"Is everyone alright?"
Hancock flashed across the battlefield, appearing before her Kuja warriors in an instant.
The ground was shattered, fissures stretching endlessly. Trees lay uprooted, flowers crushed—the once-beautiful landscape now looked like a warzone.
"Sister..."
Sandersonia and Marguerite, seeing Hancock approach, immediately called out to her.
"We're fine, Empress!"
The Kuja warriors staggered to their feet, covered in dust and bruises, their appearances disheveled.
Sweetpea, gripping her bow, spoke with determination. "Empress, please escape! We'll hold him off—buy you enough time!"
Marguerite nodded urgently. "Sister, you must leave! Get to safety!"
She then turned to the warriors, raising her voice. "Amazon Lily's fighters, with me—"
Before she could finish, Hancock cut her off with a cold, commanding tone.
"Enough!"
Her gaze swept over her people, unwavering. "By the authority of the Empress of Amazon Lily, I order you—leave. Now."
"Anyone who disobeys… will face my wrath."
Gamineon chuckled darkly, stepping forward with a sneer.
"Boa Hancock, you must be joking."
"These hostages are my best leverage. Did you really think I'd let them go?"
His long tongue flicked out, his laughter cruel. "Besides… do you honestly believe they can outrun me?"
"Last chance—will you submit to me?"
His eyes flicked to Marguerite, a vicious grin spreading. "If not…"
Marguerite immediately nocked an arrow, her arm coated in Armament Haki, fearless even in the face of death.
"You bastard—DIE!"
Hancock's expression turned icy. "Do you all have a death wish?"
Marguerite flinched, quickly lowering her bow and bowing deeply. "F-Forgive me, Empress! We obey!"
Sandersonia and Marguerite exchanged glances before nodding hastily. "We'll retreat at once!"
"Good. Very good."
Gamineon spread his arms, laughing triumphantly. "So you still refuse to acknowledge me, Boa Hancock?"
"My patience has run out."
"No more questions. No more mercy."
His grin turned predatory. "I'll kill them one by one… until you beg me to stop."
"Starting with her."
He pointed at Marguerite, deliberately walking toward her—slow, taunting steps. He wanted Hancock to feel the weight of her helplessness, to break her spirit.
This was psychological warfare.
"GO!"
Hancock roared, launching herself at Gamineon.
She had to stop him—buy her people time, no matter what.
Marguerite gritted her teeth, forcing out the command. "Scatter!"
The Kuja warriors split apart, fleeing in all directions.
"Stop you? Don't make me laugh."
Gamineon sidestepped Hancock's attack effortlessly. "I told you—your speed is nothing to me."
"Run all you want… but can you escape my reach?"
His fingers slowly rose, a golden light gathering at his fingertips. The glow intensified, forming a radiant sphere, illuminating the battlefield in a dazzling, ominous hue.
Hancock's breath hitched.
"Damn it… Admiral Kizaru's power?!"
Gamineon smirked, relishing her horror. "Boa Hancock, did you really think I'd let them escape?"
"I warned you. Now, suffer the consequences."
Hancock's fists clenched. "If you harm my people… I swear, I will kill you!"
But even as she spoke, she knew—she was powerless.
This man was too strong. His abilities were monstrous, his speed unmatched.
She couldn't stop him.
All she had left were empty threats.
"Boa Hancock… you disappoint me."
Gamineon sighed mockingly. "I am the world's strongest man. You are its most beautiful woman. Why resist?"
"Because of your stubbornness… people will die."
"I don't enjoy hurting women… but you leave me no choice."
His grin turned savage. "Boa Hancock, their blood is on your hands."
"Watch closely… and despair."
His glowing finger aimed at Marguerite, now far in the distance. The light reached its peak—blinding, lethal.
Hancock could only stare, her flawless face twisted in anguish.
"No—!"
Gamineon's eyes gleamed with malice.
"Too late."
Just as he was about to fire—
"Oh? Is that so?"
A calm, unfamiliar voice echoed through the forest.
(To be continued...)
----------
T/N:
Access 55 chapters in advance on my Patreon: [email protected]//OnePieceChronicles
+5 Advance chapters available to all free members !