Ch. 541Torch Lily's Death

Torch Lily died after entrusting the serpent-shaped crown and Amazon Lily to Hancock, who spent the night mourning before accepting her new role. When Shadow Snake’s followers challenged her legitimacy and warned that Amazon Lily would lose its independence, Roy and Hancock prepared to face the opposition at the succession ceremony in three days.

  • Torch Lily gave Hancock the empress’s crown and asked Roy to protect Amazon Lily and Hancock before she died.
  • Hancock, Sandersonia, Marigold, Salome, and Roy mourned Torch Lily as news of her death brought the island’s warriors to the palace square.
  • After kneeling beside Torch Lily through the night, Hancock faced the morning with renewed resolve.
  • Elder Nyon told Roy and Hancock that Shadow Snake’s followers were spreading claims that Hancock would make Amazon Lily a dependency of Hachinosu.
  • Roy decided to let the opposition reveal themselves at the succession ceremony, and Hancock agreed to proceed with preparations.

Ch. 542The Succession Ceremony

Boa Hancock was crowned Amazon Lily’s seventy-fourth empress, but three elders challenged her succession and accused her of relying on Roy. Hancock stopped Elder Nyon from intervening and faced the rebels herself.

  • Amazon Lily’s warriors gathered in Palace Square as Roy sensed dissent among the ranks.
  • Hancock arrived with Salome, Sandersonia, and Marigold, then knelt to receive the crown from Elder Nyon.
  • Nyon proclaimed Hancock the seventy-fourth empress, and the warriors saluted her.
  • Birisu, Tana, and Meri refused to recognize Hancock, claiming Roy’s influence threatened Amazon Lily’s independence.
  • Hancock stopped Nyon from rebuking the elders, rose from the throne, and confronted them with a cold smile.

Ch. 543The Succession Ceremony 2

Hancock used her strength to crush opposition during her succession ceremony and became Amazon Lily’s empress. After the celebration, Elder Nyon warned Roy about threats within the island and asked what he planned for Amazon Lily’s future.

  • Hancock unleashed her Conqueror’s Haki and petrified Birisu after Birisu challenged her.
  • Tana and Meri backed down, and the warriors pledged loyalty to Hancock as their new empress.
  • Roy watched the ceremony, then attended the celebratory banquet that continued late into the night.
  • Elder Nyon told Roy that Amazon Lily lacked strong fighters and that Birisu, Tana, and Meri’s tribes might be conspiring with Underworld forces or the Marines.
  • Elder Nyon asked what Roy planned for Amazon Lily, and he denied that he intended to annex it.

Ch. 544Discussion

Roy secured Amazon Lily as Hachinosu’s permanent ally and offered technology and training to strengthen its warriors. The morning after Hancock’s succession, an unidentified ship triggered Amazon Lily’s most urgent alarm.

  • Roy promised Elder Nyon that Amazon Lily would remain independent and proposed Bloodline Transplantation for its warriors using core materials supplied by Hachinosu.
  • Elder Nyon accepted the alliance and Roy’s offer to send equipment, scientists, and instructors to Amazon Lily.
  • Hancock reviewed her new duties while watching Roy fish, and Sandersonia and Marigold teased her about him.
  • An urgent harbor alarm announced an unidentified ship within Amazon Lily’s watch perimeter, and Hancock rushed from the study.

Ch. 545Marine Warships in the Calm Belt

Marine Rear Admiral Rakulowa delivered the World Government’s recognition of Boa Hancock as Amazon Lily’s empress and invitation to join the Shichibukai, but Hancock rejected it. Elder Nyon explained that the Marines’ safe passage through the Calm Belt had stripped Amazon Lily of its natural defense, leaving Hancock to confront the threat alongside her hatred of the World Government.

  • Roy ordered Amazon Lily’s warriors to stop three Marine warships approaching through the Calm Belt, and Hancock sensed a Rear Admiral and a CP Agent aboard them.
  • Rear Admiral Rakulowa presented the World Government’s invitation for Hancock to become a Shichibukai, but Hancock angrily refused it.
  • Elder Nyon secured three days for Amazon Lily to answer and forbade the Marines from entering the harbor or approaching the coastline.
  • In the palace’s secret chamber, Elder Nyon warned Hancock, Sandersonia, Marigold, and Roy that the Marines’ passage meant Amazon Lily’s natural barrier was gone.
  • Hancock told Elder Nyon she would rather die than submit to the World Government that had branded her and her sisters.

Ch. 546The Shichibukai Empress

Roy persuaded Hancock to accept the World Government’s Shichibukai offer as protection for Amazon Lily while its alliance with Hachinosu continued. Hancock agreed, and after her appointment was announced, major powers reacted to the news.

  • Roy argued that becoming a Shichibukai would give Hancock and Amazon Lily time, protection, and access to intelligence, and Hancock agreed to accept the title.
  • Hancock contacted the Navy, and Sengoku told her to attend the inauguration ceremony at Marine Headquarters in ten days.
  • The World Economy News Paper announced Hancock’s appointment and described her abilities and Amazon Lily.
  • Whitebeard, Kaido, Golden Lion, and Big Mom reacted to the announcement, with Big Mom considering marriage alliances involving Hachinosu and Amazon Lily.
  • Sengoku felt relieved that Amazon Lily’s situation had been stabilized, at least on the surface.

Ch. 547Hachinosu's Supplies and Personnel Arrive

Tesoro brought Hachinosu’s equipment, genetic materials, scientists, and instructors to Amazon Lily to begin enhancing the island’s warriors. The laboratory was ready by the third day, and the first transplantation surgeries were set to begin the next morning.

  • Hancock secretly saved the newspaper photograph announcing her succession as Shichibukai, then hurried to the harbor when the Ark Maxim arrived.
  • Tesoro delivered the Bloodline Impulse Transplantation equipment, materials for three hundred recipients, four instructors, and a team of scientists to Amazon Lily.
  • Hancock thanked Roy for supporting Amazon Lily, and Roy told her to have the scientists install the equipment in the palace.
  • The lead scientist explained that the basic transplantation could safely raise strength, speed, and endurance three- to fivefold, though it offered less potential than Hancock’s perfect transplant.
  • Hachinosu’s scientists calibrated the laboratory equipment, and the lead scientist told Roy that the first surgeries could begin the next morning.

Ch. 548Transplantation and Training

Amazon Lily's first twenty warriors underwent successful Bloodline Transplantation and showed major gains in strength, endurance, speed, and Haki during their tests. Hancock ordered transplants and training to expand across the island, while Tesoro's proposal to lead the training was rejected by the four assigned instructors.

  • Elder Nyon led twenty elite warriors into the laboratory for Bloodline Transplantation, and the lead scientist later confirmed every operation had succeeded.
  • At the first fitness tests, Moira's punching strength quadrupled, and a nineteen-year-old recruit awakened Observation Haki.
  • Savi's combat test showed the transplanted warriors had a decisive advantage over warriors who had not undergone the procedure, exciting Elder Nyon and Hancock.
  • Roy told Hancock to schedule the operations in batches and keep the warriors' training on pace, and Hancock ordered willing warriors to be treated according to age and physical condition.
  • Savi, Charon, Kazami, and Van Augur divided responsibility for the warriors' training across combat and weapons disciplines.
  • Tesoro declared that he would serve as head instructor, but Savi, Charon, Kazami, and Van Augur each objected to his plan.

Ch. 549Leisurely Days on Amazon Lily

Roy settled the dispute over Amazon Lily’s training camp by making Tesoro its coordinating head instructor while leaving the four specialists in charge of their courses. As the camp began training the transplanted warriors, Roy settled into a leisurely routine, unaware that Hancock quietly sought out his company each day.

  • Roy asked about the warriors’ weaknesses and approved training plans that included simulated combat, underwater fighting, and separate course assessments.
  • Roy made Tesoro head instructor responsible for coordination and emergencies, while Savi and the other specialists retained authority over their courses.
  • The next day, Amazon Lily opened its special training camp, dividing the first warriors to complete Bloodline Impulse Transplantation into four groups.
  • Roy spent his days fishing, resting, and checking the camp, while the warriors grew accustomed to him and saluted him with respect.
  • Hancock found small ways to spend time beside Roy, while Sandersonia, Marigold, and Elder Nyon noticed her feelings and Roy’s obliviousness.

Ch. 550Parting

After three months of training, Amazon Lily’s warriors had grown far stronger, and Roy finalized plans to help the island maintain its progress. Roy prepared to leave for Hachinosu, while Hancock and the warriors saw him off.

  • Savi, Charon, Kazami, and Van Augur completed three months of training Amazon Lily’s warriors, and the final assessment showed major gains in combat skills and Haki.
  • Hancock held a banquet to celebrate the warriors’ achievements and thanked Roy for helping them grow stronger.
  • Roy decided to return to Hachinosu because Bullet had reported trouble with Whitebeard and Kaido was pressing him about Seastone weapons.
  • Roy, Hancock, and Elder Nyon finalized plans for Bloodline Transplantation, ongoing training, supplies, and emergency communications to support Amazon Lily.
  • The Ark Maxim rose from the harbor as Amazon Lily’s warriors gathered to see Roy and his companions off.

Ch. 551Red Hair and Uta

After losing to Roy, Shanks reflected on the need to grow stronger and vowed not to lose again. The Red Hair Pirates found a starving girl named Uta on a deserted island, and Shanks brought her aboard.

  • Shanks discussed his defeat by Roy with Beckman and admitted he needed to catch up to him.
  • Beckman warned Shanks that the Red Hair Pirates’ foothold depended on the balance among the emperors.
  • Shanks vowed that he would not lose the next time he met Roy.
  • The Red Hair Pirates spotted a faint trace of life on a deserted island.
  • Shanks found a starving girl in the bushes, learned her name was Uta, and took her aboard for food.

Ch. 552The Gum-Gum Fruit

Uta recovered aboard the Red Force, learned to sing, and was adopted by Shanks. A month later, Shanks led the Red Hair Pirates in attacking a CP0 ship to steal its Heavenly Tribute, and he found the Gum-Gum Fruit in the cargo hold.

  • Uta slowly opened up after the ship's musician played guitar, then began learning to sing from him.
  • Shanks adopted Uta as his daughter and named her the Red Hair Pirates' musician.
  • Yasopp spotted a CP0 warship carrying crates marked as top-secret and as Heavenly Tribute.
  • Shanks decided to steal the Heavenly Tribute, and the Red Hair Pirates attacked and overwhelmed the CP0 agents.
  • Shanks opened a crate in the cargo hold, found the Gum-Gum Fruit, and felt a strange sensation when he touched it.

Ch. 553Who's-Who of the Beasts Pirates

Shanks stole the Gum-Gum Fruit from a World Government ship, while Who's-Who joined the Beasts Pirates and was promoted to the Flying Six. Three months later, Who's-Who focused on killing Shanks, and the Ark Maxim crossed the Calm Belt as Tesoro complained about being barred from training the Kuja Pirates.

  • Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates seized the heavenly tribute, including the Gum-Gum Fruit, and escaped toward the East Blue.
  • Three months later, Kaido promoted Who's-Who to the Flying Six and ordered him to press Hachinosu for Seastone weapons and watch for Red Hair.
  • Who's-Who left the banquet hall, unfolded a wanted poster of Shanks, and revealed his intent to kill him.
  • Tesoro rode aboard the Ark Maxim above the Calm Belt and complained that the Kuja Pirates had not let him train them.

Ch. 554A Chance Encounter with Dragon

After three months of training on Amazon Lily, Roy spotted a Revolutionary Army ship in the Calm Belt and descended with his crew to meet Dragon. Roy and Dragon warmly renewed their alliance, then Dragon invited him into the cabin to talk.

  • Roy's crew joked about Tesoro's harsh training methods while reflecting on their three months as instructors on Amazon Lily.
  • Roy sensed a Revolutionary Army ship near a Sea King nest and recognized its thorn-entwined sword flag.
  • Roy ordered Tesoro and the others to prepare, and the Ark Maxim descended toward the ship carrying Dragon, Ivankov, and Karasu.
  • Roy greeted Ivankov and Karasu, then shook hands with Dragon and discussed their alliance and Hachinosu's support for the Revolutionary Army.
  • Dragon invited Roy and his crew into the cabin to talk.

Ch. 555Sailing Together

Roy revealed that he had used the Heavenly Tribute money to supply resistance forces across the Four Blues, then chose to travel with Dragon to the East Blue. He set his sights on Shimotsuki Village, where he planned to visit the Isshin Dojo and meet Koshiro, Kuina, and Zoro.

  • Roy told Dragon that Tesoro had exchanged the Heavenly Tribute money for food, medicine, and weapons for resistance forces in Affiliated Nations across the Four Blues.
  • Dragon explained that he was heading to the East Blue to receive food and inspect Revolutionary Army branches, and Roy decided to go with him.
  • Roy sent Tesoro, Savi, Charon, Kazami, Van Augur, and the scientists back to Hachinosu aboard the Ark Maxim.
  • As the Revolutionary Army ship sailed toward Reverse Mountain, Roy told Dragon he wanted to visit Shimotsuki Village and the Isshin Dojo.
  • Dragon confirmed that Shimotsuki Koshiro was an important Revolutionary Army supporter, while Roy said he wanted to meet a few kids there.

Ch. 556Heading for Shimotsuki Village in the East Blue

Roy arrived in Shimotsuki Village with Dragon and learned that Shimotsuki Koshiro’s village supported the Revolutionary Army. At the Isshin Dojo, Koshiro briefly reacted to Roy with sharp scrutiny before hiding his response.

  • Roy told Dragon that Shimotsuki Koshiro was a descendant of the Shimotsuki Clan and promised not to harm him or the clan.
  • Roy traveled with Dragon’s ship across the East Blue and reached Shimotsuki Village on the evening of the third day.
  • Dragon explained that Shimotsuki Village aided the Revolutionary Army through Koshiro and the village’s own network.
  • Dragon took Roy to the Isshin Dojo, where Koshiro greeted them and briefly studied Roy with a sharp, assessing gaze.

Ch. 557Isshin Dojo

Roy visited Koshiro’s dojo in Shimotsuki Village with Dragon and criticized its gentle training. After watching Kuina repeatedly defeat Zoro, Roy went to the rear courtyard and challenged Zoro’s stance, leaving the boy demanding to know who he was.

  • Roy introduced himself to Koshiro and said he had come to look around the dojo while passing through the East Blue with Dragon.
  • Roy criticized the dojo’s training as too gentle, and Dragon confirmed that Roy’s methods on Hachinosu were much harsher.
  • Roy sensed Kuina defeating Zoro again and correcting his sword technique while the other boys laughed.
  • Roy asked Koshiro’s permission to watch the children train and headed to the rear courtyard.
  • Roy called Zoro’s opening stance ridiculous, and Zoro turned to demand his identity.

Ch. 558Zoro, Kuina

Roy visited Koshiro’s dojo and corrected Zoro’s sword technique before Zoro challenged him for Shusui. Roy accepted the match and countered Zoro’s fierce opening strike with a precise flick of a bamboo twig.

  • Roy pointed out that Zoro had left his center exposed by stepping too far forward, and Zoro was stunned by the accurate criticism.
  • Koshiro introduced Roy to Kuina and Zoro, while Kuina noticed her father’s wary tone.
  • Zoro challenged Roy to a match and demanded Shusui if he won; Roy asked what Zoro would wager if he lost.
  • Roy accepted the challenge and faced Zoro with a scrap of bamboo as Zoro charged with a powerful strike.
  • Roy flicked the bamboo twig against the weakest point of Zoro’s wooden sword.

Ch. 559Zoro, Kuina 2

Roy defeated Zoro with a bamboo branch and offered him a chance to learn from him while he stayed in Shimotsuki Village. He told Kuina that the sword dao depended on will, not gender, leaving her to reconsider what her father had taught her.

  • Roy disarmed Zoro with a quick strike to his wrist and explained that Zoro’s grip was too stiff.
  • Koshiro introduced Roy as a friend of Dragon’s, and Roy stopped him from scolding Zoro.
  • Roy offered Zoro another pointer if he corrected his grip before Dragon left Shimotsuki Village.
  • Kuina asked whether Roy had used sword dao, and Roy told her that it made no distinction between men and women.
  • Zoro practiced his grip while Kuina sat silently beneath the eaves.

Ch. 560Zoro and Kuina 3

Roy watched Zoro train through the night and saw him and Kuina continue their daily matches, which Kuina won. Afterward, Kuina confided her fear that being a girl meant she could never become the World's Greatest Swordsman, leaving Zoro struggling to answer.

  • Roy watched Zoro repeat his sword strikes for hours, correcting his grip after Roy's advice.
  • Kuina slipped into the courtyard, and she and Zoro began their 2,002nd match beneath the moon.
  • Kuina defeated Zoro again, pointing out his stiff sword hand and poor stance as he insisted on trying again.
  • After their 2,004th match, Kuina asked Zoro whether a girl could become the World's Greatest Swordsman and told him her father believed she could never achieve it.
  • Zoro fell silent, shaken that someone as gifted as Kuina had been told she could not reach her dream.
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Page 28 of 49