Chapter 194: An Unshakable Will

Chapter 194: An Unshakable Will

By the time they reached the palace entrance, the female warrior who had gone ahead to announce them was already standing outside, waiting.

With a nod to them, Marguerite led Reiner's group of four inside.

Walking down the corridor of the front hall, the redwood pillars on both sides were intricately carved and painted. At the end stood several more female warriors.

Unlike the country-guarding warriors they had met at the beginning, although these women were slightly curious about Reiner and Zoro, they did not show the kind of astonishment as if they had seen a rare treasure.

Marguerite kindly reminded them, "The women ahead are warriors of the Kuja Pirates. They have all been strictly selected and are powerful warriors who can follow Lady Empress. They are the heroes of this country."

As she spoke, a look of longing couldn't help but appear in her eyes. Through Marguerite's explanation, the group also learned more detailed information.

Amazon Lily was a country where strength was considered beauty. All women were raised as warriors from a young age. She, for example, was a country-guarding warrior who had been selected through layers of screening.

And the selection criteria to enter the Kuja Pirates and follow the queen out to sea were even more stringent. It was the dream of most of the citizens.

Reiner couldn't help but think of the foremen of the Water 7 shipyard, who were also city idols.

Leading them through the front hall and arriving before the several women, Marguerite bowed her head slightly and said respectfully, "Lady Gentian, Lady Orchid, Lady Chrysanthemum, I have brought the members of the Straw Hat Pirates."

"Thank you for your hard work, Daisy. You can leave the rest to us,"

The woman called Gentian, a cigarette dangling from her lips, patted Marguerite's shoulder.

She wore only a sexy half-vest, revealing her wheat-colored skin. A short, thick bazooka hung at her waist. She lifted her chin slightly at Reiner in a gesture. "Come with us."

Reiner's group of four followed them further inside. Marguerite retreated and went back. These three female warriors seemed to have very cold personalities, remaining silent the whole way.

It wasn't until they were about to enter the main hall that Gentian finally couldn't hold back anymore. She slowed her pace, waited for Reiner to pass, and then asked in a low, fidgety voice, "Excuse me... um..."

"Yes, what is it?" Seeing her somewhat embarrassed expression, Reiner was puzzled.

Gentian took a deep breath, looked up at him, and then suddenly shouted something shocking, "Can we see your golden eggs?! You have them, right?!"

"Are you crazy!!"

Bang!!

Nami behind them cursed, baring her teeth, and brought her fist down on the back of her head!

See your ass, see!

"..."

A black line appeared over Reiner's and Zoro's heads.

"Haven't you guys been out to sea? At the very least, you must have seen men," Reiner couldn't help but say, speechless.

The women on the island, I can understand. But out at sea, what's so strange about men? No matter how thirsty you are, you should be able to get your fill every day, right?

More importantly, don't say such things so bluntly!

Be a little more tactful, let's set a time. You're dangling meat in front of a tiger; her fangs are going to affect me!

"Ahem, actually, we rarely have contact with men. Basically, any enemies we encounter are turned to stone by Lady Empress's charm at first sight."

Gentian explained with a large bump on her head, the expectation in her eyes not diminishing in the slightest.

Being pirates, they did indeed see men often, but the limited contact was basically in battle. If Lady Empress found out they were doing something secretly, the consequences would not be good.

Hearing this, Nami couldn't help but warily scan her surroundings, only to discover many women hiding in the corners, peeking their heads out to stare at the two men in the center of the room.

She glanced at the strangely expressive Reiner, and a wave of anger suddenly rose. She reached out and pinched his ear tightly!

It's a good thing I came into the city with you, otherwise this bastard would be completely out of control!

Reiner gritted his teeth in pain. "Ow, ow, ow! Wait a minute!"

"You're actually enjoying this, aren't you!" Nami scolded, twisting his ear in a reverse grip!

—Hiss!

Someone's soul ascended to heaven on the spot.

"Idiot," Zoro glanced over with disgust.

He really couldn't understand these two blondes. What's so good about women? A man's pleasure is, of course, swords and wine!

The palace wasn't large. Soon, under the guidance of Gentian's trio, they circled around a martial arts arena and arrived at the main hall, which had an excellent viewing position.

The walkway in the middle of the hall led directly to the throne on the steps. On both sides of the walkway were low tables.

Hancock usually handled most of her affairs here. Further inside was the rear hall where she lived.

Looking at Nami, who had been dragging Reiner all the way, Gentian clearly already knew who was in charge in this group. Her tone carried a trace of respect as she said:

"Please have a seat, everyone. Her Majesty will be here shortly. We will serve some refreshments to entertain you first."

"Mm, thank you for your trouble."

Nami smiled and let go of the clueless person, pointing to the rectangular wooden box behind her. "This is a meeting gift for your empress."

Although she didn't know what Reiner had put inside, he had said the other party would probably like it, so it was probably something quite valuable.

"Yes, we'll put it aside for now. Please take a seat and wait for a moment," Gentian said, bowing her head respectfully before retreating, taking the wooden box with her.

In this country where strength was beauty, Nami's assertiveness had clearly won their respect.

The four of them split into two groups and took their seats on either side. Besides them, there were many other female warriors in the hall.

As members of the pirate crew, they were allowed to be active here, as long as the Empress did not order them to withdraw.

"That must be Black Snake Reiner, the great pirate with a bounty of 520 million Berries."

"And Roronoa, the powerful swordsman with a bounty of 200 million Berries."

"A while ago, the news of them causing a ruckus on Enies Lobby was all the rage."

"Your news is outdated. I heard they also caused a huge chaotic battle on the Sabaody Archipelago, suppressing this year's Supernovas."

No one came up to talk, but they watched Reiner and Zoro with curious glances from the corners of their eyes, whispering to each other.

Their Majesty, who had always disliked men, would actually meet with them. It made everyone wonder.

Several maids brought food, fruit platters, and wine, placing them one by one, also sneaking curious glances at them.

"What a strange atmosphere," after the maids withdrew, Reiner lowered his eyelids and spoke without any reservation, casually picking a grape and putting it in his mouth, his expression a little displeased.

Meeting someone was quite a hassle.

On the other hand, Zoro on the opposite side picked up a bowl, tilted his head back, and chugged down a mouthful of wine. With a loud thud, he put the wine bowl down heavily and said with a happy grin, "Strong wine. I've never had it before. I like it."

"That's the white spirit popular in the Land of Women. It's rarely seen outside. Although they are all women, you must have felt the fierce local customs. If you like it, we can give you some before you leave."

A short, white-haired old woman with a large, square face and thick lips suddenly spoke, walking over with a cane.

A corner of Zoro's mouth lifted. "Then I won't be polite."

"It's nothing, just a little wine. You can call me Elder Nyon. I am the state advisor of this country. Shakky has already written to me about your situation."

Elder Nyon spoke on her own accord. "Before Hancock arrives, this old woman would like to ask a favor of you. Can you help this country?"

"As expected, there's no such thing as a free lunch."

Hearing her words, Nami immediately turned her face away, displeased. "This is our first time meeting, right? Asking us for help for no reason... a little wine won't cut it."

"That's true."

Seeing the other's expression, Elder Nyon lowered her head and sighed. "Forget it, just consider it..."

"No, no, no, what I mean is,"

Nami winked at her, rubbing her thumb and index finger together. "You have to add money."

Since the other party knew Shakky and Rayleigh, she probably wasn't a bad person. It was fine to help them, as long as they paid. Didn't that mean business was here?

"As both the ruler of a country and a Warlord with the legal right to plunder, your empress should have money, right?"

A corner of Nami's mouth curved up, and she extended her index finger to make a finger gun, pointing it at the other. "First, tell us how we can help, and then we'll consider whether to accept and the specific payment."

Reiner rolled his eyes. "Nami, you didn't specifically come along just with the idea of making money here, did you?"

I thought you were here to keep an eye on me. Turns out you were eyeing their national treasury.

"Hee hee," Nami grinned, confirming his statement.

Seeing that she hadn't directly refused, Elder Nyon seized the opportunity to speak:

"You already know about the Snake Princess's status as a Warlord. Due to Ace's public execution, the World Government has issued a mandatory summons to the Warlords to deal with the war against the Yonko, Whitebeard. And the Snake Princess, she has refused..."

Refusing a mandatory summons meant being stripped of the Warlord title. Kuja Island, this pirate nation, would lose its special privileges and would inevitably become a target of the Marines, plunged into endless cannon fire.

As Elder Nyon slowly explained, the group understood the whole story.

She had already tried to persuade Hancock for several days with both earnest words and subtle hints, but the other simply wouldn't listen at all.

The warship that had come to receive Hancock, after waiting for several days to no avail, had returned to Headquarters last night. She was afraid that after the war, the Marines would begin to settle this score with Kuja Island.

Elder Nyon hoped that Reiner and the others could help persuade her. After all, no one in this country could convince Hancock.

"So that's how it is."

Robin nodded slightly, then said with a puzzled expression, "Unfortunately, we probably can't help with this matter either. Although there's still time to rush to Headquarters now, she has no reason to listen to us."

"At least she's willing to listen to you. Although it's not certain you can persuade her, I still hope you can try your best," Elder Nyon bowed her head and sincerely requested.

Elder Nyon had already canvassed everyone on the island who could speak with Hancock. She would try any opportunity she could get.

"That's not good. I don't really know your empress's strength, but—"

Nami's gaze was a little hesitant. "That's Marine Headquarters versus the Yonko, Whitebeard. Asking us to persuade a woman to participate in that kind of war... I can't do it."

"If she were voluntarily sacrificing herself to protect her country, I would only admire her, just like Vivi."

"But everyone is afraid of death. Even to protect the country, you can't force the ruler to take risks, right? After all..."

Nami smiled faintly and said to her, "Life is not measured in numbers. One person's life and ten thousand people's lives are all worthy of being cherished, aren't they?"

Reiner was stunned. Was Nami always this cool?!

Oh, this damn woman! I'm going to fall for her completely!

As her voice fell, the entire hall was stunned, looking at her.

Elder Nyon's mouth opened slightly, unable to speak. As a former, former, former empress, and someone who had been in the Rocks Pirates, she naturally understood Hancock's strength better than Nami.

As long as she protected herself wisely, even in such a war, staying alive would probably not be a problem.

But these words from the other party...

One life and ten thousand lives are all worthy of being cherished.

"What... what kind of pure and kind person is this..." Elder Nyon's voice was dry. She only felt a sudden, violent impact on her heart!

The entire hall fell into a silence. Everyone showed an expression of disbelief.

They had only ever thought about the crisis this country would face. Although they would not blame Hancock...

...because Lady Empress was too beautiful! Even if she was willful, it could be forgiven!

But in their hearts, how could they not hope that she would accept the summons and continue to protect their country with the title of Warlord?

They had just never thought that when the country was in trouble, they had only thought of letting the empress bear this responsibility.

One by one, the female warriors were filled with remorse and knelt on the ground with a thud.

"How could I have such a dark thought?"

"I am truly unworthy to follow Her Majesty, the Snake Princess!"

"I can no longer face Lady Snake Princess!"

"I'm going to commit seppuku!!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Wait a minute, you guys!!"

Nami was so scared she waved her hands and shouted, "That's not what I meant, hey!"

What's wrong with these people!

What kind of person is that empress? To have such charm?!

"I didn't say the responsibility is on you! I just said you can't force people to participate in a war."

Nami hurriedly explained. Seeing that they hadn't cheered up in the slightest and were instead even more guilty...

...she waved her hands again and said with a sheepish laugh, "Um... of course, if she is very strong, as a ruler, she should definitely take on some responsibilities. Ha... haha."

Reiner stared blankly at the scene of a whole floor of people kneeling in remorse, then looked at the panicked Nami, a strange premonition in his heart.

It seems you accidentally did something big, hey!

In a dark corner behind the screen in the hall, a woman with a slender and sexy figure, wearing a cheongsam and with long, straight black hair, stood by the wall.

One hand was on her heart, the other on the wall, supporting her weak body, as if she might collapse at any moment.

Boa Hancock stood there呆立 in a daze, her gaze fixed on the orange-haired figure in the hall who was busy trying to comfort her subordinates.

After Reiner's group entered the palace, Hancock had been observing them.

She just wanted to meet Reiner and Zoro, to see what kind of people these two who had killed a Celestial Dragon were.

But she had never expected that that woman, a woman who was not charmed by her ability, not attracted by her beauty, and whom she had never even met...

...faced with the same problem, would consider it for her from a completely opposite perspective.

Even Hancock felt that this was her own country, but the other felt that the country's peril was not her responsibility alone, that one person's life was also worthy of being cherished.

Compared to her own willfulness, the other was simply...

Hancock's face gradually flushed red. She panted heavily, her voice intermittent. "...Have I seen an angel?"

"Sister... sister."

"Are you alright?"

Sandersonia and Marigold stood behind her, their faces showing worry.

The tragic experience of their childhood had caused great psychological trauma to the three sisters.

As if to fill the wound in her heart, her sister's personality became more and more willful, and she always used her charm to get forgiveness.

Originally, today was just to get a glimpse of Black Snake Reiner and Roronoa, but she hadn't expected to be truly moved by someone she had never met.

Such a kind person, what other word besides 'angel' could describe her?!

"Sister, you should go back and rest for a bit."

"That's right, sister. Just let us entertain them."

Faced with her two sisters' concerned persuasion, she just waved her hand, took a long, deep breath to calm herself.

"That would be too rude to the guests."

Hancock's face returned to its usual calmness as she slowly walked towards the hall. "I'm fine. Let's go."

Looking at her back, Sandersonia and Marigold were stunned.

"'Too rude to the guests'?!"

"Would sister say something like that?"

The two looked at each other, both feeling shock in the other's gaze.

In the spacious hall, Reiner's group continued to eat and drink. The female warriors who had just been kneeling all over the floor had also recovered.

"Sigh~~."

Nami hung her head and sighed. "That was almost a disaster. Do you think we'll be kicked out later?"

"Probably not."

Reiner frowned and said in a low voice, "They'll probably just directly charge you with sowing discord between the ruler and her subjects and leading a rebellion, and then execute you directly."

How did he know? His hometown was too skilled at this kind of thing.

"What!?" Nami's face instantly turned pale with fright.

She had never expected things to unfold like this!

She couldn't help but turn her head sharply to look at Elder Nyon, pointing her finger and scolding, "It's all your fault, old woman! You bastard! If you hadn't asked us to persuade her, none of this would have happened!"

"Hahaha, I'm just kidding, Nami."

"Is it funny!"

Bang!

Nami bared her teeth and slammed her fist down, and he instantly behaved.

"Ahem."

Reiner lay on the table looking at her and couldn't help but smile. "Seriously, Nami, you were super cool just now."

Hearing this, Nami, who had just been angry, immediately looked embarrassed and waved her hand. "Oh, it was nothing."

Just then.

Hancock's trio finally came out from behind the screen.

Seeing the Gorgon sisters, the whole room immediately became boisterous. The eyes of all the female warriors turned into hearts as they cheered joyfully.

"Lady Snake Princess!"

"Ah! I can't take it!"

"Lady Snake Princess, I love you!"

This sudden commotion naturally also attracted the attention of Reiner and the others, who all turned their heads to look at the person in the lead.

Tall, with long black hair, wearing a cheongsam that revealed a slender, fair leg, a delicate face and a graceful figure perfectly combined.

It was none other than the woman known as the world's most beautiful, Boa Hancock!

And the two behind her... were automatically ignored.

Nami couldn't help but sigh at her beauty. "This great beauty is the empress here? She's too good-looking."

"I think so too," Reiner nodded in agreement.

Hancock walked to the top of the steps. Beside her, a red-and-white striped snake coiled into a seat.

She was silent and did not sit down, but instead looked at the four people below with a scrutinizing gaze.

The cheers also gradually subsided, and the entire hall inexplicably became quiet.

Seeing the atmosphere gradually become strange, Zoro looked bewildered. He raised his wine bowl in a gesture and said lightly, "Hello. Thanks for the hospitality."

Since the other party invited him for a drink, he should at least say hello, Zoro thought.

However, the moment his voice fell, it instantly aroused public indignation. Everyone shouted in protest!

"How rude, you stinking pirate!"

"You should call her Her Majesty, the Snake Princess!"

"As expected, there are no good men!"

Eh, eh, eh?

This is starting to get weird!

Reiner couldn't help but feel a headache. It's too noisy, and it's not a good time to make a move.

"My name is Boa Hancock."

Hancock lifted her chin high and said coldly, "For today, I will temporarily allow you to call me by my name."

Nami: "..."

This personality... seems like she's not very easy to get along with.

Reiner couldn't help but look back at Nami. The two exchanged a look of tacit understanding and nodded.

Her brain is definitely not working right.

The two sisters behind Hancock were also sizing them up.

They were getting anxious inside. Sister is talking to you! Give some reaction, you bastards! It will be troublesome if sister gets angry later.

After all, they were pirates who dared to attack a Celestial Dragon. They had a natural good impression of them. If things didn't turn sour, they were still willing to entertain them.

Little did they know, Reiner and the others didn't want this either, but this person was so hard to talk to!

At this moment, it was Robin who spoke first, taking the initiative to introduce herself. "We are members of the Straw Hat Pirates. My name is Nico Robin. I am an archaeologist."

Since the other had already introduced herself, she would respond in kind.

"My name is Nami. I'm the ship's navigator," Nami followed closely behind.

What a formal speech, Reiner couldn't help but complain internally. We've never greeted anyone like this since we set out to sea.

Compared to the two women, he and Zoro were much simpler.

"Reiner."

"Zoro."

"I know who you are," Hancock said.

Reiner's group fell silent again, looking at each other. She's really hard to talk to!

Actually, Hancock was also a little flustered inside. Because she had never entertained guests before, she didn't know what to say either.

Seeing the atmosphere becoming increasingly cold, she decided to return to her usual way of behaving. She sat back on the seat formed by the coiled snake and said with a cold expression:

"I'm sure you also know that I intended to summon Black Snake Reiner and Roronoa. I just want to ask you two questions."

"What is it? Go ahead," Reiner said lightly.

Zoro also quietly waited for the other to speak.

"The first question..."

Hancock raised her arm, her fingertips lifting the beautiful hair at her neck and gently flicking it. She made a pitiful expression and said in a soft voice, "Am I beautiful?"

"Are you crazy!!!" The two instantly cursed!

A vein popped on Zoro's forehead. He gritted his teeth and squeezed out a few words, "Fine. What's the second question?"

"Not bad. Not so easily charmed. Before I ask the second question..."

Hancock stood up, her expression returning to cold indifference. "I am a user of the Mero Mero no Mi. Anyone who has wicked thoughts towards me will be turned to stone by my ability. Let me test the wills of you two!"

With that, she spread her legs slightly, extended her arms in front of her, her four fingers together and thumb bent, her palms forming a heart shape.

"Mero Mero Mellow!"

A pink, heart-shaped light wave shot out from her palms in an instant, rapidly expanding towards the two below!

"Testing our wills, huh? A bit interesting," a corner of Zoro's mouth lifted. He stood up and stood beside Reiner.

He let the so-called petrification light wave pass through his body. After two seconds, his body actually hadn't changed in the slightest!!

"How is that possible!!"

"Sister's ability is ineffective!!"

The three sisters standing on the steps above had their pupils shrink, their faces full of shock!

Hancock's eyes were filled with disbelief. In this world, there is actually someone who can not have wicked thoughts towards her?!

She can even charm women, let alone men!!

Hancock naturally didn't expect that she had hit a wall.

"Heh, so if you're not charmed, you won't be affected? It seems your ability isn't that great after all."

Zoro's lips curved into a faint smile. "It might work against ordinary people, but for someone like me and Reiner, with our wills tempered day and night through hard training, how could we be swayed by you?"

Hancock smiled coldly. "Is that so? Take another look behind you."

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Zoro couldn't help but turn his head in confusion, and was instantly stunned.

"You've been turned to stone!!!"

Slap!

Zoro bared his teeth and roared angrily, slapping Reiner's gray stone statue fiercely. "How shameful, you trash!!"

How come you weren't turned to stone!!

Reiner gritted his teeth and cursed back. Anyone with a half-decent brain would fall for it!!

If only he could speak...

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