Chapter 107 The Pirate Empress
The Calm belt refers to a narrow strip of ocean that flanks the Grand Route on both sides.
For some mysterious reason, no breeze is felt here at any time during the year, and there are no strong currents on the surface. The water is completely still, resembling a smooth glass surface with no visible end.
However, troubles still exist.
The gigantic creature surged quickly through the surface of the water.
"Hahahaha! ! Warrior Alexander is riding the waves! ! " The Warrior Shrimp let out a loud laugh and kept clapping his four big claws in the water.
"Oh, it's so fast! "
Rayleigh was seated atop Alexander's head. He couldn't quite grasp what Alexander was shouting about. He simply enjoyed his drink and remarked with curiosity, "If that guy Roger had this kind of ability back then, our journey would have been as smooth. " He understood how easy the sailing would be.
"Rayleigh," Brett, who was gazing at the ocean, turned and asked, "How strong was Roger? "
Who is the mightiest in these waters?
People at sea have endlessly argued this topic. Even though Whitebeard is still lingering at the end of his prime, many believe that Kaido possesses power that is just as great.
Brett had never battled against the elite warriors at sea, he was truly curious about the strength of real monsters.
Especially, the man who ruled the Grand Line and was listed among the top two known warriors, regardless of how mighty he was.
"Roger? " Rayleigh wiped his mouth and then spoke with a hint of nostalgia, "Though he often acted irresponsibly, he was indeed the true ruler who has faced every storm on the sea."
He stated earnestly, "Brett, even now, it won't be easy for you to remain steady in front of his Conquer's haki."
Brett was momentarily taken aback. Rayleigh wasn't one to make casual jokes.
"Really? "Brett replied with a bit of disbelief, "Is he really that strong? "
'It's tough to understand; doesn't that imply he's even stronger than Kaido?'
At least Brett doesn't believe Kaido can throw him off balance just with his Conquer's haki.
Of course, there's also the fact that Rayleigh might not be fully aware of his true strength.
"The world is still vast. " Brett looked towards the horizon, "There's still a long journey ahead. "
"That's right, my friend! ! " Alexander shouted back, "It's because the journey is long that we must keep forging ahead! This is the spirit of a warrior! ! "
His valiant declarations sounded like mysterious roars to Rayleigh.
"I've never seen such an energetic sea king" Rayleigh chuckled. He had been sailing for decades and had never encountered anything like this before.
"He's certainly a bit unique. "Brett mentioned.
Alexander is a proud fighter from the sea depths.
Not long after they continued onward, the silhouette of an island showed up at the sea's edge.
Brett figured it took nearly ten hours to depart from Sabaody Archipelago. He left at night and reached in the afternoon, which wasn't too far.
Yet, keeping in mind Alexander's pace, a regular ship would take a lot longer.
Rayleigh gazed at the increasingly clearer island in the distance and stretched out slowly, "Brett, it's too late to have second thoughts. That Hancock girl has a pretty bad temper. "
"I'm already here, aren't I?."Brett grinned and said.
Rayleigh shook his head in resignation, "Then let's check in."
He leaped and plunged into the water, "It's better to keep things like controlling sea kings under wraps. "
Brett shared the same sentiment. Even though the security of Amazon Lily wasn't very tight in the original story, a blind person should have sensed the approach of a massive sea creature.
"Alexander, please wait for us here! " Brett turned back and cautioned Alexander.
"Got it! " Alexander responded loudly, "But if you're in trouble, just shout my name, my friend! The proud warrior Alexander is always prepared to respond to your call! "
Brett couldn't help but grin, "Okay. "
After that, he turned and swam towards the island with Rayleigh.
Even though the distance was still considerable, both of them had excellent stamina, and Brett was a fishman, so there was definitely no risk of not being able to swim over.
Before long, they reached the island. They paused a bit away from the shore.
"That's far enough. " Rayleigh said, "If we go ashore directly, Hancock will probably get really mad."
Bright understood that the rules of Amazon Lily stated that men were not allowed to set foot on the island.
Just think of it as following local customs.
"Alright, let's greet them. " Rayleigh glanced at Brett. "Watch Brett, this is how you use conqueror's haki! "
Black lightning shot into the sky immediately, spreading wildly in all directions.
The ocean surface bubbled up, and countless water droplets shot up against the pull of the sea.
The dense trees along the shore were nearly flattened by the strong gusts, making it impossible for them to stand upright.
Brett was awed. 'What a spectacular show of conqueror's haki!'
Rayleigh's powerful presence only lasted a few moments, then faded away.
But that was enough. How could the people of Amazon Lily miss something so impactful?
Before long, several figures burst forth from the forest, and a number of tall, slim, or strong women landed on the beach.
Brett observed them. They were all dressed in very basic bikini-style outfits, accompanied by a snake, and their faces were filled with extreme fear.
They spotted Brett and Rayleigh in the water, and the snakes that were trailing them quickly straightened up and transformed into long bows. The women then readied their bows and attached arrows. The pointed arrows, surrounded by unseen air currents, were aimed at both of them.
"Who are you? "
"Don't misunderstand" Rayleigh lifted his hands in a sign of peace, "We aren't here to stir up any trouble; we are looking for the Empress. There's a fool who wants to speak with her."
"The Empress?"
The women were shocked for a moment, and then the leader stepped up and pulled the bow string tighter. She shouted, "No, you are not women! "
"You are men! "
Other than the Kuja Pirates, people from this country may never encounter a man in their lives.This soldier is sharp and informed.
"Eh? Is that a man? "
"Of course, he does seem a bit different from us."
"He has a beard! " they said, pointing at Rayleigh.
"The body looks strong as well. "
The female warriors started to whisper, gazing at Brett and Rayleigh with intense eyes, like they've spotted an unusual creature.
Brett felt a bit curious. Most of the women living here had never met a man. So, how do they reproduce?
'Could there be a Zimu River(drinking from the river can ensure a woman's pregnancy) here as well?'
"Men aren't allowed in this country! "
The leading female warrior declared loudly and strongly, even though her gaze was curiously examining the two of them, "No matter what you're here for, you need to leave immediately! Otherwise—"
wishhh—
She released her grip, and the arrow flew out, hitting the sea nearby and creating a splash of water.
"Don't be alarmed, young lady. "
Rayleigh grinned and seemed unfazed, "Just wait a moment, the Snake Empress will arrive shortly. "
The girls were taken aback for a moment, then quickly realized, how could their Empress miss the commotion they all noticed?
"Since we know the Empress has been alerted, why not get out of here quickly! "
The female warrior shouted, "When she arrives, you'll face death. "
"Hahaha, don't worry, little lady," Rayleigh chuckled nonchalantly and pointed at Brett, "I'm just guiding the way. This guy is the one who's going to get hurt. "
Brett's mouth twitched.
Then, suddenly.
'Huh?' Brett looked up towards the inner part of the forest.
An incredible sound was approaching.
Whoosh!
A dark figure leaped out from deep within the thick forest far away, soaring hundreds of meters into the air, and then swiftly descended towards them.
clatter.
Even after falling from such a great height, she landed lightly. Her red high heels left only a slight imprint on the shore.
With her long black hair flowing, the woman's extraordinarily beautiful face came into Brett's view.
It's difficult to put into words, but she was simply stunning.
Soon, a large snake leaped out from the thick woods, coiled around the woman, extended its head.
"What's going on? Isn't that Rayleigh? "
The woman, one of the Seven Warlords, the most beautiful woman in the world, and the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, had a frosty look, and her tone was even sharper.
"Hahaha, it's been a while, Hancock! "Rayleigh seemed completely unconcerned by the empress's cold remarks and simply greeted her casually.
"Stop grinning in front of me; men are not welcomed in this land. " The empress stated coldly, "Even you should leave! "
'What a poor attitude. After all, Rayleigh had helped her before.' Brett thought again, realizing this was not all that surprising.
Rayleigh was indeed the empress's benefactor, he had helped return the three young girls back to Amazon Lily when they fled from Mary Geoise.
However, because of this, the empress would remember that difficult past whenever she encountered Rayleigh.
"Don't worry, don't worry, Hancock,"
Rayleigh waved his hand, "It's not me who wanted to come here; it's this guy, Brett from Fish-Man Island, who wishes to meet you."
The empress at last turned her gaze towards Brett, who was floating beside Rayleigh.
"Hello " Brett smiled and introduced himself, "I'm Brett from Fish-Man Island. "
"Who gave you permission to speak to me? Man! " The empress looked down her nose at him, her demeanor far more haughty compared to her interaction with Rayleigh.
"How about letting him speak? "
Rayleigh responded earnestly, "Brett used to be part of the Sun Pirates and now protects Fish-Man Island. He has come to discuss cooperation between Fish-Man Island and Amazon Lily. "
"Sun Pirates—" The empress fell silent for a moment.
She recalled that unforgettable night from five years ago, and the figure she would never forget.
"Just think of it as a favor to me," Rayleigh said. "Brett is a remarkable individual. Please give him a chance. "
"…"
The empress narrowed her eyes slightly, then revealed a look of annoyance, "What a bothersome old man! "
Finally, she faced Brett and said, "I can allow you five minutes. "
Brett let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you very much. "
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