Ch. 21Chapter 34 / Chapter 35
Plot points and events
- A bell summons Amazon Lily’s citizens to prepare for the New World. Hancock has announced that she and the Kuja will leave the Calm Belt in two days, and many citizens eagerly volunteer to follow her.
- In the palace, Elder Nyon, Sandersonia, and Marigold ask Hancock why she has made this sudden decision. Distracted by thoughts of Chris, Hancock admits that he visited her and proposed a Seven Warlords alliance. She describes him as handsome, extraordinarily powerful, and someone she loves.
- Hancock explains that Chris reached her bathing area using the Repel-Repel Fruit’s “Repulsion Space” and suppressed the sound of his arrival. He already knew about her enslavement by the Celestial Dragons and urged her to grow stronger for an approaching battle against them.
- Hancock defends Chris fiercely when Elder Nyon questions his intentions, insisting that no one may insult him.
- Hancock says Chris helped her recognize that she and the Kuja have grown complacent in the Calm Belt. She resolves to take the country into the Grand Line and seek stronger opponents. Sandersonia and Marigold support her.
- Elder Nyon welcomes Hancock’s change of outlook, though Hancock snaps at her and calls her a traitor for having once left Amazon Lily. The chapter ends with Hancock looking forward to meeting Chris in the New World as his ship sails toward the North Blue.
Character developments
- Hancock shifts between her usual imperious persona and open infatuation with Chris. His encouragement also prompts her to confront her own complacency and take responsibility for her people’s declining fighting spirit.
- Elder Nyon is surprised and pleased by Hancock’s new willingness to accept her weaknesses, but remains skeptical of Chris and worried about the danger of opposing the Celestial Dragons.
- Sandersonia and Marigold initially share Elder Nyon’s confusion, then accept Hancock’s decision and agree to follow her.
Significant themes
- Personal growth and renewed purpose: Hancock recognizes that staying isolated has weakened both her and her people.
- Loyalty and trust: Hancock’s devotion to Chris leads her to defend him absolutely, while the Kuja reaffirm their loyalty to her.
- Confronting oppression: Chris’s stated aim of challenging the Celestial Dragons gives Hancock a bold new cause, despite the fear the subject evokes in her sisters.
- Isolation versus engagement: Leaving the Calm Belt represents a move from sheltered stagnation toward hardship, conflict, and growth.
Character interactions
- Hancock brushes aside her sisters’ and Elder Nyon’s questions while absorbed in thoughts of Chris, then reveals her feelings and his visit.
- Elder Nyon probes the circumstances of Chris’s arrival and warns against underestimating the Celestial Dragons; Hancock responds protectively and angrily.
- Sandersonia and Marigold support their sister’s decision and try to ease tensions between her and Elder Nyon.
- Hancock’s affectionate anticipation of seeing Chris contrasts with her usual coldness toward those around her.