What Qualifications Do You Two Have To Be Hostages?

After a while, Hancock reluctantly dispelled the petrification of the Marine female soldiers.

"Wouldn't it have been easier if you'd done that sooner?" Finn said with a slight smile, watching Hancock rub a sore spot on her arm.

Hancock glared at him with her sharp, beautiful eyes and snapped, "I've done what you asked. Now, will you let my crew go?"

"Let them go? Don't misunderstand," Finn replied, chuckling. "You're pirates, and I'm Marine. It's my job to capture pirates, not let them walk away."

Hancock clenched her fists in frustration. "Why?! Can't you just let us live in peace?"

Finn exhaled slowly, pointing toward the group of merchants huddled in the corner of the deck. "If the Marines hadn't arrived, would you have let them live?"

Hancock hesitated for a moment before replying, "Most of the time, we only rob money. As long as there's no violent resistance, we don't kill merchants."

Finn raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Pirates who don't kill? Who would believe that?"

"It's true!" Hancock said firmly. "If we kill merchants, it damages trade and scares off future ships. But if we only take their money, they're more likely to keep coming back to this route, even if it means risking another robbery. For them, losing some money is better than losing their lives."

Finn stared at her, then turned to the merchants. "Is that true? Have you dealt with her crew before?"

A middle-aged man, who seemed to be the captain, stepped forward hesitantly. "Not us, but I know others who've been robbed by them. They... they did return alive."

Finn nodded, crossing his arms. "Fine. Since there's some truth to your words, I'll let your crew go this time."

Hancock's eyes widened with hope. "We can leave?"

Finn's smirk returned. "Of course not. If I let you go, you'll just rob more ships in the future. You'll be detained to ensure the safety of these waters."

The merchants, overhearing this, cheered softly, relief evident on their faces. Finally, they could trade without fearing for their lives.

"Wait!" Hancock called out, her tone softening. "What if I promise never to raid merchant ships again? Could you show some leniency?"

Her voice carried an unusual vulnerability, a stark contrast to her usual pride. She thought of her people—the citizens of Amazon Lily—and the crucial role the Nine Snake Pirates played in protecting them.

Finn tilted his head, studying her. A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. "Even the most stubborn woman can bow her head when the stakes are high," he mused to himself.

After a pause, Finn replied, "If the Nine Snake Pirates truly abandon piracy and return to peaceful lives, I can consider letting this go."

"Really?" Hancock's voice lit up with cautious optimism.

"But..." Finn continued, cutting her excitement short, "I'm not playing a trust game. If your crew returns to Amazon Lily, you, Hancock, will stay with me as a hostage. Your sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold, can manage the island. If your people step out of line, I won't hesitate to act."

Hancock's expression shifted to one of shock and indignation. "A hostage? That's no better than imprisonment!"

Her sisters, still restrained with seastone cuffs, interjected immediately.

"Let me be the hostage!" Sandersonia offered.

"No, I'll stay!" Marigold added.

Finn chuckled, shaking his head. "You two? Hostages? I need someone who holds real influence. Your sister stays."

His tone left no room for negotiation. "If you care about her, go back and lead your people down a peaceful path. No more piracy. Grow food, raise livestock, and build a self-sufficient community. Anything else is a recipe for disaster."

Sandersonia and Marigold exchanged worried glances before turning to Hancock. "Sister... what should we do?"

Hancock sighed deeply, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her. "Go back," she finally said, her voice laced with resignation. "Lead our people and ensure no one resorts to piracy again."

She turned to Finn, her eyes filled with reluctant acceptance. "I'll stay. But mark my words, Finn. If you betray your word or harm my people, I'll make you regret it."

Finn smiled, a mix of respect and satisfaction in his expression. "You have my word. Let's hope your people keep theirs."