NOVEL NEXT Chapter 98: CHAPTER 98
The Gomu Gomu no Mi, also known as the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, carries an intrinsic will, most likely that of Joy Boy from 800 years ago.
The World Government has been desperately searching for this fruit for centuries. Each time it nears acquiring it, there are strange and inexplicable side effects.
The last time the fruit was transported, elite agents from CP9, including the likes of Fukurou, were assigned to escort it. But when it seemed nearly secured, the fruit was stolen by Red-Haired Shanks, and in a twist of fate, it was accidentally consumed by Monkey D. Luffy.
Everything about this event feels like it's guided by destiny.
Kaido also once remarked that only those who defeat him could inherit the will of Joy Boy. This statement implies that only those who endure Kaido's cruel teachings—those battered by the weight of his kanabo—could awaken the true power of Joy Boy.
With this in mind, it's clear that Yamato, who has endured countless beatings from Kaido since childhood, should logically be the one to awaken Joy Boy's will. But Yamato didn't eat the Gomu Gomu no Mi... could that be why she hasn't reached her potential?
Alastor couldn't help but smirk at the thought.
The dragon is destined to be slain by the chosen one—such a predictable plotline is almost laughable.
But thankfully, due to his intervention, things were changing.
At the very least, Luffy wouldn't have such powerful backing from the Empress anymore.
Alastor's thoughts drifted briefly to the Empress's stunning appearance, particularly her long, elegant legs peeking from the slit of her cheongsam. He chuckled as he thought about the luxurious bed in her chambers, soft and fragrant, where he had spent many nights.
His thoughts turned back to the mission as he activated his transponder snail, dialing the Empress:
"To ensure our alliance remains intact, I'll be heading to the Kuja Kingdom. Be prepared, and make sure the Navy doesn't find out, or else you'll lose your Shichibukai status."
"What, you—"
The Empress's voice faltered in confusion, but before she could respond, Alastor had already ended the call.
"Onimaru, Sai, go to Beast Island and meet up with Trafalgar Law first. I'll join you later."
Shimotsuki Onimaru, still a young man, had grown considerably since his time under Orochi's tyrannical rule. His once thin frame had filled out with muscle, thanks to the ample nutrition he'd been receiving since joining Alastor.
However, Onimaru was no one to rest on his laurels. He trained relentlessly, often sleeping only three or four hours a day. His dedication was paying off as his physique became stronger, and the sharpness of his features reflected his growing resolve.
Hanging from his waist was the black blade Shisui, inherited from Ryoma. It seemed that Onimaru had a connection to the sword that was even more harmonious than that of Roronoa Zoro in the original timeline. After all, Onimaru was a descendant of the Shimotsuki family, and Shisui had been influenced by Ryoma's will.
In contrast, Zoro had replaced Shisui with Enma, a sword that had not yet reached the legendary status of a black blade, due to its unfinished refinement by Kozuki Oden.
But Onimaru's connection with Shisui was flawless. He was Ryoma's heir, having been recognized by his will, and it was no surprise that he and the sword shared such a perfect spiritual harmony.
Alastor looked at Onimaru with pride. The young man had come far.
"Good work, Onimaru," Alastor said. "Now, Sai, you're the grandson of Chinjao, the dragon whose Haki was said to be powerful. Surely, you've got more potential than just your Cone Dragon Spike move. Don't get complacent."
Sai blushed and lowered his head in embarrassment. Ever since he had awakened his power on the massive three-masted ship, he'd been feeling confident in his strength. However, his brief arrogance now felt misplaced, especially after Alastor's reminder.
Alastor turned his gaze to the side. Unfortunately, Pay Pay wasn't with them. Page One, Onimaru, and Sai were the three who had earned his trust and loyalty, but Pay Pay had a burdensome older sister in Ulti, the female tyrannosaurus. He could only imagine the struggles she might be facing.
Shaking his head, Alastor disappeared into the sky in a flash of lightning.
---
Inside the royal palace on a cliff, Marigold and Sandersonia were shocked when they found their older sister, Boa Hancock, acting strangely. Her face was flushed a deep pink, and her eyes had a faint panic, as though she had been drinking or under some spell.
The two sisters exchanged a glance of disbelief. Was their sister unwell?
They rushed forward, but as soon as Hancock noticed them, the pink tint faded from her face. Her previously flustered expression quickly shifted back to her usual cold, aloof demeanor.
"What's the matter?" she asked, her voice as sharp as ever.
Relieved that their sister appeared to be fine, Marigold and Sandersonia reported the news:
"The Vice Admiral, Flying Squirrel, sent a message. He says we have one more day to comply with the Navy's summons. If you don't agree to meet with them, he will officially strip you of your Shichibukai title."
Upon hearing this, a murderous chill emanated from Hancock's eyes, sending a shiver down both Marigold and Sandersonia's spines. They silently prayed for Flying Squirrel's well-being, fearing their sister's wrath.
But before the Empress could leave to take action, an old woman barged in, shouting:
"Snake, Snake! Don't be so stubborn! This concerns the survival of the Kingdom of Women! You must agree to the Navy's demands!"
Hancock's gaze turned into a blade, and the room grew deathly silent. Granny Niu trembled, feeling the weight of Hancock's cold stare. Was the Empress truly going to kill her for this?
Niu couldn't help but swallow and stammer: "Hebi, what do you want to do? My old body... I used to take care of you when you were young, you can't—"
Before she could finish, the Empress effortlessly picked up Granny Niu and threw her out of the window.
The palace of the Kuja Kingdom was perched halfway up a cliff, and the window's edge was tens of meters above the ground. For an elderly woman, falling would certainly be fatal.
However, Granny Niu was not an ordinary person. She was the former queen of the Kuja Kingdom and a mentor to Shakky, the current partner of Rayleigh, the "Dark King."
Granny Niu performed a perfect roll in mid-air, landing gracefully on her feet. She spread her arms wide, and with a calm demeanor, she announced:
"Don't underestimate me, Snake Princess."
Just as she spoke, a thunderclap echoed across the sky, startling Granny Niu. She lost her balance and collapsed to the ground with a thud.
"Oh, my waist..."
The thunder reverberated throughout the Kuja Kingdom, even reaching the naval ships stationed off the coast.
"Is it going to rain?" one of the sailors aboard a warship muttered, looking up at the sky.
The Flying Squirrel, standing on the deck, also glanced up at the clouds. There were no signs of rain; only long, white clouds stretched across the sky.
But he wasn't sure. After all, this was the Calm Belt, and the weather was notoriously unpredictable. Just like the unpredictable Pirate Empress he had come to capture.
"It's sunny one moment, and it could be raining cats and dogs the next," he remarked, adjusting his gear.
"Get your rain gear ready. We'll give it one more day," the Flying Squirrel ordered.
But the rain gear would prove unnecessary, as the thunder had nothing to do with the weather. It had been deliberately created by Alastor.
The reason for such an uproar was simple: Alastor was announcing his arrival to the Empress.
Sure enough, Hancock, within her palace, recognized the sound and felt a presence she couldn't quite place. She immediately sensed the rude approach of a man.
Suppressing the rush of emotions surging within her, she coldly instructed her two younger sisters:
"Leave. No one is to enter."
Marigold and Sandersonia exchanged uneasy glances. They had never seen their sister so furious. Without a word, they quickly exited and shut the door behind them.
Hancock stood still for a moment, then moved deeper into the palace. Inside the inner hall stood a magnificent throne on a raised platform.
She tossed her long, jet-black hair, which cascaded down her back to her waist, and gracefully sat on the throne. She crossed one long, white leg over the other, resting her elbow on the armrest and gently cupping her sharp chin with her smooth, slender fingers. Her gaze, cold and regal, swept toward the darkness in front of her:
"Since you're here, hiding in the shadows, you're not worthy of the thunderous name you carry."
From the darkness, a tall figure emerged. The young man grinned and said:
"Tsk, as expected from the Pirate Empress. Few men can match her aura."
Hancock, pride radiating from her, looked at Alastor with disdain:
"Why? Do you want to surrender to the beauty of my concubine's body too?"
Alastor couldn't help but glance at her. Few could resist the overwhelming beauty of the Empress. From his vantage point, he couldn't ignore how her long, smooth legs intertwined, a sight that caught his attention.
Alastor cleared his throat, focusing as he said solemnly:
"I told you before, Hancock, a true strong man is not swayed by your charms. My Haki is more than enough to resist your petrification ability."
"Yeah?"
Hancock's smile widened, becoming more alluring. The effect was mesmerizing—so much so that even flowers seemed to lose their color in comparison.
She casually brought her fingers to her lips, where a small red heart appeared at her fingertips. She lifted it with the other hand and aimed it at Alastor, saying in a teasing tone:
"Let's see if you can resist the arrows of my captive, you stubborn man."
Whoosh!
Small red arrows shot toward Alastor.
"Are you really going to attack your allies?" Alastor said, with a smirk. "Don't blame me if I fight back."
With a crackle of electric sound, Alastor vanished from sight. The red arrows pierced the air where he had been just moments ago.
Hancock's eyes widened in surprise. Just like Yamato during the hot spring bath, Alastor's lightning speed had far exceeded her expectations.
Not daring to let her guard down, she stood up, releasing her Haki and trying to sense his movements.
She could feel his presence—but by the time she realized where he was, it was too late. Alastor had already appeared behind her.
Hancock moved instinctively, reaching back with both hands, but her body was already moving forward. Alastor, who had intended to grab her, found his hand landing on her belt. As Hancock moved, her body slid forward, pulling Alastor along.
Then, in that brief moment, Alastor saw a sight that could not be described in mere words—a perfect and flawless "full moon."
The curve of her body was breathtaking, the proportions almost unreal. It was a sight that could captivate even the strongest will, and the vision was burned into his mind.
The Empress noticed that her clothes had shifted, revealing more than she intended. But rather than flinching, she remained unflustered. She had long grown accustomed to men disrespecting her in such ways, even using her bed, which disgusted her.
But today, her thoughts were different. Her body trembled ever so slightly, remembering the mark on her back—something that had haunted her for years.
Alastor noticed the subtle shiver in her body. His gaze softened as he spoke:
"Stay still, Hancock."
His voice was gentle yet carried an undeniable authority.
Hancock, her heart racing, involuntarily bit her lip. For reasons she couldn't explain, she stood motionless, the weight of the moment overwhelming her.
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