"What does it mean that the Kuja Pirates are suddenly approaching us?"
Ryan glanced up at Kalifa, his previously lazy gaze sharpening instantly. His tone carried a hint of probing amusement as he sneered, "Surely they're not just bored and coming over to 'greet' us!"
"Given the Kuja Pirates' usual modus operandi," Kalifa adjusted her glasses, "there's a high chance they've mistaken us for a merchant ship ripe for plundering."
"A merchant ship?"
Ryan suddenly understood. The Wave Rider's deck wasn't equipped with cannons, nor did it fly any pirate flags—it truly resembled a luxurious merchant vessel cruising through the Grand Line.
After all, although the Kuja Pirates were led by the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock and held the title of Warlord, Amazon Lily was located in the Calm Belt, where resources were scarce. The crew often sailed out to raid merchant ships in the first half of the Grand Line to replenish essential supplies like food and medicine.
It seemed the Kuja Pirates had ventured out for a raid and stumbled upon their "flagless ship." Such an ornate vessel usually carried substantial wealth, making it a natural target.
"Captain, how should we proceed?" Kalifa asked bluntly.
Ryan hummed in thought, his attention briefly shifting to Perona, who was panting softly beside him. "Engage in negotiations first. I'll head over once I'm done here."
No matter how urgent the situation, he couldn't leave things half-finished—that wouldn't be good for anyone's health.
Kalifa's gaze flickered toward Perona, taking in her flushed, breathless state. Without further questions, she simply replied, "Understood," then turned on her heels and left, deliberately closing the door softly behind her.
"Captain, that's the Kuja Pirates!" Mikita couldn't hold back her concern the moment Kalifa left, stepping closer with a worried expression. "Shouldn't you go oversee things personally? If negotiations break down and a fight breaks out, we—"
"Yeah, Captain!" Porche chimed in, nodding vigorously, her voice tinged with apprehension. "I've heard the Kuja warriors are all incredibly skilled, and the Pirate Empress is a Warlord-level fighter. Shouldn't you be there to handle this?"
The two spoke in rapid succession, their reverence for the title "Pirate Empress" evident. Behind Boa Hancock's reputation as the "World's Most Beautiful Woman" lay a well-documented ruthlessness and formidable strength.
"What's there to fear?" Ryan remained unperturbed, watching as Perona's body tensed under his touch. A playful smirk curled his lips. "Boa Hancock is a Warlord, but so am I. Are you implying I'm beneath her?"
Mikita and Porche exchanged glances, suddenly remembering—their captain was also a Warlord, equal in status to Boa Hancock. In terms of strength, he had risen by defeating the former Warlord Crocodile and even taken down the legendary Golden Lion. He was no pushover.
As fellow Warlords, even if the Pirate Empress was arrogant, she would have to show some courtesy. It wasn't as if she'd outright attack without reason.
With that realization, their fear dissipated significantly.
"Still," Ryan mused, his eyes glinting with interest, "the 'World's Most Beautiful Woman'—now that's something to look forward to."
The Pirate Empress—those who knew, knew.
"Captain, you can't just act recklessly!" Mikita paled at his words. "That's the Pirate Empress we're talking about!"
"I never said I'd act recklessly," Ryan countered, tilting his head toward Mikita with a meaningful smile. "But there's no need to be so terrified of her title that we don't even dare approach. Meeting her and exchanging a few words shouldn't be a problem, right?"
The World's Most Beautiful Woman—it would be a lie to say Ryan wasn't intrigued. But Boa Hancock hadn't earned her Warlord title in the chaotic seas or received praise from Fleet Admiral Sengoku by being weak.
In the end, strength ruled. Otherwise, what difference was there between him and Mikita?
Mikita studied Ryan, sensing there was more to his words. Before she could dwell on it, he suddenly shot her a look. Sighing in resignation, she reached for Perona...
He was clearly planning to wrap things up quickly!
Meanwhile, aboard the Kuja Pirates' flagship, the Kuja Ship, inside a cabin decorated like a palace from Amazon Lily...
Boa Hancock reclined on a plush, pink velvet throne-like chair, her long legs crossed elegantly. She idly twirled a lock of her raven-black hair, the serpentine earrings swaying gently with her movements. Her deep blue eyes were half-lidded, exuding her usual air of lazy arrogance.
"Empress," a female warrior knelt at the door, head bowed low, her voice filled with reverence. "I bring urgent news."
"What is it?" Hancock's gaze flickered downward, her tone indifferent. "Didn't I order you to raid that wealthy-looking merchant ship? Why are you reporting back?"
A merchant ship without a pirate flag shouldn't require much effort—her warriors could handle it easily.
"Empress, that ship is no merchant vessel," the warrior replied, her tone growing even more deferential. "It belongs to the newly appointed Warlord, the 'Wanderer' Ryan."
"The 'Wanderer' Ryan..." Hancock's crossed legs stilled slightly, her lazy gaze sharpening.
Even though Amazon Lily was isolated in the Calm Belt, news of this rising star—who had overthrown the former Warlord Crocodile—had reached her ears.
The kneeling warrior hurriedly added, still respectful, "They initiated negotiations, clearly stating their ship isn't a merchant vessel and identifying themselves as Warlords. They warned us not to approach further."
"Negotiations?" Hancock scoffed, leaning forward slightly with a derisive smile. "A freshly appointed upstart dares to speak of 'negotiations' with the Kuja Pirates?"
The warrior lowered her head further. "Then should we—"
"Ignore their warnings," Hancock cut her off, rising gracefully. Her dress slid along her curves as she adjusted a stray lock of hair, her lips curving into a haughty smirk. "Bring the ship closer."
As Boa Hancock stood, the massive serpent Salome, coiled on a cushion in the corner, silently uncoiled itself. It pressed close to Hancock's feet, lifting its head slightly, its gleaming vertical pupils fixed on its mistress as if awaiting orders.
Hancock didn't spare it a glance, striding toward the door. The sharp click of her heels against the fur-lined floor echoed with authority, while Salome slithered smoothly behind her, its long body gliding effortlessly across the carpet.