Facing the worries of the citizens, Hancock wore a look of clear disdain, utterly unconcerned.
Most of the concern came from the former members of the Kuja Pirates, though there were also a few murmurs from the Royal Guard.
In the past, they had always followed the Empress into battle. Now, however, the Empress was out on her own, without even a single attendant by her side.
Their worry was only natural, and fortunately, there were no unpleasant rumors circulating.
More than anything, Hancock's prestige was simply too high. Though she hadn't been on the throne for many years, in that short span of time—
With her peerless beauty and overwhelming strength, she had completely conquered the hearts of all her people.
As for dissatisfaction? Opposition?
None. Absolutely none!
After understanding the situation, Leno couldn't help but look at her in a new light. He had thought there might be some kind of unrest.
Since they were worried about Hancock, then all he had to do was put them at ease.
Leno habitually rubbed his chin, frowned in thought for a moment, then looked at Hancock and said,
"Alright then, Hancock. To put your people at ease, I'll prove that I have the strength to protect you. Gather all the citizens at the martial arena!"
"I'll stand as the challenger. Whether they come at me one-on-one or all together—so long as they knock me off the stage, I'll return their Empress to them!"
As he spoke, he took Hancock's smooth, delicate hand, his voice filled with laughter as he continued,
"What do you think? Oh, right—Sandersonia and Marigold can join in too~"
He turned his head toward the two tall sisters standing nearby and burst into hearty laughter at the sight of their utterly confused expressions.
"Yes, Lord Leno! This one will make the arrangements at once!"
She would get to see Lord Leno's heroic figure in battle again—how delightful!
Hancock jogged toward the palace gates and began preparations for the Kuja Island Martial Tournament!
On the other side, Sandersonia and Marigold wore bitter expressions. What should they do? Were they really supposed to go up there and fight their brother-in-law?
That was a peerless powerhouse who had beaten the 'Four Emperors' into the ground, carved his way through several streets of Marine Headquarters, and returned completely unharmed!
Though the two of them had mastered both Armament Haki and Observation Haki, and were far stronger than the Skypiea guards, they were utterly no match for Leno.
Was this really not just an excuse to beat them up?
The sisters felt deeply uneasy about the upcoming battle.
Meanwhile, as the Empress's order spread, the entire Kuja Island instantly erupted into excitement.
Everyone surged toward the martial arena, unwilling to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event.
"Lord Thunder God set up the arena? Why?"
"That's what the order says!"
"I wonder who'll go up to challenge him. I'm so excited~"
"Isn't it obvious? It'll be the pirates and the strongest of the Royal Guard!"
Amid the clamor of voices, a tiny figure stopped in a street corner.
Watching the citizens rush eagerly toward the arena, her face was filled with shock and confusion.
"What is that man trying to do? And that Snake Princess bastard—how dare she treat me like this! I'm her senior, you know~"
Elder Nyon muttered a few curses under her breath before following the crowd. She wanted to see for herself what that man was really up to.
Ever since being tossed out of the palace window by Hancock, she hadn't gone back to the royal palace.
With the women's kingdom flourishing, she had little to worry about. The only thing that troubled her was Hancock—but the girl simply refused to listen to her.
In the end, she understood. Though this generation's Empress seemed unruly and willful at times, her actions were overwhelmingly domineering.
Not something a washed-up former Empress like herself could casually interfere with…
An hour later, the massive martial arena—better described as a colosseum—was already packed with spectators.
The entire arena was built within a vast circular pit. At its center stood a three-tiered circular platform, while the edges of the pit were constructed into spectator stands.
Between the central platform and the stands lay a deep circular trench, filled with sharp blades. Anyone falling in would be skewered beyond recognition.
This place had once been used for executions—forcing prisoners to fight until exhaustion before releasing beasts to tear them apart.
Now, however, Leno, the arena's defender, was already waiting atop the central platform. He glanced around with interest and casually waved to the crowd.
At his gesture, thunderous cheers and deafening roars erupted throughout the colosseum.
As the first—and only—man ever to enter Kuja Island, Leno inspired immense curiosity and fascination among the citizens.
Many of them had only heard his name and never seen him in person. Today was the first time they truly laid eyes on him.
The figure standing there seemed to naturally draw all the light of heaven and earth toward himself.
Fair-skinned and handsome, he looked surprisingly young. His golden hair shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight, dazzling like a radiant crown.
It was hard to imagine that at such an age, Lord Thunder God had already become a powerhouse famed across the seas.
Even more renowned—and more powerful—than their Empress herself.
Just as the citizens were still observing and marveling at the man who had changed Kuja Island's fate, a burst of commotion came from the stairway entrance.
One strong, agile figure after another entered the arena in solemn silence.
Each of them carried weapons, their steps firm, white cloaks fluttering behind them in the wind.
With their arrival, the atmosphere in the stands exploded once more, cheers rising wave after wave.
"It's the Kuja Pirates!"
"Just as expected—they're the first to take the field~"
"That's Lady Cosmos, and Lady Daisy! So cool!"
"Lady Rindo carrying that cannon looks so imposing!"
"Lady Ran still looks as gentle as ever!"
"..."
Seeing those familiar faces, the crowd erupted in excited shouts, cheers, and whispered discussions.
Everyone eagerly anticipated their performance, hoping to see the Kuja Pirates' banner fly proudly once more.
At that moment, two tall figures—one in orange, one in green—appeared at the entrance, pushing the atmosphere to an even greater frenzy.
"My heavens, even the imperial sisters are fighting!"
"Is Lord Thunder God really going to take on the entire Kuja Pirates by himself?"
"..."
Once everyone on the field had taken their positions, they first bowed to Leno. Then, their figures swiftly spread out, forming battle stances at once.
After carefully observing them, Leno nodded inwardly. As expected of a team forged through years of battle.
Just from their formation, one could feel their seamless coordination.
At this point, Leno no longer hesitated. With a shift of thought, his power surged forth—his body rapidly growing as he transformed directly into a dragon!
"Come on! Give it everything you've got—let's dance~"