During the Entei incident, when Ace and the Marines clashed with the peak combat powers of the World Government, Nami took command of the Entei Pirates. As the second-in-command, Nami's leadership was undisputed. Even Nico Robin, known for her maturity, steadiness, and intelligence, obeyed Nami's instructions without question.
Nami's acceptance of Hancock indicated that the women of the Entei Pirates would also welcome her. This gave Rayleigh and Shakky, who regarded Hancock as a daughter and were worried about her lovesickness, a sense of relief. They exchanged glances, feeling a deep sense of emotion. As expected, the woman beside Ace had grown into a formidable leader and was now the second-in-command of the world's strongest pirate group.
Rayleigh and Shakky, seasoned veterans of the sea, understood Nami's thoughts. They knew that Hancock's strength was undeniable, and Amazon Lily, a nation where all adult warriors could use Haki, was one of the few powerful countries in the world. With the Entei Pirates' protection, even if Hancock left the Shichibukai and withdrew from the World Government's camp, the World Government wouldn't dare to attack Amazon Lily.
Joining the Entei Pirates would significantly bolster Ace's already formidable combat power and influence. Although Nami was not yet seventeen, she was at an age where love and possessiveness were strong. Shakky, having suffered from lovesickness herself, understood this well. Despite her youth, Nami's intelligence and thoughtfulness were remarkable. No wonder Ace valued her so much and had carefully prepared the Thunder Fruit, an invincible Logia ability, for her.
Nami's strategic mind and her role as the second-in-command of the Entei Pirates made her an invaluable asset. Hancock and Amazon Lily's potential inclusion in the Entei Pirate Fleet was seen as beneficial by both Rayleigh and Shakky. Rayleigh and Shakky, planning to follow Ace to see the new era he envisioned, were committed to this cause. The original order and balance of the sea had been completely disrupted by Ace, leading to an era of turmoil with only two possible outcomes: either the world government would be overthrown, ushering in a new era, or the old times would persist, with all sea-bound ambitions crushed.
In this tumultuous era, safety could only be guaranteed by aligning with one of the major forces: the World Government, Naval Headquarters, the Four Emperors, or the Entei Pirate Fleet. Rayleigh and Shakky had placed their bet on the Entei Pirate Fleet, becoming the captain and members of Team Zero under Ace. Rayleigh believed in his vision and in Ace. Thus, he naturally wanted Hancock to leave the Shichibukai and join the Entei Pirates.
With the Entei Pirate Fleet, protected by the world's strongest man, Flame Emperor Ace, the privileges granted by the World Government to the Shichibukai, such as the right to plunder and immunity from Marine pursuit, were unnecessary. The Marines dared not pursue the Entei Pirates. Any attempt to hunt down members of the Entei Pirate Fleet would provoke Ace, risking a war. Such authority did not rest with the Naval Headquarters alone; it required authorization from the Five Elders, the highest powers in the world, who were hesitant to provoke Ace without first addressing his ability to use the Gate-Gate Fruit.
Therefore, those under the Entei Pirates' protection enjoyed natural immunity from Marine pursuit, solving Amazon Lily's biggest problem. Rayleigh and Shakky's mission to push Amazon Lily to join the Entei Pirate Fleet now seemed closer to fruition, with most obstacles effectively cleared.
Nami's eyes sparkled with cunning and resolve as she looked at Rayleigh. "Uncle Rayleigh, don't worry, we will definitely make it work."
As for Ace, Rayleigh and Shakky exchanged knowing glances and smiled. They were confident that Ace would indeed like little Hancock.
"Rayleigh! Why do I call you Uncle Rayleigh~?" Perona suddenly blurted out, her face turning red as she looked at Rayleigh. She realized the significance of their relationship after the Entei incident. Nami and the others called Rayleigh "Uncle" because of his close relationship with Ace. If Rayleigh included her, it implied a deeper connection with Ace.
"Well, it's only a matter of time," Rayleigh said with a smile, looking at the delicate, doll-like Perona. "What? Do you have any opinion?"
Perona's face flushed even more, and she was about to respond when she heard a chuckle from behind. She turned around slowly, shuddering, and saw a pair of hands reaching toward her.
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu," Perona whimpered, tears forming in her eyes as Ace playfully kneaded her delicate face.
"Ah, it's so comfortable," Ace said, satisfied after he finished. He let go of Perona and smiled at her. "Be polite to your elders, you know?"
"Hi, Uncle Rayleigh," Perona said obediently, covering her cheek.
"So good," Ace said, gently stroking her face this time. Perona narrowed her eyes and rubbed Ace's palm, enjoying the attention.
Rayleigh and Shakky watched the interaction, amazed at Ace's ability to handle the girls so effortlessly.
"The Flame Emperor is here, the Nine Snakes Pirates are honored!" Grandma Ze announced, her voice filled with excitement as the Merry approached.
"Hey, mother-in-law, long time no see. You are still so tough," Shakky called out, laughing as she walked to the front of the deck.
"Shakky?! Rayleigh?!" Grandma Ze's eyes widened in shock when she saw them standing on the boat next to the Merry.
"Ah, I am now the captain of the Entei Pirate Grand Fleet, Division Zero," Rayleigh said, laughing.
"'Dark King' Rayleigh, have you also joined the Entei Pirate Fleet?" Grandma Ze stammered, struggling to comprehend the situation. She knew Rayleigh well from their time on the Rocks Pirate ship and guiding the three Hancock sisters back to Nine Snakes. Rayleigh, who had been to the Final Island, had always been waiting for something. Now, joining Ace's command could only mean one thing: Ace was the person Roger had been waiting for.
Grandma Ze swallowed hard, along with many members of the Nine Snakes Pirates, as they looked at the figure standing at the front of the Merry. Ace's black hair blew in the wind, his handsome face bore a gentle smile, and his body seemed to contain endless terrifying power. Despite his gentle eyes, an extremely terrifying Haki radiated from him, making it hard to meet his gaze for long. This was Flame Emperor Portgas D. Ace, the strongest and most powerful man in the world today.
"By the way, Flame Emperor, let me introduce you. This is the captain of the Nine Snakes Pirates, Snake Princess, Boa Hancock..." Grandma Ze started, but Hancock interrupted her.
"Just call me Hancock," she said, raising her pretty face, a smile of adoration on her breathtakingly beautiful face as she gazed at Ace with infatuation.
"Why?!" Grandma Ze, Sandersonia, Marigold, and many members of the Nine Snakes Pirates exclaimed, falling to the ground in shock. They had never seen Hancock like this. Grandma Ze felt a pang of frustration. As the emperor of Amazon Lily, Hancock should not be so unreserved.
"Hancock, I have a request for you," Ace said, recognizing the lovesick look in her eyes. Although he didn't understand why Hancock had fallen so completely in love with him—they had never met in person—Ace knew he would have plenty of time to get to know her better.
"I am willing!" Hancock exclaimed, holding her face in her hands, her expression a mix of happiness and hopeless devotion. Ace had called her Hancock, and whatever he asked for, she would agree to it.
"As long as you say it, Ace, I will promise you anything!" Hancock exclaimed, covering her pretty face and looking at Ace with sheer happiness. Just hearing Ace call her by name was enough to make her feel fulfilled.
"Why?!" Grandma Ze, Sandersonia, Marigold, and many members of the Nine Snakes Pirates suddenly fell to the ground in disbelief. Before the Flame Emperor even mentioned his request, Hancock had already agreed wholeheartedly.
Seeing their beloved Snake Princess act this way, Sandersonia, Marigold, and the other members of the Nine Snakes Pirates could only watch in awe, their eyes turning into hearts. Hancock's happiness was contagious, and her beauty seemed even more radiant.
"Oh, it can't be helped!" Grandma Ze exclaimed as she got up from the ground, looking at Hancock who was completely lovesick. Despite her authority as the Amazon Lily Emperor, Hancock was utterly unreserved when it came to Ace.
"Old hag, be careful before I throw you down and feed you to the Sea Kings," Hancock said, her expression regaining its usual coolness as she addressed her mother-in-law. This side of her was only for one person.
"Sorry!" Grandma Ze replied hastily. Although she knew Hancock was just scaring her, the cold aura and Hancock's regal presence made her follow her heart.
Rayleigh and Shakky exchanged glances, covering their foreheads helplessly. Hancock's lovesickness was even more intense than Shakky's had ever been. Fortunately, Hancock had fallen for Ace, whose power could easily protect Amazon Lily. If it weren't for Ace, Hancock might have faced the same fate as Shakky and previous emperors, leaving Amazon Lily to suffer from lovesickness.
"I see," Robin said, understanding the situation. No wonder Rayleigh had asked them to give him some face, and Nami had said they would definitely accept Hancock. It turned out this famous pirate queen had fallen deeply in love with Ace.
Robin, who had done research on Amazon Lily, knew about the history and the lovesickness that plagued its emperors. The fact that Boa Hancock, the current emperor, was lovesick meant the person she loved was Ace. Robin used her Observation Haki to sense Hancock's emotional fluctuations and sighed, noting how strong Hancock's love for Ace was.
Robin's eyes scanned the members of the Nine Snakes Pirates, noting their strength and Haki abilities. Amazon Lily was indeed a unique nation where all adult warriors could use Haki. It made sense that Ace chose this place to teach Haki. Nami probably wanted to bring this power under Ace's command, showing her position as the second-in-command of the Entei Pirates.
Nami felt Robin's gaze and looked back at her, understanding immediately. The two shared a smile, recognizing the strategic advantage Hancock's love brought to Ace.
The other girls, even the most adorable Tashigi, realized from Hancock's behavior that she was deeply in love with Ace. Hancock's emotional aura, sensed through Observation Haki, was strikingly similar to Kaya's when she was around Ace. Among the girls, Kaya was the most blindly and submissively in love with Ace. Nami, Vivi, and the others had their ways of showing affection, but Kaya completely obeyed Ace's words.
Now, Hancock displayed an emotional aura almost identical to Kaya's, if not stronger. The girls didn't harbor any negative emotions towards Hancock. Instead, they welcomed her warmly, recognizing her deep love for Ace. They saw her as a valuable ally, especially given her strength and the powerful forces she commanded.
During their time at the Sabaody Archipelago, the girls realized the true importance of Haki. Despite their strength, they struggled in peak fights, with only Nami able to participate using her Thunder Fruit powers. Ace had emphasized the significance of Haki, and the addition of Amazon Lily's warriors, all skilled in Haki, would be a substantial advantage.
For the women of the Entei Pirates, anything that benefited Ace and brought him closer to becoming the king of the world was worth supporting unconditionally.
Using Observation Haki to sense the emotional fluctuations of the girls, Rayleigh and Shakky exchanged a knowing glance and stood up, smiling.
"These girls are indeed Ace's women. They seem to handle Hancock just fine," Rayleigh mused.
Shakky nodded, adding, "It looks like we don't need to worry about Hancock's situation."
Ace looked at Hancock, surprised by the happiness radiating from her. She was indeed the most beautiful woman in the pirate world, far more stunning in reality than in the anime he remembered from his previous life. A gentle smile played on his lips as he spoke warmly, "Then, let's head to Amazon Lily first, Hancock."
Hancock's eyes turned into hearts, and she weakly fell to the ground, holding her flushed face and murmuring happily, "Go, go to Amazon Lily. Is it possible that Ace is going to marry me?!" In her mind, she envisioned their wedding and a blissful married life. How many children would Ace want? At least ten, right? Can I give birth to so many?
"Hancock! Where did you get the idea of marriage?" Grandma Ze exclaimed, looking at Hancock, who was entirely lost in her love-filled thoughts.
Nami and the other girls looked at Hancock helplessly. The powerful pirate queen, known as the most beautiful woman in the world, indeed had a serious case of lovesickness. However, they couldn't deny her beauty, and a hint of envy flickered in their eyes as they admired Hancock's features and proud figure. Such a woman rightfully belonged to Ace.
"Huh? Aren't you marrying me?" Hancock asked her mother-in-law, looking pitiful.
"So beautiful!" Grandma Ze clutched her heart. Hancock's beauty, enhanced by the Sweet Fruit, was overwhelming, especially when she displayed such a vulnerable expression.
"Hancock," Grandma Ze whispered, leaning close to her ear, "if you want to stay by Ace's side, you can't rely solely on your beauty."
"Why?" Hancock asked, covering her heart, biting her lip as she looked at Ace. Love had made her feel unworthy next to such a dazzling man.
"In the great incident of the Flame Emperor, the women around Ace all made significant contributions. You must work hard too, Hancock," Grandma Ze advised softly.
Hancock nodded seriously, biting her red lip. Although her eyes were only for Ace, she had noticed the strength of the girls around him during the Entei incident. Especially Nami, the 'little thief cat,' whose Thunder Fruit powers were formidable. Using Observation Haki, Hancock sensed that their love for Ace was as deep as hers. She didn't mind sharing Ace; a man as dazzling as him could not belong to just one woman. All she wanted was to stay by his side.
"Then let's go to Amazon Lily, Ace," Hancock said happily, feeling that her life was complete just by being with him.
"Let's go, Hancock," Ace replied, smiling gently. He looked at her with anticipation. How much would Nami and the others progress through Amazon Lily's Haki training methods, combined with his understanding field? Almost all female warriors there could use Haki upon reaching adulthood. What kind of powerful crew would they become under his guidance?
And then there was Hancock. With her kingly qualifications, if she mastered Conqueror's Haki Infusion and combined it with her Sweet Fruit powers, she could rival even BIG-MOM in strength with his help. The power under his command was set to explode with potential in Amazon Lily.
"That's Amazon Lily?" Nami stood on the deck, her gaze fixed on the distant island. The mountain peak with "Nine Snakes" engraved on it caught her eye.
Her beautiful eyes flickered with excitement. She had already memorized the sea area, preparing to draw the nautical chart later in the survey room Ace had prepared for her. Amazon Lily was a mysterious island, located in the Calm Belt. Before the Marines mastered seastone-coated ships, no outside force could enter. The voyage logs Nami collected rarely mentioned Amazon Lily, making the prospect of charting it thrilling.
"Yes, that's Amazon Lily," Hancock replied with a friendly smile, also on the deck of the Merry. "Nami, if you want to draw a detailed navigation chart, I'll ask them to take you around the surrounding seas."
During their journey, Hancock had recognized Nami's role as the second-in-command of the Entei pirate fleet. Nami was the woman closest to Ace, and if she accepted Hancock, it meant the other women around Ace would too. Nami had also created many opportunities for Hancock to be alone with Ace, for which she was deeply grateful.
"Thank you, Hancock," Nami responded, her red lips curving into a smile. She had come to know that the Pirate Empress, famous for her cold demeanor, was actually a gentle woman. This tenderness, however, was reserved for Ace. Nami and the others were recipients of Hancock's kindness because of their connection to Ace.
"Amazon Lily, we're here," Ace said, walking to the deck. He stretched and glanced at the island, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Ace, you're awake!" Nami said happily.
Kaya, always thoughtful, draped a coat over Ace's shoulders. "Ace, is there anything you want to eat? I'll prepare it for you," Hancock added, covering her pretty face shyly, unable to look directly at him.
"Let Laki prepare it. I prefer Laki's food," Ace replied, smiling.
Laki, not far away, blushed deeply, happiness sparkling in her eyes.
"Ace, your Haki..." Rayleigh's voice trembled with disbelief as he stood on the deck of the Zero Division ship beside him.
Ace turned to Rayleigh with a smile. "Well, it's been strengthened a bit."
During the Entei Incident, Ace had faced battles against top figures in the Marines and the World Government. However, he emerged largely unscathed. The fight against Akainu was a one-sided crushing victory after Ace's Mera-mera Fruit evolved into the Residual Fire Style. His encounters with Marine Marshal Sengoku and the Five Elders, while challenging, did not tax him psychically. Known for his wisdom and patience, Ace refrained from immediately using the Combat Turtle Breathing Technique, opting instead to hold a celebratory banquet with Shanks, Whitebeard, Kaido and others.
In recent days, the Combat Turtle Breathing Technique had transformed the new growth and energy from those battles into nourishment, further strengthening Ace. To his surprise, the battle of Wits and Haki clashes with Sengoku and the Five Elders had significantly enhanced his spirit. This, in turn, bolstered his Conqueror's Haki, making it more durable and potent.
The durability of the Residual Fire Style had also seen a significant boost. Ace made a simple estimate: the strongest move of the Residual Fire Style, known as North - "The Sky and the Earth are All Ashes," could previously be executed four times at full force with his then-current physical strength and spirit, aided by the physical blessings from the Mera-mera Fruit after awakening and transforming natural elements. However, after the mental enhancement, this number increased to approximately six times. Six full-power releases were enough to completely annihilate a country.
Ace recalled the North he had unleashed before in the Sabaody Archipelago. Despite Kaido's full resistance, it had destroyed almost all of GROVE-1 to 29, creating a vast ocean cavity. If unimpeded, up to two releases would be sufficient to wipe the Sabaody Archipelago off the map entirely.
The most crucial insight Ace gained was the ethereal nature of the spirit attribute. Unlike physical fitness, it couldn't be directly exercised physically, making this enhancement even more valuable. Ace was thoroughly satisfied with this progress.
What Ace needed to focus on next was combining Conqueror's Haki, perfection, and the power of the Residual Fire into one cohesive force. The power of the Residual Fire Style was exceptionally overbearing—a force that had never been seen on this sea. By relying solely on the pure Devil Fruit ability, the power he wielded surpassed the Four Emperors and reached a kingly level. Even the mightiest Devil Fruit, the Human Fruit-Phantom Beast-Nika form, renowned as the power of "god," couldn't achieve this feat.
Integrating Conqueror's Haki perfectly with the Residual Fire Style was extremely challenging. The Residual Fire Style was a move derived from Ace's personal experience of Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's Bankai: Zanka no Tachi. In this transformation, Ace's body became another form of Zanka no Tachi. To perfectly wrap Conqueror's Haki around his body like a residual fire sword was beyond Ace's current capability.
This limitation was why, during the Entei incident, Sengoku remarked, "Even if you are heaven-defying, you cannot 'wrap Conqueror's Haki' around this terrifying move just yet."
However, Ace had already conceived a way to wrap Conqueror's Haki around the body in his Residual Fire Style through his field of understanding. The key lay in the power of 'Nika'!
The Nika form is a uniquely powerful Devil Fruit power . Before awakening, it merely grants its user a rubbery body. After awakening, it bestows the ability of 'Nika's exclusive imagination,' allowing the user to fight freely, create things out of thin air, and do anything within the bounds of their imagination.
This transformation also affected the rubber body, enabling it to perfectly blend Conqueror's Haki and Armament Haki. The true emperors of the sea wield this power, setting them apart from even the most formidable admirals. The fundamental difference in their combat prowess lies in Conqueror's Haki - Coating.
Conqueror's Haki's power of entanglement far surpasses Armament Haki. However, Armament Haki remains vital as it consumes physical strength, while Conqueror's Haki primarily drains the user's spirit. Even the most powerful sea emperors, who have reached the pinnacle of Conqueror's Haki, cannot use both Haki forms simultaneously; they must choose one for their attacks.
Nika's awakening changes this. Nika's exclusive imagination allows for the complete integration of Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki into the rubber body, making every attack a combination of both Haki forms. This integration renders traditional Haki-winding or hardening obsolete for Nika. The rubber body of Nika fully embodies the user's Haki, which is why the Human Fruit-Phantom Beast-Nika form is the strongest Devil Fruit.
Users of this awakened form can simultaneously harness the combined power of Conqueror's Haki, Armament Haki, and their Devil Fruit abilities. This perfect combination, when released, results in a colossal increase in combat power, as seen when Luffy used his Barjang Gun to defeat Kaido in the Wano Arc.
Ace aimed to use Nika's exclusive imagination to integrate Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki into his Residual Fire body. If successful, each of his attacks would be imbued with the full power of Armament Haki, Conqueror's Haki, and the Mera-mera Fruit, significantly enhancing his combat prowess.
As Amazon Lily focused on teaching the girls Haki, Ace's priority was to integrate these Haki forms into his Residual Fire body during this training arc. He looked at the approaching island, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Lord Snake Princess!"
The cries of the female warriors of Amazon Lily filled the air as they arrived.