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"Well, has the situation become this serious? After Whitebeard's death, two powerful forces are eyeing Fish-Man Island. It's a tough choice."

King Neptune was deeply troubled. Without Whitebeard's protection, Fish-Man Island was vulnerable to pirates and human traffickers. 

What he didn't expect was that both the Kain Chamber of Commerce and the Big Mom Pirates would approach the island almost simultaneously.

Though he felt guilty for deciding so soon—given how long Whitebeard had sheltered them—Neptune had to prioritize the island's future. Delaying the decision could put his people at great risk and might even offend both powerful factions.

"The Kain Chamber of Commerce and the Big Mom Pirates... what are your thoughts? The Big Mom Pirates' envoy will arrive in two days. That may be our deadline," Neptune said gravely.

Minister adjusted his monocle and replied, "It's a difficult choice. The Kain Chamber of Commerce has been a reliable partner, while the Big Mom Pirates are undeniably powerful. But judging by the outcome of the Summit War, Mr. Mage of the Kain Chamber is also extremely strong. If we must choose based on strength and benefit, I recommend aligning with the Kain Chamber of Commerce, Your Majesty."

"I agree with that decision, Your Majesty," added the right-hand minister, speaking through his slender seahorse snout. "Fish-Man Island has flourished over the past two years thanks to our trade with the Kain Chamber. We've been exchanging underwater weaponry—tracking torpedoes, submarine missiles, and more. These have made defending against human traffickers much easier."

"Now, with underwater-launched torpedo missiles," the minister continued, "even if slave traders arrive with powerful ships, our warriors can bomb them from below. In the past, our leaders had to personally board enemy ships to rescue our people. Now, we just sink them from beneath."

"If we side with the Big Mom Pirates, the Kain Chamber may cut off our arms supply, Your Majesty," Minister Haima warned.

The others nodded in agreement. If the Kain Chamber of Commerce weren't concerned about the Big Mom Pirates, it made more sense to choose the former. 

The Chamber brought tangible benefits—commodities from the human world, even Sky Island shellfish. While many mermaids pretended to dislike those human luxuries, their delight when using them was unmistakable.

Most importantly, the Chamber provided weapons. After combining shellfish with modern ordnance like torpedo missiles, Fish-Man Island's military strength had risen considerably.

"In that case," King Neptune concluded, "we've made our decision."

Although aligning with a pirate group was far from ideal, Neptune trusted the Kain Chamber of Commerce more. They already had a foundation of cooperation. 

And the Chamber's vice president had even read Fish-Man Island's poneglyph, further deepening the relationship.

However, the Kain Chamber of Commerce would help Fish-Man Island withstand the threat from the Big Mom Pirates. Of course, Fish-Man Island would also contribute—after all, it would be difficult for them to face a Yonko crew alone.

After making his decision, King Neptune sent word to the Kain Chamber of Commerce. This time, the one who arrived at Fish-Man Island was Wappa, the War Ghost of the Kain Chamber. 

It was said they had just returned from the New World, where they had already occupied a significant amount of territory, and would be expanding their operations further.

Meanwhile, in Alabasta, another unexpected guest arrived.

The sudden visit of the Kuja Pirates took the guards at Alabasta's port by surprise. Fortunately, they had sent a message ahead of their arrival—otherwise, they might have been mistaken for enemies and bombarded on sight.

After docking, Boa Hancock disembarked and boarded a car bound for Rainbase. She was only in public view for a dozen seconds, yet that brief moment was enough to make everyone around her fall to their knees, captivated by her beauty.

"That's the Empress—Snake Princess? She's so beautiful!"

Had Hancock remained any longer, the entire Rapeseed Flower Port might have descended into chaos.

Now, all of Alabasta's cities were connected by railways built by pirate slaves. From the Rapeseed Flower Port, it took only two hours by maglev train to reach Rainbase.

While on the train, Boa Hancock composed herself and quietly observed the world outside. The technological advancement in Alabasta was beyond anything she'd seen at Marine Headquarters. 

She had initially planned this alliance with the Kain Chamber of Commerce on her own initiative—but now, with everything she was witnessing, she couldn't help but admit that the granny had been right.

 If Amazon Lily wished to rise or even just survive, they would need to rely on that bastard.

"Sister, are you nervous about the upcoming negotiations?"

Gluing herself to Hancock's side, one of the sister's leaned over and asked. She had noticed her sister's shifting expression and subtle body movements—clearly, something was bothering her.

"No, not really. I was just thinking about other things," Hancock replied flatly.

She was about to meet that maniac again. Even now, dressed according to the agreed-upon terms, she felt a little awkward sitting there. There was no vibration, no trembling—but the cold, tight fit of her outfit left her slightly flustered.

It hadn't even been long, and yet… she was already vaguely looking forward to their meeting.

Hancock took a deep breath. "This is definitely one of that pervert's tricks," she thought. "I can't give in to such shameless tactics."

She shifted her long, slender legs to a more comfortable position and changed the subject, turning to Snake sister. "Don't worry. This queen has full confidence in securing the alliance."

"Of course! We believe in you, Sister!" Sister snake beamed.

She glanced around the spacious train interior. It had clearly been designed with the Pirate World in mind—even towering individuals over three or four meters could fit comfortably, though it still felt slightly small to them.

Soon, Hancock and her entourage arrived just outside Rainbase. Since they were moving a large number of supplies, Nico Robin had arranged for several floating transports to assist.

The Kain Chamber members escorted Hancock to the chamber's meeting hall. After serving an array of lavish refreshments, a maid approached to relay a message.

"Miss Hancock, the president invites you to his office for a more detailed discussion. The rest of the Kuja Pirates may wait here. Please let us know if you need anything."

"How can that be? We must accompany our sister!" one of the Kuja warriors protested.

Snake sister immediately spoke up. Before they left, granny had repeatedly warned her that this alliance was crucial to the future of Amazon Lily, and they had to stay close to support Hancock. 

If they weren't there, what would happen if her elder sister ended up quarreling with that mage, Kain?

Hancock turned around, raised her chin slightly, and said,

"Palace Lantern Flower, Marigold Flower, it's fine. You don't need to follow me. Leave the rest to me."

"But, my lady—"

Snake sister looked anxious. Her elder sister had never handled negotiations before. What if she ended up giving away Amazon Lily by mistake?

"Just do as I say. Wait here."

After speaking, Hancock nodded to the Kain Chamber maid, then followed her toward Kain's office.

Although the distance from the lounge to the president's office was only four to five kilometers across three levels, the closer Hancock got, the faster her heart pounded.

When they arrived at the office door, the maid silently stepped back. Hancock, without knocking, pushed the door open and walked in.

Seeing Kain seated at his desk, Hancock's lips felt parched despite their moist sheen. Her slender thighs shifted subtly as she stood still, uncertain what to do—as if she were waiting for him to speak first.

"Hancock," Kain said, his tone casual. "It's only been a few days, and here you are. Come, sit. I already know the reason for your visit. The new location for Amazon Lily has been chosen, and I can lend you a floating vessel. If the Kuja Pirates perform well in the future, we might even refit one specifically for you."

"T-This queen never agreed to relocate Amazon Lily," Hancock said firmly. But as she approached, she realized something odd—there were no other seats in the room. Where exactly was she supposed to sit?

Kain smirked and ordered, "Stop the nonsense. Do you have a better idea? Speak if you do. If not, follow instructions—now sit."

Sit where? There was no chair near this bastard. Was she supposed to sit on the desk?

Hancock bit her lip. She had planned to ask, but when she looked at Kain's face, the words died in her throat. With a mixture of resistance and anticipation, she slowly walked over.

Smack!

Just as Hancock was about to sit on the edge of the table, Kain slapped her directly on the buttocks. A crisp sound echoed through the room, and the soft flesh rippled from the impact. Hancock's face turned scarlet as she bit her lip and glared at him, eyes filled with resentment.

"You—!"

"Did you seriously think I'd let you sit on the desk?" Kain said coolly. "You've forgotten your place."

He pressed a button. At once, Hancock's expression changed, her face burning. Her long legs trembled, and she momentarily lost her balance before instinctively sitting down—right on Kain's lap. 

She clutched at his coat with both hands and took a long moment to regain her composure.

Once she calmed herself, Kain pulled out a map and laid it on the desk.

"These islands in this sea area are rich and fertile," he said. "If Amazon Lily takes control of this region, it can merge with the Kain Chamber's forces. Then, once Doflamingo's influence in Dressrosa is removed, from Wano to Fish-Man Island—without even resorting to piracy—imagine how much you could gain."

This region nearly falls within the sphere of influence of two of the Four Emperors, plus Doflamingo. Even if the Kain Chamber of Commerce and Amazon Lily can't take it all, they can at least occupy a major island and block key pirate routes—gradually tightening their control.

It's impossible for the Kain Chamber of Commerce alone to claim so many islands. Many are still under Whitebeard's protection, marked by his flag. Even without his presence, those territories are recognized as part of his legacy.

What Kain told Hancock was true. If Amazon Lily agrees to the alliance, the benefits they'll receive will far surpass anything gained from their status as Shichibukai—especially with the support of the Kain Chamber of Commerce behind them.

There's no need to remain attached to the original Amazon Lily. The Calm Belt no longer deters the Marines, and the island's natural defenses are no longer effective.

Now that the Kain Chamber of Commerce has severed ties with the Shichibukai and ended all cooperation with the Marines, an alliance with Amazon Lily would certainly draw Marine attention.

Still, this alliance brings no real harm to Amazon Lily—so long as they leave their old island and move into the New World.

…

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