Chapter 19: Gloriosa!
Even for ten-year-old children, warrior seedlings from Kuja, when faced with facilities like amusement parks that held an irresistible charm for kids, and sweets such as cotton candy and cake, they were utterly defenseless.
It was, after all, an age that should be filled with joy. Before encountering these dream-like things, the Hancock sisters were fine. But when Buggy, with clear intent, docked the ship near an amusement park and then, under the pretext of resting, brought the three sisters into the park, Buggy's goal was achieved.
From the moment they disembarked, they played until the amusement park closed. The three sisters were completely immersed in a kind of fun they had never experienced before.
By the time they came out of the amusement park, Buggy had completely become the best man in the three sisters' hearts.
Looking at Sandersonia and Marigold holding his hands, one on his left and one on his right, Buggy knew the amusement park strategy was perfect. Although he didn't know how much their favorability had increased, their vigilance had completely disappeared.
After spending two days playing with the three sisters on the Sabaody Archipelago, the sisters somewhat felt like they didn't want to return home. Hancock was alright, but Sandersonia and Marigold were quite reluctant when they heard Buggy was preparing to send them home.
Not going back was definitely not an option; Buggy had no intention of keeping the three of them with him indefinitely. For Buggy, rescuing them, leaving a good impression to become friends, and then making a promise upon parting – this plan was perfect. Clinging to them was not going to happen.
With his own plan in mind, Buggy brought the three sisters to Shakky's Rip-Off Bar.
"Buggy, you haven't left the Sabaody Archipelago yet? And who are these three young ladies?" To be honest, Shakky was quite surprised to see Buggy suddenly appear in her shop with three little girls.
"Big Sis Shakky, I happened to rescue these three little ones from a human trafficker's ship. Originally, I didn't intend to trouble you, but they come from Amazon Lily in the Calm Belt, the legendary Land of Women. Whether it's other seas or just passing through the Calm Belt, that's one thing, but if I were to search for an island within the Calm Belt, I don't yet have the ability to navigate through Sea King nests with people in tow. That's why I brought them to ask you if you or anyone you know has been to this island before," Buggy said directly, getting straight to the point.
"Going to Kuja Castle, eh? You've come to the right person. I really do know someone who knows the way. Coincidentally, I haven't seen her in a long time either. Let's go, I'll take you to meet her. Perhaps this is a good opportunity for her too," Shakky replied readily after giving Buggy a scrutinizing look.
Buggy, of course, knew who Shakky was talking about: the former, former empress of Kuja Castle, Gloriosa, also known as Elder Nyon. Actually, Buggy could have gone to find her directly, but he wouldn't have been able to explain how he knew.
This was why Buggy had to go through Shakky.
Following Shakky on a bubble bicycle, they arrived at Grove 37. After stopping in front of an inconspicuous low house, Shakky hopped off the bubble bicycle and then stepped forward to knock twice on the small door.
"Gloriosa, I've come to see you!"
As Shakky's voice sounded, the small door creaked open slowly, and an old woman leaning on a snake-headed staff walked out.
"It's Shakky, isn't it? It's been a long time. What made you think of visiting me today?" Although the old woman was speaking to Shakky, her gaze was mostly fixed on the Hancock sisters behind Buggy.
"It's like this, Gloriosa. This is Buggy, a former crewmate from Rayleigh's ship. He accidentally rescued these three little girls. Buggy originally intended to send them back, but after asking, he found out they are from Kuja Castle. As you know, unless someone has been there before, it's not easy for ordinary people to find an island in the Calm Belt. That's why I brought them to you," Shakky explained the situation concisely.
After hearing Shakky's words, Gloriosa glanced at Buggy, then said to the Hancock sisters, "You three, come inside with me!"
After looking at Buggy and receiving a nod from him, the Hancock sisters followed Gloriosa into the house.
After a good while, the four of them came out.
"Shakky, this has really troubled you this time. Do you have a ship? I want to take them back as soon as possible." Gloriosa seemed to have confirmed the Hancock sisters' identities through some means.
"A ship is available anytime. We just need to replenish some supplies, and we can set off." Buggy had prepared everything before going to find Shakky.
"You are very good. Let's set off then!" Gloriosa nodded at Buggy after looking at him, and then the group departed.
Three days later, the ship stopped in a certain sea area at the edge of the Calm Belt.
"Elder Nyon, what should we do next? Enter the Calm Belt directly?" Buggy asked Gloriosa after they dropped anchor and stopped.
"Buggy, Shakky told me that Rayleigh guided your training for a period of time?" Gloriosa didn't answer directly but asked a different question.
"Yes, that's right!" Nodding, Buggy answered quite readily.
"Can you deal with a Sea King?" Gloriosa continued to ask.
"It shouldn't be a problem, right? After all, I haven't fought a Sea King since mastering Haki. But I am a Devil Fruit user," Buggy wasn't lying with this statement.
"Hmm, a Devil Fruit user, huh? That's a bit troublesome. Then, can you do this?" After speaking, Gloriosa stomped on the spot a few times, directly raising her body into mid-air.
"I can do that!" Buggy continued to nod.
"How long can you sustain it at most?" Gloriosa continued to ask.
"If the frequency isn't too high, two or three hours should be no problem." Hearing Gloriosa ask this, Buggy already roughly understood what this old woman planned to do.
"Can you sustain it that long even while carrying someone?" Gloriosa continued to ask.
"One person is no problem, two might be a bit of a stretch!" Buggy directly princess-carried Hancock in his arms, pretending to test the weight, before continuing his answer, completely ignoring the blush that spread across Hancock's face at that moment.
"Are you willing to part with this ship?" Gloriosa asked again.
"Elder Nyon, this ship wasn't mine to begin with, so there's no question of being willing to part with it or not. After I get you to your destination, I probably won't need it anymore. After all, one person can't handle such a large ship," Buggy was telling the truth, as this was his original plan anyway.
"Alright then. You carry Hancock and follow behind me." After speaking, Gloriosa directly grabbed Sandersonia and Marigold and dashed out into the Calm Belt.
(End of this chapter)