Oguro's first reaction was that the timeline's corrective force was kicking in again.
After all, in the original timeline, Luffy learned about Ace's impending execution from Hancock, then used her ship to reach Impel Down and rescue him.
As for Momonga's side, Oguro really did not care much.
With Water 7's current strength, even if things escalated, they were not afraid.
"Handle it normally," Oguro instructed calmly.
At the port, Hancock hurried off the moment she disembarked, insisting on finding Oguro.
The harbor staff stood no chance against Hancock's overwhelming charm and immediately revealed Oguro's residence.
Once she had the address, Hancock left without hesitation.
Momonga also heard where Hancock was headed.
After hesitating for a long while, he still did not dare follow.
Water 7 was already giving them enormous face by allowing their ships to dock. If he went straight to Oguro himself, no one would believe he was not looking for trouble.
Fortunately, Hancock's ship and most of her crew remained at the harbor.
As long as they watched the ship, there was no need to worry about Hancock running off.
"Sister, are we really ignoring the Marines' summons?" Sandersonia asked anxiously after returning to her senses. "If we do this, won't we lose our position as one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
She frowned, then added, "I really didn't expect someone like Fire Fist Ace to get captured… He's the commander of Whitebeard's Second Division."
Before Hancock could respond, a voice abruptly cut in.
"Ace? Are you talking about Ace?"
"Who captured him?"
They turned around and saw Luffy holding a piece of water-meat, staring at them with a panicked expression.
"Straw Hat Luffy," Sandersonia recognized him immediately. "One of this year's Supernovae, bounty two hundred million Berries."
She answered casually, "Of course the Marines captured him. They're going to execute Fire Fist Ace at Marineford."
"What did you say?!"
Luffy flung the water-meat aside, grabbed Sandersonia by the shoulders, and roared.
"How could Ace be executed?! He told me himself he was going to help Whitebeard become Pirate King!"
Sandersonia was startled by his sudden movement.
In the next instant, a long, elegant leg lashed out and sent Luffy flying.
"You insolent fool!" Hancock snapped angrily.
"Who allowed you to get close to us?!"
She hated men, and she especially did not allow any man to approach her sisters.
"Ow, ow, ow!"
Luffy rolled around on the ground clutching his head.
"Why does it hurt so much?! I'm made of rubber!"
Hancock sneered. "You can't even use Haki? And you're a Supernova? Pirates really are getting worse with every generation."
Before Luffy could recover, Hancock flicked her skirt and strode off proudly toward Oguro's residence.
By the time Luffy got back on his feet, she was already gone.
Left with no choice, he started asking passersby for directions while chasing after her.
At Oguro's residence, he was currently training his Magnet-Magnet Fruit ability, using magnetic fields to interfere with the internal structure of coins.
He could not yet fully restructure matter, but disrupting it was something he could attempt.
Just then, a commotion arose outside the door.
Oguro stood up and looked out, only to see a tall, stunningly beautiful figure walking in.
"Hancock? Why is she here?"
Oguro was a little surprised, but he still opened the door and invited her inside.
Otherwise, the crowd gathering outside would only grow larger.
It had to be said, Hancock truly lived up to being officially defined as the most beautiful woman in the world of One Piece.
Oguro's gaze was unconsciously drawn to her.
Then, a chill ran through his heart.
He released a trace of spiritual pressure, and only then did he feel himself return to normal.
"The Love-Love Fruit…"
"That really is terrifying."
Oguro quietly let out a breath.
If he had actually been controlled, that would have been unbearably embarrassing.
Seeing Oguro in person, Hancock could no longer suppress her excitement.
"Lord Oguro! I've finally met you!"
Oguro paused, confused. "We shouldn't have had any direct dealings before, right?"
Hancock immediately shook her head vigorously.
"Even if we haven't met, I know all about your deeds!"
"You're incredible! With one move, you wiped out two… pieces of trash!"
By the end, her voice was trembling, clearly recalling something horrific.
Though she did not say it outright, Oguro understood instantly.
She knew he had killed the Celestial Dragons and had come to express her gratitude.
He smiled faintly. "Just a bunch of trash. Killing them means nothing."
The moment those words left his mouth, Hancock felt as though Oguro himself was glowing.
So it was true.
This man was a real hero.
He was someone who could truly save them from their nightmare.
Staring at Oguro's face, Hancock's gaze gradually grew hazy.
Ah… why did such a heroic man exist in this world?
Noticing that something seemed off, Oguro called out tentatively.
"Hancock?"
The moment she heard his voice, her vision spun wildly and transformed.
When she focused again, she found herself wearing a wedding dress, while Oguro, dressed in a handsome formal suit, slowly walked toward her.
"Hancock," Oguro called gently.
He approached step by step, about to pull her into his embrace.
She felt as though she were about to drown in sweetness.
"Oguro! Are you in there?!"
At that moment, a sharp, loud voice shattered the scene like a soap bubble.
Who was it?!
Which bastard dared ruin my perfect life?!
Hancock stood up abruptly, murderous intent blazing in her eyes.
Luffy burst straight in. When he saw Hancock, his eyes lit up and he shouted excitedly.
"Great! You really are here!"
Hancock was even angrier at the sight of him.
"You again, you insolent fool! I'll deal with you properly this time!"
She leapt into the air, her right leg whipping out like an iron lash toward Luffy.
"Perfume Femur!"
Oguro was completely shocked by the scene.
It was bad enough that these two did not end up together… but why were they fighting now?
At Luffy's current level, if he took that kick head-on, even if he did not die, he would be crippled.
In his panic, Oguro shouted, "Hancock, don't!"
What he did not expect was that the instant she heard his voice, Hancock forcibly pulled her leg back mid-kick.
"Since it's Lord Oguro's order, I'll spare you this once," Hancock said coldly to Luffy.
Though he did not fully understand what was going on, Oguro was relieved that they had not actually clashed.
He turned to Luffy and asked, "Luffy, what did you come to me for?"
Luffy shook his head and pointed at Hancock.
"I'm here for her."
Then he asked bluntly, "Where is Ace right now?"
***
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