Shakky was escorted to Stussy's office in silence. As the door clicked shut, the two women met eyes, their expressions cold and calculating.
"What a formidable young woman!" Shakky thought to herself, stealing a glance at Stussy. Goosebumps pricked her skin, a primal instinct warning her of the danger before her. It was clear that facing off with Stussy could mean death.
"She reeks of CP0!" Shakky grimaced, her disgust evident. "Everyone despises the World Government, except for the Cipher Pol."
"Such a powerful agent assigned here for protection. The Celestial Dragon's identity must be significant," Shakky mused, narrowing her eyes thoughtfully. Retrieving Hancock seemed even more daunting now. What should her next move be?
"Shakky, isn't it?" Stussy's voice broke the tense silence, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "By now, you must have figured out who I am. I have only one request: leave now, stay away, and do not appear before Saint Lakeman again."
So that's his name, Shakky noted, committing it to memory.
"And what if I refuse?" Shakky retorted, her voice laced with defiance.
"Then I will have no choice but to kill you right here," Stussy replied calmly, her demeanor unwavering.
Shakky's heart skipped a beat. She knew without a doubt that she was no match for the CP0 agent standing before her. But even in defeat, she was determined to inflict as much damage as possible.
Her mind raced. A faint smile spread across her face. "You say you want me gone, yet I sense that deep down, you do not want to let me off that easily."
"The condition for your departure is that you abandon your current plans," Stussy stated firmly.
"Haha, and what exactly are my 'plans'?" Shakky replied nonchalantly.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Stussy shot back coldly. "There's no point in playing dumb. Hancock is Lakeman's slave. Every part of her belongs to him. She's been fully 'enslaved' in every conceivable manner."
"You are quite direct," Shakky said through gritted teeth, suddenly lunging forward. Her fist was shrouded in Armament Haki, invisible to the eye but palpable in its intensity.
"So, you intend to fight me?" Stussy raised her hand coolly, her fragile wrist resembling an unyielding barrier that effortlessly blocked Shakky's strike.
Bang!
Their clash of Armament Haki sent shockwaves through the air, causing the surroundings to tremble. Items on the nearby table rattled and fell to the ground with a crash.
"Hmph!" Shakky staggered back, her face pale. It was clear she was outmatched in this battle of strength.
"I must take Hancock with me!" Shakky declared firmly, locking eyes with Stussy. "If you try to stop me, you will have to kill me!"
Stussy smirked disdainfully. "Then it won't be just you who dies, but all of Nine Snake Island."
"A Buster Call. You know what that means, don't you?"
Shakky's face twisted in revulsion. This was her Achilles' heel. Despite Nine Snake Island being located in the Calm Belt, making it difficult to reach by sea, it was not impervious to attack.
"The people of Nine Snake Island will never surrender!" Shakky exclaimed defiantly, unwilling to back down.
"Enough bravado, Shakky," Stussy sneered. "To be honest, if it weren't for Rayleigh, we would have eliminated you the moment you showed murderous intent."
Shakky's heart sank. This was the World Government, the CP0. They had uncovered her connection to Rayleigh, her backing.
"Fine, let's talk," Shakky conceded, her mind racing. The CP0 agent was clearly well-prepared. Her initial plan to forcibly rescue Hancock seemed increasingly futile, especially without knowing the whereabouts or condition of Hancock's sisters.
"Wouldn't it have been easier to settle this earlier?" Stussy sighed with slight impatience, adjusting her hair. Despite the discomfort caused by the floral arrangement behind her, Stussy, trained as a CP0 agent, remained composed, showing no signs of discomfort.
Shakky eyed Stussy suspiciously. Her instincts told her that despite any physical inconvenience, Stussy seemed oddly upbeat.
However, now was not the time to dwell on such nuances. Her focus remained on Hancock.
"What are your conditions?" Shakky asked, her tone serious.
"End it here. I won't pursue your intent to kill. Forget about Hancock and her sisters," Stussy proposed calmly. "Consider them deceased."
"You must be joking. You expect me to abandon this without any concessions?" Shakky retorted angrily.
"No," Stussy replied evenly. "Or do you plan to die here and trigger a Buster Call on Nine Snake Island?"
She was prepared to confront Shakky. While the Datura flower arrangement might hinder her combat ability, preemptive disposal was still an option. Saint Lakeman enjoyed arranging flowers for her.
However, it was crucial to prevent escalation and avoid a major incident, given the heightened concerns arising from Roger's Great Pirate Era and Dragon's Revolutionary Army.
"Between Nine Snake Island and these three girls, the choice is obvious, right?" Stussy calculated calmly.
"You!" Shakky fell silent. It was a dire threat.
"So let's resolve this amicably," Stussy softened her tone, sensing Shakky's resolve waver.
"Let's conclude this now. Pretend it never happened. Let's assume you never attended the auction and forget about Hancock and the rest. Continue with your life and avoid unnecessary entanglements."
Shakky clenched her fists, Stussy's words hitting close to home. Two practical concerns weighed heavily on her mind: Nine Snake Island's vulnerability to World Government retaliation and whether Hancock was worth rescuing.
Seven months had passed since the sisters' disappearance. Enslaved by the Celestial Dragons, even a few hours could have severe consequences, let alone months. Combined with Hancock's recent compliance, the once proud Hancock seemed lost.
Gritting her teeth, her veins bulging, Shakky was consumed by frustration and helplessness.
"Before I leave, I must see Hancock one last time," Shakky relented, her breathing steady as she regained her composure.
"You can do that now," Stussy nodded with a smile, gesturing towards the door. "Someone will escort you."
Without another word, Shakky turned and exited the office, her departure swift and resolute.
"Take care," Stussy called after her, rising cautiously from her seat, her legs tightly together as she bowed slightly, enduring some discomfort.
Bang!
The door slammed shut, Shakky leaving without looking back. In her peripheral vision, she saw Stussy standing, evoking memories and unsettling emotions—disgust, anger, and irritation stirred within her, memories best left undisturbed.
But now was not the time for introspection. Hancock was her priority.
Meanwhile, in the box, Hancock was assisted by a maid in dressing and grooming. Her demeanor remained cool and regal, a stark contrast to the chaotic scene around her—tattered kimonos, discarded undergarments, pools of liquids emitting a repugnant odor, and intrusive props scattered about. The scene depicted depravity and filth, inconceivable for someone who exuded nobility and beauty.
"I'm ready," Hancock announced calmly after completing her preparations.
"Go ahead," Lakeman nodded.
With a graceful bow, Hancock left the box. Lakeman observed her departure, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Shakky, hehe…" Lakeman smirked derisively, muttering to himself, "This encounter will sever Hancock's ties to the past completely. While Nine Snake Island poses no threat, their intrusion compels a decisive resolution."
Lakeman's gaze fell upon the empty space before him. System notifications appear consecutively, indicating physical enhancements—increased strength, agility, and more.
"It's a pity Stussy has been busy with auction work and still hasn't completed binding," Lakeman sighed ruefully. "But soon, Pluton Rayleigh will be within reach."
His vested interest in the auction stemmed largely from Rayleigh.
Elsewhere, Hancock was led by a maid to a serene tea room to await further instructions. Shortly after, the hurried sound of footsteps halted outside the tea room, hesitating before a tentative voice called out.
"Hancock?"
"It's me," Hancock responded calmly, turning to face the door.
Bang—
The tea room door swung open. Shakky walked in with a complicated expression and saw Hancock seated gracefully in the serene ambiance of the room.
Her breath hitched as she took in Hancock's appearance. Clad in a kimono that accentuated her exquisite curves, Hancock possessed a face like that of a swan—cold, beautiful, with delicate features that held not a single flaw. Slim and graceful, she exuded an air of noble arrogance, as if she were a princess above ordinary mortals.
"Wow, you've grown so much and become so beautiful," Shakky couldn't help but remark, her voice tinged with both admiration and sorrow. "When I left Nine Snake Island, you were just ten years old."
Hancock acknowledged the compliment with a calm nod. "Thank you."
"It's our fault. It's all our fault for not protecting you," Shakky's voice quivered with regret. She couldn't shake the guilt of failing to shield Hancock from the clutches of the Celestial Dragons.
"It's not Nine Snake Island's fault. It was just bad luck," Hancock replied softly, her demeanor composed.
"I'm doing quite well now. Master Lakeman treats me kindly, and my two sisters are receiving excellent training."
"Don't say that!" Shakky's voice cracked as she slammed her hand on the table, frustration evident on her face. She stared at Hancock, puzzled. "Why? Why defend someone who enslaved you?"
"Because I was enslaved," Hancock's response was calm, her gaze steady.
Shakky felt like lightning had struck her. Her expression darkened, sensing Hancock's resignation and acceptance of her fate.
"I'm sorry. We tried our best to find you back then, but we couldn't," Shakky apologized, her tone sincere.
Hancock seemed momentarily taken aback, realizing Shakky had misunderstood. She hadn't intended to imply blame. But she let it pass, choosing not to dwell on misunderstandings.
"Let bygones be bygones. From now on, consider me and my sisters as if we're dead," Hancock suggested softly.
"No, I won't give up!" Shakky shook her head vehemently. The thought of abandoning Hancock was inconceivable to her. How could she allow the future empress to perish under the cruel hands of the Celestial Dragons?
"It's not necessary," Hancock's voice remained gentle but firm. "Master Lakeman cares for me deeply. If you attempt anything, it will only bring trouble to Nine Snake Island and possibly trigger a Buster Call."
Upon hearing this, Shakky's heart sank further. "Care? You think those Celestial Dragons are capable of love? It's all manipulation and cruelty!"
"Don't worry. I am well cared for," Hancock reiterated, her tone tinged with helplessness.
Shakky refused to believe it. "Stop pretending! How can a slave possibly be well-treated? The Celestial Dragon will torture you in unimaginable ways, but you mustn't lose hope!"
Hancock sighed inwardly. Shakky's misconceptions ran deep, and convincing her otherwise seemed futile. But who could blame her? How could anyone believe that slaves could lead a decent life under the Celestial Dragons' rule?
"I am fine with Master Lakeman," Hancock replied.
"Yes, you must believe me. I will find a way to rescue you," Shakky vowed, a determined smile lighting up her face. "And how are your two sisters?"
"They are doing well. Master Lakeman has arranged the best instructors and nutrition for their training every day," Hancock replied, her voice softening with genuine touch.
Shakky frowned. "Hancock, don't call him 'master'!"
"I will free you soon, you won't be a slave," Shakky insisted, her voice carrying a mixture of urgency and hope.
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