The incident involving the robbery of the Heavenly Celestial Dragons indeed caused quite a stir. With a lot of effort dedicated, they seemed to have grasped Purilite's tail, yet it was only the tail they grabbed.
Like a lizard, the other party severed its tail to escape, and no one knows where they fled to.
Some suspected this identity was impersonated, but all eyewitnesses at the scene saw the same situation. Even some follow-up routes captured his traces, with even the ships and flags described in great detail.
On an island in the New World, remnants of what seemed to be the burned ship were found.
The evidence is substantial, but they just can't catch sight of the person. Celestial Dragons have a particular trait: although most of them embody the worst of humanity, they're incredibly large-hearted in certain situations.
Although initially they urged the capture of that robber repeatedly, they soon forgot about it completely.
Thus, the matter reverted to its initial state. The World Government is still searching for Purilite but with lesser effort.
Now it's not a problem to let them return to the Nine Serpent Island.
Inside a room on Ghost Island, Olga had already informed them of this matter. They would be sent back to Nine Serpent Island along with Yamato's voyage, although some didn't seem too eager to leave.
"Sister, we should leave."
"Yes, sister, it's been three years. Everyone on Nine Serpent Island would be worried."
Marigold and Sandersonia were comforting Hancock. She was indeed at a point of confusion; she kind of wanted to stay but also missed Nine Serpent Island, where she was born.
As a pirate realm, Amazon Lily has been fairly successful in citizen education, especially in instilling a sense of belonging among its people.
Most who leave would eventually return to Nine Serpent Island. Even those living outside would return to help in times of crisis.
The emperor of Nine Serpent Island takes more responsibility for the country than some individuals do. Before a suitable successor appears, the emperor would continue shouldering the responsibility of safeguarding Nine Serpent Island.
Even someone as willful as Hancock has compromised before, like with the position of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Based on the original timeline's estimate of strength, if she adamantly refused that position, no one on Nine Serpent Island could force her.
"Sandersonia, Marigold, is there any way that can be perfect for both sides?"
"Sister…that's unlikely. Although Sister Olga is also a woman, if she wishes to go to Nine Serpent Island, there would be no problem, but she wouldn't agree to such a thing."
Nine Serpent Island doesn't have a huge resistance to outsiders, or more precisely, female outsiders. However, since both Olga and her father are well-settled with the Hundred Beasts, they clearly wouldn't opt to leave.
"It's alright, sister. We can always come back later, and Sister Olga frequently goes to the Shampodi. You can meet her there by then."
Hancock, despite being the older sister, sometimes seems more like a younger sister, and as the conversation reached this point, Olga also arrived.
"Sister Olga?"
"Yes, as you are leaving soon, I brought you some parting gifts."
The ranks within the Hundred Beasts are complex; even the pirate crew leaders aren't on close terms with everyone. The Hancock sisters were originally brought back by Olga, so maintaining a good relationship with them was entrusted to her.
The three fruits exactly belonged to them and had undergone no modifications. Before Nine Serpent Island hung the Hundred Beasts' affiliate flag, they would not have been given such rewards.
Even members within the Hundred Beasts are still queuing, and producing these three fruits was already a significant investment.
Although the nature of the fruits might remind one of Purilite from before, by this time, even without any modifications, they wouldn't cause too much suspicion.
Obtaining a Devil Fruit doesn't always mean consuming it; you might sell it for money. Take, for example, Doflamingo's good friend; many powerful fruits flowed through his hands, albeit not intentionally.
Nevertheless, due to a twist of fate, powerful fruits often cannot be kept.
"Devil Fruits?"
"Yes, it's Lord Arceus's intention. Tomorrow his ship will take a detour to send you back."
Following that, Olga seemed to notice Hancock's unhappiness and said to her, "Don't worry, partings are temporary, and I will accompany you back, providing more time for us to be together."
Along with the Devil Fruits, an envelope was also brought over. Inside were issues regarding the future development of Amazon Lily.
For the Hundred Beasts, such information holds no value, but for Amazon Lily, it is vitally important.
This time, Olga acts as the accompanying messenger, with additional concerns about the sea's lone hero.
By now, his survival isn't due to luck or strength, but because more than one party has found him: firstly Scotch, then Namur, closely followed by Big Mom's people.
Although whoever captures him would mean the same outcome for him, it is a matter of face. Hence, all pirate crews are gradually increasing their manpower to seize this face-saving opportunity.
...
The route from Wano Kuni to Shampodi is one the Hundred Beasts are already very familiar with. They quickly reached the scheduled location, with Yamato and her group revisiting the Shampodi Archipelago, while Olga took Hancock and her sisters to Amazon Lily.
However, upon landing, Hancock and her sisters received an unbelievable message: the Empress of Amazon Lily passed away from illness, and the former empress, Shakky, had left the Nine Serpent Island, with the predecessor, Gloriosa, temporarily taking charge.
During her reign, she had committed significant mistakes, hence living discreetly in a corner of the village.
However, within Nine Serpent Island, she holds significant status, enough for the empress to respect her opinion on major matters.
Soon, with the Nine Serpent Warriors accompanying, Gloriosa arrived.
"These sisters have been well-cared for over these three years."
The disappearance of the Hancock sisters on a pirate ship was an almost unacceptable event for the Nine Serpent Warriors, but by the time they discovered it, it was already too late.
However, shortly after, a call reassuring their safety came in, though until today, they had no idea where Hancock had been. The pirate flag on the ship was known to all even in the communication-poor Amazon Lily.
Following Gloriosa's invitation, Olga went to the Nine Serpent Island's imperial palace, where she learned about the Navy gradually mastering the technology to navigate through the Windless Zone.