The grand doors of the palace slowly closed as Monkey D. Luffy hurried off down the corridor in search of food.
His voice could still be heard echoing faintly through the halls.
"MEAT! I WANT MEAT!!"
The room fell quiet once he was gone.
Inside the chamber remained Boa Hancock, Boa Sandersonia, Boa Marigold, and Gloriosa.
The sisters were still processing everything they had just learned.
Sandersonia crossed her arms, frowning in disbelief. "Nyon-ba… does Lady Ada truly have a son?"
Marigold nodded slowly. "Yes… Luffy being her son is… shocking."
Her golden eyes shifted toward the doorway where Luffy had left. "I never imagined something like that."
Hancock remained quiet for a moment, staring thoughtfully at the floor.
"…Who did Lady Ada even marry?"
Her brows knit together slightly.
"Or… conceive with?"
The question lingered in the air.
Gloriosa tapped her cane lightly against the floor as she thought.
"Well…"
"The last time I met Ada was when she returned the three of you here to Amazon Lily."
The sisters straightened slightly.
"Yes," Sandersonia said firmly.
"We remember."
Marigold clenched her fists.
"We are forever grateful to her."
Images of chains, darkness, and cold stone cells flashed in their minds.
"If it weren't for Lady Ada…"
"…we would still be slaves."
Hancock's eyes hardened for a brief moment.
Then she looked away.
"…Luffy did say something earlier."
Her cheeks suddenly flushed faintly.
"…He told me to look toward the future."
She folded her arms awkwardly, clearly remembering his words.
Gloriosa noticed the blush immediately and smirked to herself.
Snake Princess…
So the disease may already be starting.
She said nothing out loud and instead continued speaking.
"When Ada and I last spoke…"
"She told me something important."
The sisters looked toward her.
Gloriosa held up the pendant.
"The necklace."
"She said she had given it to someone who is destined."
Her eyes sharpened.
"Now that I've met him…"
"I firmly believe that boy is her son."
Silence filled the room.
Then Sandersonia spoke slowly.
"…But the father?"
Gloriosa leaned slightly on her cane.
"There was only one man Ada ever mentioned who fits the possibility."
She paused.
"…Monkey D. Dragon."
The room exploded in shock.
"WHAT?!"
Sandersonia's jaw dropped.
"Dragon?!"
Marigold stared in disbelief.
"The Revolutionary?!"
"The most wanted man alive?!"
Even Hancock's eyes widened.
"Ada… and Dragon?"
Sandersonia rubbed her temples.
"That sounds almost impossible…"
Marigold muttered quietly.
"…Yet it somehow fits."
Then Marigold raised a brow.
"Wait…"
"But Dragon the Revolutionary doesn't even use a surname."
Gloriosa chuckled softly.
"That is probably intentional."
She slowly walked toward the window overlooking the island.
"After all…"
"His father is Monkey D. Garp."
"The great Marine hero."
She looked back at them.
"We cannot have the son of a Marine legend openly tarnishing that name while leading a revolution against the World Government."
The sisters slowly nodded.
"That… actually makes sense," Sandersonia admitted.
Gloriosa then tapped the pendant again.
"And Ada…"
"She is far too famous in the pirate world."
Her voice lowered slightly.
"Nyx D. Ada is a name that shakes the seas."
She smiled knowingly.
"It is likely why she chose for the boy to carry the name Monkey D. Luffy instead."
Hancock looked toward the open palace doors where Luffy had run off.
"…So that child…"
"…is the son of the Revolutionary Dragon…"
"And Lady Ada."
Sandersonia exhaled slowly.
"No wonder he feels so unusual."
Marigold nodded.
"That explains his will."
Gloriosa smiled faintly.
"Yes."
"The blood of monsters runs through that boy."
Far away in the palace dining hall—
Luffy's voice suddenly echoed loudly.
"SECONDS!!"
The four women fell silent.
Then Hancock quietly smiled to herself.
———————-
Inside the palace chamber, the conversation continued after the shocking realization about Monkey D. Luffy.
Gloriosa cleared her throat and tapped her cane on the floor.
"Well… now that we have that shocking revelation out of the way…"
She looked toward the empress.
"Snake Princess, what do you plan to do about the Navy outside our island?"
Boa Hancock raised an eyebrow.
"The Navy?"
Gloriosa nodded.
"They are requesting your summons."
"The Marines have called the Seven Warlords of the Sea to gather."
Hancock looked annoyed.
"I don't know yet."
She leaned back lazily.
"…I don't want to go."
Sandersonia and Marigold exchanged uneasy glances.
Gloriosa sighed.
"You need to go, Snake Princess."
"If you refuse the summons, the government may strip you of your Warlord status."
She gestured toward the island outside.
"Do it for your people."
Hancock immediately turned toward her with a sharp glare.
"Who are you to say that to me, old woman?!"
She flipped her hair dramatically.
"The Marines would surely forgive me… because I am beautiful!"
The room fell silent.
Boa Marigold sighed quietly.
"…There it is again," she muttered under her breath.
Beside her, Boa Sandersonia rubbed her forehead in embarrassment.
Gloriosa shook her head in disbelief, tapping her cane on the floor.
"Such a stubborn woman you are, Snake Princess."
She looked directly at Boa Hancock. "But at least think about your people… and this island."
Hancock's eyes narrowed slightly, though she said nothing.
Gloriosa sighed.
"…Honestly."
Turning away, the old woman slowly walked toward the door.
"Do as you please then."
"But remember… the fate of Amazon Lily rests on your decisions."
With that final remark, she stepped outside and closed the door behind her.
The room grew quiet.
Hancock stood there for a moment, arms folded.
Her sisters waited nervously.
Finally, Hancock spoke coldly.
"…Leave."
Sandersonia blinked.
"Sister?"
Hancock turned away, walking toward her bed.
"I want to rest."
Marigold and Sandersonia exchanged looks.
"…Yes, sister."
They bowed slightly before quietly leaving the chamber.
The large doors shut behind them.
Now alone, Hancock slowly sat down on her bed.
The room was silent.
But her thoughts were anything but calm.
Monkey D. Luffy…
The image of the boy bowing his head to save others replayed in her mind.
Her cheeks faintly reddened.
"…What a strange man."
She covered her face slightly with her hand, her lips curling into the smallest smile.
———————-
Meanwhile, across the village, Marguerite guided Luffy through a small path lined with palm trees.
They arrived at a simple wooden house.
"This is Nyon-ba's home," Marguerite explained.
Luffy stretched his arms behind his head.
"Ahhh… I'm stuffed!"
Inside the house, Gloriosa sat waiting.
She held out the pendant. "This belongs to you."
Luffy grinned. "Oh! My necklace!"
He grabbed it happily and put it back around his neck.
Gloriosa watched him for a moment.
"…To think that you are Ada's son."
"The world truly is shocking."
Luffy scratched his cheek.
"I don't really get it."
"I've never even seen my parents."
He grinned widely.
"But I always feel like they're protecting me!"
"Shishishi!"
Gloriosa smiled faintly.
That carefree nature…
He really is Ada's child.
After a moment she stood.
"You should rest now."
She looked out the window toward the sea.
"The world will surely change after this event."
Luffy tilted his head. "Change?"
Gloriosa nodded.
"Yes."
"Because the Warlords will likely cooperate with the Marines to eliminate the Whitebeard Pirates."
Luffy froze.
"…What?"
"The Warlords are teaming up with the Marines to defeat Edward Newgate?"
"When?! How?!"
He grabbed his head.
"This is way too much for me to take in all at once!"
Gloriosa snorted.
"What a foolish man you are."
"You truly know nothing, do you?"
She shook her head.
"You certainly didn't inherit Ada's intelligence."
Marguerite tried to hide a laugh.
Gloriosa continued. "Listen carefully. This is only my assumption. I have no proof. But war is highly probable. The World Government has laid out their bait and Whitebeard would never allow one of his crewmates to be executed."
She paused.
"But even knowing that… they still announced the execution."
"Of Portgas D. Ace."
Luffy suddenly froze.
Marguerite noticed immediately.
"What's wrong?"
Luffy's lips trembled.
"…Who?"
Gloriosa spoke slowly.
"Ace."
"Also known as Fire Fist Ace."
Silence filled the room.
"…They're going to execute Ace?"
Gloriosa nodded.
"According to reports, a pirate named Marshall D. Teach defeated him."
"And handed him to the government in exchange for a Warlord position."
Luffy lowered his straw hat, shadow covering his eyes.
"…Blackbeard… huh."
Gloriosa continued.
"This sends a strong message."
"The government has caught a very big fish."
"But more importantly—"
Luffy suddenly interrupted.
"Granny Nyon…"
His voice shook.
"Granny!"
He looked up, eyes wide.
"Ace is my brother!"
Marguerite gasped.
"Portgas D. Ace is my brother!!"
Gloriosa's eyes widened in shock.
"WHAT?!"
"My word… I had no idea!"
Luffy clenched his fists.
"Yeah!"
"And I didn't know anything about this either!"
His voice trembled.
"They're gonna kill him?!"
"But… he can still escape, right?!"
Gloriosa sighed.
"Well…"
"His best chance would be if Whitebeard arrives… and wins the war."
Luffy immediately stood up.
"Tell me!"
"Where are they going to execute him?!"
Gloriosa answered.
"At the town square of Marineford."
"The headquarters of the Navy."
"The execution is scheduled in one week."
She looked at him carefully.
"…Six days from now."
Luffy's eyes widened.
"Huh?!"
"That's too soon!"
Gloriosa continued.
"Before most criminals are executed, they are usually held at Impel Down."
"The great prison for pirates."
Luffy stepped forward immediately.
"Then tell me how to get there!"
Marguerite blinked in surprise.
"You're serious?!"
Gloriosa narrowed her eyes.
"Are you sure about this?"
"To enter Impel Down…"
"You will need help from the Snake Princess."
Luffy didn't hesitate for even a second.
"Okay!"
"I'll ask her!"
His fists tightened with determination.
"I'll do anything to make sure Ace doesn't die!"
The room was filled with his resolve.
Then—
BANG!
The door suddenly burst open.
A Kuja warrior rushed inside, breathing heavily. "Granny Nyon! Urgent news!"
Gloriosa turned sharply. "What is it?!"
The warrior struggled to catch her breath.
"It's the Snake Princess!"
Gloriosa's eyes narrowed.
"What about her?"
The Kuja pirate swallowed nervously.
"She—"
"She's been struck by a life-threatening disease!"
Silence fell.
For a moment the words didn't register.
Then—
"WHAT?!!!"
Gloriosa's eyes widened in shock.
Beside her, Luffy froze.
"What do you mean disease?!" Luffy shouted.
The Kuja warrior continued urgently.
"She suddenly collapsed in her chambers! Lady Hancock hasn't responded to anyone!"
Gloriosa slammed her cane on the floor.
"That foolish girl…!"
Another Kuja warrior appeared behind the first.
"Lady Sandersonia and Lady Marigold are with her now, but they don't know what to do!"
Gloriosa clenched her teeth.
"…Impossible."
Her expression darkened.
"That illness hasn't appeared in years."
Luffy blinked in confusion.
"Wait… what illness?"
Gloriosa slowly turned toward him.
Her face was serious. "…Love Sickness."
Luffy tilted his head. "Huh?"
Gloriosa sighed deeply. "It's a strange disease that only strikes the Empresses of Amazon Lily."
She gripped her cane tightly. "Many former empresses… have died from it."
Luffy's eyes widened. "D-DIED?!"
Gloriosa closed her eyes. "…Unbelievable."
Then she suddenly opened them and glared at Luffy.
"You."
Luffy pointed to himself.
"Me?"
Gloriosa's voice became sharp.
"This is your fault, boy."
"EH?!"
Luffy jumped.
"What did I do?!"
Gloriosa pointed her cane straight at him.
"You've infected the Snake Princess."
"With love."
Luffy blinked.
"…Huh?"
Gloriosa groaned.
"Idiot."
"Come with me immediately."
She turned toward the door.
"We're going to the palace."
Luffy scratched his head as he followed.
"I still don't get it!"
Behind them, the Kuja warriors whispered nervously.
"If the Snake Princess dies…"
"Amazon Lily will fall into chaos…"
———————-
Inside the royal chambers of Amazon Lily, the atmosphere was tense.
Boa Hancock lay on her bed, clutching her chest tightly. Her breathing was uneven, and her cheeks were flushed a deep red.
"…Ah…!"
Her fingers gripped the sheets as pain ran through her chest again.
Beside the bed, Gloriosa leaned forward, carefully examining her.
Nearby stood the royal physician Belladonna, along with Hancock's sisters Sandersonia and Marigold.
Belladonna frowned as she watched Hancock's trembling hand over her chest.
"The way she's clutching her chest… indicates something is wrong with her heart."
Gloriosa finished checking her pulse.
Her eyes narrowed.
"…Just what I thought."
Hancock gasped weakly.
"…It hurts…"
Gloriosa suddenly leaned closer and spoke slowly.
"Tomorrow morning—"
Hancock's body jolted.
"Mon—"
"Ah—!"
Hancock gasped sharply, clutching her chest harder.
"Luf—"
"AHH—!"
Her breathing became even more strained.
Belladonna panicked. "Snake Princess!"
Sandersonia stepped forward angrily.
"Granny Nyon, stop fooling around with her!"
Marigold clenched her fists.
"She's in agony!"
Gloriosa snapped back. "I'm not fooling around!"
She suddenly slapped her own forehead in frustration.
"Still… I can't believe it."
"What an untimely virus!"
Marigold blinked. "…A virus?"
Sandersonia leaned closer. "You know what it is?"
Hancock weakly reached toward Gloriosa.
"…Granny Nyon…"
Her voice trembled.
"I… I can't breathe…"
Her eyes looked frightened.
"…Am I going to die?"
Gloriosa answered bluntly.
"Yes."
The room froze.
Marigold's eyes widened in horror. "What are you saying?!"
Sandersonia shouted. "Stop making stupid jokes, Granny Nyon!"
But Gloriosa's expression remained completely serious. "The former empress died from the same illness."
Shock spread across the room.
Belladonna's eyes widened. "…What?!"
Gloriosa continued calmly.
"The empress before that also fell victim to this virus."
She paused before adding,
"I caught it myself once… before leaving this island."
The sisters stared at her in disbelief.
"…You did?"
Gloriosa nodded slowly.
"And I survived."
She turned back toward Hancock.
"Snake Princess…"
Hancock weakly lifted her eyes.
"…Yes…?"
Gloriosa spoke calmly. "Monkey D. Luffy is here with me."
Marigold blinked in disbelief. "…This is hardly the time for that!"
Sandersonia frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Gloriosa continued as if nothing was wrong.
"He has a request to ask of you."
"Will you hear it?"
Sandersonia snapped.
"What do you mean request?!"
"Can't you see she's in pain?!"
Marigold shook her head.
"How important could it possibly be right now—"
Suddenly—
Hancock shot upright.
The movement was so sudden that everyone froze.
"WHAT?!"
Sandersonia and Marigold stared at her in shock.
Belladonna blinked.
"…What just happened?"
Hancock straightened her posture, brushing her hair back with sudden composure.
Her face was still red—but now her eyes were sharp.
"Show him in quickly."
Gloriosa stood there with her mouth hanging open.
"…What."
For a moment, the old woman simply stared.
Then she slowly turned toward the door.
Inside her mind, her thoughts raced.
Monkey D. Luffy…
You truly are a man favored by fate.
The son of two notorious carriers of the Will of D…
She shook her head in disbelief.
And now…
You've made the Empress of Amazon Lily fall in love with you.
Gloriosa sighed quietly.
Perhaps…
Perhaps you are the one capable of moving this immovable mountain.
Maybe… just maybe…
You are the man destined to change everything.
————————-
Night wind blew across the palace balcony of Amazon Lily.
Moonlight washed over the marble floor where Monkey D. Luffy stood waiting.
Behind him, the jungle rustled softly.
The doors opened.
Slow, graceful footsteps echoed as Boa Hancock stepped onto the balcony.
Her long hair flowed behind her in the wind.
She looked at him calmly. "Do you want something, Luffy?"
Luffy immediately turned toward her. "Yeah! I gotta ask you something!"
Then he paused.
His face softened a little.
"But first… are you alright?"
"I heard you were sick."
Inside the room behind the curtains—
Three figures were pressed against the window.
Sandersonia, Marigold, and Gloriosa were shamelessly eavesdropping.
Sandersonia whispered, "Shh! I can't hear!"
Marigold whispered back, "Move your head!"
Gloriosa muttered, "Quiet! Let the boy talk!"
Outside, Luffy spoke again. "There's a Whitebeard pirate named Ace who's waiting to be executed!"
His fists tightened.
"He's my brother!"
"I want to rescue Ace!"
He looked straight at Hancock.
"But I heard a pirate ship can't make it there in time…"
"So—"
He stepped closer.
"Can you help me?"
Hancock's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Your brother."
"That Whitebeard pirate?"
She tilted her head.
"Is he also Lady Ada's son?"
Luffy shook his head immediately.
"No."
"He's my sworn brother."
"We grew up together."
Then he casually added,
"While Dragon and Ada are my parents…"
"Ace's dad is Gol D. Roger."
CRASH.
The window behind them burst open.
Sandersonia, Marigold, and Gloriosa all tumbled halfway out of it.
"WHAT?!"
The sisters' eyes bulged.
"G-GOL D. ROGER'S SON?!"
"The Pirate King has a son?!"
Gloriosa looked like her soul had left her body.
"Roger… had a son?!!"
Hancock slowly looked back at Luffy.
"You… grew up with him?"
Luffy nodded.
"Yeah."
Then he stepped forward and spoke seriously.
"So please…"
"Board the Navy ship."
"Take me to Ace's prison."
"I have to save him."
For a brief moment—
Silence.
Then Hancock answered immediately.
"If you want me to…"
"I will go wherever you want."
Luffy's face lit up.
"Really?!"
Without thinking, he grabbed her hands.
"Thank you!"
His smile was wide and pure.
"This way I can make it in time!"
"Before the execution!"
Behind them—
The three eavesdroppers were frozen.
Sandersonia whispered in shock,
"…Big sister agreed to the Navy summon?"
Marigold blinked repeatedly.
"What happened to her?!"
Gloriosa smacked her forehead.
"You idiots…"
"She's suffering from a disease."
The sisters looked at her.
"A disease?"
Gloriosa sighed dramatically.
"Yes."
"A terrible illness."
She folded her arms.
"It's called…"
"Love sickness."
The sisters gasped.
"LOVE SICKNESS?!"
Gloriosa nodded.
"There's a saying in the East Blue."
Her eyes drifted toward the balcony.
Where Luffy was smiling happily—
Still holding Hancock's hands.
And Hancock…
Was gazing at him with a soft smile.
Gloriosa finished quietly.
"Love… is a hurricane."
———————-
The group returned to Hancock's royal chamber.
Torches flickered along the walls as everyone gathered inside.
Boa Hancock sat calmly on her throne while Monkey D. Luffy stood in front of them, still full of determination.
Nearby, Sandersonia, Marigold, and Gloriosa gathered around.
Gloriosa folded her arms and stared seriously at Luffy.
"Tell me something, boy."
Her eyes sharpened.
"Is it true… that Ace is the son of Gol D. Roger?"
Luffy nodded without hesitation.
"Yeah."
"But he hates Roger."
"He doesn't like his dad."
The room fell quiet.
Hancock slowly spoke.
"So that is why the Navy is so determined to execute him…"
Marigold clenched her fist.
"Yes."
"They want to end the Pirate King's bloodline once and for all."
Luffy stepped forward urgently.
"We have to save him!"
Sandersonia crossed her arms but gave a confident smile.
"Of course we'll help you."
"He's your brother, isn't he?"
Luffy nodded firmly.
"Yeah!"
Gloriosa sighed deeply and shook her head.
"The World Government truly is ruthless."
She continued explaining.
"They are trying to kill two birds with one stone."
"The Marines plan to publicly reveal Ace's lineage…"
"…execute him…"
"…and lure Edward Newgate into a trap."
Her expression grew grim.
"And once Whitebeard appears…"
"They intend to destroy him as well."
Luffy's shadow covered his eyes beneath his straw hat.
"…Yeah."
"That's why I need to go to Impel Down."
His fists tightened.
"I don't want Ace to die."
The room fell quiet again.
Then Gloriosa suddenly spoke. "You should also know something, boy."
Luffy looked up. "What?"
Gloriosa's gaze turned serious. "There is a high chance that your mother will also go to war."
Luffy blinked. "My mom? why?"
Before Gloriosa could answer, Hancock spoke calmly.
"Well… she was once part of the crew of the Pirate King."
The sisters nodded.
"She sailed under Gol D. Roger himself."
Hancock continued.
"So if she learns that Ace is the son of her former captain…"
"…there is a strong chance she will go to save him."
Luffy scratched his head.
"Oh yeah…"
"I almost forgot about that."
Gloriosa nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"If Ada hears that Portgas D. Ace is Roger's son…"
"…she will almost certainly go to war."
Sandersonia crossed her arms.
"And if she goes…"
Marigold finished the thought quietly.
"Then the war will become even more chaotic."
Gloriosa looked back at Luffy.
"That is… if she even knows about Ace's lineage."
Luffy tilted his head.
"Huh?"
"What do you mean?"
Gloriosa explained.
"The World Government kept Ace's bloodline secret for many years."
"The truth about Portgas D. Ace being Roger's son is only being revealed now… right before his execution."
She narrowed her eyes.
"So unless someone informs her…"
"Your mother may not even know what is happening."
The room fell silent again.
Luffy suddenly grinned.
"Well…She'll probably show up anyway."
Sandersonia raised an eyebrow.
"You sound very confident for someone who said he's never even met her."
Luffy laughed.
"Shishishi!"
"I just got a feeling!"
Hancock watched him quietly, a faint blush on her cheeks.
Just like Lady Ada… she thought.
Strong… fearless… and impossible to stop.
Gloriosa exhaled slowly.
"Well, regardless of what happens in the war…"
She pointed her cane at Luffy.
"Your immediate problem is still the same."
"You must reach Impel Down first."
Luffy nodded immediately.
"Right!"
Everyone could feel the fierce determination radiating from him.
He turned toward Hancock. "So… when do we leave?"
Hancock didn't hesitate. "Now."
Everyone in the room blinked.
"In an hour."
Sandersonia's eyes widened. " An hour?!"
Marigold looked just as surprised. "Big sister, that's barely any time to prepare!"
But Hancock remained calm, her gaze fixed on Luffy.
"The Navy ship outside our island is waiting for me."
She crossed her arms gracefully.
"If we leave immediately… we can reach the gates of Impel Down much sooner."
Luffy's eyes lit up.
"Really?!"
Hancock nodded.
"Yes."
"You said your brother is waiting to be executed."
"That means every second matters."
Gloriosa sighed but smiled slightly.
"This reckless generation…"
She tapped the ground with her cane.
"But I suppose there is no other choice."
Luffy grinned widely.
"Thank you, Hancock!"
Sandersonia folded her arms.
"Looks like things are about to get troublesome."
Marigold nodded.
"The Navy… World Government… and Impel Down itself…"
"That prison isn't called the 'Great Underwater Prison' for nothing."
Luffy simply placed his straw hat firmly on his head.
"Doesn't matter."
His eyes were full of determination.
"I'm going."
"I'm bringing my brother back."
Hancock looked at him quietly.
Then she turned toward the door.
"Prepare what you need. We leave in an hour"
Outside, the wind over Amazon Lily began to rise.
A storm was coming.
And far across the sea…
The countdown to war had already begun.
——————
Author's Note
Last chapter for the week, guys!
I'm going to take a short break for a bit. The Amazon Lily Arc is finally finished! Next up is the Impel Down Arc
I'll be taking some time to think of ideas for the upcoming chapters because honestly… my creative juices have completely run out for now. 😅
And as always thank you all so much for reading and supporting the story. I really appreciate it!
See you in the next arc!