Edie sighed, realizing he'd have to clarify once more. "It's not an engagement ring, Hancock. It's an ability ring."
He briefly explained how the ability ring worked, but Hancock didn't seem to absorb a single word. Her eyes sparkled like fresh spring water, and her smile bloomed like peach blossoms. She stared at the silver-white ring on her delicate finger with unblinking admiration, her joy unmistakable.
"Are you listening?" Edie asked, exasperated.
"Yes!" Hancock replied, snapping out of her daydream. She adopted a serious expression, acting as if she had been paying attention the whole time.
Edie sighed again, deciding to explain the ring's function all over. Despite his explanation, he couldn't help but notice Hancock still sneaking glances at the ring, utterly mesmerized. It was clear that to her, the ring itself held more meaning than the abilities it granted.
"Understood! I will make good use of it!" she exclaimed with a bright smile.
"It's called the Love-Love Fruit Ability Ring. Once activated, it will last for ten hours..." Edie went on, detailing the precautions, but it was clear Hancock was still lost in her own world, admiring the ring's design more than anything. He finally gave up.
Is she really that happy? Edie thought. This was the first time he had ever gifted an ability ring, and most people in his circle already had Devil Fruits. The rarity of giving it to someone like Hancock, who could actually use it, clearly added to her excitement.
The next morning, in Hancock's room:
Tuk tuk... tuk tuk...
A soft knock at the door echoed, followed by the voice of one of Hancock's maids. "Lady Heavenly Mother, pardon the intrusion."
Hancock's eyes narrowed in dissatisfaction as she called out, "What is it?"
The maid, sensing her irritation, spoke carefully, "A group of pirates arrived at the port about half an hour ago. They claim to be the Kuja Pirates, from Amazon Lily."
Hearing the name Amazon Lily made Hancock stand up, memories of her childhood flashing before her eyes. Though five years had passed since she had been taken, she had never forgotten her homeland. Edie had once informed her that the Earthly Branches had sent word to her people, but as time went by, Hancock thought Amazon Lily had abandoned her.
"Bring them to Between the Left Eyes. Edie will meet them soon," Hancock commanded. Her tone was regal, carrying the authority befitting a true empress. On Beehive Island, she held a status that placed her just below Edie, yet her demeanor reflected the majesty of a ruler when dealing with anyone else.
"As you wish, Heavenly Mother," the maid responded obediently before retreating.
Hive Research Institute – Between the Left Eyes:
In the reception room, Gloriosa, the former Elder of Amazon Lily, sat on a plush sofa. A maid had served her black tea, ensuring that no hospitality was overlooked.
Alongside her were two notable figures. A man with glasses and a scar over his right eye sat in one corner, casually draining the last drops of wine from an iron jug.
He was none other than Silvers Rayleigh, the former vice-captain of the Roger Pirates.
Across from him sat a woman slightly younger, dressed in a top adorned with a spider motif. She crossed her legs gracefully, a woman's cigarette resting between her fingers.
This was Shakuyaku (Shakky), the former emperor of Amazon Lily and once the captain of the Kuja Pirates.
As they waited for Edie and Hancock to arrive, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Each of these figures carried a legendary past, and their presence on Beehive Island marked the beginning of an important chapter.
"Is Hancock here yet?" Rayleigh asked, his voice steady as he placed the iron flask down on the table.
The maid bowed slightly, "Miss Hancock will be here shortly."
Shakky, leaning back with a playful smile, raised an eyebrow. "Heavenly Mother... It's hard to believe little Hancock is already 17. By the looks of things, she seems quite happy here." Her sharp eyes had noticed the respectful attitudes of the maids, as well as the reverence shown by the two Earthly Branches they had encountered earlier. Hancock's status on the island was unmistakably high.
"And with the scientist being called 'Heavenly Father,' it's clear what 'Heavenly Mother' means," Shakky added with a hint of pessimism in her tone, already doubtful of their mission's outcome.
Rayleigh, seemingly uninterested in further commentary, put down his flask and asked the maid, "Can I meet with Zishu?"
"Mr. Zishu?" The maid hesitated, visibly uncomfortable. She knew Zishu, a fearsome figure, was not someone she could simply summon. But before she could answer, the sound of high heels echoed in the hallway, signaling Hancock's arrival.
As Hancock entered the room, dressed in an elegant black cheongsam, her face bore a subtle coldness. Her graceful, measured steps drew attention to her feminine beauty, while her regal posture radiated authority. The moment Boa Hancock appeared, both Shakky and Grandma Nyon were taken aback. They hadn't expected such an air of nobility and pride.
Is this really Boa Hancock? they thought. She had transformed into a remarkable woman, truly befitting the title of Empress.
Hancock approached the main sofa with a steady, dignified pace and sat down, crossing her right leg over her left. She extended her hand casually, and the maid promptly delivered a glass of red wine. Taking a delicate sip, she finally spoke, her tone calm but commanding.
"Who are these emissaries from Amazon Lily?" she asked, her words directed at the group before her.
Behind Hancock, her two sisters, Boa Sandersonia and Boa Marigold, stood tall, their scrutinizing gazes adding to the tense atmosphere.
Grandma Nyon, clearly overwhelmed by Hancock's presence, struggled to find the right words. "What should I call you, Hancock?"
"Call me 'Heavenly Mother,'" Hancock replied curtly, her tone frosty. "Five years ago, Master Edie had Chenlong notify Amazon Lily to retrieve us. It's been more than five years. What brings you here now?"
In the first couple of years, Hancock had indeed longed for her homeland and the Kuja Pirates. But after five long years, her focus had shifted entirely toward Edie. If the visitors hadn't come from Amazon Lily, she wouldn't have even bothered to meet them.
Hancock's gaze drifted over to Rayleigh, and her eyes narrowed slightly. "And what is a man doing here with Amazon Lily's delegation?"
Shakky quickly stepped in, "He's... Silver Rayleigh."
Just then, Edie walked in, his presence immediately calming Hancock. Her icy demeanor melted away in an instant as she leaped to her feet and rushed into his arms.
"Master Edie!" she exclaimed, clinging to him with unmistakable affection.
Edie smiled softly, gently pulling Hancock away before turning his attention to their guests. "Well, well... the former Empress of Amazon Lily in our garden..." he mused. "And here we have Gloriosa, the former Emperor. And, of course, Silvers Rayleigh, the right hand of the Pirate King. Rare visitors, indeed."
Shakky, extinguishing her cigarette, examined the man who had risen to power in the New World, the man known as the Hive Emperor, rumored to even collect protection fees from the other emperors. Her first impression of Edie was one of grace and calmness. He carried an air of authority, but his smile was gentle, disarming.
Standing beside Hancock, the two seemed like a perfect pair, a unity of power and elegance.
Shakky smiled back, "Should I call you Hive Emperor, or...?"
Edie waved a hand dismissively. "Call me whatever you wish. But let's be honest—you're a little late in coming to retrieve Hancock, don't you think?" His smile remained, but the underlying message was clear. "If you had come right after her rescue, I would have gladly let her go. But now... five years have passed. Is that really still an option?"
He paused, adding with a wry smile, "It's like someone leaving their Xbox at your house for five years and suddenly asking to pick it up. A bit reluctant, don't you think?"
Rayleigh, Shakky, and Grandma Nyon exchanged uneasy glances. Realizing they were losing ground, Grandma Nyon took a deep breath and spoke with a serious tone. "The Empress of Amazon Lily has passed away from illness. We need Hancock to return and take her rightful place as Empress. Among the younger generation, she is the most suitable to lead."
Shakky quickly added, "We are forever grateful for your saving the three sisters at Sabaody Archipelago. Your kindness will never be forgotten."
Edie remained silent for a moment, then turned toward Hancock, awaiting her response. Without hesitation, Hancock shook her head firmly. "I will not return!" she declared, her resolve clear. She had fallen deeply in love with Edie and had no intention of leaving his side.
"Hancock..." Grandma Nyon stood up, pleading.
Edie, stepping forward, raised a hand to stop her. His tone was calm but authoritative. "You don't need Hancock to go back to Amazon Lily," he said smoothly. "What you need is someone young and capable, with the potential to lead the Kuja Pirates. I can provide that."
Grandma Nyon hesitated, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean? How could you...?"
Edie smirked as he leaned back in his chair, picking up the cup of black tea that had been placed in front of him. "I can clone Hancock for you—create a Lunarian Hancock to return to Amazon Lily as Empress."
Shakky and Grandma Nyon looked at each other, astonished.
"What's the condition?" Shakky asked, her voice cautious.
Edie's expression grew serious. "Shakky, you were once part of the Rocks Pirates. Rayleigh, you were the right hand of the Pirate King. Both of you were present during the God Valley Incident... So tell me, when Rocks was defeated, where did his body go?"