Chapter 50
Ren jumped down from the Noah and landed lightly on the shore of Amazon Lily. The moment his feet touched the ground, he began walking toward Hancock and Yamato with a carefree grin, raising one hand in greeting.
"Hay Hancock, long tim—"
He didn't even get to finish his sentence. Hancock's leg flashed forward instantly, coated in dark Armament Haki, aiming straight for his face with the force of a cannon.
Ren only grinned wider. His fist rose just as quickly, coated in his own Armament, and the two attacks collided midair. Black lightning crackled violently between them as the shockwave of Internal Destruction level Haki rippled outward.
The ground beneath them cracked slightly from the pressure of the clash.
Ren chuckled as he stepped forward like nothing happened. "Hay, you have grown stronger… and more beautiful."
Before Hancock could react, he slipped past her guard, pulled her into a hug, and kissed both her cheeks.
Yamato, Hancock, and Shirahoshi's mouths twitched at the shameless display.
"You shameless bastard!" Hancock cursed, her face turning red while trying to push him away.
Ren only laughed, completely unfazed. "You already heard me. I only have eyes for you three."
Hancock crossed her arms and huffed loudly. "Huff! You think I believe you?"
Ren suddenly choked on air as if stabbed by her disbelief. "Ahem… forget that. Tell me, you're okay right? Did those Marines cause you trouble?"
Even as he asked, Ren already knew the answer. For the Marines, Hancock was easily Admiral-tier, especially with her Devil Fruit ability that could instantly petrify enemies.
They wouldn't risk sending too many forces.
Hancock smirked proudly and flipped her hair. "Ohh, they sent Sakazuki. So I had him stay here to meet you."
Ren blinked slowly.
"...You serious?"
Hancock raised her chin high with pride, looking extremely satisfied. "Of course. You can do whatever you want with him."
Yamato tilted her head in confusion while Shirahoshi looked equally puzzled.
"Are Admirals really that strong?" Shirahoshi asked curiously.
Yamato scratched her cheek thoughtfully. "I heard old man say a single Admiral can only stall for time and can't defeat any of the Emperors one-on-one."
She paused before adding casually.
"Even that light monkey was strong… but not as strong as old man."
Ren opened his mouth to protest instinctively, but then paused. The current three Admirals had only recently gained their positions. Their Devil Fruits weren't awakened yet, and they hadn't reached their peaks.
"...Well, whatever," Ren finally said with a shrug.
His expression slowly turned cold.
"Since the Marines dared to move against you, they'll pay the price."
Hancock smiled slightly, clearly pleased by his words.
Ren clapped his hands once. "But first things first. Moving Amazon Lily and Fishman Island is more important."
His tone turned serious.
"Once those two are safe… we can deal with the Marines properly."
Yamato grinned excitedly while Shirahoshi nodded nervously but determined.
Together they walked toward Hancock's palace. Yamato and Shirahoshi looked around with wide eyes, taking in the exotic island.
For both princesses, this was their first time traveling outside their homelands.
Everything felt new.
Sonia walked in just as they reached the palace entrance.
"Big sis, you are back. Elder is waiting for you."
Hancock nodded calmly. "I know."
They soon entered a large room where the elderly former empress, Gloriosa, sat waiting.
Gloriosa's sharp gaze immediately locked onto Ren.
"Boy… are you sure you can protect Amazon Lily?"
Ren's eyes suddenly lit up with excitement.
"Of course I can. You can see it with your own eyes."
Gloriosa felt strangely reassured by his confidence… yet at the same time something about his tone felt unsettling.
She shook the thought away and sighed.
"Fine then. Amazon Lily is in your hands."
Hancock's mouth twitched instantly.
"You old woman! I'm the Empress of Amazon Lily, not you!"
Ren burst out laughing while Yamato tried to hide her smile. Even Shirahoshi giggled softly behind her hands.
The tense atmosphere dissolved instantly.
That night, a grand banquet was held. The Kuja warriors welcomed Ren and the others warmly.
Food, laughter, and endless teasing filled the palace halls late into the night.
After hours of catching up with Hancock and her sisters, the group finally retired to rest.
The next morning, Ren woke up feeling unusually warm.
When he opened his eyes, he found himself wrapped tightly between Hancock and Yamato beneath the blankets.
Their bare skin pressed comfortably against his, their warmth surrounding him completely.
Ren grinned like a satisfied cat.
He quietly enjoyed the moment for a few seconds before Hancock and Yamato slowly stirred awake.
Ren leaned forward and kissed both their foreheads.
"Morning."
Hancock smiled softly while Yamato stretched lazily.
"Morning."
After breakfast, Ren stepped outside and summoned the golden cloud.
Using Nimbus, he began the massive task of moving the entire island of Amazon Lily. The enormous cloud expanded beneath the island, lifting it slowly from the sea.
He then created a clone and handed over control.
"Keep moving it toward the new location," Ren instructed calmly.
The clone nodded and took over.
Meanwhile, Ren took Hancock, Yamato, and Shirahoshi aboard the Noah. Hancock's giant snake ship, Perfume Yuda, was stored safely on Amazon Lily for now.
The massive ark slowly began moving toward the surface route leading to Sabaody Archipelago.
Ren leaned against the railing with a smirk.
"Well then…"
His eyes gleamed with mischief.
"Let the world know… the Empress is with her Emperor."
Hancock rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile on her lips. Yamato laughed loudly, while Shirahoshi looked both nervous and excited.
The calm sea ahead promised that the world would soon hear news that would shake the balance of power.