Shakuyaku

"How could the Kuja Pirates have come here? Did something happen to Amazon Lily?" Shakuyaku could not help looking toward the door. As if she had thought of some unpleasant possibility, her mood immediately worsened.

The old man drinking alone nearby stood and looked toward Shakuyaku. "Looks like we're about to have some guests."

Elsewhere.

Ever since they had landed on the island, Bolan and the others had chattered nonstop, their faces filled with excitement.

"This is amazing! How exactly are these bubbles formed?"

"And why are there numbers written on those trees?"

After hearing that, Robin immediately began explaining patiently, like a little adult. "This is my first time visiting the Sabaody Archipelago too, but I've heard some stories about it. The Sabaody Archipelago, also known as the Soap Bubble Archipelago, is made up of the world's largest mangrove trees, the Yarukiman Mangrove. There are seventy-nine mangroves here in total, and each one forms an island with its own towns and facilities. The numbers divide the different areas."

"Numbers 1 through 29 are mainly for human-trafficking shops, human auctions, and illegal zones. Numbers 30 through 39 are mainly the Soap Bubble Park. Numbers 40 through 49 are mainly sightseeing areas and specialty shops. Numbers 50 through 59 are mainly shipyards and coating craftsmen. Numbers 60 through 69 are mainly naval bases and government entrances and exits. Numbers 70 through 79 are mainly hotel streets."

"There are human traffickers here too?" Kama looked around nervously after hearing that.

Robin said, "This world is chaotic. Human trafficking exists everywhere."

"Little Robin is so clever! She knows so much."

Robin said, "This is just common knowledge. Look at how ignorant you all are. You'd better be careful. Aside from your own people, don't trust anyone."

"Don't worry! We won't get tricked. Lord Lu Ge warned us about that long ago."

Sanya asked, "Mana, which area is the Vivre Card pointing toward?"

"The direction of numbers 70 through 79."

Lu Ge said, "Then let's stop between islands 70 and 79 up ahead. Everyone, be sure to remember the numbers here, or you'll get lost easily."

Leaving the sailors behind to watch the ship, Lu Ge and the others followed the Vivre Card's directions, disembarked, and officially set foot on the Soap Bubble Archipelago.

Kikyo poked at a bubble floating beside her, her face filled with amazement. "This bubble is pretty sturdy. It actually doesn't pop."

Kama said, "I saw it. These bubbles are rising from underground. How amazing!"

As she spoke, she pounced straight toward a bubble. Unexpectedly, the bubble carried her into the air.

"Wow~ How amazing!"

Seeing that, Mana and the others all pounced toward the bubbles beside them, having the time of their lives.

Robin was amazed as well. "This is incredible. What exactly is the principle behind these bubbles?"

She crouched down and touched the ground. It was sticky and gooey, instantly coating her hand. Her lovely brows immediately furrowed. "Ugh! It's so sticky and disgusting!"

As she spoke, she casually wiped her hand on Lu Ge.

"I..." Lu Ge was rendered speechless. He reached out to pinch Robin's cheek, but she immediately reacted, scooped up Uta, and dashed away. "Ah~ Uta, come on. Big sister will take you to play..."

Watching Robin run off, Lu Ge helplessly shook his head. Beside him, Kikyo took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped him clean, her tone carrying a hint of reproach. "That Robin doesn't seem to understand proper manners. Looks like we'll have to teach her a good lesson later."

Lu Ge said, "She's just a little girl. It's good for her to be lively. Don't take it so seriously."

Seeing that Kama and the others were already completely absorbed in their fun, Sanya immediately interrupted them. "All right, that's enough. We didn't come out here to play."

Only then did the girls return to the group, still reluctant to leave.

They encountered quite a few people along the way. To Mana and the others, everything here was fascinating, but because of the warnings they had received, they restrained themselves and did not dare leave the group, merely looking around curiously.

Before they knew it, guided by the Vivre Card, the group finally arrived in front of Shakky's Rip-off Bar.

Looking through the doorway, Sanya happened to spot the familiar figure behind the counter, elegantly blowing smoke. Her body trembled with excitement, and she charged inside in a single stride. "Former..."

Before she could finish, Shakuyaku forcibly cut her off. "Welcome to Shakky's Rip-off Bar, guests. What would you like to order?"

"Empress..." Sanya wanted to say more, but when she suddenly saw Shakuyaku's slightly narrowed eyes, she abruptly realized that the former Empress's identity absolutely could not be revealed. She immediately bowed and said, "Greetings, Shak... Shakky. It's truly wonderful to see you here..."

Lu Ge merely glanced at Shakuyaku before fixing his gaze on the old man drinking alone nearby. "Dark King Rayleigh!"

He recognized him at a glance. As a famous figure, Rayleigh was highly distinctive, and his appearance was extremely similar to the one in the anime.

Shakuyaku looked at Sanya and helplessly shook her head before turning toward the backyard. "Guests, please follow me."

The group arrived at the deserted backyard, where Sanya and the other women all knelt and paid their respects. "Empress!"

Shakuyaku casually waved her hand and sighed. "You don't have to be so formal. I'm no longer your Empress. You came here looking for me—does that mean Toritoma has passed away?"

"Toritoma?" Lu Ge's eyes lit up when he heard that. He finally knew the name of Hancock's predecessor as Empress.

"Yes. The Empress passed away from illness a year ago. We had always wanted to go to sea and find you, but we couldn't leave Amazon Lily. Then, not long ago, we encountered Lord Lu Ge."

"Lu Ge?" Shakuyaku immediately fixed her gaze on him. "The new World's Strongest Swordsman? I've heard so much about you. And thank you as well for everything you've done for Amazon Lily."

Rayleigh, who had followed them in, also sighed emotionally. "To think someone so young could defeat Hawkeye Mihawk. The younger generation is truly formidable."

Lu Ge politely returned the courtesy. "Dark King Rayleigh. I've heard so much about you as well."

Rayleigh was a little surprised. "Oh~ You actually recognized me? You've got a good eye."

Sanya looked at Shakuyaku hopefully. "Former Empress, Amazon Lily is now without a leader. We beg you to return and take charge! We know your difficulties and circumstances. If we hadn't been left with no other choice, we wouldn't have come to disturb you. But we truly had no way out. If Lord Lu Ge hadn't helped us this time, Amazon Lily would probably have fallen already."