Waves rolled and the sea surged, slapping against the warship's rail. Momonga stood at the bow, anxiously watching the direction of Amazon Lily.
The summons had been delivered to Hancock, but Momonga still had his doubts. That ice-cold woman had never cared much for government summons.
"Vice Admiral Momonga, look! It's here! That's Pirate Empress Boa Hancock's ship!"
The lookout's startled cry made Momonga's eyes widen. He looked into the distance and saw a magnificent old-fashioned pirate ship sailing across the rolling blue waves, pulled by Two Giant Serpents at its bow. It was indeed the Pirate Empress's ship.
The marines on deck grew excited. Elder Nyon had passed the summons to Boa Hancock, and they had yet to see her themselves. They had been eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the beautiful, aloof Empress.
Everything went surprisingly smoothly. When Boa Hancock's ship drew alongside Momonga's warship, Lan stepped up to the bow and said, "The Snake Princess has agreed to go to Marine Headquarters. She isn't feeling well, so she can't come out to meet you. Lead the way!"
"Ah..."
The marines who had waited so long for a glimpse of her were heartbroken. Their heads drooped. They had hoped to admire the Unmoving Empress's peerless beauty up close, but even with her so near, they had no chance.
Momonga raised an eyebrow in surprise. She had agreed without hesitation. Things had gone so smoothly that he felt vaguely uneasy.
Still, he did not dwell on it. Sengoku's orders were to bring the Empress to Marine Headquarters, no matter what.
"What are you standing around for? Get the ship moving!"
Momonga turned and immediately lost his temper. These marines had no discipline at all. They had crowded along the side nearest the Kuja Pirate Ship, eyes wide and necks craned,