Now she understood.
This time, Elder Nyon completely understood.
The world's most beautiful woman in front of her... had fallen in love.
This revelation shocked her to the core.
Elder Nyon knew Hancock all too well.
She was like an icy mountain—cold, proud, and untouchable!
But now, that icy mountain had melted.
Hancock had been conquered—by a man.
"Snake Princess, have you fallen in love with him?"
Elder Nyon's weathered face grew serious as she spoke solemnly:
"The reason you're entering the New World… it was his suggestion, wasn't it?"
Hancock nodded slightly and proudly replied,
"Chris said my strength was too weak. If I stayed in the Calm Belt, I'd rot away."
Lightly biting her slender finger, Hancock's beautiful face took on a serious expression.
"He was right. I've wasted too much time in the past, never seriously training."
"The people of Amazon Lily are a warrior nation. But now? We're holed up in the Calm Belt, never venturing out to challenge strong foes."
"The nation's fighting spirit has decayed to the extreme. If we continue like this, the country will fall."
Her gaze sharpened as she declared firmly,
"That's why, no matter what, I must leave the Calm Belt and head for the Grand Line!"
At this point, Marigold and Sandersonia had recovered.
"Big Sister is right. We'll follow your lead,"
the two nodded quickly in agreement.
Thud…
Elder Nyon tapped her cane on the ground, stood atop it, and opened her arms wide, her face filled with relief.
"Snake Princess, I never expected such a dramatic change in you. This is a blessing!"
"I've noticed the same problems before… but I never told you."
Looking at Hancock, she smiled kindly and said,
"The old you was too arrogant, too confident in your strength to listen."
"But now, you've recognized your shortcomings and want to change. That makes me truly happy."
Hancock stood up, turned her back to Elder Nyon, and spoke coldly.
"Gloriosa, who do you think you are, preaching to me? You're a traitor who abandoned this country."
That triggered Elder Nyon.
"You dare call me a traitor, Snake Princess? Nyo-nyo—!"
"I've protected you like a mother your whole life! Don't you see that?"
Marigold and Sandersonia quickly stepped in, trying to diffuse the tension.
"Yes, yes, Elder Nyon, don't get angry. Big Sister didn't mean it like that."
Ignoring the commotion behind her, Hancock gently rested her hand on Salome's head, her beautiful face showing a rare, sweet smile.
"Chris, just wait… we'll meet again in the New World."
"I'm really looking forward to that day…"
West Blue – Somewhere at Sea
A large ship cut through the waters, heading swiftly toward the North Blue.
Inside the training room…
"It's been a day. Why isn't Chris back yet?"
Sweetheart Queen reclined in her chair, legs crossed, clearly bored.
Baccarat brushed her crimson hair with a graceful smile.
"Feeling strange without him around, huh? Guess you've gotten used to watching him train."
Betty took a drag of her cigarette and muttered,
"Can't lie… watching that guy train is kinda satisfying."
Just then—whoosh—a figure suddenly appeared before them.
"Did anything happen while I was away?"
Chris asked calmly, scanning the room.
Sweetheart Queen's eyes lit up, her voice cheerful.
"Ah, Chris, you're back!"
"Don't worry, everything's fine. No problems," Baccarat added with a smile, visibly relieved.
With Chris here, the ship finally felt anchored. She could rest easy.
Chris gave a silent nod and, without a word, drew his blood-red saber and began swinging it...
Four Days Later – On the Deck
"We finally made it to North Blue! Wahahaha!"
Burgess laughed heartily, looking over the vast ocean.
Lafitte spun his cane with a faint smile.
"Once we finish in North Blue, only the East Blue remains."
"After that, we enter the Grand Line, take down Crocodile, and become Warlords of the Sea."
Doc Q slouched on a chair, his face full of anticipation.
"Can't wait to get to the New World… taking over a country sounds fun. So many people to poison… hehehe."
Law held his cursed blade Kikoku, voice cold and cautious.
"There are plenty of monsters in the New World. Surviving there… won't be easy."
Suddenly, a siren blared from the lookout tower.
"Report!"
"Strange situation ahead! Giant snails spotted traveling across the sea! Giant snails!!"
The scout's voice was filled with shock—clearly stunned by the massive creatures on the horizon.
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T/N:
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