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The future empress stood before him timidly, like a startled bird.
Nevertheless, her youthful charm still carried a unique allure.
It was clear that her time in Mariejois had caused her deep psychological trauma. Even after her escape, a lingering shadow remained in her heart.
"Sir… Thank you for saving us." Boa Hancock spoke in a trembling voice and bowed deeply.
"I admire your will to cling to hope and refuse to give up on life." Kojin smiled gently. "Here, you don't need to be so restrained. Don't think of yourself as a slave anymore."
Hancock trembled slightly as she stared blankly at the tall man before her.
Everything about him was irresistibly attractive to her, a young girl who had suffered so much: his loose robe, elegant, noble aura, and warm, approachable smile.
Before she knew it, her heart began to pound rapidly.
"I… how should I repay you?"
A faint blush appeared on her face as she asked softly.
At fifteen or sixteen, she was at the age when love first blossoms. The man before her had undoubtedly captured her heart, becoming her prince on a white horse.
"Would you… Marry me?"
Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible. After speaking, she lowered her head, clutching nervously at the hem of her dress.
"Marry me?"
"Hahahahaha!"
Kojin burst into laughter. He was quite familiar with the Empress's tendency to fall head over heels in love, and he also knew that she was naturally drawn to those who dared to oppose the Celestial Dragons.
On top of that, saving her earlier had maximized her favorability towards him. Combined with her age and his identity, this had prompted the young girl to reveal her feelings so openly.
He placed a large hand on her small head and gently ruffled her hair.
"Even if you want to marry me, you'll have to wait until you're a bit older!"
"Kojin-Sama…" Hancock trembled, her face flushing red as she nearly fainted with happiness.
"When I grow up, I will definitely marry you."
Kojin smiled.
Though still young, Hancock was already 1.75 meters tall, and her figure was becoming increasingly mature, and it was no less impressive than Eveya's.
The palace where everyone stayed resembled a massive castle city divided into three levels with a huge area.
They all ate together, though sensitive topics were rarely discussed during meals.
Fisher Tiger was covered in bandages and wore only an undershirt with Kojin's coat draped over him. He appeared rather taciturn. Aside from thanking Kojin, he spoke kindly to others.
Yet, occasionally, flames would flicker in his eyes.
"If you want to do something, make sure you protect yourself before taking action after leaving here." Kojin noticed the thoughts buried deep within Fisher Tiger and reminded him with a faint smile on his face.
"Do you think the world will ever achieve equality?"
"Are slaves and nobles truly equal?"
"Can Fish-Men and humans understand each other?"
Fisher Tiger took a deep breath and asked seriously.
His gaze swept over the nearby servants. They stood motionless, like statues, as if they had already lost their souls.
"Equality will come naturally. In certain respects, humans, fish-men, mink tribes, giants, and all other races are born equal." Kojin replied with a slight smile.
Hancock listened quietly beside them, pouring tea for the two of them.
"In what ways are they equal from birth?" Tiger asked, puzzled.
"For example, everyone only has one life. They all possess the same fundamental dignity and potential for growth. All races, if they study and work hard, can become stronger. If they pick up weapons, they have the ability to kill. If they are struck by a bullet, they will die. In such conditions, how can you say they are unequal?" Kojin said calmly.
"But, sir, why does inequality still exist in this world?" Tiger asked with a confused look on his face.
The greatest inequality existed right here in the Holy Land, between the World Nobles and the slaves. The difference in status was deeply ironic.
"Absolute equality may not exist, or it may be extremely difficult to achieve. But relative equality and fairness can be achieved through people's efforts because, between individuals and races, there will always be subtle differences... differences in talent, racial traits, personality, and so on. Over time and across generations, these small differences will widen into vast gaps, creating inequality as deep as a chasm."
Kojin paused, his expression turning more serious.
"If you feel that this inequality threatens the survival of your people or your own safety... Then it can only mean that this world itself is wrong."
Fisher Tiger was stunned. "The world is wrong?"
"If you realize it is wrong, then you should use your own methods to try to correct it."
"I, too, am working toward that."
Kojin sighed softly.
Topics like fairness and equality are unavoidable in any world or era. Throughout history, absolute equality has never truly been achieved. However, as long as balance is maintained, that alone is enough to bring happiness and joy to countless people.
"In my view, between humans... and between humans and other races... At the very least, there should be basic respect."
"Do not despise others for their weakness. Do not act arrogantly because of their low status. Do not mock others for having physical disabilities. Do not ridicule others for their unusual appearance. This is the most fundamental form of reverence and equality between one life and another. If this could truly be achieved, how could there still be slaves in the world?"
Kojin said with a sigh.
Fisher Tiger's words had made him think deeply, and he ended up saying quite a lot.
Perhaps it was just a beautiful dream.
Because this world was completely different from his previous life. Although there was injustice in that world too, life was generally free and respected.
There was darkness, but also beauty, forming a kind of balance.
Here, however, darkness had already surpassed beauty, revealing itself openly.
"Thank you for your guidance. I think I now know what I should do in the future." Fisher Tiger murmured. "Your words will have a tremendous impact on my future."
Kojin smiled lightly. "I'm glad I could help."
Beside them, Boa Hancock listened quietly to their conversation with wide eyes. When she looked at Kojin, her eyes carried admiration and reverence.
Although Kojin held a high position and possessed great strength, he still showed respect and treated everyone equally when facing them. One could say that he had explained the meaning of equality very clearly.
The next day, Nefertari Cobra arrived.
"Kojin, tomorrow is the day the Levely begins. We should go over the meeting agenda once more." This 'big brother' spoke in a serious tone.
The proposal that Kojin had presented a few days earlier had truly surprised him.
"We'll proceed according to the previous plan. You don't need to worry too much, Big Brother." Kojin smiled faintly, his eyes flickering.
The Levely held different significance for Cobra and for him.
His perception field spread out, almost covering the entirety of Mariejoa, but he soon noticed something that caused him to grow serious.
His usually reliable sensory observation had failed him.
He could only see and hear public areas. Deeper regions seemed to be enveloped by some mysterious force; even electromagnetic waves could not penetrate them.
"Pangaea Castle... the Room of Flowers!" Kojin murmured, his eyes flashing.
As Monkey D. Garp had said, the power within this Holy Land was extraordinary and not to be underestimated. Nevertheless, he felt no fear.
"It's just... when are they going to make their move?"
"Or rather, when are they going to invite me?"
A faint smile appeared on Kojin's face. At that moment, he was actually looking forward to it.
...
The scheduled day of the Levely soon arrived.
The Nefertari group... Cobra, Kojin, Igaram, and Eveya headed to the meeting hall.
The grand palace was magnificent beyond words. The seats were arranged densely, and the atmosphere in the conference hall was both imposing and solemn.
By the time they arrived, the hall was already full.
In an instant, countless eyes turned towards them.
"It's the Nefertari family!"
"One of the Twenty Kings who left the Holy Land!"
"Wait, could that tall man be...?"
"I've seen that guy in the newspapers; it's the legendary Marine, Kojin!"
"Is that guy actually a Celestial Dragon?!"
'...'
A wave of murmurs reached Kojin as he scanned the room.
Most of those present were nobles dressed in luxurious attire, while silent, stern guards stood around the hall.
Though somewhat noisy, the atmosphere was not chaotic.
"Those who can attend this meeting are basically kings, princesses, princes, and nobles from all over the world. We must not lose our composure." Cobra said in a low voice.
Kojin smiled lightly and nodded. "Big Brother, you can handle everything."
He had no intention of expressing his opinion here. For him, the real highlight might come during or after the meeting.
Soon, the hall was completely filled.
Of course, many representatives from other countries had yet to arrive.
"Then, let us begin this world conference!" An old man on the podium announced calmly. "All nobles and royal representatives present may now put forward their requests."
As his words spread, the hall fell silent.
Then, many began to murmur in surprise.
"Those five elders aren't coming?"
"That's not strange. They don't attend every time. Besides, nothing important is happening!"
"Let's begin!"
Discussions spread across the hall.
Kojin sat quietly with his legs crossed and his eyes closed. Cobra glanced at him, his expression turning slightly serious. One noble after another began to speak, occasionally submitting documents to the podium.
The scene resembled a United Nations meeting from Kojin's previous life: busy and urgent.
After a while, a figure dressed in black suddenly appeared beside Kojin.
"Kojin-sama, someone has invited you to speak elsewhere." The voice was low and filled with respect.
Kojin's eyes snapped open as he slowly stood up.
"Lead the way."
(End of Chapter)