Chapter Five: The Empress’s Quest for Materials

Empress Boa Hancock, the goddess among goddesses in the world of pirates. At first, Chu Yi failed to recognize the future empress, partly because her real-life appearance differed somewhat from her depiction in the comics, and partly because Hancock’s current state was so wretched. Despite being imprisoned for so long that even her flawless face was smudged with filth and her figure was a far cry from the one in the original story, Hancock’s allure was impossible to conceal, even in the dim light. The moment Hancock confessed her identity, Chu Yi began to contemplate his “Empress Conquest Plan” in his heart.

After all, when fortune falls from the sky, one must seize it, mustn’t one?

Yet just as Chu Yi’s thoughts began to wander, plotting how to win over the future empress, the system’s notification chimed abruptly.

“Ding!”

“Host, awakening material discovered. Would you like to collect it?”

Awakening material?

Where?

The system’s sudden voice instantly scattered Chu Yi’s thoughts. He glanced around the shabby cabin; apart from the imprisoned Hancock, there was little else but some chains. Chu Yi frowned in confusion and asked, “System, where is the awakening material?”

“Host, awakening material discovered. Would you like to collect it?”

Fine, he’d almost forgotten how this unscrupulous system was often too lazy to explain things.

With a helpless sigh, Chu Yi gave up searching and silently chose “Yes,” his heart filled with anticipation for what his first awakening material might be.

Yet, the moment Chu Yi made his choice, he never expected that collecting the material would require completing a mission!

“Host, awakening material collection initiated. Please complete the awakening material collection task within three days, or the collection will fail.”

“Awakening material mission triggered: The Empress’s First Kiss. Host, please complete this within the time limit.”

What?

The Empress… Hancock’s first kiss is the awakening material mission?

This awakening material collection task is truly… indecent (yet fortunate)!

But clearly, forcing a kiss would not do—it would ruin any plans for winning her over in the future. He’d have to devise a way for Hancock to offer the kiss herself.

Rubbing his chin, Chu Yi pondered how to prompt Hancock to take the initiative. Meanwhile, Tiger, seizing the moment during Chu Yi’s contemplation, strode over and used brute strength to twist off the shackles restraining Hancock. Once she was freed, Tiger ignored Hancock’s earlier pleas, walked straight up to Chu Yi, and clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, kid, stop daydreaming. We’re leaving!”

“Leaving?”

Chu Yi shot a surprised glance at Hancock and exclaimed, “Tiger, don’t you intend to…”

“Don’t forget who we are!” Tiger interrupted coldly, casting Hancock a frosty look. “We’re barely able to protect ourselves—how can we worry about others? Kid, if you want to drag this burden along, I won’t stop you. But if you’re thinking of rescuing her sisters… hmph! Only if you have the strength!”

With that, Tiger left the cabin in silence, evidently heading to another part of the ship to search for any treasure or money.

Seeing Tiger coldly refuse her plea, Hancock could no longer hold back her tears. Covering her face, she began to sob quietly.

Did Hancock know Tiger?

She did not.

Hancock only knew of the fish-man Tiger because of a wanted poster—a wanted notice issued by the Celestial Dragons. As a slave who had successfully escaped the Celestial Dragons, Tiger was already revered as an idol among their victims, even before he became a hero who would later free so many. The Hancock sisters’ plan to escape was inspired by learning that Tiger and Chu Yi had managed to flee the Celestial Dragons’ clutches.

Chu Yi could escape with Tiger because Tiger was strong enough. The Hancock sisters, however, lost two of their number almost immediately, and even Hancock herself, though she managed to flee for a few days, was eventually recaptured by the minions of the Celestial Dragons. Had the Celestial Dragons not taken a fancy to Hancock’s potential beauty, she, the future empress, might well have been abused to death on this very ship.

During those days of captivity, knowing she was about to be returned to her tormentors, Hancock felt only despair. At this moment, having finally encountered Tiger and Chu Yi, seeing a glimmer of hope for escape, her one desire was to rely on Tiger’s strength to rescue her two sisters from the Celestial Dragons. Who could have predicted she would be so heartlessly refused?

Thinking of her sisters enduring lives worse than death under the Celestial Dragons’ yoke, Hancock wished she could trade her own freedom for theirs.

Yet just as she was most helpless, most in need of comfort, Hancock felt a weight on her shoulder. Through her tears, she looked up to see Chu Yi’s gentle smile and heard the words she would never forget for as long as she lived:

“Your name is Hancock, isn’t it? My name is Chu Yi—Chris D. Chu Yi. Just now you said your sisters are still in the hands of those who call themselves the rulers of the world, yes? I promise you, as long as I’m alive, I will help you rescue your sisters from their grasp. You can count on me!”

“You… you really can help me save them?” Hancock asked.

“Mhm. Trust me.” Bending down to help Hancock up, Chu Yi smiled and continued, “Tiger’s just all bark and no bite—you shouldn’t take it to heart. For now, we need to rest, and plan carefully how to save your sisters. As for this time… let me take care of you, alright?”

Was this… was this a proposal?

Hearing Chu Yi’s words, Hancock’s cheeks flushed, and after a long moment, she softly murmured her assent.

Seeing her beautiful, shy expression, Chu Yi could barely restrain the urge to respond with a passionate kiss.

But a man must never let impatience ruin the greater plan!

And so, supporting the weakened Hancock, Chu Yi carefully led her out of the cabin where she had been held so long, back into the light that symbolized her freedom. At that moment, they ran into Tiger, who was emerging from another part of the ship.

Seeing Tiger carrying two chests, Chu Yi knew the raid had been fruitful. But when Tiger saw Chu Yi and Hancock walking so closely together, he grunted gruffly, “Kid, you really plan to bring along another burden? Aren’t you afraid those bastards will come after us and catch us again because of her?”

“Tiger, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten what ‘fear’ means?”

Caught off guard, Tiger’s expression turned awkward, and Chu Yi quickly smoothed things over. “We’re all victims of those scum, aren’t we? If we don’t help each other, who will? Besides, Tiger, I believe in you—and I believe in myself even more.”

“The Celestial Dragons are nothing! Once we’ve had a few days rest, we’ll bring the fight to them!”

Yes…

After my Devil Fruit awakens a few more times, what do I have to fear from the Celestial Dragons?

What a joke!