Early morning, a new battleship sailed through the Gate of Justice, docking at the Navy Headquarters port.
With her head held high, a stunning woman with a Hime cut descended from the ship. Behind her, a group of vividly lifelike stone statues of naval officers stood on the deck.
"Hmph!"
With a soft snort, Boa Hancock elegantly flicked her long hair, disdainfully gazing at the naval soldiers below who were staring at her. She turned her head slightly to glance at Impel Down, which she had just left.
"Luffy~ be careful," she murmured softly, a mix of concern and blush coloring her face.
Nearby, the naval officers who had come to greet Boa Hancock stole glances at her worried expression. Under the spell of her unparalleled beauty, they felt as though they wanted to offer their very hearts.
"Disgusting men," Hancock muttered with a look of contempt, glaring down at the lovestruck soldiers. She raised her hands and formed a heart shape.
"Perfume Femur!"
A wave of pink energy swept across, petrifying all the soldiers in front of her. With a flick of her hair, Boa Hancock prepared to leave.
"Charge~!"
Suddenly, a group of small figures darted past her, running toward the distant sea.
Moments later, Tashigi strode past Hancock with her long legs, completely immune to the Empress's charms, chasing after Klee and her companions.
"Klee! We agreed you wouldn't leave the Headquarters today. It's the final day of rehearsals, remember?"
"Got it~!" Klee replied cheerfully, spreading her arms as she ran ahead. She circled around a pillar with a tap-tap-tap and then ran back, stopping abruptly in front of Tashigi.
"Hehe~" Klee grinned as she stood up straight, her small frame beaming with joy.
Beside her, Qiqi slowly approached, holding Liyue's hand. A gentle breeze blew by, and Qiqi raised her tiny hand to hold the talisman on her forehead.
"Sister Tashigi, wasn't there supposed to be the world's most beautiful woman in today's rehearsal?" Klee asked, her face filled with curiosity.
"Klee heard people talking about it and ran over. Klee wanted to see if this person was more beautiful than Mommy Alice."
With her large, twinkling eyes full of anticipation, Klee completely ignored the incredulous Boa Hancock standing not far away.
"How could it be?! How could someone resist my charm and run past me without even noticing?" Hancock exclaimed, her head held high with pride, her chin nearly tilted toward the sky.
Pointing at Klee and her friends, Hancock declared, "You over there! How dare you compare my beauty to anyone else's! My beauty is unparalleled, except for one person. No one can resist my charm!"
"Eh?" Klee tilted her head in confusion, peeking out from behind Tashigi. Scratching her cheek, she asked earnestly, "Big Sister, doesn't that posture make your neck hurt? It looks really hard to do."
Hancock straightened slightly, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes as she looked at the three little girls. Though they didn't match her divine beauty, they were undoubtedly cute and charming in their own way.
With a flick of her fan, Hancock shielded her face. "I am Boa Hancock, the most beautiful woman in the world."
Looking at Klee, she continued, "Did I hear you comparing your mother's beauty to mine? Though you are an adorable little girl, my beauty is unmatched. No one in this world can rival me."
"But…" Klee tilted her head, studying Hancock closely. "After looking at you carefully, Klee still thinks Mommy is prettier. But Big Sister is very pretty too! Hehehe."
Hancock snapped her fan shut, staring at Klee's bright, smiling face. Finally, she said, "Since you're just a child, I'll let it slide this time."
Cupping her flawless cheeks, Hancock sighed dreamily, "After all, my beauty is unparalleled in this world."
Klee, her eyes sparkling, nodded obediently. She tiptoed to peek behind Hancock at the petrified soldiers. "Big Sister, why did you turn the navy uncles into stone? That must feel uncomfortable for them."
"Hmph!" Hancock declared haughtily. "Because those men dared to gaze upon my beauty! My beauty belongs only to him. Besides, whatever I do is forgivable because I am so beautiful."
"But Klee thinks that's wrong," Klee said seriously, raising a small hand. "Brother Hiroshi said we shouldn't abuse our power to fulfill our desires. We all need to have a conscience and boundaries, or we're no better than beasts."
She continued, "Captain Jean also taught me to apologize and write a report when I cause trouble or hurt others."
Looking up at Hancock, Klee concluded, "Big Sister, your actions aren't right. It's not what good kids do."
Hancock's lips twitched as she stared at Klee's earnest face. Without a word, she waved her hand, and a wave of light freed the petrified soldiers.
"This time, I'll forgive these rude men because of you, little one."
Stepping in front of Klee, Hancock said, "Wasn't I summoned to participate in the upcoming war? Were you looking for me, little one? Lead the way."
"Okay!" Klee grabbed Hancock's hand and, holding Qiqi's as well, started toward the Navy Headquarters.
"Big Sister," Klee said cheerfully, "why do I feel a scared little girl in your heart who's afraid of the dark? Don't worry! Everyone says Klee is like the sun. I'll use my bombs to make bright lights so you won't be scared."
Hancock looked down at the beaming Klee holding her hand and remained silent. The darkness Klee spoke of was the shadow that enveloped the entire world.