There were always some people in this world willing to burn themselves, using their own bodies as kindling to light the way for others.
Of course, that was how outsiders saw it.
In truth, their reason for burning themselves might not be as noble as lighting the path ahead for someone else. They were merely choosing a way of life they would not regret.
Hancock was one such person.
Rather than continue playing along with the World Government for the safety of the Amazon Lily, she would rather raise the banner of rebellion and let her own brilliance bloom in this era of great contention.
"What a heroine who refuses to yield to men!"
All of a sudden, a dull rumble of thunder echoed from the horizon. Amid the rolling thunder, a majestic voice spread through the surrounding space.
"Then you're prepared to die, aren't you, Hancock?!"
Crackle... Whoosh!!
In the royal palace plaza of Nine Snake Island, Hancock's eyes widened in horror. A terrifying pillar of lightning of immeasurable length tore through the heavens and descended from the sky, striking from the direction of the harbor before tearing recklessly along Nine Snake Island's coastline, gouging out a deep trench covered in scorch marks.
"Watch out!!"
The vast lightning swept sideways like a broom. Hancock had no time to think. With one hand, she grabbed the decorative horn on the head of her pet Salome and flung her away, then leaped to the side herself.
Rumble!!
The merciless lightning cut straight across the plaza, passing right by her.
At such close range, she even had the illusion that she had already melted into the lightning. No buildings or steel along its path could stop it in the slightest.
The lightning pillar then plunged into the palace, pierced straight through the