Chapter 35: The Empress Falls Ill! — The Possibility of Reaching Marineford
Grand Line — Amazon Lily, Empress's Chambers
Through a series of unbelievable events, Rok had not only openly entered the palace of Amazon Lily, he had walked straight into Boa Hancock's private bedroom.
Don't get the wrong idea.
Hancock invited him here for one reason only: she wanted to tell him her story.
For years, the three sisters had buried the horrors of their past.
But something about Rok was different.
He knew what the mark on her back meant— yet he never once looked at her with disgust or mockery.
He comforted her. Told her the shame belonged to the Celestial Dragons, never to them.
So for the first time in her life, Hancock opened up completely.
Only she, Rok, Sandersonia, and Marigold knew.
The rest of the kingdom didn't care about details right now.
A man had entered the Empress's chambers.
That alone was world-shaking news on an island that banned all males.
Even the reclusive former empress, Gloriosa (Granny Nyon), was dragged out of retirement by the gossip.
…
"Rok… you really don't think my past is shameful?"
Hancock's deep blue eyes shimmered.
After telling him everything— and hearing his calm, unwavering acceptance— a weight she had carried for over a decade finally lifted.
For the first time, she felt… light.
"Hancock, when you were coming back, did you run into a Marine warship outside the island?"
Rok changed the subject.
Talking more about the Celestial Dragons wouldn't help.
The three sisters were victims— just like thousands still enslaved in Mariejois.
If the chance ever came, he would help Hancock take her revenge with her own hands.
But right now?
His priority was getting to Marineford to save Robin and Nami.
And before that— he still had to break the news about Ace (and Robin & Nami's execution) to Luffy.
Hopefully the kid wouldn't lose it.
Good thing tonight the next system reward would arrive.
And right after that, a new sign-in quest would probably trigger.
If the next location was Marineford itself… the reward would be insane.
Because stepping onto that battlefield meant diving headfirst into the Summit War.
Also— how the hell were they actually getting to Marineford?
That's why he asked about the warship.
If memory served, the one sent to summon Hancock was led by Vice Admiral Stainless (Momonga).
"You knew? Yes, there was one Marine warship."
"Vice Admiral Momonga from Headquarters. Came to summon me for some war."
"I refused. I'm not interested."
Then, softly—almost shyly:
"Rok… if you have nothing urgent, stay a while longer. I'll… I'll show you how beautiful Amazon Lily really is."
She actually fidgeted.
She didn't want this man to leave.
Weird feeling.
"Momonga, huh?"
Rok's smile turned ice-cold the moment he heard the name.
He completely missed Hancock's blushing.
Momonga.
If Rok made a "most hated" list, that bastard would easily crack top three.
Shalria used to be number one— but now she was literally under his control 24/7 thanks to the Eternal Collar.
Right now, in Mariejois, Shalria was frantically studying foot massage techniques.
Next time they met, she was going to kneel and rub his feet in public.
Just imagining that proud Celestial Dragon groveling made his year.
Though… oddly, through the collar link, he could sense she was… enjoying being controlled?
Weird girl.
Rok didn't stay long in the bedroom.
He asked for a guest room in the palace instead.
Hancock nearly fainted from joy.
She had wanted to offer exactly that but was too embarrassed.
She immediately ordered Sandersonia to prepare the most luxurious suite.
But ten minutes later—
Disaster.
Marigold rushed in pale-faced:
"Big Sis! Rok and Straw Hat just took a small boat with Marguerite and left the island!"
"WHAT?! Rok left?! But he promised to stay in the palace!!"
Hancock went from zero to meltdown.
Her face flushed crimson.
Her body burned with fever.
In minutes, the world's most beautiful woman collapsed onto her bed, sick.
Sandersonia and Marigold panicked.
They sent for the wisest person on the island— Granny Nyon (Gloriosa)—to diagnose the Empress.
…
Meanwhile — outside Amazon Lily, dusk
As Hancock burned up in bed,
Rok and Luffy were silently rowing a tiny boat toward the distant Marine warship anchored offshore.
The sun was setting, visibility dropping.
The lookouts never spotted them— Rok's combat experience was too high.
They weren't here to kill anyone (yet).
If they wanted to slaughter the ship, he and Luffy could do Neurosurg it openly.
They were scouting.
Rok needed to confirm one thing:
Could they stow away on Momonga's warship all the way to Marineford?
Even if Hancock agreed to help, she couldn't bring them.
The summons were strict: Shichibukai only. No crew, no guests, no exceptions.
So if they wanted to reach Marineford…
They'd have to find their own way.
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