A dense killing intent surged in from the backyard, flooding every corner of the tavern.
Hancock frowned slightly. Her entire body tensed as she instinctively prepared for battle.
Soon—
Several girls with completely different styles walked out from the back courtyard.
When Hancock's gaze landed on Lucoa, her heart sank with an inexplicable sense of defeat.
…Isn't she tired?
Next, Hancock's eyes stopped on Tohru.
Not only was her face just as exquisite as Hancock's own, she also had that youthful sweetness.
And most importantly—
Slim branches, heavy fruit.
Refreshing. Fire-quenching.
As for Rem and Ram, Hancock swept past them with a glance.
Kids. Nothing more.
—Wait.
Wait a second.
Only then did Hancock realize—
There were women in Ron's tavern.
And not just one.
Four of them.
Almost instantly, her mind spiraled into a vivid fantasy.
Ron had already abandoned her.
Ron stood with four women in his arms, his back turned to her.
"You really are a persistent woman," he said coldly.
Hancock lay on the ground, tears streaking her face as she reached out desperately.
"What did I do wrong…?
Tell me, Ron!"
In the end—
there was no answer.
Only her sobbing alone in despair.
...…
Seeing the heartbreak written all over Hancock's face, Ron knew it instantly.
She's imagining things again.
Lucoa let out a deep sigh.
"Forget it. Let's go to sleep."
"This woman's thought process is… expansive."
"With her intelligence, she probably won't make it to Ron's bed."
Tohru, Rem, and Ram immediately let out a long breath.
Phew…
One bullet saved in the competition.
But suddenly—
A sly smile curved at the corner of Lucoa's lips.
In the blink of an eye, she appeared beside Ron, grabbed him, and shot toward the backyard.
A barrier was erected immediately.
Smooth. Clean. Flawless.
The speed was so fast that—
Rem blinked in confusion.
"Uh… did something just go whoosh?"
Ram's face was full of question marks.
Tohru ground her teeth.
"That damned fox!"
"She waited until I relaxed and moved instantly—no chance for us at all!"
Rem and Ram's lips instantly drooped.
There was no helping it.
In the end, the three of them could only close the tavern door—
and then arrange a room for the still-dazed Hancock.
...…
Morning.
Ron groggily opened his eyes.
Just as he was about to fall back asleep—
Lucoa's lazy voice brushed his ear.
"Ron~
You're lying on my hair…"
All drowsiness vanished instantly.
Ron had no choice but to get dressed and get up.
After washing up, he stepped into the tavern—
only to find Rem, Ram, and Tohru had already filled the table with breakfast.
But—
there was one extra person today.
Hancock yawned and asked casually,
"Where did you go last night?"
Ron took a bite of fried dough and replied offhandedly,
"Treasure hunting."
The moment the words fell—
Tohru leaned in with a bright smile.
"So you mean…
you went exploring Lucoa?"
"Found crystal waters, uncovered hidden blossoms?"
Ron froze.
Where the hell did she learn that?!
If Rayleigh heard this, he'd definitely shout—
So wet! So wet!
Then Rem delivered the finishing blow, stepping forward gently.
"Master, please enjoy your youtiao.
The soy milk will be ready shortly."
Ron: "..."
Enough.
Last night was just Lucoa getting there first, alright?
If you're so capable, go argue with her.
Seeing Ron's expression darken, Tohru, Rem, and Ram immediately fled into the kitchen.
Worth noting—
Hancock wasn't picky at all.
Probably Rem's cooking.
Ron finally enjoyed some peace, eating while skimming the freshly delivered newspaper.
[Doflamingo Stripped of Warlord Title — Will Dressrosa Become the Navy's Next Target?]
[Reliable Sources: Kaido's High-Value Prisoner Escapes — Wano in Chaos, Can the Navy Intervene?]
[Shock: Navy Hardliners Leave No Survivors — Next Target: Big Mom Pirates]
Ron raised an eyebrow.
Interesting.
The Navy felt pressured?
Nearly ten thousand pirates executed in just days.
Or…
Was Sengoku preparing to step down—
and Akainu was eager to prove himself?
As Ron pondered—
the tavern door slowly opened.
Donquixote Doflamingo walked in with dark circles under his eyes, legs splayed wide as he swaggered to the bar.
He sat down, grinning eagerly.
"Boss."
"After two days without sleep, the duel arena is already one-fifth complete."
Ron stood, walked over, and passed him a bottle of alcohol.
"Good work."
"When it's finished, you'll be properly rewarded."
Doflamingo's fatigue vanished instantly.
"Not tired at all, not tired!"
"Boss, just give whatever you see fit."
He knew perfectly well—
Ron's rewards were never something as vulgar as money.
At that moment, Hancock finished eating and gracefully walked to the bar.
She asked directly,
"Where did your power come from?"
Doflamingo laughed darkly.
"Fufufufu…"
"What's this?"
"The proud Pirate Empress, who looks down on all men, now asking for help?"
Hancock pinched her nose and frowned.
"I can barely tolerate the stench on you."
"If you can answer, do it quickly. Don't waste my time."
Doflamingo's face darkened instantly.
The hell?!
You're asking me questions and still acting this arrogant?
If this weren't the tavern, I'd teach you what the underworld really means.
But then—
Doflamingo suddenly noticed something was off.
Wait.
Was Hancock eating breakfast with Ron just now?
Which meant—
she stayed here last night?
Damn it!
So pretty women really do get special treatment.
—Hold on.
That logic didn't quite add up.
If something did happen between them, why wouldn't Ron just tell her directly?
Unless…
It was some kind of lovers' little game?
Yes.
That had to be it.
With that realization, Doflamingo immediately dropped his arrogance and smiled.
"It was Queen Morgana who granted me this power."
"You'll see her shortly."
Hancock, having gotten her answer, ignored him completely.
She rested her chin in one hand and gazed at Ron with misty eyes, her imagination running wild again.
Just then—
The tavern door was shoved open.
Silvers Rayleigh strode in proudly.
One look told you—
he'd clearly cut down enemy generals last night and returned victorious.
But before he could close the door—
A tall man followed closely behind him.
Broad-shouldered.
A forehead protector.
Long white hair cascading down his back.
He stepped into the tavern.
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