"What's that?!!"
Hancock's face changed dramatically, a sense of panic washing over her as if a secret had been uncovered.
She took a stance that suggested she was ready to attack at any moment. Behind her, her pet sensed its owner's unease and began to hiss at Sanders.
The "Stone-Gazing Eye" was the secret that Hancock and her sisters were terrified of being discovered. They had falsely claimed that after defeating the monster Gorgon in the New World, they were left with this curse. Once they removed their clothing and exposed their eyes, everyone nearby would be petrified.
"A Devil Fruit with all kinds of odd abilities exists, called the Healing Fruit," Sanders continued, seemingly unperturbed by Hancock's sudden change. "It can heal wounds and restore everything to its original state."
"It's perfect for treating curses," he added, smiling at Hancock.
Hancock trembled at his words, commanding Marigold to order everyone back to the ship's cabin.
"Make sure they all leave; I have something to discuss with Sanders privately."
Marigold was filled with both fear and excitement. They were terrified of their secret being uncovered, but the thought that there might be a solution to their mark from their past as slaves filled her with hope.
The other crew members didn't understand why the Snake Princess wanted to speak to Sanders alone but complied with her order and retreated to the cabin.
Hancock mounted the head of her serpent, which obediently carried her to Sanders.
"How do you know about the Stone-Gazing Eye?" Hancock coldly asked. "What else do you know?"
"I've deduced a few things," Sanders hesitated, glancing at the mark on Hancock's back. Now that only Mary Georgie was nearby, he felt free to speak candidly.
Hancock's face went pale instantly.
Her deepest secret had been discovered. The weight of that knowledge left her feeling dizzy, trembling all over, and engulfed in fear as if she were standing on the edge of an abyss, ready to be consumed by darkness.
She bit her lip in pain, her pride as the Pirate Empress vanishing, revealing a vulnerable girl beneath the surface. Tears began to well in her captivating eyes, and Sanders felt his heart racing, fearing he might be turned to stone by her beauty.
"Don't be afraid, Hancock. We're friends, aren't we?" Sanders spoke softly, trying to comfort her.
His gentle tone cut through the darkness like a lightning bolt, allowing Hancock to glimpse a sliver of light in her despair.
"Friends…" she whispered, recalling a distant memory.
The three sisters had once hidden on Sabaody Archipelago, fearful of contact with anyone. A boy with black hair, wearing oversized shorts and flip-flops, had smiled and told them not to fear, promising that Shakky's Sake Bar would help them return home.
They had arrived at Shakky's place hesitantly, but ultimately returned to Amazon Lily. Not long after, that boy became a genius in the Navy…
"Did you figure that out back then?" Hancock asked quietly, looking up.
"There was quite a commotion caused by Fisher Tiger. Few strangers wandered that street," Sanders replied with a smile.
"Then why did you help us?" Hancock pressed.
"I also dislike those World Nobles who act like pigs," he said matter-of-factly.
That was no lie—anyone who knew the original story would share that sentiment. However, he couldn't reveal his true feelings of desire towards her.
"Do you look down on us for being former slaves to the Celestial Dragons?" Hancock asked, her pale hands clenching nervously.
"We're friends, aren't we, Hancock?" Sanders replied without directly answering, which made her relax her grip.
With his keen observation, Sanders could hear Hancock's heartbeat accelerating.
"Don't worry, Hancock. I've said it before: the Healing Fruit can cure anything. Scars and marks won't last forever. I will find the Healing Fruit for you," he promised softly, reminiscent of a scheming businessman painting a grand picture for his clients.
Not that it was entirely a pipe dream; he knew where the Healing Fruit user was located, and with his power of deduction, he could acquire that ability for himself. The lifespan needed for the restoration process? He had exceeded that of an ordinary human when he gained the powers of a giant.
He could even use other bloodlines to extend his life.
After a long silence, Hancock finally spoke, "I am the Empress of Amazon Lily and need to protect everyone on the island."
A slight smirk appeared on Sanders's lips as he replied, "I have many things to do and don't need you to become a member of my crew right now. Your status as a Warlord of the Sea will protect Amazon Lily from the Marines."
"You can temporarily form a secret pirate alliance with me."
He knew that you couldn't rush some matters, and once he acquired the Healing Fruit, he would reveal to Hancock that using the restoration ability would consume a portion of one's life.
The prospect of that was tantalizing, and Sanders felt he was being corrupted by the wickedness of the individuals in Impel Down.
"I see… a secret pirate alliance?" Hancock said, somewhat confused.
"I'll be hunting the Celestial Dragons while looking for new crew members," Sanders explained. "If the World Government learns about our alliance, they might revoke your title as a Warlord of the Sea and even dispatch fleets to besiege Amazon Lily."
"You're hunting Celestial Dragons? The Marines will pursue you," Hancock replied.
"Ha ha ha! Are you worried about me, Hancock? Don't be. One Marine Admiral won't be able to take me down," Sanders laughed, his tone brimming with confidence.
"How could I possibly care about you? It's just that you've done us a small favor in the past," Hancock retorted, her expression stiffening.
She resumed her previous persona as the haughty Pirate Empress, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her true feelings.
"Go on, Hancock. Wipe those tears away; you are the Empress of Amazon Lily," he encouraged.
At that moment, Sonia appeared on deck, hauling supplies and looking curiously at her sister and Sanders.
What had transpired while she was gone?
Hancock felt a rush of embarrassment, hastily wiping away any traces of tears and proudly lifting her chin as she returned to the deck.
"Sonia, give Sanders some more Berries," Hancock ordered her sister.
"Don't worry about it. There are plenty of pirates on Sabaody Archipelago, and I can find some to take from them," Sanders declined with a smile.
After moving the alcohol and food onto his small ship, Sanders accepted a Vivre Card from Hancock.
He secured it on his wrist and waved goodbye to her: "Remember, Hancock, we're friends. I'll come back once I find that fruit."
With that, Sanders piloted his small vessel swiftly towards the Sabaody Archipelago.
Watching Sanders's retreating figure, Hancock stood on the deck.
"Friends… I don't want to be friends with you! Hmph!" she huffed, stomping back to her cabin.
"Notify everyone, we're returning to Amazon Lily," she commanded.
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T/N:
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