The Empress's Duty

On the artificial sky island, inside Hanazuki's private room.

"Don't worry. It'll be over soon. I'm only removing some of the scars. It won't hurt. ROOM..."

A moment later, the Boa Sisters emerged from the operating room, their faces flushed crimson, and returned to Hanazuki's side on the island. Other than Flame Flower, no one remained on the island.

"Where's Rayleigh?"

"He had Baby 5 and Hiyori go to the Land of Women to buy him some alcohol. Come to think of it, decades have passed, and even Roger has been dead for over ten years. Haven't you ever considered leaving behind descendants?"

For a moment, Uchiha Hanazuki wondered whether he had misheard something.

"What did you say? Me, leave behind descendants? Hahahaha..."

"What? Does that sound ridiculous? Actually, I'd very much like for you to leave your bloodline in the Land of Women—the more, the better."

Who would have thought that his attempt to laugh the subject off would only lead Flame Flower to lay it bare, making Hanazuki's mouth twitch as a chill ran through him, as though countless hungry wolves were staring him down.

"What do you mean by that? Don't tell me..."

"Exactly. For us of Amazon Lily to reproduce, we can only sail out to seek love—especially strong, dependable men..."

"Once a child is born, girls are brought back to Amazon Lily by their mothers, while boys can only be placed in foster homes elsewhere. That has been the rule of the Land of Women for centuries."

With that, Flame Flower turned to look at Uchiha Hanazuki, whose smile had gradually faded, and made her proposal.

"The stronger the warrior, the more likely their offspring are to inherit their parents' talent and gifts. That is true of every race."

"So, would you be willing to