Between Two Worlds: Nen and Haki

Rusukaina is an island with incredibly extreme seasonal shifts.

Within a single year, the island undergoes a full forty-eight seasonal changes.

A prosperous human civilization had even flourished here once upon a time.

However, they eventually found themselves unable to contend with the island's extreme seasonal volatility and the ecosystem of ferocious beasts, ultimately forcing them to migrate.

"Oho, it seems the locals aren't exactly rolling out the red carpet for us."

"They're this fierce? Hehe, now I'm even more interested!"

"Don't get cocky. The Captain said many of the beasts here are close to the level of the Warlords. They aren't comparable to the creatures on the monster islands we've dealt with in the past."

The ships sliced through the waves.

Hearing the waves of roars echoing from the island ahead, the members of the Hunting Team on the two warships gazed forward intently.

Some were curious, some were brimming with fighting spirit, and others were wary and on guard.

On the journey there, Zane had already briefed the members of the Hunting Team on the general situation of Rusukaina.

He had also informed them that they would be training here for at least half a year.

"Not bad!"

On the deck, Zane looked upon Rusukaina with a satisfied expression.

The beasts here were indeed extraordinary.

Based on the various presences his Observation Haki picked up, many were even superior to Manlong.

With so many whetstones available...

The strength of Manlong and the others would surely improve by leaps and bounds.

Once this island was completely conquered...

While he wouldn't go so far as to say they would immediately reach the level of a Four Emperors force like the Whitebeard Pirates, they would certainly be close.

They docked and began the landing.

Although the island's beasts roared in warning, they clearly failed to intimidate the members of the Hunting Team.

To prevent the warships from being damaged by the Sea Kings of the Calm Belt...

Once everyone was off the ships and all the supplies had been unloaded, Zane directly stored the three warships into his Munch-Munch Space.

Leading the way personally...

Zane led the Hunting Team into the island's dense forest.

Naturally, they were subjected to a constant barrage of beast attacks along the way.

But these beasts had clearly picked the wrong time to strike.

With Zane overseeing the group, the luckier beasts were merely sent scurrying by his Conqueror's Haki; the unlucky ones were sent flying by a single punch.

"We're here!"

Arriving at an area filled with giant trees that looked like massive radishes, Zane stopped and turned to the Hunting Team members behind him.

"This is the only safe zone on the island. From now on, use this place as your base and begin your respective training!" Zane instructed.

Rusukaina was the training ground he had prepared for the Hunting Team, but it was not for him.

While the beasts on the island were excellent prey, Zane had other matters to attend to.

After settling the group's training arrangements, Zane did not linger and soon left Rusukaina alone.

Creak!!

Amazon Lily Harbor.

The sound of a door opening rang out abruptly.

A second later, Zane stepped out from the spatial portal.

"Who goes there!!!"

Amazon Lily, also known as the Island of Women, was home to a large population despite being located deep within the Calm Belt.

Similarly, there were quite a few people stationed at the harbor.

The moment Zane emerged from the space door, the nearby residents of Amazon Lily noticed the anomaly. Though caught in a state of alarm, they reacted with high alert and immediately surrounded him.

Although Amazon Lily was inhabited entirely by women...

The women of this island were no fragile maidens; on the contrary, they were a renowned warrior race.

Whether young children or white-haired elders...

Every Kuja woman was a warrior, and they viewed strength as the ultimate form of beauty.

The residents currently at the harbor were a perfect testament to this.

Facing such a sudden situation, they showed no panic; instead, they immediately entered a combat stance.

Soon, however, several of the older Kuja residents surrounding Zane took on peculiar expressions.

"A man?"

"How can there be a man on the island?"

"A man? This is what a man looks like?!"

As a handsome and masculine individual...

Zane's male features were very distinct.

Once the older women identified Zane's gender, they all displayed looks of astonishment.

The younger ones, who had never been to sea to see the world, heard the exclamations and began to scrutinize Zane with intense curiosity.

"No need to be nervous. My name is Zane, and I've come specifically to visit your Empress. I've sent word ahead of time, so if you send someone to pass the message, everything will be cleared up."

Zane stood with his hands in his pockets, glancing at the Kuja women surrounding him as he introduced himself with a slight smile.

He hadn't come to Amazon Lily to fight, but rather to personally notify them about the Hunting Team's training on the nearby island of Rusukaina.

The two islands were very close.

If he didn't give them a heads-up, it might eventually lead to a conflict.

Before arriving, he had even contacted Shakky to ensure the message reached Hancock.

This was the reason he had arrived so openly at the harbor.

"Man, stay right where you are. We'll decide what to do once we've verified your story!"

The Kuja women, who had been on high alert, exchanged looks after hearing Zane's introduction.

One of the older women gave Zane a warning glance before turning and heading toward the palace.

'Quite the arrogance. Even with Shakky's introduction, do they still intend to give me the cold shoulder?'

Although Zane was at the harbor, his Observation Haki had already perceived the situation across the entire island.

As he sensed the conditions and voices within the Kuja Palace, he narrowed his eyes slightly.

The messenger did not take long to return to the harbor.

In fact, she brought several others back with her.

The two leading the group were exceptionally tall, both standing over four meters in height.

One had green hair, while the other had orange.

These two were the second and third of the Boa sisters: Sandersonia and Marigold.

"Mr. Zane, welcome to Amazon Lily. Our sister has already prepared a banquet in the palace. Please, follow us!"

Sandersonia and Marigold approached and acted very politely, introducing themselves before extending the invitation to Zane.

Zane looked at the two sisters.

Seeing their attitude, he knew immediately that they were likely aware of the internal situation.

It made sense.

Sandersonia and Marigold had also escaped from Mary Geoise and had been escorted back to Amazon Lily by Rayleigh and Shakky.

Neither Shakky nor Hancock had any reason to hide the fact that Zane had killed a large number of Celestial Dragons from them.

"Fine, lead the way."

Zane nodded slightly and followed Sandersonia and Marigold toward the palace.

They passed through multiple layers of guards.

Led by Sandersonia and Marigold, Zane successfully entered the palace and finally arrived inside one of the halls.

Creak!

Sandersonia and Marigold pushed the large doors open.

Zane stepped inside.

The scene within the hall immediately greeted his eyes.

Just as Sandersonia and Marigold had mentioned earlier...

As proud as Hancock was, she had indeed prepared a rather grand banquet.

Inside the hall, various delicacies were laid out across several dining tables.

At the head of the room sat Hancock, her tall figure draped in a crimson cheongsam as she rested casually atop her coiled pet snake.

In addition, the elites of the Kuja Pirates, such as Rindo, Ran, and Daisy, were lined up along the sides.