Throne Of Supreme

Chapter 199: Hancock Goes on Board

______

"Let's eat first."

Aoki withdrew his gaze. He understood that Amazon Lily held a deep aversion to men and that Hancock, having endured severe torture during her time as a slave, had developed an intense hatred for them. The only reason she seemed willing to interact with him calmly was likely because she felt they had escaped from Mary Geoise with his help.

That was true, but there was no need to provoke her.

The table was filled with food they had bought along the way. Hancock and her sisters didn't hesitate; they began to eat voraciously, clearly famished. They had been hungry all day, surviving only on a small piece of bread.

Aoki waited silently, and once they were almost done eating, he asked, "What are your plans next?"

Hancock paused, her eating slowing down gradually. She hadn't yet considered this question. Since their escape from Mary Geoise, they had lived in constant fear, focused only on not getting caught and being dragged back, without any thought given to their future.

"You have two choices," Aoki said. "First, I can help you return to Amazon Lily."

He had met Rayleigh just yesterday, so Shakky was likely still in the Sabaody Archipelago. Shakky, once the empress of Amazon Lily, would undoubtedly lend her help. For him, it would be no trouble at all.

Both Sandersonia and Marigold looked up with surprised expressions. They had longed to return to Amazon Lily day and night.

Hancock, however, remained calm and asked, "What about the second option?"

Aoki smiled. "How about joining me?"

Just yesterday, he had been considering possible partners, and today, Hancock had appeared before him. She possessed all three types of Haki and also had the Mero Mero No Mi, a devil fruit perfectly suited to her that gave her boundless potential. In the original timeline, she had joined the Seven Warlords of the Sea and became one of the most powerful individuals on the sea.

By a twist of fate, he had saved her, gaining a certain level of trust from her. Why would he pass up the chance to acquire an outstanding subordinate for free?

"Join you?" Hancock and her sisters were taken aback.

Aoki picked up the newspaper and wanted poster, throwing them onto the table.

"Think it over. But know, following me would be dangerous."

With his ability for "spatial travel," he could generally ensure his own safety. However, his ultimate goal was to bring down the Celestial Dragons; he had no intention of fleeing forever. One day, he would confront them directly. Danger was inevitable.

Sandersonia and Marigold didn't say a word, only looking to Hancock, waiting for her decision.

Hancock picked up the newspaper, reading it quietly. She fell silent, and after a long pause, she looked up.

"I want to go back to Amazon Lily."

"Of course," Aoki replied, feeling a slight twinge of disappointment but not pushing further. Although he had inadvertently helped Hancock and her sisters escape Mary Geoise, it hadn't been his intention. If she had chosen to join him, it would have been a pleasant surprise, but her refusal was something he would respect. He was content with having established a positive connection.

Hancock quickly clarified, "That's not what I meant. I want to go back to Amazon Lily for a while to train and grow stronger. Then, I'll come back and join you!"

"What?" Aoki looked surprised.

"Aoki, your bounty is higher than that of our entire Kuja Pirates combined, and the enemies you face are very powerful."

Hancock clenched her fists, her eyes resolute. "I'm too weak now. Even if I followed you, I'd only hold you back! So, I want to return to Amazon Lily to train and strengthen myself. When I'm ready, I'll join you!"

Aoki found himself in an odd mood. Hancock's current demeanor was completely different from how he remembered her. The arrogance, willfulness, and overbearing attitude he once associated with her were absent. He realized that it was her long years of fear and anxiety, combined with a heart full of hatred, that had shaped her into that proud, guarded figure. Her arrogance had been a cover for a deep-seated inferiority complex. This Hancock, however, was more open and approachable.

Unexpectedly, a new idea struck Aoki. He pondered for a moment before saying, "Maybe you don't need to go back to Amazon Lily. I can find someone else to teach you."

He knew Hancock needed to master Haki, and while Amazon Lily was renowned for its Haki expertise, it was no match for the skill of the legendary first mate of the Pirate King himself. Despite complaints that he often "led his students astray," the old man's skill was undisputed. Just yesterday, Rayleigh had downed a bottle of wine worth 200,000 berries. Surely, he wouldn't turn down such a small favor in return.

Hancock nodded but added, "However, I hope to send my two sisters back to Amazon Lily."

"Elder sister!" Sandersonia and Marigold looked distressed. They wanted to return home, but only if they could go with her.

Hancock explained, "Aoki's enemies are the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. It's too dangerous. Go back to Amazon Lily and train. When you're strong enough, come find me."

There was a determined glint in Hancock's eyes. Sandersonia and Marigold understood her intentions, and after a brief silence, they reluctantly agreed.

"We understand, sister," they replied.

Hancock looked to Aoki. "Of course, when you send them back, I'll accompany them. After all, they've been gone for three years."

"That's fine," Aoki replied, hiding his relief. His primary interest was in Hancock. Even if her sisters stayed, they would only be able to help with minor tasks or fend off lower-ranked enemies.

"Good!" Hancock agreed without hesitation. Amazon Lily was her home, and she held a deep attachment to it.

Aoki didn't waste any more words. Rising from his seat, he said, "Let's go. We'll find a way to get Sandersonia and Marigold back to Amazon Lily!"

The four of them headed downstairs. The moment the boss saw them, he hurried over, a nervous look on his face.

"My lord, is there anything I can help you with?"

Aoki now understood why the boss's attitude had changed so dramatically but felt no need to intimidate someone so insignificant.

"No, there's nothing. Just make sure the room is tidied up." Without waiting for a response, he led the three sisters outside.

As they stepped out of the hotel, Aoki's face shifted slightly. While his features remained largely the same, he looked like a completely different person overall. Judging from the hotel owner's reaction, his reputation—and his face—had clearly spread across the Sabaody Archipelago. Disguising himself would save him a lot of trouble.

Hancock and her sisters didn't need to bother with disguises. If they were captured, they'd undoubtedly be executed, but they weren't widely recognized. Few would remember their faces, and after washing up and changing clothes, they seemed like entirely new people anyway.

Following Aoki's lead, the four of them arrived at Area 13. Scanning the area briefly, they quickly spotted their destination. Nestled among the roots of a towering Algiers mangrove tree was a building with a sign hanging above its door that read, "Shakky's Rip-off Bar."

_________

T/N: There is a patreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early access of 40 chapters.

Patreon link:- patreon.com/ANelite