Two Years Later!

"Two years have passed so quickly..."

A hint of emotion appeared in Xi Yan's eyes as he glanced at the timetable beside him.

Upon hearing Xi Yan's words, the group of people chatting nearby immediately fell silent.

Then, Hancock said sadly, "So... you're leaving, right?"

"Well, I should get going."

"Then I, too..."

Before Hancock could finish speaking, Grandma Za said from the side, "Hancock!"

"Don't forget what we said before."

She knew very well what kind of personalities the emperors of Amazon Lily were, so she had to give them a heads-up.

Hancock:...

"I know!" Hancock looked at her Grandma Za with some displeasure and said, "I will not abandon you and leave with Xi Yan!"

Honestly, do I really have to keep reminding her?

Upon hearing Grandma Za nodded and said nothing more.

Seeing that her Grandma Za didn't continue speaking, Hancock turned her gaze to Xi Yan, then said with a somewhat aggrieved expression, "Xi Yan, I'll miss you..."

"Give me a call if you miss me," Xi Yan said with a smile.

"Yes, make the call!"

Hancock took out the White Den Den Mushi that Xi Yan had obtained from Shakky and said, "If I miss you, I will use this to contact you."

After saying that, Hancock paused for a moment, then added, "May I come to the New World to find you?"

"Hancock..."

"Click!"

Upon hearing her Grandma Za's voice, Hancock's face contorted with rage, and she turned and opened her shark-like mouth, shouting, "Can you shut up?!"

My Grandma Za:...

After calmly wiping her face, Grandma Za said, "I just wanted to remind you that it's okay to go to the New World to find Xi Yan, but you can't go to the Straw Hat Pirates ' ship, otherwise you might get caught red-handed!"

"If the World Government discovers our connection with the Xi Yan... the enraged World Government will definitely destroy Amazon Lily immediately."

It's no longer just about the title of Shichibukai.

Given Hancock's relationship with Xi Yan, the World Government would definitely come to destroy them, so their relationship must never be exposed!

At least... at least not now!

Looking at the somewhat dazed Hancock, Xi Yan said, "Grandma Za right."

"The World Government hates me to the core. If they discover our relationship, they will definitely retaliate against Amazon Lily."

Capturing the Straw Hat Pirates might be impossible, but attacking Amazon Lily would be quite simple.

After all... this island is right here!

Hancock paused for a moment upon hearing this, then sighed and said, "I... I understand."

Although she desperately wanted to just leave without a care in the world, for the sake of Amazon Lily, for her Grandma Za and sisters, she... had no choice but to endure it...

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

She was genuinely afraid that Hancock would just abandon everything and leave with Xi Yan, after all... things were different now than in the past!

"Speaking of Brother-in-law Lord, would you like to disguise yourself?" Sander Sonia said.

If we go directly to the Sabaody Archipelago like this, won't we attract the attention of the World Government?

They might not be able to leave then.

There's no need for that.

Xi Yan picked up the Sunglasses from the table, put them on, and said, "I've changed a lot in the past two years; they won't recognize me."

After saying that, Xi Yan stood up, walked to the mirror, and carefully examined his appearance.

He then nodded in satisfaction.

He's grown at least 30 centimeters taller, and looks much taller than Hancock.

In addition, there's the current fashion trend...

Even if he stood right in front of the Navy, they wouldn't recognize him!

After hearing Xi Yan 'Xi Yan words, Sander Sonia carefully examined him, then nodded and said, "Um... that's true."

If they hadn't been spending all this time with Xi Yan, they probably wouldn't have recognized each other.

"As long as Xi Yan doesn't expose himself, there won't be any problems," Grandma Za said.

At least getting to the New World safely shouldn't be a problem.

"That's true."

Xi Yan nodded and said, "However... if that guy Kizaru were next to me, he would still be able to detect me."

Although his appearance had changed drastically, his aura remained the same.

If Borsalino used his Observation Haki, he would still be able to recognize him.

"The navy doesn't have time to station Admiral in the Sabaody Archipelago," Grandma Za, shaking her head.

The number of pirates has surged in the last two years!

Therefore, it's impossible for the Navy to station Admiral in the Sabaody Archipelago.

"Forehead..."

After recalling some information he had gleaned from Shakky-jie, Xi Yan nodded and said, "That makes sense."

Because of the Whitebeard Uncle's words, the entire ocean went berserk, so the Marine Admiral were truly unable to spare any attention.

Just then, Marguerite asked, "Brother-in-law Lord, where is your sword?"

My Brother-in-law Lord had that sword at his waist a few days ago, what happened to it?

"You mean the Kusanagi Sword?" Xi Yan said, "I don't need it anymore, so I sealed it inside a scroll."

"What, do you want to use it?"

With his current strength, he has no need for ordinary Swords anymore, so there's no need for him to carry such a signature weapon.

"No, I'm just a little curious," Marguerite said, shaking her head.

Given her size, she wouldn't be able to use such a small weapon, so it would be useless for her.

This time, Xi Yan simply nodded and said nothing more.

"Brother-in-law Lord, are you all leaving for the New World immediately after you gather?" Sander Sonia asked.

"Of course," Xi Yan nodded.

Merry and Uncle Rayleigh, who has returned to Amazon Lily, have been gone for half a month. The ship must have been coated by now.

Therefore, after assembling, they would set off immediately, which would also allow them to quickly escape the navy's pursuit.

"I see..."

Sander Sonia paused for a moment after hearing this, then said, "I don't know when we'll meet again."

"It might not be long," Xi Yan said with a chuckle. "Maybe we'll conquer the Grand Line within a year!"

"A year?"

Sander Sonia was stunned. Was this even possible?

Even Pirate King isn't this exaggerated.

"Nothing is absolute," Grandma Za said. "So, it's possible."

Although this may sound like a fantasy, the ocean itself is full of wonders, isn't it?

Sander Sonia thought for a moment after hearing this, then nodded and said, "That's true."

"Alright, it's time to get going." Xi Yan stood up and said, "Let's go pick up Luffy first."

Having lived on that island for so long, this guy must have turned into a caveman by now.

As if he had thought of something, a smile appeared on Xi Yan's face.

"Then let's go." Hancock stood up and said, "I will personally escort you there."

This way, she can spend more time with Xi Yan.

"Good."

Xi Yan didn't refuse and nodded in acceptance of Hancock's suggestion.

Then, Hancock led the two sisters, Sander Sonia, outside, intending to take the boat out first.

Xi Yan looked at Grandma Za earnestly and said, "Grandma Za, I'm leaving."

Go ahead.

A Grandma Za's face as she said, "Be careful on the road."

"Don't worry, with our strength, nothing will happen," Xi Yan grinned.

"Um."

Grandma Za nodded, then continued, "Remember to protect Merry."

Xi Yan smiled upon hearing this, and then said, "Grandma Za... Merry is no longer the little one who needed protection."

"Her strength is considerable now!"

Upon hearing Xi Yan's words, Grandma Za felt somewhat dazed for a moment.

After a moment, she said, "Yes... this little guy isn't weak either..."

Without us even realizing it, that little guy who only knew how to be cute has become so amazing.

Thinking of this, a touch of emotion appeared in Grandma Za's eyes.

Seeing Grandma Za's expression, Xi Yan smiled and then said, "Grandma Za, if Amazon Lily encounters any trouble, just give me a call, and I'll rush back immediately."

"Good."

Coming to her senses, Grandma Za nodded and smiled, "If that day ever comes, I won't hold back."

"However... as long as your relationship with Hancock remains hidden, you should be safe."

After all... Hancock is Shichibukai!

Therefore, neither the World Government nor the Navy would attack them without a reason.

As for whether the Shichibukai will be abolished...

Don't be ridiculous, how could the World Government possibly do such a thing?

Therefore, this is absolutely impossible!

Thinking of this, Grandma Za nodded firmly.

"Don't worry, we won't be exposed." Xi Yan smiled.

"Um."

Grandma Za nodded and then said, "Go ahead, have a safe trip."

"Profound!"

Ah~

"I'm so full..."

Luffy, his belly round and full, lay down on the ground with a contented expression.

"Roar?"

The Giant Lion glanced at Luffy, who had stopped eating, and tilted its head, letting out a low growl.

That look seemed to say: Boss, aren't you going to eat?

Hearing the sound, Luffy glanced at the prey the other had just caught, then waved his hand and said, "I can't eat anymore, you eat it."

"Roar~"

The Giant Lion nodded in affirmation and then joined its companions in sharing the mammoth before it.

Seeing Luffy smiled, then turned to look at the campfire beside him and muttered, "I wonder if it's been two years yet..."

He didn't have anything to keep track of time, so he had no idea how much time had passed.

After pondering for a moment, Luffy gave up thinking about it.

"Never mind, Xi Yan will come to pick me up at the appointed time anyway, so there's no rush," Luffy said.

After figuring this out, Luffy closed his eyes and rested.

A moment later...

"Roar!!"

A tremendous roar came from afar, as if a giant beast was driving away an enemy that had entered its territory.

However, the roar didn't last long before it turned into screams of agony.

"Roar!"

Then came a loud bang.

"Boom!!"

"Scare!"

Upon hearing the sound from afar, the giant beasts instinctively trembled, then looked warily in the direction from which the sound came.

If I remember correctly... that's Sabertooth Tiger territory!

"Um?"

Luffy, who also sensed something was amiss, sat up and then used his Observation Haki to survey the situation.

However, once he 'saw' the aura over there, his expression immediately turned excited.

"Xi Yan!!"

Xi Yan came to pick him up!

"Roar?!"

Upon hearing the name Xi Yan, the giant beasts were so frightened that they tucked their tails between their legs, and cold sweat appeared on their faces.

At that moment, they recalled the horrific scene of being beaten by that man.

That really is...

The giant beasts exchanged glances, and then tears streamed down their faces.

A moment later, Xi Yan rode over from a distance on a Sabertooth Tiger with a large bump on its head, looking quite content.

"Hey, Luffy!"

Seeing Luffy looking at him excitedly, Xi Yan smiled and said, "Long time no see~"

Come to think of it, they haven't seen each other for a year and a half.

"It's been a long time!" Luffy grinned, showing his teeth.

"Two years have passed, come with me."

"It's been two years already..."

A hint of emotion appeared on Luffy's face, then he said, "Wait for me a moment, I'll go get my hat back."

His hat was in the very center of the island, so he had to go back there first.

"OK."

Xi Yan nodded, then tossed Luffy a set of clothes, saying, "Change into this outfit too."

Luffy looks like a savage right now, so he'd better change his clothes first.

"Good!"

Luffy grinned and nodded, then picked up his things and left.

After watching Luffy leave, Xi Yan turned his gaze to the faces of the giant beasts beside him.

"Scare!"

The giant beasts, sensing Xi Yan's gaze, instinctively trembled.

"Look how scared you are," Xi Yan said with amusement. "I'm not going to eat you."

If we Truth to eat them, these guys would have been in our stomachs a year ago, okay?

"Call..."

Upon hearing that they wouldn't be eaten, the giant beasts immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, tears welled up in their eyes.

They've sacrificed so much to prevent these two Evil Star from devouring them...

"Roar?"

The Sabertooth Tiger looked at Xi Yan with a fawning expression, as if to say, "Then can you let me go?"

"I won't eat you either," Xi Yan said irritably.

"Roar~"

After receiving an affirmative answer, the Sabertooth Tiger visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, it lay down looking relaxed, and its breathing returned to normal.

Soon, Luffy returned, having changed his clothes, and also put on his most precious Straw Hat.

"Let's go, Xi Yan ~"

"Profound!"

Xi Yan nodded, then patted the Sabertooth Tiger, signaling it to take him and Luffy the beach.

"By the way, where's Merry?" Luffy asked, now aboard the Sabertooth Tiger.

"Merry went to Sabaody Archipelago two weeks ago."

Luffy paused for a moment, then frowned and asked, "She went by herself?"

"No, I went with Uncle Rayleigh."

"That's good..." Luffy breathed a sigh of relief.

He was genuinely worried that little Merry would sail back alone, after all... that could easily lead to danger!

"Luffy, Merry isn't the same little girl she was two years ago," Xi Yan said.

Luffy:???

What's the meaning?

What do you mean by saying that Merry isn't the same little girl she was two years ago?

Looking at Luffy's expression, Xi Yan understood what he meant.

Having not seen Merry for over two years, he was clearly unaware of the changes that had occurred in Merry.

"You'll know when you meet Merry," Xi Yan said with a smile.

"All right."

Luffy nodded, then smiled and said, "Let's go to Sabaody Archipelago first."

"Profound!"

Meanwhile, the Sabaody Archipelago.

Inside Shakky's Rip-off Bar, Rayleigh and his two companions were chatting idly.

"The ship has already been coated, right?" Shakky said.

"Yes, it was all taken care of yesterday." Rayleigh nodded and said, "We can set off immediately once they've all gathered."

Regarding the ship's safety...

The location of the hidden pirate ship is very well concealed, so there shouldn't be any problems for the time being.

Shakky nodded upon hearing this, then poured Rayleigh a glass of Specialty Liquor and said, "Here, drink this."

"This was specially prepared for you."

After Merry and the others leave, she and Rayleigh can continue enjoying their wonderful time together.

Thinking of this, Shakky couldn't help but smile.

"Still drinking?"

Looking at the drinks pushed in front of him, Rayleigh wore a complicated expression.

"Um?"

Rayleigh:...

Seeing Shakky's expression, Rayleigh helplessly picked up the drink on the table and drank it.

Shakky smiled with satisfaction upon seeing this, then turned and poured Merry a glass of juice.

"Shakky-jie!"

You're welcome~

Shakky chuckled and ruffled Little Merry's hair, then glanced at the time and said, "It's time for the two-year reunion. I wonder where everyone else is."

"I don't know about the others, but Xi Yan and the other two should be arriving soon," Rayleigh said.

At the speed of the Ninth Snake, it would only take a few days to reach the Sabaody Archipelago.

If Xi Yan were willing to Water Release Technique to travel, the speed would be even faster.

"That's true."

Just then, a man pushed open the door and walked in, looking very pleased.

"Oh?"

Sensing that familiar presence, Rayleigh turned around with a chuckle and said, "You've finally arrived!"

"Ara~"

"Isn't this Pirate Hunter?" Shakky laughed.

"Zoro!!"

Upon seeing that familiar face, Merry immediately took flight and rushed towards Zoro!

Zoro:!!!

Zoro was dumbfounded when he saw Merry flying straight towards him.

After instinctively catching the little one, Zoro said, "Merry, you... how can you fly?"

Could it be that this little guy ate Devil Fruit during those two years?

It's not impossible.

"Because I Awakening the Power of Wind, I can fly," Merry explained.

"So it's Awakening..."

"Um?"

Zoro at this point, then exclaimed in shock, "Awakening?"

"Didn't he eat Devil Fruit?"

"No, I didn't eat Devil Fruit," Merry shook her head.

"Then why can you Awakening the Power of Wind?"

Merry thought for a moment, then said, "It's probably because I'm an elf, that's what Xi Yan told me."

She couldn't think of any other explanation.

"Xi Yan said that?!" Zoro's eyes lit up immediately. "So, this kid is really still alive!"

When he first saw the second newspaper, he thought the World Government was talking nonsense, and now it seems he was right after all!

"Of course!" Merry laughed, "Xi Yan is doing very well!"

"That's good..." Zoro said with a sigh of relief.

Just being alive is good... just being alive is good!

Just then, Merry noticed the condition of Zoro's eyes.

"Zoro, your eyes..."

Looking at Merry, who was staring at him with teary eyes, Zoro smiled and said, "It's just tuition."

What does one eye matter if it means becoming stronger?

"Should we ask Xi Yan to take a look at you?" Merry asked. "His Medical Ninjutsu might be able to cure you."

"There's no need for that." Zoro shook his head without hesitation and said, "This is proof that I've become stronger, and it's also a mark of something I've remembered, so I won't repair this eye."

"Well... okay..."

After chuckling and ruffling Merry's hair, Zoro looked up at Rayleigh and asked, "Has everyone else arrived?"

"No."

Rayleigh shook his head and said, "Besides Merry, who came back with me earlier, you're the first one to arrive."

Zoro paused for a moment after hearing Rayleigh's words, then the corners of his mouth began to turn up in an uncontrollable smile.

Finally, he even burst out laughing.

"Haha, so I was the first one here," Zoro said. "There's just no way to deal with these guys!"

Hmph hmph~

Now he has a reason to laugh at the Color Cook!

Thinking of this, Zoro smiled even more broadly.

"Um?"

Looking at Zoro who kept laughing, a question mark popped into Merry's head.

Why is Zoro so happy?

Is it because we didn't get lost this time?

Thinking about this, Merry fell into deep thought.

It seems... not impossible.

Shakky smiled, then glanced towards the door and said, "Aren't you going to invite the person outside in?"

"Outside?"

Upon hearing this, Merry broke free from Zoro's embrace and then noticed Perona floating behind Zoro.

"Huh?!"

"Aren't you that... that bad guy who plays with ghosts?!"

After recalling what had happened, Merry nodded affirmatively.

Perona:...

Perona, who was about to greet her, immediately changed her expression upon hearing Merry's words, then said in an annoyed tone, "How am I a bad person???"

What's wrong with this little girl? Why is she labeling people right off the bat?

"Weren't you a bad woman for bullying us with your abilities back then?"

"That's because we were enemies back then, okay?" Perona said speechlessly.

Since they were enemies back then, she naturally had to use her abilities to deal with them; otherwise, how could she face Lord Moria?

"She's not an enemy, Merry," Zoro said. "I'm here because of her."

Although he was reluctant to admit it, Zoro knew that he couldn't return to Sabaody Archipelago on his own.

So he was still very grateful to Perona.

"It's not just that," Perona said. "I also saved your life, you know!"

"If it weren't for me, you would have starved to death from getting lost long ago!"

Zoro:???

The two of them should just keep this to themselves; why did they have to tell everyone?

"Pfft~"

Shakky and Rayleigh couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Zoro:...

What should I do if I suddenly feel like crawling into a hole in the ground?

"Oh, I see..."

Merry carefully examined Perona, then nodded and said, "In that case, I'll forgive you."

After saying that, Merry paused for a moment, then continued, "Also, thank you for saving Zoro ~"

"That's more like it~" Perona said with a smile.

Then, she floated past Zoro and entered the house, saying, "I heard from Zoro that you're an information broker?"

"Yes," Shakky nodded with a smile, "Are you trying to buy information from me?"

Perona hesitated for a moment upon hearing this, then asked, "How much money do you need?"

If she needs too much money, she'll have to find a way to raise it first.

Shakky glanced at Zoro upon hearing this, then said, "Tell me about it first."

"Do you have any news about Lord Moria?" Perona asked Shakky with expectant eyes. "Is he still alive?"

Where is he?

"You came here because of him?" Shakky countered.

"Yes," Perona nodded. "I saw Lord Moria's news in the newspaper, so I want to go to the New World to find him."

A few days ago, she saw the news in the newspaper that Lord Moria had appeared in the New World.

The message said that Lord Moria fought with a powerful opponent and then disappeared.

So she really wanted to know if Lord Moria was still alive.

Seeing Perona's expectant look, Shakky paused for a moment, then lowered her head and lit a cigarette.

Seeing Shakky's reaction, a question mark clearly appeared above Perona's head.

What does this mean?

Does this mean they know or they don't?

"Shakky-jie, Moria once saved my life." Merry, who had come to the bar with Zoro, looked earnestly at Shakky-jie and said, "So... if you know, please tell her."

"I can pay for that intelligence."

Xi Yan has given her quite a bit of money over the past two years, so she should be able to afford to buy intelligence.

Perona was stunned when she heard what Merry said.

She never expected that this little guy, who had just forgiven her, would buy her information...

Is she really that good?

"I..."

Without giving Perona a chance to refuse, Shakky spoke up, "No need, I wasn't planning on taking her money anyway."

Perona was taken aback again upon hearing this. "You don't charge money?"

Is she... benefiting from the Straw Hat Pirates' fame?

Thinking of this, Perona fell silent.

Before I knew it, I owed someone a favor.

Shakky glanced at the somewhat stunned Perona, calmly exhaled a smoke ring, and then said, "Little girl, to tell you the truth, I don't know if Moria is still alive."

"Because the information I received is similar to what you saw in the newspapers."

As she knew, Moria and Perona had both gone missing after a fight.

As for whether the other person is still alive... she doesn't know.

"You don't know either...?" Perona nodded with some disappointment. "I know."

She had hoped to get some information about Lord Moria from here, but she got nothing in the end...

It's okay, just go find it in the New World!

Perhaps sensing Perona's thoughts, Rayleigh spoke up, "Little girl, are you planning to go to the New World to find someone yourself?"

"Right!"

"Then I advise you to give up," Rayleigh said, shaking his head.

"Why?"

"You have no idea how terrifying the New World is," Rayleigh said calmly. "Going to a place like that alone is basically suicide."

As the Vice-Captain of the Pirate King, he was very aware of this kind of thing.

"Rayleigh is right," Shakky said. "Think it over carefully before you speak."

"Would you consider it...?"

Perona lowered her head and pondered seriously upon hearing this, then suddenly raised her head and asked, "Who did you just say?"

"Rayleigh."

"Pluton Rayleigh?!" Perona exclaimed in shock, staring at Rayleigh. "You're the Vice-Captain of the Pirate King?!"

Why would such an important person be here?

This is absolutely shocking!

"Yes."

Rayleigh chuckled, "Didn't Zoro tell you?"

Perona:!!!

It's not good at all!

"Uncle Rayleigh is indeed the Vice-Captain of the Pirate King," Zoro said. "So just listen to him."

This time, Perona didn't answer; her expression simply turned somewhat unpleasant.

But it's impossible to get her to give up.

After all... Lord Moria was the one who raised her!

"She seems to be a stubborn little girl."

Shakky, seeing through Perona's thoughts, shook her head and then said, "If you really want to go, you'd better find some reliable people to go to the New World with."

As she spoke, Shakky glanced at Zoro and Merry almost imperceptibly, the meaning of which was self-evident.

Perona, whose intelligence was at its peak, immediately understood Shakky's meaning.

"When will the Straw Hat arrive?" Perona asked.

She didn't try to take advantage of Zoro's kindness by making demands, as that might put Zoro in a difficult position.

So... she plans to have a chat with Straw Hat, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates.

"I'm not sure about that," Shakky shook her head and said, "But it should have happened in the last few days."

"I see..."

Perona lowered her head to think for a moment upon hearing this, then raised her head and said seriously, "In that case, I'll take my leave these next few days!!"

"But don't worry, I'll pay!"

"It's just a few days' stay, it's not like I'd ask you for money," Shakky said, shaking her head.

The other person was Zoro's friend, so she wouldn't ask him for such a paltry sum.

She then continued, "However, I don't have many rooms here, so you'll have to squeeze in with Merry."

"Merry...?"

Upon hearing this, Perona turned to look at Merry, her eyes showing some difficulty.

Does this girl, who was just disliking her, really want to live with her?

Perhaps sensing Perona's thoughts, Merry spoke up, "I'm fine."

Since she said she forgave him, she won't view him with prejudice, so she's willing to live with him.

Perona paused for a moment upon hearing this, then said, "Then I'll take my leave."

"It's nothing, it's just one more person to eat and sleep, it's not a big deal," Shakky said, waving her hand.

This time, Perona simply nodded and said nothing more.

Shakky didn't seem to mind, and then turned to pour Zoro a glass of wine.

"Here, try this," Shakky said. "It's the latest one from Sabaody Archipelago."

"The latest model?"

Zoro's eyes immediately lit up, and he picked up the Cup, saying, "Then I have to try it."

During the two years he trained with Hawkeye, he didn't touch a drop of alcohol.

So... this time we're definitely going to have a good drink!

After taking Cup sip, Zoro gave a thumbs-up and said, "Excellent!!!"

The feeling of all my pores opening up after drinking it... it's so amazing!!

"Hehe, I'm glad you like it," Shakky said with a smile.

Rayleigh blinked upon hearing this, then said, "Give me a drink too."

Upon hearing this, Shakky glanced at Rayleigh, then at the Cup in his hand.

That look seemed to say: Drink this all first!

Rayleigh:...

Rayleigh paused for a moment, then drank the beverage in his hand with a pained expression, which finally made Shakky show a satisfied look.

Then, I poured him a glass of fresh wine.

After taking a sip, Rayleigh's eyes lit up and he exclaimed, "Excellent wine!"

"Don't worry, there's more here~"

"Good!"