancock's gaze fixed on him. Her eyes were filled with undisguised infatuation, her cheeks flushed, and even the corners of her eyes glistened with moisture, like a docile little creature.
Looking around at the dense jungle, the towering ancient trees blocked out the sky, and the air was filled with the damp scent of vegetation. A primal impulse surged through him abruptly.
Bahr suddenly reached out and grabbed Hancock's wrist.
"Lord Bahr?" Hancock was momentarily stunned as he pulled her forward, her red cloak dragging a trail through the grass, her snake-shaped earrings swaying violently. "Where are we going?"
Bahr didn't answer, merely leading her to a thick ancient tree before stopping. He turned and pressed Hancock against the trunk, his hands on her shoulders.
Her back met the cool bark, and Hancock instantly understood his intentions. Her cheeks flushed crimson, the color spreading down to her neck.
She glanced back at Bahr as he undid his belt, her long lashes trembling, her eyes glistening like pools of spring water.
"If it's what Lord Bahr desires..." She bit her lower lip, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum, yet carrying an unmistakable submission. "This concubine is always ready..."
Before she could finish, she arched her neck, a sweet moan escaping her nose like a silver bell stirred by the wind. The rustling of leaves in the jungle masked her faint gasps.
Hancock closed her eyes, savoring Bahr's domineering kisses, a strange sweetness welling up in her heart.
Such forceful, irresistible affection was unexpectedly intoxicating. To be needed by Lord Bahr like this... it was truly bliss.
Deep in the jungle, the rustling of leaves was suddenly accompanied by faint footsteps.
A massive snake, predominantly bright yellow, slithered out from the vines—Hancock's pet, Salome.
As thick as a bowl's mouth, its slender body was covered in irregular pink spots of varying sizes, shimmering vividly under the dappled sunlight. A small golden crown adorned its head.
Now flicking its forked tongue, it blocked the approaching figure, its amber eyes alert, body slightly tensed, clearly unwilling to let them pass.
"Lady Salome," the attendant quickly halted and bowed slightly to the giant snake, her tone respectful. "I have urgent news for the Snake Princess."
Salome merely coiled tighter, swaying its head slightly, hissing as if silently refusing.
"What is it?" Hancock's voice came from nearby, carrying a deliberately suppressed huskiness.
The attendant immediately bowed toward the source of the voice. "Your Majesty, the Straw Hat Boy has awakened."
After a brief pause, Hancock's trembling reply came, her voice quivering at the end. "U-understood... you may leave."
Though the attendant found the Empress's voice odd—wavering as if unsteady—she dared not question it. After another bow to Salome, she turned and departed.
Silence returned to the jungle, save for the rustling of leaves in the wind.
Hancock's cheeks were flushed, beads of sweat glistening at her temples and trickling down her smooth jawline. Her arms were tightly wrapped around Bahr's neck, her knuckles whitening from the strain, her heart pounding like "fifteen buckets drawing water—seven up, eight down."
She looked up at Bahr, her long lashes dotted with tiny sweat droplets, her gaze tinged with shyness and hesitation. "Is this... alright, Lord Bahr?"
Bahr lowered his head to kiss her sweat-dampened nose, his tone carrying an indolent certainty: "Fine, our matters take precedence. We can visit him later."
Hancock was about to say something more when her lips were firmly sealed by his aggressive kiss, leaving nothing in her heart but pure elation.
How wonderful that Lord Bahr is so infatuated with me... This must be what mutual affection feels like!
With this thought, the arms wrapped around Bahr's neck tightened further as she melted completely into his embrace.
Yet she failed to notice how the blazing, near-incendiary love in her eyes differed fundamentally from the pure possessiveness in Bahr's gaze.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LegendaryTL
Thanks!