Sakazuki narrowed his eyes.
"Tell Headquarters' intelligence department to keep me updated on Dracule Mihawk's whereabouts."
"He's arrogant enough, and he's got plenty of backbone."
"Once the Court-Plowing Operation is over, grind those bones to dust for me, bit by bit."
"Navy Hunter... heh."
"He has no idea who he's messing with."
Bullet gave a savage grin.
"Understood."
"I love guys with backbone."
"Let's see how much he can take."
As he spoke, he clenched his fists before his chest and cracked his knuckles.
The first half of the Grand Line.
The Kuja Pirates sailed across the sea.
Boa Hancock, only twelve years old, sat on the head of one of the snakes pulling the ship, holding a telescope and playing pirates with her two younger sisters.
The orange-haired Boa Marigold stood by the starboard railing.
"No ships to starboard!"
The green-haired Boa Sandersonia stood by the port railing.
"No ships to port, either!"
Hancock peered through her telescope.
"No ships ahead!"
"Visibility clear, nothing unusual!"
Two female warriors who had just emerged from cold storage carrying ingredients called out.
"Don't fall into the sea, Hancock."
Hancock turned around.
"Don't treat me like an idiot!"
"Why would I fall into the sea?"
"I'm already a warrior who can handle herself!"
The two warriors smiled, their arms full of ingredients.
"Sure, sure~"
"Then we'll leave lookout duty to you."
"Keep it up!"
Then they headed toward the dining room.
Hancock's two younger sisters gazed admiringly at their elder sister as she accepted the assignment.
"That's our big sister!"
"You're amazing!!!"
"We'll help keep watch, too!"
At some point... three shadows appeared beneath the ship.
Using special equipment, they climbed up the hull.
They watched the three little girls gradually approach their side.
The slave traders broke into wicked smiles...
Whoosh-