Fortunately, Kizaru didn't cause much trouble before leaving. Although the main keel of the ship was damaged, they could still reach their destination assuming they didn't encounter any strong winds or rough seas along the way.

This only adds a bit of risk to the journey. When the time comes, they might have to consider other options.

Although they lost one ship, all suspicion surrounding their actions at Mariejois was completely cleared.

An Admiral from Marine Headquarters had personally investigated the matter, and naturally, no one else would consider it further, leaving them out of the spotlight.

"Just do what you need to do. Don't waste time here. Daiki, hurry up and find a place where we can repair or buy a new ship."

Anos spoke with his usual indifferent expression.

Now that he had so much gold and silver treasure in his possession, he placed little value on the cost of a single ship.

"Your Majesty…"

"Oh, by the way, Abona, since the ship is in this condition, I can't demonstrate my sword skills for now. I'll save it for another time," Anos said casually while reclining on a deck chair.

"Your Majesty, that's not what I meant—a ship is approaching us!"

Abona said urgently.

Anos looked in the direction Abona indicated but saw nothing.

He began to wonder just how far Abona's Observation Haki could sense.

Additionally, this person was also a swordsman.

If Abona had been a sniper, this ability would have been even more valuable.

The ship's hull creaked with every wave, giving the sense that it could sink to the depths at any moment.

But no one aboard seemed particularly concerned. With the hull damaged, it was only natural to change course and head elsewhere.

However, about ten kilometres away, a vessel pulled by two massive creatures was slowly approaching them.

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This ship's sails seemed to serve little purpose, as it was primarily towed by the two enormous creatures.

Its hull was painted red, giving it a delicate, striking appearance from afar.

The ship's sail bore the emblem of nine snake heads and a large symbol of "蛇" (Snake) was written on the jib.

"Sister Hancock, are we going to accept the Marines' invitation to become a Shichibukai?"

On the large ship being pulled by two snake-like creatures, a woman with long green hair and an unusually large head knelt, looking up at an enchanting woman seated on the deck.

Boa Hancock, celebrated as the most beautiful woman in the pirate world, lived up to her reputation.

Even seated, her noble bearing was unmistakable.

With her flawless figure, flowing black hair, and exquisite features, she exuded a regal aura. Her "throne" was not a chair but a massive snake coiled beneath her.

Everyone on board was a woman, or at least, there appeared to be no men.

As the Pirate Empress and ruler of Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock's expression remained calm. "Granny Nyon said that joining the Shichibukai would benefit our nation. Whatever we do in the future will be legally sanctioned, and the Marines and World Government won't bother us during this time."

"What's even more frustrating is that if either the Marines or World Government is in trouble, all Shichibukai members are required to help!"

"Sister, wouldn't that mean giving up our freedom?" Sonia asked.

"More or less," Hancock replied, sounding somewhat resigned. Still, if forced to choose, she would likely prefer this path. As an Empress, she felt a duty to protect her people.

"But there's nothing we can do about it, Sonia. I don't like it either, but Granny Nyon has a point. I just hope this isn't a Marine trap."

The speaker, this time, was a plump woman with an expression mirroring Sonia's earlier concern, a snake-like tongue flicking from her mouth.

Her hair was orange and her head was of normal size, though her build was considerably larger.

The crew listened attentively to Marigold's words, with the women on deck turning to observe their queen.

Boa Hancock's caution showed a level of prudence they all respected.

"Gold, don't pay too much mind to Granny Nyon's words. That old lady just wants to push everything onto me. I don't know what's going through her mind," Hancock said dismissively.

"But didn't you accept her advice, Sister?" Sonia teased with a smile.

"Silence! This is simply what I choose to do!"

Hancock struck a proud posture, lifting her chin with a haughty gaze.

Just then, the lookout called out from above, "Stay on guard! There's an unknown ship heading quickly towards us!"

At her words, the women on deck quickly gathered, focusing on the approaching vessel.

Sonia pushed through the crowd and, upon spotting the approaching ship, turned to Hancock, who sat atop her large snake and called, "Sister, it seems like a merchant ship is passing by. Shall we take action?"

Hancock rose from her seat, followed by Groud, and stood on the deck, surveying the vessel.

The ship, now visible as the Tempest, looked like an easy target a fat prize ready for the taking and the key to funding their mission on the seas.

"Prepare to capture that ship. Our mission at sea begins now!" Hancock commanded.

They cared little for the identity of those aboard. So long as it wasn't a Marine or World Government vessel, it was fair game.

The women of Amazon Lily, no less eager than men for a fight, braced themselves, excited for the raid to come.

---

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