Amazon Lily—also known as the Island of Women.
Hidden deep within the Calm Belt, this island remained a mystery to the outside world.
No men lived there.
With a population of tens of thousands, the island was inhabited entirely by the Kuja—a warrior tribe of women. From this tribe rose a sovereign nation known as the Nation of Women, or Amazon Lily.
The women of this country were raised as warriors from birth. They carried the burdens of labor and livelihood alike. Even childbirth yielded only daughters. Each woman bore a serpent companion, capable of transforming into weapons at will.
The Kuja Pirates, meanwhile, served as the nation's official maritime force—an armed fleet led by the Empress herself.
When Qin Yang followed the Kuja Pirates through the massive sea gate at the harbor and entered the island's waters, the sight before him left him momentarily stunned.
The architecture carried a distinctive elegance—ancient in style, almost reminiscent of classical Eastern design. Sloped rooftops, curved beams, ornamental carvings. It was refined, dignified.
At the docking area, rows of strikingly dressed Kuja warriors stood waiting, welcoming their Empress home.
Boa Hancock stepped forward first, her feet touching land with unhurried grace. Behind her, crew members began unloading the spoils gathered from their voyage.
Half-submerged in the sea, Qin Yang lifted his massive dragon head and began scanning through the cargo.
He had not forgotten his objective.
On the journey here, he had already devised an excuse.
As the so-called "Guardian Deity," it would only be natural to receive offerings. The only issue was determining which crate contained what he needed.
At that moment, Amanda directed the unloading process.
"Careful. This haul is rather impressive. Once everything is ashore, conduct a proper inventory and report back to me."
"Yes!"
After issuing instructions, Amanda turned toward Qin Yang, reverence shining in her eyes.
"Guardian Deity, since it may be inconvenient for you to come ashore, I will arrange—"
Before she could finish, Qin Yang shook his draconic head.
"Who said I cannot come ashore?"
"Ah?"
In the next instant, the sea dragon surged upward from the water.
His enormous body arced through the sky, twisting once before descending toward land.
The welcoming Kuja warriors widened their eyes in alarm.
"A dragon?!"
"Is it a Sea King? Protect Lady Hancock!"
"No… it doesn't seem hostile!"
Amid the commotion, Qin Yang's body began to glow with brilliant white light. Radiance enveloped him entirely.
When he landed, the glow gradually faded.
The women squinted.
Where the dragon had stood—
A man stepped forward.
Black-haired. Handsome. Tall and upright in posture. His short dark hair framed a refined face.
His attire, however, was… unusual.
"It vanished?!"
"No—it transformed!"
"The dragon turned into a man?!"
Shock rippled through the crowd.
At the forefront stood a woman with wavy green hair. Though surprised, she remained relatively composed and turned toward Hancock.
"Elder Sister… what is this?"
Hancock herself frowned slightly, studying Qin Yang.
"Do not be alarmed," Qin Yang said lightly, flashing a faint smile. "This is merely my human form. If a Guardian cannot accomplish something so simple, what kind of 'deity' would that be? Wouldn't you agree… Pirate Empress?"
"Hmph."
Hancock turned her head, outwardly indifferent.
Yet inwardly, curiosity stirred.
Was he a human who had eaten a Devil Fruit?
Or some Sea King that had consumed one?
There were rare Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruits capable of granting extraordinary transformations—like the Phoenix.
But something did not add up.
Devil Fruit users could not move freely in seawater.
And yet this being had done so with ease.
"A peculiar creature…" she concluded silently.
Had Qin Yang shown even the slightest malice, she would have expelled him immediately. After all, she was the sovereign here.
In contrast, Amanda's reverence only deepened.
"As expected of the Guardian Deity! In that case, I shall arrange a palace for you."
"You are most considerate," Qin Yang replied without hesitation, fully embracing his role.
Hancock's eye twitched.
His audacity was astonishing.
"Lady Hancock?" Amanda sought confirmation.
After a brief pause, Hancock gave a small nod.
At this point, she had little choice.
Let this freeloading sea dragon stay for now. Should he reveal any ill intent, she would personally deal with him.
This was land.
Here, she feared no Sea King.
Thus, under Amanda's guidance, Qin Yang was escorted toward his residence.
Along the way, he thoroughly admired the island's architecture.
His lodging, though called a palace, was in truth a modest courtyard within the royal compound. The palace itself was not large—after all, Amazon Lily was a small nation.
"Not bad," Qin Yang thought approvingly as he inspected the quarters. "At least food and shelter are secured."
After a quick tour, he turned to Amanda.
"You… wouldn't happen to have… something?"
"Guardian Deity, what do you require?"
He cleared his throat solemnly.
"After transforming from dragon to human form, I am somewhat weakened. Prepare an offering."
"You are hungry? I understand."
"No, no—an offering." He waved a hand. "I noticed your spoils were quite abundant. On second thought… I shall speak with the Pirate Empress directly."
He stepped toward the doorway.
"Take me to see her."
Amanda nodded and complied.
After proper notice was given, Qin Yang was ushered into Hancock's private chambers.
The Pirate Empress sat gracefully upon a cushioned seat, one leg crossed over the other. Her gaze was calm—assessing.
In dragon form, his presence had been imposing.
Now, in human form, he appeared entirely ordinary.
"You requested an audience. What is it?" she asked coolly.
Qin Yang suppressed a smirk.
Putting on airs in a small nation of a few tens of thousands…
Outwardly, he remained composed.
"Pirate Empress," he said evenly, "I possess the ability to see into the hearts of others. From the moment we met, you have suspected I am a Devil Fruit user."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"In that case," Qin Yang continued, "let us make a wager. I will prove it to you."