"Stop it."
Hearing Apophis's voice, Hancock immediately stood off to the side like an obedient child, glaring hatefully at Rayleigh. "That old bastard actually didn't lose to Lord Apophis. It's simply unforgivable!"
Rayleigh was somewhat baffled. Was his face really that hateful?
He was usually quite popular with young girls, wasn't he?
"Could you tell me what that little girl meant when she said she was going back to Kuja?" Shakky asked after collecting herself.
"It means exactly what it says." Apophis replied indifferently.
"How cold!" Shakky's lips twitched as she asked Hancock, "Little girl, what's your name?"
Hancock did not answer directly. Instead, she looked to Apophis for permission. Only after he nodded did she reply, "Hancock. Boa Hancock."
"As expected." Shakky sighed softly, then continued, "Do you happen to have two younger sisters named Boa Sandersonia and Boa Marigold?"
"Huh? How did you know?" Hancock instantly became wary. Could she be one of the Celestial Dragons' subordinates?
Seeing Hancock's guarded gaze, Shakky quickly understood and explained with a smile, "Don't be nervous. I only know because Gloriosa from your Daughter Island specifically asked me to find you sisters."
"Granny Nyon?" Hancock's voice softened considerably, but then she said dejectedly, "I escaped alone. The other two are still with the Celestial Dragons."
"So it was the Celestial Dragons?" Shakky suddenly understood. "No wonder we could never find you."
"Then... how did you meet this Crimson Swordsman?" Shakky asked, carefully choosing her words.
"Because Lord Apophis saved me twice!" Hancock raised her little head proudly. This was destined fate.
"It seems the notorious Crimson Swordsman has a tender side as well!" Shakky did not doubt it. After all, the Crimson Swordsman's hatred for slave owners was famous across the seas.
"Haha! It seems we really are fated..." Rayleigh beckoned for