Chapter 165 Conqueror's Clash
Boom!!!
Zane stepped into the palace.
As he observed Hancock and her companions, the members of the Kuja Pirates also focused their attention on him immediately.
Setting the others aside...
Hancock.
As she looked at Zane, her beautiful eyes instantly narrowed.
A surging wave of Conqueror's Haki erupted, accurately sweeping toward Zane.
Zane raised an eyebrow.
*Trying to establish dominance?*
*Or just testing me?*
Regardless of the reason, if he didn't give some kind of response, he would surely be looked down upon.
BOOM!!!
Facing Hancock's sudden Conqueror's Haki, Zane pressed back without mercy.
Crackle, crackle...
Black lightning flickered in the void.
Two energy-field-like Conqueror's Hakis clashed violently within the palace.
The floor and surrounding walls began to crack, unable to withstand the physical manifestation.
After only a brief exchange, the difference in power was immediately apparent.
Zane's Conqueror's Haki forcefully suppressed Hancock's, causing her long, ink-black hair to flutter backward.
Thud, thud...
Zane's Conqueror's Haki was incomparably strong.
Not only did it easily overpower Hancock's Haki, but it also expanded wildly and unrestrainedly.
The elites of the Kuja Pirates in the room could not endure it, and one by one, they fell unconscious.
'The same Conqueror's Haki as Sister? No, his Haki is even stronger than hers.'
'...He actually knocked out Rindo and the others using only Conqueror's Haki. With such terrifying power, it's no wonder this man dared to do those things.'
Because they were opening the doors, Sandersonia and Marigold, who were behind Zane, were spared from the direct impact of his Conqueror's Haki.
However, sensing the outcome with their Observation Haki and seeing elites like Rindo faint, both women were filled with shock.
Her long hair fluttered.
Despite the overwhelming display, Hancock's flawless, beautiful face showed no sign of resentment.
On the contrary, as her own Conqueror's Haki was being crushed, her eyes actually brightened.
Truly.
Shakky was telling the truth.
A man like this indeed possessed the character to slaughter those disgusting wretches.
Beneath her seemingly calm facade, Hancock's heart was racing with excitement.
Ever since she heard that someone had raised a blade against the Celestial Dragons, she had been unable to sleep.
There was excitement, but more so, disbelief.
Whether from her childhood experiences or the information she had gathered later...
Every piece of information Hancock had ever encountered indicated that the Celestial Dragons were untouchable beings.
Let alone killing them, even slightly offending them would bring down a cataclysmic punishment.
Over time, Hancock's original rebellious heart had gradually gone silent. Her childhood experiences had become a nightmare that she could never truly escape.
It was because of this suppressed heart.
That even after receiving Shakky's message regarding Zane's massacre of the Celestial Dragons, she couldn't fully believe it.
For this reason...
Even though she received Shakky's message, she intentionally refrained from going to the port to welcome him. Furthermore, she used her Conqueror's Haki to try and intimidate him upon their meeting.
All of this was to test whether the man named Zane truly possessed the resolve to have slaughtered the Celestial Dragons.
Now, the results of the test were clear.
That overwhelming Conqueror's Haki was the ultimate proof.
How could a man with such a spirit ever collaborate with Shakky to deceive her?
Collecting her emotions, Hancock withdrew her shattered Conqueror's Haki.
Seeing this, Zane calmly dispelled his own Haki as well.
"Sandersonia, Marigold, have someone take Rindo and the others out. I wish to speak with Mr. Zane alone."
Seemingly nonchalantly brushing back her slightly ruffled hair, Hancock's gaze lingered briefly on Zane's face before she issued commands to her sisters with authority.
"Yes, Sister!"
Sandersonia and Marigold were very obedient to their sister.
Hearing the command, they snapped out of their shock and immediately summoned guards to carry away the unconscious Kuja elites.
The doors were soon closed again.
Only Zane and Hancock remained in the palace.
Zane hadn't spoken since the beginning, simply looking at her calmly.
He had to admit, Hancock's appearance and figure were indeed the most perfect he had ever seen.
Especially her charm.
He wondered if it was a boost from the Love-Love Fruit, but her allure was simply frightening.
Even as a normal man, Zane found it difficult to resist. If he wasn't careful, his mind could easily be captivated.
Fortunately, Zane's reactions were swift.
Whenever he detected something unusual, he would flood his body with an excess of Haki to counteract the influence of her ability.
"Mr. Zane, please, let us sit and talk."
"Sure."
With the others gone, Hancock rose from her seat—formed by her pet snake—and walked over with an elegant stride.
Though she seemed slightly reserved, Hancock still took the initiative to lead Zane to a seat that had already been prepared.
The seat was right next to her own.
Zane didn't stand on ceremony and sat down casually.
"Empress—" Zane began to speak, but Hancock shook her head to stop him.
"Just call me Hancock," she said sincerely.
Whether it was Zane's act of killing the Celestial Dragons or Shakky's introduction, Hancock clearly held Zane in very high regard.
It was no exaggeration to say she saw him in a different light.
"Alright, I'll call you Hancock then. As for my visit, it's because my subordinates are training on Rusukaina..."
Since she was taking the initiative to bridge the gap, Zane naturally wouldn't refuse. After changing his way of addressing her, he continued where he left off.
He was, of course, referring to the Hunting Team training on the nearby island of Rusukaina and his hope that Hancock could look out for them.
To this, Hancock immediately stated there would be no problem.
She even took the initiative to describe the conditions on Rusukaina for Zane.
Being neighbors to Rusukaina, the people of Amazon Lily were naturally very familiar with it.
They went back and forth.
The two, having just met, quickly became acquainted.
Until finally...
"Mr. Zane, would you mind having a bit of a spar with me?"
During their conversation, they had sampled a good amount of fine food and wine.
With the alcohol in her system, Hancock's face became even more radiant. Carrying a hint of tipsiness, she actively issued a challenge to Zane.
As a warrior race...
In the hearts of the Kuja women, there was no better form of communication than battle.
Even Hancock was no exception to this.
Having had such an enjoyable conversation, she couldn't help but want to get to know Zane better through combat.
"Sure thing."
Seeing her high spirits, Zane thought about it and agreed.
A spar wouldn't hurt.
It was a good chance to see exactly what her level of strength was.
On Amazon Lily, where strength was beauty...
The royal palace was certainly not lacking in dedicated training grounds.
Once Zane agreed, the banquet concluded, and Hancock soon led him to an open training field.
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