"Release... your filthy hand."
Hancock's lower body was submerged in seawater, leaving her completely drained of strength. Ryan's right hand gripped her neck—not with crushing force, but enough to prevent her from breaking free, forcing her to tilt her head upward.
Yet even in such a wretched state, Hancock maintained the pride befitting the "World's Most Beautiful Woman." Her deep blue eyes, devoid of their earlier allure, now held only the fury of one violated. Gazing at Ryan who stood mere inches away, her voice trembled slightly from labored breathing, yet she clenched her teeth, refusing to lower her demeanor in the slightest.
"Heh... You seem to have forgotten your current predicament!" Ryan observed the still-arrogant "Pirate Empress," his fingers subtly tightening, increasing the pressure on her neck.
"Mmph..." Hancock's breath hitched abruptly. Her brow furrowed instinctively, complexion paling several shades, yet she continued staring relentlessly at Ryan, lips pressed into a taut line, stubbornly withholding any sound of submission.
The sea breeze tousled Hancock's soaked hair, strands clinging to her cheeks and neck, adding to her disheveled appearance. But her gaze remained sharp—like an angered leopardess refusing defeat, clinging to her final shred of pride even in dire straits.
Truly worthy of the title "Pirate Empress."
Meanwhile, atop the Giant Snake, Sandersonia and Marigold were already enraged, brandishing their weapons toward Ryan, their roars filled with fury: "Release our sister! If you dare harm a single hair on her head, we will never let you go!"
"That's right! Release Lady Snake Princess at once!"
On the deck, the Kuja warriors also raised their longbows, arrowheads gleaming with the black sheen of Armament Haki. A dense array of arrows uniformly aimed at Ryan's back. A few hot-tempered warriors even stepped forward, drawing their bowstrings tauter.
But for all their shouting, not a single arrow was loosed, nor did anyone dare charge recklessly forward. Every eye remained fixed on Ryan's hand clamped around Hancock's neck—one ounce more pressure, and the Empress's neck would snap.
"Your subordinates are quite loyal," Ryan remarked, listening to the chorus of roars. He didn't glance at the glaring Sandersonia sisters on the Giant Snake, nor did he acknowledge the arrows aimed at his back. Instead, he looked down with amusement at Hancock, whom he held by the throat, his tone laced with mockery.
"Hmph." Forced to tilt her head back, Hancock struggled for breath but curled her lips into a cold, proud smile. "My people will naturally protect me. Moreover, my ability stems from my beauty. If you kill me, your subordinates will remain stone forever—even the next ability user cannot undo it."
She deliberately spelled it out clearly, using this as her bargaining chip. Even with a hand at her throat, the "Pirate Empress" maintained her condescending, threatening arrogance.
"Heh." Ryan scoffed, his fingers abruptly tightening again, instantly increasing the force on Hancock's neck.
"Mmph!" Hancock's breath was cut off instantly, her face draining to a deathly pallor. Her brow furrowed tightly, fine beads of cold sweat emerging at her temples. She instinctively raised a hand to grasp Ryan's arm, but with her lower body immersed in seawater, her arm went limp halfway up.
"Do you think I care about those worthless pawns? They're nothing but tools—useful when needed, easily replaced when not." Ryan's tone was flat as he watched Hancock's pained frown and sweat-drenched forehead. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper near her ear: "If my subordinates are gone, how well do you think yours will fare?"
Hancock's pupils contracted sharply. A flicker of panic rose in her heart but was forcibly suppressed. She turned her head away with difficulty, avoiding Ryan's proximity, deep blue eyes gathering their haughty light once more. Her voice trembled noticeably: "If you truly didn't care... why waste so many words?"
The remark silenced Ryan instantly, his grip loosening slightly.
Hancock had hit the mark. Though Ryan treated them as "tools," they had been dutiful throughout the journey—especially Mikita, Porche, Zala, and Kalifa, who had been pleasant companions during tedious travels. Familiarity bred affection, and Ryan hadn't yet grown bored. He wasn't truly heartless, and moreover... Hogback was developing a serum crucial to his own strength. By reason or emotion, he couldn't simply stand by.
Seeing Ryan's silence, a glimmer of understanding flashed in Hancock's eyes. Seizing the chance to steady her breathing, she spoke more firmly: "Release me... and I shall restore your subordinates."
"Lift the petrification first," Ryan said after a moment's pause, looking down at Hancock.
"Hmph, quite the negotiator.Hancock sneered, chin tilting up slightly. Even with her neck restrained, she maintained her empress-like demeanor: "My lower body is submerged in seawater. I scarcely have the strength to lift a hand—how could I possibly undo the petrification?"
Ryan knew well that Devil Fruit users grew "weakened" in seawater. Hancock could barely struggle now, let alone muster the ability to reverse petrification.
After a silent appraisal, Ryan finally spoke: "I'll release you, but you'll remain on your serpent's back. The slightest suspicious move, and I'll strike immediately—next time, it won't be just your neck at stake."
Hancock was indeed formidable. On land or a ship's deck, Ryan might not maintain the upper hand. But here on the open sea, without aerial mobility, confining her to Salome's back meant gripping her Achilles' heel. No matter how agile Salome was, it remained a Sea Serpent—its speed paled against Lightning Step. If Hancock dared scheme atop the serpent, Ryan could counter with delayed precision.
A swift calculation flashed through Hancock's deep blue eyes. Biting her lower lip, she suppressed her pride, her chin lowering slightly. Her voice retained the empress's characteristic chill but lost some of its edge: "Agreed."
Once back on the serpent and free of the seawater, she could regain her strength. Even at a disadvantage, she'd at least have room to maneuver.
Without another word, Ryan retreated two steps, landing on pale golden Flame Clouds to maintain a safe distance. Deprived of support, Hancock lost her balance instantly, plunging into the sea with a splash.
Seawater is the bane of Devil Fruit users. After Hancock fell into the sea, even struggling seemed clumsy. She choked on several mouthfuls of salty water, her arms flailing helplessly on the surface, stripped of all dignity befitting the "World's Most Beautiful Woman."
"Hiss..." Salome, seeing this, instantly tensed her body. Her dark serpent tail thrashed violently in the seawater as she swiftly swam over, carefully supporting Hancock on her broad snakeback. Her forked tongue flickered rapidly as she warily watched Ryan, not daring to advance another step.
Hancock lay sprawled on Salome's back, chest heaving violently as she gasped for breath. Her soaked long hair clung to her cheeks, with a few strands even tangled around her lips. Yet she stubbornly lifted her head, glaring fixedly at Ryan standing on the Flame Cloud.
This man... how dare he treat "this queen" so rudely? Unforgivable.
"Your turn next." Ryan ignored Hancock's furious gaze, tightening his grip on the Seven Star Sword as he reminded her: "A friendly warning—if you dare break our agreement, I won't be polite. Your sisters and those Kuja warriors... I won't spare a single one."
This wasn't a threat but a blatant warning. If things truly came to breaking point, Ryan would sacrifice minor pieces to protect the king. Even if Hancock was the "World's Most Beautiful Woman," he would never show mercy just for some hollow reputation.
After all, survival is biological instinct. Even the most dazzling halo becomes nothing but fragile paper when faced with life and death.
Hancock stared intently at Ryan, her eyes filled with smoldering anger, yet she unconsciously narrowed them. Her gaze swept over the pale golden Flame Cloud beneath Ryan's feet, then settled on the crackling Lightning surrounding him, quickly assessing the situation.
This man could hover in midair thanks to that strange flame. His absurd speed likely stemmed from the Lightning enveloping him. The sea already restricted her abilities, while her opponent held advantages in aerial mobility and speed. This was no time for petty pride.
Hancock took a deep breath, supporting herself on Salome as she slowly stood upright. The soaked cloak clung to her tall figure in the sea breeze. She brushed the wet hair from her forehead, reclaiming the dignity of the "Pirate Empress," her voice cold and clear: "This queen naturally keeps her word."
No sooner had she spoken than Hancock stopped hesitating. She lightly pressed her index finger to her lips, a pale pink light gathering at her fingertip before precisely striking the stone statues on the deck.
"Crack, crack..." Crisp shattering sounds rang out one after another as the stone shells covering Rob Lucci, Mikita and the others began peeling away layer by layer.
The moment Mikita returned to human form, she staggered against the ship's railing, coughing violently. Porche and Zala hurried over to support her. Though their faces still showed the weakness following petrification release, they were finally out of danger.
Ryan glanced at the commotion on the deck before turning back to Hancock: "You've made a wise choice."
"This queen always honors her promises." Hancock withdrew her hand, leaning back against Salome as she coldly glanced at him, her voice still carrying undiminished pride: "But remember—this matter between us isn't over."
Ryan didn't respond to Hancock's words. His eyes swept over her tense shoulders before narrowing slightly. Suddenly lowering his voice, he said: "Boa Hancock... you bear the Celestial Dragons' 'Hoof of the Flying Dragon' on your back, don't you?"
"!!!"
Hearing this, Hancock was as if struck by lightning. The arrogance and coldness on her face vanished instantly, replaced by unconcealable panic. Her deep blue eyes were filled with disbelief, and her lips trembled uncontrollably.
That was a shame carved into her back, etched into her very bones—a secret she had desperately tried to conceal ever since escaping from the holy land of Mary Geoise. How could this man possibly know?
Seeing Hancock's flustered state, Ryan's gaze abruptly turned icy. His hand gripping the Seven Star Sword suddenly rose, the blade pointing directly at Hancock's chest. Blue-purple electricity surged along the edge, the piercing crackle causing the air to tremble: "Shoot her—Seven Star Sword."
In the next instant, a bolt of lightning shot forth from the tip of the sword.
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