"A regular traveler?"
Who was he trying to fool?
Could a regular person possess such a powerful Haki?
Hancock's expression remained indifferent. "You think such a weak excuse can fool me? Hmph, how bold of you."
Takumi shrugged, clearly unconcerned whether or not Hancock believed him. "You don't have a choice. If you don't want anyone to know your secret, you'll do as I say."
"How arrogant!" Hancock sneered. "Do you think having strong Haki means you can do as you please with me? What a joke! I am the Pirate Empress. Do you really think a clueless brat like you can threaten me? Besides, very few know my past. You're far too young—what could you possibly know? Don't think you can deceive me. Come back in a few years!"
Seeing that Hancock still didn't believe him, Takumi decided to stop beating around the bush. "You have a mark on your back, don't you?"
Hancock: "!"
The mark Takumi referred to was the brand that all those enslaved by the Celestial Dragons were forced to bear.
Even if they were freed, that mark remained on their bodies as a symbol of shame.
This was Hancock's secret.
As the ruler of Amazon Lily, she couldn't afford for anyone to know that she had once been a slave. Even her people on the island were unaware of this dark chapter in her life.
The only people who knew were Hancock's two sisters and the former ruler of Amazon Lily, Gloriosa.
Seeing Hancock's expression darken further, Takumi added, "We came from Sabaody Archipelago."
At the mention of Sabaody, Hancock's eyes sharpened, and she stared at Takumi in disbelief.
"I'm friends with Rayleigh," Takumi said casually, dropping Rayleigh's name in an attempt to ease Hancock's suspicions.
Rayleigh had once helped the three sisters escape from the Celestial Dragons, so Hancock owed him a debt of gratitude.
Rayleigh wasn't here now, so borrowing his name shouldn't cause too much trouble.
Meanwhile, on Sabaody Archipelago, in a certain gambling den...
Rayleigh was about to place a bet on some dice, his entire pile of money resting on a number he was sure would win. But before he could place his bet, he suddenly sneezed.
The people around him couldn't help but laugh.
"Hey, you alright? Got a cold?"
"Hurry up and place your bet. Lose everything, go home, and take some medicine, hahaha..."
"Which number are you betting on? I'm definitely not betting on that!"
Rayleigh rubbed his nose and chuckled. "Haha, I'm fine, I'm fine. Let's keep going."
Back on Amazon Lily...
"You actually know Rayleigh?" Hancock asked, surprised.
Takumi nodded slightly. But just knowing Rayleigh wasn't enough to sway Hancock. After all, she wasn't the type to be easily moved by past favors. Takumi needed something more concrete.
"I've killed a Celestial Dragon," Takumi stated calmly, as if it were no big deal.
Hancock froze for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Haha, what a ridiculous lie! The Celestial Dragons are backed by the World Government, protected by the Navy Admirals. You, kill one of them? Don't make me laugh."
Takumi shrugged. "Believe what you want."
With that, he deactivated his Conqueror's Haki.
Hancock exhaled, relieved of the pressure. Her demeanor remained cold, though her desire to kill Takumi had faded somewhat. Still, she wasn't one to easily trust others. "I can undo the petrification of your two companions, but you must leave Amazon Lily immediately!"
"That's not happening," Takumi replied bluntly. "I'm staying here for a while."
Hancock's temper flared. "Don't you dare test my patience!"
But then her tone shifted dramatically. She raised her right hand, placing her finger on her lips, and her expression softened into one of shyness. Her voice became sweet and gentle as she said, "I really don't like you. Could you leave this island... for me?"
Hancock was confident that no man could resist her charm.
Takumi: "..."
Sure, Hancock was beautiful, but her attempt to act coy reminded Takumi of one of his shadow clones dressed up in women's clothing, trying to flirt with him. A shiver ran down his spine.
Seeing that her charm had no effect on him, Hancock quickly reverted to her usual self, her tone impatient. "Fine. If you want to stay, so be it, but don't let anyone on the island see you."
"Agreed," Takumi replied indifferently.
Hancock continued, "When you leave, I'll undo the petrification. Don't think you can negotiate further. This is my final offer!"
"Fine," Takumi agreed without hesitation.
His quick acceptance made Hancock suspicious. She wondered if he was up to something.
However, now wasn't the time to waste any more energy on this. With a cold snort, Hancock turned and began walking back to the shore where her subordinates were waiting.
Takumi didn't follow her. He casually wandered off in another direction, deciding to explore the island a bit before making his next move.
Back at the shore, Hancock's subordinates were slowly waking up, groggy and confused.
"Ugh, what happened to us?"
"Lady Hancock, are you alright?"
"Lady Hancock, did you defeat the intruders?"
The group was full of questions and confusion.
Hancock, having regained her composure, turned toward the sea with a cold expression. "We're heading back."
Without another word, she stepped into her palanquin.
The warriors exchanged glances, each wearing a faint smile. They all assumed Hancock had dealt with the intruders.
Once back at the palace, Hancock went straight to her room. She opened the bottom drawer of her vanity, retrieving a small Den Den Mushi she hadn't used in a long time. After a moment's hesitation, she made a call.
The line soon connected, and a lazy voice answered, "This is Shakky's Bar. Want to reserve a table?"
"It's me," Hancock said coldly.
"Hmm? This voice sounds familiar," Shakky mused for a moment. "Hancock, is that you?"
"Yeah," Hancock replied. "Old lady, do you and that old geezer know some brat who calls himself a 'traveler'?"
"A brat calling himself a traveler?" Shakky paused, then laughed. "Oh, you must mean Takumi. He was drinking here with Rayleigh not too long ago. Haha, did he come to your island? That kid's got guts, I'll give him that. But after killing a Celestial Dragon, I guess going to Amazon Lily isn't too surprising."
Hancock froze. "He... really killed a Celestial Dragon?"
Shakky lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke as she continued, "Huh? Haven't you read the news?"
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