The next day, Hancock boarded the warship, preparing to set sail for Marineford.
"Let's go!"
"Yes..."
Although their voices were clear, they sounded weak, as if their bodies were drained. Karl looked at Nelson, who, with a despondent look and sunken eyes, was holding onto his belt, and couldn't help but laugh. He approached him and sighed.
"Oh dear, Nelson, you don't look too healthy!"
Karl's sharp gaze pierced Nelson as if cold water had been splashed on him. A flash of anger ignited. A man must not give in! But he quickly came to terms with reality and consoled himself: it's not that he couldn't keep up, but that the women on the Island of Amazon lily (literally "Daughter island", referring to the Island of the Amazons) were like wolves and tigers, consuming everything in their path.
Not to mention him, what marine wouldn't look like that except for Karl?
"Bless the Holy Light!"
Under the radiance of the Holy Light, the marines gradually recovered their spirits, transitioning from despondency to excitement, as if they had taken a small pill.
Nelson was astonished. He hadn't expected Major General Karl's abilities to possess such magical power!
"Alright, shake it off! I have only one requirement — return to headquarters safely! Does anyone have any questions?"
— No!
— Excellent, let's get to work!
The ship departed from the port of Amazon lily and set course for Marineford. The sailors gazed fondly at the island, nostalgia evident in their eyes.
In the cabin.
— Darling, you've finally returned. I missed you so much!
Karl closed the door, smiled, sat next to Hancock, and played with her long black hair.
— The journey might be a bit dull, don't be sad!
Hancock scrunched her nose, leaned on Karl's shoulder, and said:
— How could I be? As long as you're here, how could I be bored?
Bang~
The cabin door swung open, and Aim entered emotionlessly, glanced at Hancock clinging to Karl, and smirked coldly.
— Why is she here? Isn't there a room for her on the ship?
Ain approached with ill intentions and pointed a finger at Hancock.
Truth be told, this was her first official conversation with Hancock. They had only met two days ago, and she was taken aback by her.
Hancock frowned slightly and clung tightly to Karl's arm
— I can be anywhere; what does it matter to you?
Having said this, she turned to Karl and coquettishly asked:
— Darling~ Who is this fierce woman? Get her out of here!
Karl felt a shiver run across his scalp, sensing an indescribable tension in the air. Recalling his interactions with Ain, Karl swore he really hadn't done anything.
— Ain, Hancock is my girlfriend, and I've asked her to stay here with me.
Hancock playfully glanced at Ain, then kissed Karl on the cheek.
Ain's face turned pale, her fists clenched tightly, making a loud sound.
— Karl, you're a marine, and she's a pirate, how could you...
Hancock immediately became upset and raised her eyebrows:
— What do you mean by saying I'm a pirate? My current status is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea! Ask Sengoku if I'm a pirate?
— You, you!!!
Ain gritted her teeth, cast a glance at Karl, and left angrily.
Karl sighed, feeling helpless. Why did he have to go through such trials before having time for a harem?
What do you think, Makoto?
In the room, seeing Ain's defeat, Hancock sighed with relief, but a note of alarm could also be heard. It seemed that the marine named Ain liked Karl.
Although Hancock temporarily triumphed, Ain had an advantage that made Hancock envious—being with Karl day after day.
And what about her? As soon as the meeting of the Seven Warlords of the Sea ends, Karl would take her back to Amazon lily, and they would hardly meet again.
What if Ain took advantage of the situation and won Karl over, and she wouldn't be able to stop it? Wouldn't she end up crying every day?
Even if she went to his home, and Karl, having fallen for someone else, helped that woman mock her, what then?
Karl noticed the change in Hancock's expression, vividly transitioning from a smile to sadness, which puzzled him.
— Darling, you won't turn away from me in the future, will you?
— Of course not, how could I?
Hancock's lips quivered, and she said sadly:
— But Ain is young and beautiful, and she has a good figure. Do you love her?
Thunk~
Karl smacked his forehead hard.
...
After some time.
Karl kissed Hancock passionately, and she naturally forgot about Ayen. Through Karl's actions, she felt his deep love.
Since the salon wasn't soundproof, they didn't cross the line in the end. Fortunately, Karl was experienced. As long as his thoughts stayed on track, there were always more ways than difficulties.
In the end, Hancock's proud figure was there...
On the other side, in Ain's room.
"Damn it, Karl, womanizer! And that disgusting nymphomaniac! Why did she do that? Just because she's beautiful?"
Ain was hitting a pillow with a photo of Karl on it until it fell apart.
After a long time, Ain sighed, used the power of her fruit on the torn photo to restore it, and then called Gion.
"Sister Gion! Karl, Karl..."
An hour later, Ain's face was smiling again, and she smiled at Karl's picture on the pillow:
"I won't give up! Karl."
...
In the evening, the ship left the area of calm, and the soldiers were finally able to relax, no longer worrying about a sudden attack from sea kings.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, we'll reach Marineford in no more than a day, yes, yes, don't worry, everything will go smoothly!"
After hanging up the communicator, Karl said to Nelson:
"Carry on, handle the anchor and rest after dark."
"Yes, sir!"
Just as Karl was about to return to his room, Ain approached him with a smile on her face
"Resting so early?"
"Got used to it, huh?"
Karl looked at Ain in surprise; something was off, very off. She had left angry just this morning, so how could she have returned to normal so quickly?
Ain seemed a bit embarrassed by Karl's gaze, shyly turning away and tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Why are you looking at me? Is there something dirty on my face?"
"No! You're not angry?"
Ain calmly replied, "Angry? Why would I be angry?"
Karl:...