After Hancock finally composed herself, still flushed from the earlier scene, William turned his focus to the sisters with a serious expression. "How's Amazon Lily?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Sandersonia was the first to speak, her brows knitted together. "Still the same as when we left, but we can't risk staying there long. If the World Government finds out that we are from Amazon Lily, they might target our island next. And the entire island could be in danger."
William nodded solemnly, understanding the delicate position Amazon Lily was in. "I get it. You did the right thing."
With that, he launched into an account of everything he and Robin had been through in West Blue. He recounted their encounter with the slave traders, the ambush on Ohara, and the CP-0 agents. Robin nodded as he spoke, adding in her own details.
Once the group finished catching up, William's gaze shifted as he reached into his space pocket and pulled out the half-conscious CP-0 agent. The man, battered and barely hanging on, barely stirred in William's grip.
"I've been thinking," William said, glancing at Rayleigh, the Boa sisters, and Robin. "There's a way we can use these ability users. I've got a theory: if we put some fruits alongside an ability user in my space pocket, and then kill the user inside, one of the fruits might absorb the ability."
Rayleigh's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Interesting idea. I've heard of Demon Fruit powers transferring to nearby fruits when their users die. Your space pocket might act as a closed container and amplify that process."
Excitement rippled through the group. Sandersonia quickly brought out a bag of fruits, and William took the bag and placed it in his space pocket. With everyone watching, he delivered a swift, fatal blow to the agent, then tossed the man's body inside and closed the pocket.
Moments passed, and tension filled the air. After waiting long enough, William reached into his space pocket again, retrieving the fruits. Among them was a new Demon Fruit with a distinctive swirling pattern and a stark white color.
He held it up for everyone to see, grinning triumphantly. "It worked! This is the agent's Polar Bear Zoan Fruit."
The group burst into cheers, a sense of victory and satisfaction thick in the air. As the excitement died down, William glanced at the agent's lifeless form and casually tossed it into the sea. "Feed the fish, why not?" he said with a smirk.
Once the mood settled, William turned to Marigold with a thoughtful look. "I have a bigger plan," he said. "We need real strength and influence if we're going to take on the World Government, and I think I know where to start: the Golden Lion, Shiki."
Hancock, Sandersonia, and Marigold looked at him with wide eyes, and Rayleigh gave an approving nod. "Shiki's power could give us what we need to stay above the World Government's reach," William continued, his voice laced with excitement. "With his ability, I could build a kingdom in the sky, where we'd be beyond their prying eyes—a base where we can grow our forces in peace."
Marigold looked at him, her interest piqued. "What exactly are you planning, William?"
William's eyes glinted. "If we take Shiki's power, it will let us manipulate anything, even whole islands, to float in the sky. I can think of no one better than you to wield this ability, Marie. With this fruit, you'd control our kingdom's movements and keep it hidden above the clouds, out of reach of anyone who might try to harm it."
Marigold's expression shifted from surprise to a steady determination. "I'll make sure our kingdom is untouchable, then," she said, her voice filled with pride.
Rayleigh gave an approving chuckle. "Building a kingdom in the sky, hidden from the World Government… I have to admit, it's an ambitious plan, but one that might just work."
"Shiki's ability is a powerful one," Robin said, smiling with encouragement. "If we can find him, it could turn the tide in our favor."
Rayleigh leaned back with a thoughtful expression. "Well, Shakky has her own information network. I can ask her to keep an eye out for any news on Shiki. It might not be easy, but if anyone can track him down, she can."
William grinned, the excitement radiating from him. "Then that's the plan. Once we have Shiki's power, there'll be no stopping us."
As the conversation wound down, the group decided to take a break and share a meal. The atmosphere lightened considerably as they moved to a makeshift dining area, laughter filling the air as they set up their dinner. Marigold and Sandersonia prepared an array of dishes, showcasing their culinary skills learned from their time on the island. The table was filled with tropical fruits, grilled meats, and fragrant rice, all of which they shared with relish.
"William, you've got to try this," Hancock insisted, handing him a plate piled high with food. Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and her earlier tension seemed to melt away.
"I can't say no to a meal prepared by the sisters of Amazon Lily," he joked, digging in. The food was delicious, and it brought everyone together, allowing them to relax and celebrate their recent victories.
As they finished their meal, Hancock glanced at William, a hint of mischief returning to her eyes. "Now that we've made plans and had a feast, there's one last thing I need from you…"
William raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what would that be?"
"I want you to hug me to sleep!" Hancock declared, her voice playfully demanding.
Robin chimed in quickly, a teasing smile on her lips. "No, wait! I want to hug him to sleep too!"
The two began to bicker, making exaggerated claims about who deserved to cuddle with William. The lighthearted quarrel drew a chuckle from everyone, and William couldn't help but smile at their antics.
"Alright, alright! Enough of this!" William exclaimed, laying down on the soft ground beneath the stars. "Come here, both of you!"
With that, he spread his arms wide, inviting them in. The two girls paused, then they settled beside him, Hancock on one side and Robin on the other, both of them snuggling close as William enveloped them in a warm embrace.
"Now stop quarreling and let's get some sleep," he said, a satisfied grin on his face.
Hancock sighed contentedly, her earlier fluster forgotten. "This is nice," she murmured, nestling closer. Robin smiled, resting her head against his shoulder, a feeling of safety washing over her.
The warmth of their bodies and the comforting rhythm of their breaths created a sense of peace in the air, lulling them toward sleep. The stars twinkled above, their soft light mingling with the serenity of the moment. William's heart swelled with happiness.
As they drifted off, the weight of the world outside their little bubble faded away, leaving only the promise of tomorrow's adventures and the bonds they were forging together.
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