Chapter 22

Once, the Boa sisters were carefree children. At the age of twelve, they set foot on the deck of the Kuja pirates ' ship and became young pirates. However, their youth was cut short that same year when they were kidnapped by slave traders and, after long suffering, became slaves to the Celestial Dragons. The first person they saw was a repulsive sort, a typical representative of the Celestial Dragons, which sowed a deep hatred of men within the sisters. Four years of slavery became a living hell for them. Every day was a fight for survival, every day someone died beside them.

When their spirits were broken, one man burst into the holy land of Mary Geoise, not only setting it ablaze and causing a true riot but also saving thousands of slaves. This hero, who performed an incredible feat, was Fish-Man Fisher Tiger, a former adventurer and a legend of Fish-Man Island.

Once, Tiger himself had been captured by humans and also became a slave to the Celestial Dragons. After escaping, he returned to Mary Geoise to free his brethren. He had two dreams: that fish-men could walk freely under the sun and that there would be no slaves in the world.

After freeing the slaves, Tiger founded the Sun Pirates, composed of former slaves, and sent them home. He became a major thorn in the side of the World Government.

But even such a great hero was ultimately betrayed by humans. By the end of his life, he was so disillusioned that he refused to accept a blood transfusion from a human. It's a shame that at the end of his life, he lost faith in humanity.

"What a noble man," said Sal, "I would have gladly befriended Fisher Tiger."

Sal sympathized with the Boa sisters and felt sorry for Tiger as he listened to their story. Hancock's face was awash with tears as she recalled the fate of their savior.

"If our savior hadn't come to us, he wouldn't have died here," she whispered.

After a brief conversation, Sal stood up to leave. Hancock, wearing only the top part of her outfit, radiated natural beauty, proving to be a serious challenge for any normal man. Sal's gaze frequently lingered on her. After all, he was young and full of vigor.

The matter of borrowing the boat went smoothly, and Hancock readily agreed. Two days later, the Women of the Amazon Lily saw him off. As night fell, the women of the Island of hosted a feast, with tables overflowing with exquisite wines and delicious dishes.

Sal and Luffy found themselves the only men surrounded by women, many of whom probably had never seen men before, sparking intense curiosity. Hands repeatedly reached out to touch Sal and Luffy. Even for someone as indulgent as Sal, this attention was overwhelming. He was always the hunter, not the prey, especially not for a crowd of women.

Some even attempted to touch his groin area. Fortunately, he noticed their intentions just in time, or he would have "lost his dignity." Not every man could endure such treatment, reminiscent of promiscuity.

Sal and Luffy retreated to the roof, taking food with them. Gloriosa joined them, watching with curiosity at the two young men who dared to challenge the Celestial Dragons.

"Sal, what are you planning to do after you leave Amazon Lily? If it's a secret, you don't have to say," she asked, offering Sal a rare wine.

Sal, without hiding, smacked Luffy, who tried to take the wine from him.

"I'm going to meet an old friend first, then head to Marineford."

"Marineford? Don't you know there's going to be a big battle there soon? Why would you get involved in such a mess? Killing a Heavenly Dragon has undoubtedly made things hard for you!"

Sal, still holding onto Luffy—who was quite the glutton—smacked him on the head with two buns using Armament Haki.

"Ouch! Ouch! What are you doing, Sal? I just want to eat a little," whined Luffy.

Seeing his pitiful face, Sal continued to restrain him, and fending off the persistent "eater," he replied:

"It would be a shame to miss such an interesting event. There are many 'old acquaintances' worth seeing there."

"Yes, how could someone like you miss such an event? There are always fools ready to sacrifice their lives at the altar of the sea. I hope you come back in one piece."

Luffy was puzzled by their conversation. What is Marineford? What event? He even stopped chewing his meat leg. Curiously, Luffy turned to Gloriosa:

"Old woman, what are you talking about?"

"Luffy, don't you know? The captain of the second division of Whitebeard's pirates, 'Fire Fist,' Ace is going to be executed at Navy Headquarters in Marineford. This will surely trigger a big battle between the navy and Whitebeard's pirates."

Upon hearing the news, Luffy's expression changed from a carefree "eater" to shock. The food fell from his mouth onto the table, which disgusted Sal.

"Ace, Ace is going to be executed, how is that possible? Ace is my brother, No, I have to save Ace, I have to save Ace now."

Luffy forgot about eating and immediately decided to go save Ace. But Sal pinned him to the table with one hand again.

"Where are you planning to go save Ace at this late hour? Do you have a boat? Do you even know where Marineford is?"

Hearing this, Luffy suddenly realized that he had neither a boat nor people, so how could he rescue anyone? He quickly turned to Sal for help.

"I don't have a boat, but you do, Sal. Please take me to save Ace, he's my brother. Sal, I'm begging you, waaaaaah."

Seeing Luffy's snot dripping from his nose, Sal pulled back from him in disgust. If Luffy dared to wipe his snot on Sal's clothes, he would definitely have beaten him black and blue.

"I'm not taking you there; we're heading in different directions." But if you ask Hancock, maybe she will help you. And with your strength, don't plan to go to Marineford; there are many top warriors there. Go to Impel Down, the Great Prison of the Sea, maybe you'll have a chance to save Ace there.

Luffy was struck by Sal's sincere suggestion. Although Sal knew that Luffy wouldn't be able to save Ace even if he went to Impel Down, the trip might lead to encounters with several Shichibukai-level fighters.

If Luffy were to die in Impel Down due to some "butterfly effect," it could be said that it was just his level.

Listening to their conversation, Gloriosa placed a hand on her forehead. What did he mean by going to Impel Down to save people? The Great Prison of the Sea was considered an iron wall, and only the legendary pirate, the Golden Lion, had managed to escape from there in centuries.

Moreover, he lost his legs. So what could be said about an ordinary pirate trying to escape from there?

Impel Down is guarded by two powerful individuals: a strong man, close in strength to an admiral, Magellan, a Venom-Venom fruit user, and the great swordsman Shiryu "Rain."

The greatest swordsman of the sea, the weakest among them is at the level of an ordinary Shichibukai, not to mention the ten large warships stationed at the gates of Impel Down. With such strong security, even if an admiral came, it's uncertain whether he could break into Impel Down.

As they chatted merrily, footsteps entered the room, and Boa Sandersonia hurried over and said:

— My brother-in-law is in poor health, and my elder sister is ill. You should go visit her as soon as possible.

— What, the Kuja Queen is sick at this time?

This news made the two present people feel incredulous. The Kuja Queen, who was just full of energy, is actually ill. A vague fear arose in Sal's heart. Could it really be that kind of illness?

The four of them went to Hancock's bedroom and saw that Hancock was sweating heavily and looked feverish and weak.