Hancock's Thoughts, Xi Yan's Promise

"Phew~"

Looking at Marguerite's repaired back, Xi Yan breathed a sigh of relief.

After several hours of surgery, the marks on the backs of these three guys were finally completely removed.

It must be said that this is indeed a delicate and demanding task, requiring a great deal of mental and physical effort; anyone with Chakra would be unable to perform such an operation.

"Is it ready?" Marguerite asked cautiously.

"Alright," Xi Yan nodded and said, "Let's go take a look."

Upon hearing this, Marguerite's eyes lit up with excitement, and then, supported by Sandersonia, she walked step by step toward the mirror.

She only shed tears after seeing what was behind her.

"Finally... thank you, thank you!"

Looking at Marguerite, who was also crying, Xi Yan smiled and nodded, saying, "From today onwards, the three of you won't need to worry about being seen behind your backs anymore."

"Um!"

Sandersonia wiped away her tears and nodded gratefully to Xi Yan.

This man... has done them a great favor!

"I wonder how Hancock is doing."

Xi Yan glanced in the direction of the Great Gate, and seeing that there was no movement there, he shook his head and turned around to start tidying up the operating table.

"I... we'll help."

"No need, you all should rest," Xi Yan said.

"We're not tired..."

"You wouldn't understand these things anyway, and it wouldn't be good if you got hurt."

Seeing that Xi Yan had said so, Sandersonia had no choice but to give up the idea.

Soon, under Xi Yan 'Xi Yan manipulation, these surgical tools were restored to their original state and then put back into the Sealing Scroll.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Xi Yan pulled over a chair and sat down.

"You look tired, would you like to rest?" Marguerite asked.

Looking at the now calmed-down Marguerite, Xi Yan shook his head and said, "I don't have time to rest right now."

"I'm sorry, performing three surgeries in a row must be exhausting..."

"Ah?"

"Haha, it's not entirely because of that," Xi Yan waved his hand and said, "The main reason is that I haven't slept for three days."

Even counting from the moment he set foot in the Sabaody Archipelago, he hadn't slept for three days.

Although his Mangekyō Sharingan allows him to maintain peak physical condition, he still needs rest to alleviate mental fatigue.

Unfortunately... I don't have the time right now.

Both Marguerite looked surprised after hearing Xi Yan's words.

"Haven't slept for three days?"

"Yes."

"This is too much..."

What does this mean?

Even back in Mary Geoise, they never went three days without sleep!

I really don't know how this man managed to persevere.

"It's nothing, at least it is to me," Xi Yan said.

"Perhaps we should rest for a while," Sandersonia said. "If we don't keep our energy up, we won't be able to handle the battle ahead."

This man is about to embark on a voyage with his captain to the Underwater Great Prison to rescue Fire Fist Ace, but along the way, he will undoubtedly face unimaginable battles.

If you can't maintain full health... you're likely to die there!

"There's no need for that, I..."

"What's wrong?"

Grandma Za was walking over from a distance, asked curiously, "What do you mean it's unnecessary?"

"Grandma Za, Xi Yan hasn't slept for three days."

"Three days...?"

Grandma Za looked Xi Yan up and down, then nodded and said, "Looks like you're a monster too."

"Grandma Za?"

"Don't worry, for a strong person, fighting for days and nights is possible, and there's no chance of their life being in danger," Grandma Za explained.

Having spent decades navigating the high seas, Grandma Za knew this very well.

"How many days and nights will the battle last?"

Sandersonia was stunned. Could anyone really do something like that?

"Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist." After saying this, Grandma Za looked at Xi Yan and said, "However, if you have time, I hope you'll rest first."

"After all... you're going to the Underwater Great Prison!"

That place is, after all, an important location where the World Government imprisons pirates, and its defenses are definitely not weak!

It's even possible that... there are combatants at the Admiral level!

Without maintaining sufficient energy, fighting against Admiral- level combatant is tantamount to suicide.

Most importantly, if these two guys can't rescue Fire Fist Ace, they might have to go to Navy Headquarters to forcibly take him away.

The battles there were even more brutal!

So she figured it would be better for Xi Yan to take a nap first.

"That makes sense," Xi Yan said after a moment's thought. "However, I don't plan to rest here."

Seeing that his Grandma Za still looked worried, Xi Yan smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll find a chance to rest."

Seeing that Xi Yan had said so, the Grandma Za couldn't say anything more and could only nod and accept it.

"By the way, what about Hancock?" Xi Yan asked. "Haven't we heard from her yet?"

"I don't know," Grandma Za said, shaking her head.

After explaining some things to Hancock, the girl took the Den Den Mushi and went out.

She didn't know whether she had received a reply yet.

"I see, then let's..."

Before he could finish speaking, Hancock came running from a distance, holding a Den Den Mushi in her hand.

Seeing Grandma Za quickly asked, "Hancock, how is she?"

"The Navy has accepted my terms!" Hancock said happily.

She... can finally help Xi Yan!

"Really?" Grandma Za breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."

Now that the navy has accepted their terms, there's no need to resort to force.

In this way, Hancock's title of Shichibukai can be firmly preserved, which is the best outcome.

"They accepted it?" Xi Yan stroked his chin and said, "It seems they really need the strength of the Shichibukai."

After speaking, Xi Yan paused for a moment, then asked with some curiosity, "What did you tell them?"

"Do they have any conditions?"

"Well..."

"You actually agreed to the navy's other conditions?" Grandma Za asked, dumbfounded.

Could this girl have made some great sacrifice for Xi Yan?

"It's nothing special," Hancock said. "It's just that the Navy requires me to Sea Stone handcuffs after entering Underwater Great Prison."

"Older Sister Lord, Sea Stone is the nemesis of Devil Fruit users!" Sandersonia exclaimed, dumbfounded.

Once someone wears this, they will lose the ability to resist, even if my Older Sister Lord is very strong.

"I know," Hancock said.

"So you agreed?"

"Um."

Sandersonia:...

Isn't your Older Sister Lord afraid that the World Government might take advantage of this situation to do something to her?

Grandma Za and said, "Don't worry, as long as the Navy isn't an idiot, they won't lay a hand on Hancock."

First, there's the issue of the Shichibukai ' combat strength. The Navy currently needs Hancock's power to deal with the Whitebeard Pirates and can't afford to do anything unnecessary.

Secondly, if they were to attack Hancock, what would the other Shichibukai think?

The Navy understands better than anyone what it means to take the initiative to attack the Shichibukai.

Therefore, she concluded that Hancock would not have any problems this time.

Grandma Za's words made a lot of sense, but the worry on Sandersonia's face did not disappear.

"Don't worry," Xi Yan said, "If they really want to capture Hancock from Underwater Great Prison, I can rescue her."

After saying that, Xi Yan paused for a moment, then continued, "This is my promise to you!"

Since the other party is willing to take the risk for him, he cannot allow them to be captured.

Upon hearing Xi Yan's words, Hancock's face immediately broke into a smile, and her complexion turned slightly red.

"I believe you."

Sandersonia glanced at her sister and sighed silently.

'What's wrong with my Older Sister Lord...?'

"Xi Yan, then I'll leave it to you," Marguerite said.

Don't worry.

After Xi Yan finished speaking, he glanced at Hancock and said, "Hancock, after I've taken care of things here, you can go find that Marine."

"I'll have Sea Kings follow behind."

With their enormous size, Sea Kings could easily keep up with a warship.

"Yes, I understand."

"Um."

Xi Yan nodded, then looked at Grandma Za and said, "Grandma Za, let's go, let's go back and find Merry and the others first."

"Good."

Without another word, Grandma Za took her Snake Cane and walked away with Xi Yan into the distance.

"Xi Yan, I will also make preparations for departure!"

"Good."

Xi Yan waved his hand without turning his head, and then left with Grandma Za.

After watching the other person leave, Hancock gradually lowered her hand.

"Older Sister Lord, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Hancock shook her head and said, "Go and get ready."

In any case, she needs to change her clothes before setting sail, since... her previous clothes were already ruined.

"Let's take a shower before we put on our new clothes," Marguerite said. "We've been sweating quite a bit."

Hearing Marguerite's words, Hancock glanced at herself.

Because of the fight with Xi Yan earlier, I was indeed a bit dirty.

In addition, there are issues with the surgery...

With that thought in mind, Hancock said, "Then let's go."

"Going for a shower would be good," Sandersonia said with a grin. "It's also a good opportunity to announce that the curse on us has been lifted!"

Hancock paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay."

In this way, the people of this country will understand exactly what Xi Yan has done for them.

With that thought in mind, Hancock walked to the changing room next door, grabbed a few clothes, and then turned and walked outside.

Why is Xi Yan so slow?

Sitting on the sofa, Luffy glanced at the sky outside and said, "It's already dark outside, is it still not over?"

No, what exactly is Xi Yan trying to do for that woman that it takes so long?

"Even so, Luffy, don't run out again," Merry said, hands on her hips. "Don't forget what happened this afternoon."

If it weren't for Xi Yan, Luffy might have been killed by that big woman!

Thinking about this, Merry felt a little scared.

Looking at Merry, who was standing on the sofa with her hands on her hips watching him, Luffy scratched his head and said, "I know, that's why we didn't go out."

Even if he were an idiot, he wouldn't go out and cause trouble for Xi Yan at a time like this.

After all... Xi Yan said that as long as the matter is settled, he can get the Permanent Log Pointer.

Of course, if that woman dares to deceive Xi Yan, then she will face his wrath.

"There's no use in you worrying now," Margaret said helplessly. "It's already dark outside; we'll probably have to wait until tomorrow to go out to sea."

"Why don't we take a nap now and recharge our energy first?"

Only by fully resting and recuperating can one possess the strongest fighting power.

"How can I possibly sleep?" Luffy shook his head.

If he weren't afraid of causing trouble for Xi Yan, he would have gone to Xi Yan's side right now to ask about the situation.

In this state, how could he possibly be in the mood to sleep?

Margaret felt somewhat helpless at the sight, but she didn't say anything more, after all, it was the other party's choice.

Just then, the voices of other people came from inside the courtyard.

"Grandma Za?!"

"Why are you all still gathered here?" Grandma Za looked at the girls speechlessly and said, "Aren't you going to the victory celebration banquet today?"

Every time a pirate crew returns, the village holds a celebration feast.

So... instead of attending the celebration party, these young girls are here watching the men?

"It's not because everyone's never seen a man before, so they're all curious."

As she spoke, the woman glanced at Xi Yan, scrutinizing him carefully from head to toe.

He looked like he was about to take matters into his own hands.

Xi Yan:...

Grandma Za glanced at Xi Yan, whose Kakuzu were twitching, and shook her head helplessly, saying, "Fine, whatever."

"Xi Yan, come in with me."

Seeing that the Grandma Za wanted to go back to her yard, the crowd made way for her so she could enter.

After the two men entered the courtyard, they blocked the opening again and then stared at the man inside without saying a word.

"Xi Yan!"

Seeing Xi Yan return, Luffy rushed out of the house and stood in front of Xi Yan, saying, "Did you get that Permanent Log Pointer?"

"Got it!"

"Great! Let's set off now!" Luffy exclaimed excitedly.

They finally got their hands on that thing that would get them to Navy Headquarters, so they can rescue Ace!

Even though he might get a scolding from Ace after rescuing them,... even so, he'd still go!!!

Seeing Luffy, Xi Yan patted him on the shoulder and said, "I know you're excited, but we can't leave yet."

"Huh?"

"Why?"

Luffy looked at Xi Yan with a puzzled expression, not understanding why they couldn't set off immediately.

"Let's go inside and talk first."

Looking at Xi Yan walking into the house, Luffy was full of doubt, wondering what Xi Yan was up to.

However, trusting Xi Yan, Luffy didn't say anything more and turned to follow the two back into the house.

"Xi Yan!"

Seeing Xi Yan return, Merry's face lit up with a happy smile.

"Yes, I'm back."

Xi Yan reached out and ruffled the little guy's hair, then pointed to the sofa and said, "Luffy, sit down first."

After Luffy sat down, Xi Yan said, "First of all, I've already obtained the Permanent Log Pointer for going to Navy Headquarters, but this time we need to change our goal."

"Why?!"

Luffy immediately stood up and said, "Xi Yan, I'm going to save Ace!"

"I know we have to save Ace," Xi Yan said. "Changing our goal is also for the sake of saving Ace."

Luffy:???

Luffy looked at Xi Yan with a puzzled expression, completely unable to understand what he meant.

"Grandma Za and Shakky-jie guessed that Ace should be in Underwater Great Prison right now," Xi Yan explained. "So this time, our target is Underwater Great Prison."

"If we can rescue them there, we won't need to go to Navy Headquarters."

"I see..."

Seeing that their goal was still to rescue Ace, Luffy gradually relaxed and then said, "Let's set off now, to that... Basin Great Prison."

"It's Underwater Great Prison," Xi Yan corrected.

"It doesn't matter what happens," Luffy said. "Anyway... let's go save Ace!"

Luffy doesn't care where he's going this time; all he cares about is rescuing Ace.

"Going to rescue Ace is no problem, going to Underwater Great Prison is no problem either," Xi Yan said. "But... Luffy, do you think it's appropriate to bring Merry along on such a dangerous mission?"

Upon hearing this, the smile on Merry's face froze instantly.

Luffy frowned and turned to look at little Merry.

Having observed their reactions, Xi Yan continued, "The place we're going to this time is extremely dangerous. We're very likely to encounter enemies at the level of Marine Admiral, which are even more terrifying than a bear."

"You... should know what this means, right?"

Upon hearing Xi Yan's words, Luffy's pupils contracted instantly, and he unconsciously recalled the bear he had encountered in the Sabaody Archipelago.

Even against that guy, they were powerless to fight back; facing an even more powerful Marine Admiral... could the two of them protect Merry?

Thinking about this, Luffy fell silent.

Seeing Luffy remain silent, Xi Yan could only continue, "If they encounter an enemy of that level, Merry might be in a life-or-death situation."

"So I think it's better to leave Merry with Grandma Za for the time being."

After saying that, Xi Yan paused for a moment, then continued, "At least with Grandma Za, Merry is not in any danger."

"So..."

Before Xi Yan could finish speaking, he heard a series of sobs, which made him immediately stop talking.

Xi Yan turned and glanced at Merry, who was crying with her head down, and fell silent before sighing.

"It's... it's like this again..." Merry cried, "Back in the Sabaody Archipelago, Nami said something similar, and then she put me in the tree hollow."

"But when I went outside, I found they were all gone..."

"And now... are you going to leave me here too?"

At this point, the little guy completely broke down and burst into tears.

That feeling of being separated by life and death... she never wants to experience it again!