The other side remained silent for a moment, unconcerned by Aberdeen's frustration, then calmly said, "No need to rush. Tazorlo is already on the way. There have been some disagreements, but the stakes are high—he will act."
"Lord Tazorlo himself will intervene?" Aberdeen asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Fifty percent chance, depending on his mood. He's not my subordinate; strictly speaking, we are still enemies. But if he acts, the AKS Guild's annual tribute will double. I, too, lost a capable subordinate on this trip—it's a pity," the other sighed.
"No problem. As long as Crocodile and Sia are dealt with, once I become AKS Guild president, the tribute won't be lacking," Aberdeen said, cornered.
After ending the Den Den Mushi call, in Mary Joa, the Holy Land, in a certain mansion.
A noble in his fifties but appearing only in his thirties looked at the bounty notice on the table, muttering, "Crocodile near the Kingdom of Andia… should I notify Marine Headquarters? Hmm… maybe not. I hear there's action against the Whitebeard Pirates."
"Director Rufus, the meeting is about to start. The Fleet Admiral, the Five Elders, and Admiral Sengoku are all here. We should go too, so we're not late," said a bodyguard agent, pushing the door open.
"No need to rush. I'm a retiring CP0 deputy commander; attending this meeting seems pointless. Better to stay in the Holy Land," Rufus said, annoyed. Let the commander handle it.
"Sir Rufus, please don't joke. Every vote counts. This concerns whether we directly confront a Yonkou. Besides, didn't you say this place was oppressive? Consider it a walk," the agent insisted.
"Fair enough, let's go."
Meanwhile, as all factions moved, the turmoil in the Kingdom of Andia caught the attention of someone in Paradise.
In a restaurant, Hawkeye dined alone, surrounded by countless pirates and bounty hunters who had come to challenge him and make a name for themselves.
Others were far away, but his exceptional Observation Haki picked up interesting whispers: "A chaotic nation may produce some skilled swordsmen."
He decided to visit Andia anyway—he was out for a walk, so why not?
"Wow, she's beautiful… the world's most beautiful woman, the Empress Boa Hancock. Mom, I'm in love…"
"Shameless. You could be her father."
"Too cute, too charming, so gorgeous."
"No, I must… speak to her."
"Surrounded by so many beautiful women, I hear Snake Island is all female, hehe…" thought a pirate with ill intentions.
A tall, statuesque beauty with long black hair, fair skin, and deep, cold blue eyes scanned everyone nearby.
Behind her slithered a vibrant giant snake, Salome.
"Annoying flies," Boa Hancock said. She and her sisters, along with the Kuja Pirates, were at an entertainment venue—not for fun, but to fence goods and stock items missing from Snake Island before setting sail.
During her days in Paradise, Hancock had petrified countless annoying intruders, men and women alike. Her beauty, combined with the Love-Love Fruit's charm, was mesmerizing.
The Love-Love Fruit amplified her allure—she was a nightmare of beauty. Others' cuteness could charm, but her charm could kill.
In less attractive or male hands, the fruit's power would diminish—it was also known as the Infatuation Fruit.
"Do you think I'm beautiful?" Hancock tossed her hair, smiling innocently, like a delicate child.
"Beautiful! Beautiful!" Men and women froze, hearts aflutter.
"Then, Sweet-Sweet Love," Hancock formed a heart with her hands. Heart-shaped auras radiated out, petrifying all nearby. Silence fell.
"Big sister, you can't petrify everyone—that would be troublesome," Sandersonia reminded her.
"No problem. Whatever I do is forgiven, because I am too beautiful," Hancock said, full of narcissistic confidence.
Life was insignificant to her. She only punished slightly. A few days later, the petrification would wear off. The effect wasn't lethal unless broken, in which case it wasn't her responsibility.
"Do you think I'm the most beautiful?" Hancock asked newcomers gathering nearby.
The newly arrived were awed and fearful, yet her voice and beauty unsettled them, almost irrationally.
"Yes, yes, yes!" they responded.
"No, I think Sister Hathaway is pretty too." A crisp voice interrupted.
"Huh? Where did this wild girl come from?" Hancock's voice, amid agreement, stood out sharply.
Natalie held cotton candy, nibbling happily. "So sweet, so tasty… just like dried fish." She innocently addressed Hancock, accompanied by Enel.
Enel blushed. As a god, he had almost been bewitched by a young girl from the Blue Sea—humiliating.
With the Dawn Pirates' newfound wealth, Natalie, though young and without shares, had received attention and red envelopes worth millions of Berries. She was now rich enough to eat whatever she wanted. Being a pirate was bliss.
She didn't intend to oppose Hancock—just being honest: Sister Hathaway was incredibly beautiful.
"I'm Natalie. Not a wild girl. What's your name?" Natalie showed no fear; she was thrilled to be spoken to. Enel had barely paid attention to her after half a day, though she had asked him over 200 questions.
"Who's this brat? Armed and shielded, now child labor too?" Someone watched Natalie's fearless tone, surprised by her ignorance—it was a blessing.
Even the world's most beautiful woman and a Shichibukai couldn't intimidate her.
"Boa Hancock," the Empress looked at the child with disinterest, assuming it was a brash challenger.
"Oh, okay. Goodbye." Natalie nodded and turned to leave, having said all she needed. No way would Hancock offer her a meal.
"Uncle Enel, let's go! Don't just stare. Sister Hathaway is pretty, but this one's strong too," Natalie tugged Enel's sleeve, fearless, eager to buy something.
She didn't want Uncle to think she was inefficient. Being forced off the ship would be a huge loss.
(End of chapter)