"Are you looking down on me?"
Sure enough, Hancock took the bait. Provoked by Chris, she arrogantly declared,
"In a few days, I will head to the Grand Line myself and show you what I'm capable of."
"I'll make sure you understand—the Queen of Amazon Lily is not to be underestimated."
Chris shrugged nonchalantly and scoffed,
"Talk is cheap. Come show off once you've actually achieved something."
"Alright, enough talk. I'm taking you back now."
With that, he extended his hand to Hancock.
Frowning slightly, Hancock asked,
"Chris, what are you trying to do?"
"Give me your hand. It's the only way I can take you with me."
Since they were now partners, Chris explained patiently,
"To teleport someone through space, I have to make physical contact with them. Otherwise, it won't work."
"Ah, that explains why you grabbed my leg earlier."
Without hesitation, Hancock raised her delicate hand.
After all, he'd already seen her body—what difference did holding hands make now?
Swoosh!
Their figures instantly vanished into thin air...
When they reappeared, they were back at the bathhouse.
"For anything else, we'll talk over the phone."
Chris gave Hancock a final glance and prepared to teleport away again.
"Wait…"
"One question. Just what level is your strength right now?"
This question had lingered in Hancock's mind for a long time—she had to know the answer.
"Admiral."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Chris vanished, giving her no chance to ask further.
"WHAT?!"
Hancock's eyes widened in shock, her flawless face frozen in disbelief.
She had known Chris was strong—but Admiral level?
That was one of the highest powers in the Navy!
One of the strongest beings in the world!
How could someone so young possibly be that powerful?
"No... He's not the type to joke around. He must be telling the truth."
Despite the doubts swirling in her mind, she chose to believe him.
But this only made her more frustrated.
How could she possibly defeat someone that strong?
How would she ever get her revenge for all the humiliation?
"No. I must get stronger. I have to head to the New World!"
A newfound determination lit up in Hancock's eyes—her decision was made.
Although she had previously agreed to Chris's plan, deep down she'd still felt uncertain.
After all, she had never been to the New World. The unknown made her anxious.
But now—after another round of Chris's provocations—all those feelings vanished.
Only one thought remained:
She would make her name known throughout the New World!
Rustle—
The curtains lifted. Hancock walked out, as cold and proud as ever.
"Sanda Sonia, Marigold—two days from now, I will set sail for the Grand Line and head to the New World."
"Spread the word."
Both sisters were momentarily stunned, unable to react.
Why the sudden decision to go to the New World?
Marigold looked at Hancock and asked,
"Big Sis, the New World is so dangerous—why are we going there?"
Sanda Sonia flicked her tongue nervously, fear written across her face.
"I've heard it's terrifying—full of powerful enemies. Is it really safe for us?"
Hancock frowned slightly, realizing—Chris was right.
After staying in the Calm Belt for so long, without any real threats or dangers, not only had she lost her fighting spirit—her sisters had too.
As for the citizens of Amazon Lily? They were probably even worse off.
"If this continues, Boa Hancock, you'll truly become useless…"
Chris's words echoed in her mind. And suddenly, they felt incredibly accurate.
If she continued living in safety, her people would become weak.
That was something she could never allow.
"If for no other reason, then at least for the sake of growing stronger."
With those words, Hancock walked away without glancing back at her sisters.
Sanda Sonia and Marigold exchanged puzzled glances. They didn't understand.
"What does she mean by getting stronger?"
"Can't we train in the Calm Belt too?"
Though confused, they dared not question further and hurried to spread the news.
After all, they knew Hancock well.
Proud. Strong-willed. Overbearing.
Once she made up her mind, no one could sway her.
DONG—DONG—DONG—
Clear bell chimes rang throughout the island, followed by a female voice announcing loudly:
"The Empress will head to the New World in two days! All those who wish to join, come sign up now!"
Everyone was stunned by the news, confusion spreading across the island.
But regardless of how baffling it seemed, their decision was unanimous:
"I'll go with you, Empress!"
"Me too! I want to see what men look like—I heard they're strange-looking!"
"I'll follow you to the end, Empress!!"
"Hurry up, everyone, pack your things! We can't let Her Majesty wait!"
"No matter where you go, I'll follow you forever, heeheehee~~"
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T/N:
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