When Hancock asked the question, Ezra D. Vale raised an eyebrow.
So this was what she wanted to know.
But what caught him off guard was the shy look on her face.
"I know a little," he said calmly.
In truth, he knew everything. He had been in Mary Geoise back then.
Hancock's body trembled.
"Then can you remove it?"
Now Ezra was the one who froze.
He never expected Hancock to ask him that.
Still, with his abilities, it should be possible.
"I can try."
Shock flashed across Hancock's face. She had only wanted to ask whether he minded the mark. She never imagined he could actually erase it.
"Let your sister come in. I need to examine the mark."
Hancock nodded quickly and called for Sandersonia.
When Sandersonia learned the truth, she did not hesitate.
"I am willing to try."
She exposed the mark beneath her shoulder.
Ezra studied it. It was nothing more than a brand scar.
"Can it be removed?" Hancock asked anxiously.
Ezra smiled.
"That is easy."
A soft green light spread from his palm and wrapped around the mark.
Healing Art One.
A warm glow pulsed.
Sandersonia felt a strange itching on her back.
Hancock stared in disbelief as the mark began to fade. Within moments, the scar was gone completely.
"It is gone," Hancock cried. "It is really gone."
The two sisters hugged each other, crying openly. The mark had been their lifelong nightmare.
Ezra waited quietly.
After they calmed down, Sandersonia bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Admiral."
Ezra waved it off.
Hancock hesitated, then asked softly, "Can I call you Ezra?"
"Sure."
Her cheeks flushed.
"Ezra, can you remove the mark from me and Marigold too? I will give you anything in return."
Ezra raised an eyebrow.
"I will not refuse."
Hancock misunderstood and nearly panicked.
"That is not what I meant."
Ezra laughed.
"I only have one condition. Join Stussy's crew."
Hancock froze.
A Marine was asking her to serve a Yonko.
But she needed the mark gone, and curiosity overcame her.
She agreed.
Ezra healed both Hancock and Marigold without delay. When it was done, Hancock cried with relief.
Ezra smiled to himself.
He left quietly, unaware that Hancock's heart had followed him.
Several days later, Ezra sat stiffly at his dining table.
In front of him were three women.
Gion. Hina. Hancock.
All three kept putting food on his plate.
Hina made sense. She had been chasing him for years.
Hancock made no sense at all.
Had his charm become this terrifying?
The atmosphere turned dangerous.
"So the Pirate Empress feels free to enter a Marine's home now?" Gion said with a sweet smile that felt lethal.
Hina nodded firmly.
Hancock tilted her head, eyes shimmering.
"Are you trying to chase me away? That would make me very sad."
Gion and Hina glared.
Ezra could only sigh.
"You two are being ridiculous."
Before the tension exploded, a Den Den Mushi rang.
Sengoku's voice came through.
"Ezra, something serious just happened. Luffy punched a Celestial Dragon."