Chapter 32: I Sentence You to Petrification!
"Douglas D. Rok. Step forward."
Amazon Lily — Central Arena
Pirate Empress Boa Hancock sat high upon her throne, jet-black hair cascading like a waterfall, snow-white legs elegantly crossed, violet eyes gazing down with imperial disdain.
The entire arena of Kuja warriors swooned at her beauty. The world's most beautiful woman could melt hearts regardless of gender.
Even Rok felt a tingle when she said his name.
The Mero-Mero no Mi helped, but Hancock's raw, otherworldly beauty and figure were on a level of their own. Future Nami and Robin might rival her in two years— right now? Still a step behind.
"Big Sis, I looked him up."
Sandersonia rushed to the throne and whispered:
"Douglas D. Rok. Former elite Marine Captain. Defected after offending a Celestial Dragon in Impel Down. Current bounty: 100 million berries. According to the wanted poster, he's supposed to be heavily poisoned and crippled."
Rok heard every word with his Observation Haki.
Outdated intel.
The mushroom incident had flushed the last of Weapon X out of his system.
He was at his peak.
"100 million?"
Hancock glanced at him lazily.
She didn't care about the bounty.
But the "heavily poisoned" part didn't add up.
The man walking toward her looked anything but weak.
And in the bath… she never even sensed him move behind her.
The bath…
Her cheeks burned again.
"Rok. You and Straw Hat Luffy trespassed on Amazon Lily. You violated our sacred law."
Hancock rose slowly, voice ice-cold.
"I hereby sentence you both to petrification. You will stand as stone statues in this plaza for eternity— a warning to all who defy our iron rule."
She had hesitated for a few seconds.
His words in the bath had shaken her.
But so what?
She still didn't fully believe he killed a Celestial Dragon.
And she didn't need connections with outsiders.
The world's most beautiful woman was fine being alone.
(She didn't hate him. Actually… she was a little curious.)
But no matter.
Once he was a statue, she could visit her new "sculpture" whenever she wanted.
"Boa Hancock, I'd advise against it. You're going to regret this."
Rok grinned— eager, almost excited.
Come on. Do it. Turn me to stone.
"Lord Hancock, please don't! Rok and Luffy are good people! They didn't mean to invade! They're just trying to find their crew!"
Marguerite suddenly stepped out from the crowd, trembling but determined.
She was terrified of Hancock— but she genuinely saw them as friends.
If she stayed silent, they were doomed.
Every single person who ever angered the Empress ended up as a statue.
"Hm? Marguerite… you know these intruders?"
"And are you telling me what to do?"
Hancock's eyes narrowed dangerously.
She had just been wondering why Rok didn't seem scared— then Marguerite decided to commit suicide by Empress.
It was obvious now.
The Guard knew about the men long before she returned.
And Marguerite had befriended them.
Were the kingdom's laws a joke?!
"Lord Hancock, Marguerite's just sick! She's talking nonsense! The Guard has been hunting the intruders the whole time and hasn't had time to rep—"
Kikyo tried to drag her back.
Too late.
Hancock stood fully, cold violet eyes fixed on Marguerite.
She raised one delicate hand— formed a heart.
"Marguerite has broken the iron law. Let her atone as stone."
"Mero-Mero Mellow!"
A wave of sweet, warm, pink light surged toward Marguerite.
Beautiful. Elegant.
Deadly.
Everyone knew what came next— instant petrification.
"Rok, Luffy—run! I can't save you anymore…"
Marguerite closed her eyes, accepting her fate.
She only hoped her sacrifice bought them a chance.
Every Kuja warrior braced for the inevitable.
No one—man or woman—had ever survived the Mero-Mero Mellow.
Then—
WHOOSH!
A blur like a hurricane.
When the crowd blinked— a tall figure now stood directly in front of Marguerite.
The entire arena fell deathly silent.
Rok had moved so fast no one saw it.
He was shielding her.
"Lord Rok—no!!! You'll turn to stone!!!"
Marguerite screamed.
The pink beam slammed into him.
"Hmph. If you want to die that badly— I'll grant your wish."
Hancock's eyes flashed with irritation.
Why did he jump in front of her like that?
Annoying man.
She poured even more power into the beam.
Turn to stone already, damn you!
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