Chapter 20: Purpose!
It had to be said, for someone who could become the empress of Kuja, Gloriosa's strength was truly nothing to scoff at. Even at her advanced age, her strength was still formidable. Carrying the two girls, her speed was not slow at all. Buggy, merely carrying Hancock, needed to exert eighty percent of his strength just to keep from being left behind.
Buggy, who had originally planned to properly savor the feeling of a loli in his arms, now had to focus his attention on running through the air. But even so, that soft and warm feeling was still transmitted through Buggy's chest to his mind.
Inhaling that unique delicate fragrance, enjoying that comfortable feel, Buggy couldn't help but sigh, "Lolis have three good points; the Otaku God truly does not deceive me!"
And Hancock, in Buggy's arms, had a very red face at this moment. The look in her eyes as she gazed at Buggy was also somewhat dazed, appearing exceptionally cute.
Over an hour later, Buggy finally followed Gloriosa and landed on an island.
"Big Sister, your face is so red! Are you very hot?" As soon as she was put down, Sandersonia loudly said to Hancock.
"Mm, it's a bit hot. We're finally home! I miss everyone so much! Let's go quickly, I want to see everyone," Hancock hurriedly changed the subject, running forward as she spoke.
Glancing at the departing Hancock, Gloriosa then said to Buggy, "Young man, I am very grateful to you. After several decades, I can finally return openly. Although I should thank you properly, Kuja has its own rules. As a man, you cannot casually enter the island, so for the time being, I can only trouble you to wait outside. But don't be in a hurry to leave. After I've handled other matters, I will have the Kuja Pirates send you off."
"It's alright, I'll just stay outside for a while!" Nodding, although Buggy also wanted to see what the legendary Land of Women was really like, he wouldn't ruin the groundwork he had painstakingly laid just for that.
Gloriosa's efficiency was quite impressive. In less than half a day, she led a group of people to the edge of the island where Buggy was.
Seeing a large group of women approaching, Buggy just stood where he was. Before understanding how things would unfold, Buggy wouldn't be the first to speak.
"Was it you who rescued the three Boa sisters from the human traffickers?" A woman of average build, but with an exceptionally sharp aura, came before Buggy and stared at him as she asked.
"That's right!" Nodding, Buggy replied succinctly.
"Thank you very much!" To Buggy's surprise, this current Empress directly expressed her gratitude.
"Actually, there's no need for thanks. This time, I just wanted to do it; I don't need thanks. I am a free pirate, and I only act according to my own preferences." Waving his hand, Buggy indeed didn't need anyone to thank him. After all, everything he did was for his future plans.
"Regardless of why you did it, you saved the three sisters of the Boa family. Next time the Kuja Pirates set out on an expedition, we can take you along. But before that, you can only stay on the outskirts. Food and other necessities will be brought to you. This is the rule of Kuja Castle, do you understand?" The current Empress's tone was very firm.
Without replying verbally, Buggy simply nodded.
Receiving her answer, the current Empress turned and left with the country-protecting warriors, leaving only Gloriosa behind.
"Elder Nyon, the ones bringing food won't be Hancock and the others, right?" Seemingly having thought of something, Buggy asked before Gloriosa could speak.
"Mm, it won't be. The Empress will not let Hancock and the others have contact with you again," Gloriosa replied very directly.
"Oh, that's truly a bit of a pity. I was originally thinking of saying goodbye," Buggy replied with some regret, shaking his head.
"Are you preparing to leave then?" Gloriosa was not at all surprised that Buggy would say such a thing.
"Yes, I plan to taste Kuja's food and then leave. After all, I don't want to stay in a place where I'm not welcome," Buggy said calmly, without any anger.
"I understand. Wait until tomorrow. Tonight, I will let the three of them come to see you once," Gloriosa nodded and said.
"Hey, Elder Nyon, can I ask you for a favor?" Seeing Gloriosa preparing to leave, Buggy quickly asked.
"Go ahead!"
"A few years later, I might come to invite them. During this time, could you help me train them a bit? Also, I might send a few girls here to learn how to fight. Could you teach them as well, by the way?" Only at this moment did Buggy reveal his purpose.
"As long as they are girls, it's fine. But are you sure that someone among Hancock and the others will leave with you?" Gloriosa stared at Buggy and asked.
"Success depends on human effort, doesn't it?" Buggy neither nodded nor shook his head.
"Was this your original purpose?" Gloriosa continued to ask.
"Not entirely. After all, saving them was just a coincidence. And it was also by chance that I discovered some among them have quite good aptitude. If I can invite them, that would be good. After all, I also hope my future companions will be as strong as possible."
"You must be talking about Hancock, right? What about the other two?" Gloriosa asked calmly.
"That will depend on them. It's undeniable that they also have great aptitude, but they are, even more so, warriors of Kuja. Perhaps one day in the future, I will also extend an invitation to them, but I don't know what the result will be. After all, I can't force them."
Facing the shrewd and experienced Gloriosa, Buggy dared not be the slightest bit careless. A completely false answer would definitely not pass, and a completely true one wouldn't work either. This kind of half-truthful answer was the most suitable.
After listening to Buggy's reply, Gloriosa pondered for a long time before saying, "Whether you can invite them or not depends on your own ability, but I will do my best to guide them."
"Thank you very much!" Buggy replied with great sincerity.
"You gave me the chance to return to my homeland. Some repayment is due." After speaking, Gloriosa turned and left directly.
In the evening, after enjoying the special local cuisine that Gloriosa had arranged for, Buggy sat cross-legged by the sea, waiting for Hancock and the others to arrive.
It wasn't until late at night that familiar footsteps sounded.
"Big Brother Buggy!" Following the voice, two short figures appeared before Buggy's eyes.
"You're here!" Buggy replied with a smile.
"Mm, it wasn't easy to avoid them, so I only brought Hancock," Gloriosa spoke first. After speaking, she walked off to the side.
"Big Brother Buggy, are you leaving? Isn't it good to stay?" Hancock asked as soon as Gloriosa walked away.
(End of this chapter)