At the illegal port of the Sabaody Archipego, Cudius stood he docks, speaking with Hancock. Gloriosa had already arrived, and upoing with the three sisters, her face lit up with joy.

  Sandersonia and Marigold had already boarded Gloriosa's ship. Rayleigh, true to his word, had decided to apany them on their journey baazon Lily. His presence was reassuring, ensuring the sisters' safe return to their homend.

  Watg them prepare to leave, Cudius couldn't help but feel a twinge of reluce. The sixteen-year-old Hancoo longer a child, had grown into a young woman. Though still blossoming, her extraordinary beauty and regal air were already beginning to shihrough.

  As he prepared to send her off, Cudius felt a plicated mix of emotions. This departure, he knew, might mean it would be a long time before they crossed paths again.

  "Well," Cudius began, his voice soft, "every ba must e to an end. You've finally gotten what you wanted, yoing home. You must be thrilled." He reached out, gently brushing his hand over Hancock's smooth bck hair.

  Hancock didn't flinch at the gesture, but instead nodded slightly. "When I return, I will bee the empress. It's better than being a sve here with you, isn't it?" she said, her tone ced with her usual haughtiness.

  Cudius chuckled at her response. "You make it sound like I've mistreated you. That hurts, you know. Here I am, feeliant to see you go, a you seem so eager to leave."

  Hancock paused, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face before she murmured, "I… I feel flicted too. There are things I'll miss."

  Hearing that, Cudius ughed. "That's more like it. At least I know I didn't pletely mess up raising you."

  "I suppose I uand why Mero and Lenny stayed loyal to you," Hancock admitted quietly, her tone softening.

  Cudius nodded and smiled. "When you get back, you must work hard to bee a good ruler. And don't fet what we discussed. This isn't just about you, it's about seg Amazon Lily's future. The Calm Belt development will be your people as much as it bes me. Together, we'll ensure Kuja Isnd bees strohan ever."

  "You don't o remind me," Hancock replied with a hint of her usual arrogance.

  Cudius gri her tsundere demeanor and turned his gaze toward the calm sea. "It's a good day to set sail, clear skies, calm waters. We might not see each other for a while, so let me wish you a safe journey, Boa Hancock."

  Hancock didn't respond immediately. Instead, she turo walk tloriosa's ship. But just as she was about to board, she stopped abruptly. Without warning, she turned around and rushed back to Cudius.

  Cudius was caught off guard. What's this? he wondered. Is she ing to yell at me? Or maybe sp me? His mind raced briefly, recalling past moments where he might've iently upset her, including that one awkward bath i at Mariejois. That was just bad timing! How was I supposed to know she'd be there without putting up a sign?

  But before he could dwell on it further, Hancock threw herself into his arms, ing her slender arms around his waist. Her voice trembled slightly as she said, "Cudius… thank you. Thank you for everything. I'll never fet your kindness."

  For a moment, Cudius was stuhen his expression softened. He gently patted her on the shoulder, speaking in a calm, reassuring toake care of yourself out there. The sea breeze is cold, don't catch a cold. I know you like inse, so I'll send some your way."

  Hancoodded silently, her face pressed against his chest.

  "The nightmare is over," Cudius tinued softly. "From now on, you'll be free to live as you choose. You'll grow to bee the most dazzling woman in the world. So don't dwell on the past. Look forward, and face the future with ce.

  "And remember this: no matter what, you bear my mark. You're under my prote. Anyone who dares to harm you will have me to ao."

  Hancock tightened her grip slightly, her voice a near whisper. "I will bee Amazon Lily's empress. And the Pirate Empress too."

  Cudius smiled, stroking her hair. "I've already thought of your title. How does Pirate Empress Boa Hancock sound? Perfect, isn't it?"

  Hancock buried her face deeper into his chest, her voice filled with determination. "I will bee the Pirate Empress and the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Give me two years, I'll make it happen."

  "I believe you," Cudius replied sincerely.

  Hancock hesitated for a moment before asking, "You old me, but… yoing to ge the world, aren't you?"

  Cudius's smile faded into something more serious. "Yes, I will."

  "I hate Mariejois," Hancock said softly. "I hate the Celestial Dragons. But because of you… I might also…" Her voice trailed off, her words too faint for Cudius to catch.

  "What was that?" Cudius asked, tilting his head.

  "It's nothing," Hancock said quickly, pushing herself away from him. She wiped her eyes and smiled—a radiant, tearful smile that seemed thteire world around her.

  Cudius found himself momentarily stunned by the sight.

  "Goodbye, Yhness," Hancock said, waving at him before running back to the boat.

  Gloriosa and Rayleigh didn't dey their departure. The ship set sail swiftly, carrying the three sisters away.

  Standing on the deck, Hancock looked back at the shrinking figure of Cudius. She whispered softly to herself, "But because of you… I might even like a Celestial Dragon."

  ---

  Cudius remained on the docks, watg the ship fade into the horizon. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he murmured, "Was that the first time she called me 'Yhness'? She usually just calls me by name."

  With the Hancock sisters gone, everything regarding Amazon Lily had beeled. The agreements were in pce, and Cudius's pns for the Calm Belt could proceed without issue.

  Although Cudius and Sengoku were spearheading the Calm Belt projeeither of them po be directly involved in its execution. Their high profiles would only draw unnecessary attention. For now, it was best to keep the development low-key to avoid the Wover catg on and interfering.

  After the sisters left, Cudius found himself with fewer panions by his side. Fortunately, Kuina had joined him retly, though she wasn't at Sabaody Archipego at the moment. She had goo Naval Headquarters with Mihawk.

  Mihawk, who had taken a liking to Kuina, often gave her pointers on swordsmanship during their jourheir retionship had grown close, almost like mentor and student. When Mihawk decided to head to Naval Headquarters to challenge swordsmen, Kuina had eagerly followed him.

  Cudius wasn't worried. With Naval Headquarters practically aligned with him these days, the two of them were in safe hands.

  Standing alone on the beach, staring at the endless sea, Cudius felt an unusual emptiness. For years, he had beeiculously building his foundation, but now that it was solid, he wasn't sure what his step should be.

  "Maybe it's time for something big," Cudius mused. "But what's the move?"

  A sudden thought struck him, and he chuckled. "Should I head to Little Garden and resume my dinosaur hunting adventure?"

  Before he could eain the idea further Nia, approached with a Den Den Mushi.

  "Yhness," Nia said, "a major annou has just been made. The Five Elders have issued an order."

  Cudius raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

  "One week from now," Nia tinued, "Marine's current fleet admiral, Kong, will be promoted to ander-in-Chief of the military. Naval Headquarters will undergo a major restructuring."

  ***

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