Victor was nestled against softness, breathing in a scent that went straight to his soul.
He finally understood Momonosuke's so-called "happiness."
No wonder so many people wanted to kill that brat—he deserved it!
Victor made a mental note: if he ever got the chance, he'd tell Luffy that if he met a kid named Momonosuke in the future, he should beat him up. Not because of a grudge, but because the little bastard just needed a beating!
Using the two system pills—one for invisibility and one for shrinking—Victor, as a doting husband, naturally refused to let Luffy hide in Hancock's robes. Luffy got the Invisibility Pill, while Victor himself took the Shrinking Pill.
Although both were used, Victor wasn't unhappy. Hancock's "assets" were more than generous, and his hiding spot was surprisingly comfortable…
The invisible Luffy trailed behind Hancock silently. The pill's effect was so strong that even Vice Admiral Momonga failed to sense him.
That made Victor even more excited for the day he'd receive the Thunder Fruit from the system. If the pills were this powerful, how amazing would the Goro Goro no Mi be?
Not long after boarding the Marine battleship, Hancock lifted the petrification on the Marine soldiers she had turned to stone earlier.
Then came another "fan meeting." Marines praised her beauty with loud admiration, and Victor nearly lost his patience inside her robes.
Having a wife this beautiful is also a kind of trouble!
"What!? You're going to Impel Down with Straw Hat?!"
In the private cabin prepared for the Warlords of the Sea, Hancock's peerless face was filled with shock. Victor had just told her his plan.
"Hancock, don't get upset. I'll definitely meet you at Marineford. But the Shrinking Pill's effect won't last until then. If I stay with you, I'll be exposed. At least if I go to Impel Down, I won't put you in danger."
Victor sighed helplessly. He didn't want this either. Wouldn't it be better to stay with his wife? Wouldn't it be better to get the Thunder Fruit sooner!?
But the system had already notified him—the pill's duration was nearly up. If he stayed hidden, once the effect ended, he'd be caught immediately. With Marineford crawling with the strongest forces of the Marines, exposure meant disaster.
Even if they escaped, Hancock would lose her place among the Warlords.
This damn system clearly wants me to follow Luffy into Impel Down…
Still, it wasn't all bad. After triggering the choice, the system rewarded Victor with a spatial backpack—10,000 x 10,000 cubic meters! Finally, he had somewhere to stash system rewards and valuables.
"Hehehe! Victor, you're awesome! You're really going to help me save Ace? You should join my crew, my nakama are all amazing!"
Invisible Luffy's laughter rang out, though he couldn't be seen. Victor didn't need to look to imagine Luffy's goofy grin.
"Get lost!"
Hancock snapped, kicking the air where Luffy stood. His laughter betrayed his location, and he went flying.
Victor chuckled quietly. Good thing he had claimed Hancock's heart first, or who knew what would've happened.
"Husband, Impel Down is the world's greatest prison. Its defenses are terrifying. I'm really worried about you…"
Hancock's gentle gaze made Victor's chest tighten. For all her power as the Pirate Empress, she was still a woman in love.
"Don't worry, Hancock. You know how strong I am. You'll bring us into Impel Down, then head for Marineford. Luffy and I will catch up with you there."
The mini-sized Victor stood in Hancock's palm. Even if the original timeline had Luffy charging into Marineford alone, now there was him—this butterfly effect would shake the seas in ways no one could predict.
Victor could hardly wait.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
"Lady Hancock, Impel Down is ahead. Vice Admiral Momonga requests your presence on deck!"
Victor's expression tightened, and he quickly burrowed back into Hancock's robes.
Impel Down—finally here!
By Marineford's orders, Vice Admiral Momonga escorted Boa Hancock through Impel Down for a "visit."
The moment Victor set foot inside, he was assaulted by horrific cries. It was like stepping into the pits of hell. The world's greatest prison lived up to its reputation.
Their reception was handled by the Vice Warden himself.
"Welcome, Vice Admiral Momonga, to my Impel Down!"
Hannyabal, with his bizarre appearance, bowed.
Then he stuttered, correcting himself: "Ah—no, I misspoke. Not my Impel Down. I mean the Impel Down. Haha! I am Vice Warden Hannyabal!"
Momonga ignored the weird behavior. This sea had no shortage of strange characters.
Hannyabal's eyes nearly popped out when he saw Hancock. "W-Woah! So beautiful! Pirate Empress Hancock-sama!"
Victor ground his teeth inside Hancock's robes. This clown… I'll deal with him later.
"Ah, I misspoke again! Forgive me, Lady Hancock. The Warden is in his office on the fourth floor. Vice Warden Domino and I will handle your reception."
Domino, clad in a white uniform, stepped forward and saluted.
"Lady Hancock, although you are one of the Seven Warlords, you must still undergo inspection before entering. Please forgive me."
She presented a pair of Sea Prism Stone handcuffs.
Domino led Hancock toward the inspection room, while invisible Luffy slipped in behind them.
Inside, Hancock petrified the Den Den Mushi and Domino with Sweet Sweet Wind. Only then could she safely hide Victor.
"Husband, this prison is extremely dangerous. Don't cause trouble. I'll be waiting for you at Marineford…"
Her worried blue eyes softened as she leaned down and kissed the mini-sized Victor on the forehead.
If anyone besides Luffy had seen this, they would've gone insane. The world's most beautiful woman kissing a man so tenderly…
Domino eventually escorted Hancock back out. Vice Admiral Momonga and Hannyabal both sighed in relief. The monitoring room had reported a strange blackout, but everything seemed fine.
Neither noticed the mini-sized figure darting out of the chamber at incredible speed.
Victor had entered Impel Down.