Between Two Worlds: Nen and Haki

Staring out at the night sky beyond the hallway, Elder Nyon turned to face Zane.

"What are your thoughts on Hancock, Mr. Zane? And... I mean in terms of a man and a woman," Elder Nyon asked quite bluntly.

Zane smiled and replied, "Of course I like Hancock."

He definitely liked her.

Whether it was her beauty or her strength, Hancock perfectly suited his tastes.

Especially that haughty exterior she showed the world versus her bashful nature behind closed doors—it made his heart race with anticipation.

"That's good to hear. To tell you the truth, we women of the Kuja—especially the empresses of each generation—are under a sort of curse. If we fall in love and those feelings aren't reciprocated, we fall ill with a disease called Lovesickness..."

Zane's answer allowed Elder Nyon to breathe a sigh of relief.

Even though Hancock had seemed energetic just a moment ago.

But as someone who had been through it, she could easily see it was only because she was currently with the person she loved.

In other words, if she were separated from him, the Lovesickness would flare up.

Now that she knew Zane felt the same way about Hancock, Elder Nyon saw this as the absolute best outcome.

Once her mind was at ease, she continued to explain the details of the condition.

"I see. Then Hancock and I are on the same page," Zane remarked with a smile after she finished.

"Indeed. That girl is lucky. Back in my day, I... ahem, never mind that. Since you both have feelings for each other, you should go and confess to her. That's the only way to cure her Lovesickness."

Elder Nyon, who was about to reminisce, suddenly remembered her own failed romantic pursuits and quickly steered the conversation back to the matter at hand.

"No problem!"

Zane readily accepted Elder Nyon's suggestion.

He returned to the palace.

Without Zane needing to say a word, Elder Nyon proactively ushered Sandersonia and Marigold out of the palace, even thoughtfully closing the doors behind them to grant Zane some privacy.

"What did that old—I mean, what did Elder Nyon talk to you about?" Having been apart for only a short while, Hancock's face was already flushed with a rising heat.

But as Zane sat back down on the edge of the bed, Hancock immediately perked up and leaned in close, clinging to his arm.

"We talked about your future," Zane said with a playful grin.

Now that everyone else was gone, he didn't need to act like a perfect gentleman anymore.

The fire she had kindled in him earlier hadn't died down; instead, it was burning hotter than ever.

As he spoke, Zane gave her a firm tug. Caught off guard, Hancock let out a soft cry and tumbled straight into his arms.

Her long, jade-like legs parted as she found herself straddling his lap.

Her light silk skirt billowed out like a blooming flower, draping over their legs.

They sat face to face.

Hancock instinctively rested her arms on Zane's shoulders and looked up, meeting his gaze from inches away.

"Zane..."

At such close proximity, their breaths mingled. Meeting Zane's eyes, Hancock felt her temperature soar, her eyes growing misty and her body turning weak and trembling.

She whispered his name unconsciously.

Zane leaned forward slightly and boldly pecked her moist, red lips.

The sensation on her lips sent a shiver through her. Her watery eyes widened in disbelief, followed by a surge of indescribable joy.

"Hancock, I like you very much. Would you be willing to be with—"

"I am willing!"

Looking at the beauty in his arms, Zane began to express his feelings with a smile. But before he could finish, an excited Hancock took the initiative and silenced him with her own lips.

Having reached his limit long ago, Zane surged with strength, rolling over to pin the most beautiful woman in the world beneath him on the bed.

"Mmm..."

"Be good, let me get a good look. Wow, Hancock, it looks like our future children won't be lacking for any nutrition."

"Ngh... Mr. Zane!"

"Heh, that's nothing. The real show is just beginning!"

The next day.

The royal palace baths.

As was customary, whenever the Empress bathed, the entire palace was placed under strict lockdown, with no one permitted to enter or leave.

The entrance to the baths was especially secure, guarded personally by her two sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold.

But today was different.

Inside the baths, the Empress of Amazon Lily was not alone; another figure was present.

"Mr. Zane, is my back... very hideous?"

Standing by the edge of the bath, her voice trembling, Hancock let her robe slip down to her elbows, exposing her entire back as she lowered her head in shame.

The steam in the bathhouse swirled around them.

Standing behind her, Zane reached out to touch her back, specifically the Hoof of the Soaring Dragon branded in the center.

The scene was a culmination of their bond.

Zane and Hancock had come to the baths.

It wasn't just to wash away the traces of their long night together; it was also Hancock's way of revealing her scars and vulnerabilities to Zane after having completely given him her heart and body.

As she felt his touch on her back, Hancock's heart was filled with anxiety and fear.

She was terrified that the mark on her back would make Zane despise her.

"How could it? It wasn't your fault. Besides, haven't you already given me the best proof?"

Feeling the tremors under his palm, Zane stepped forward and embraced her from behind, pressing his chest against her back to provide warmth and comfort.

His words made her heart skip a beat, and her fear was instantly replaced by joy.

It was wonderful.

Mr. Zane didn't hate her at all.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Hancock turned around and offered him a passionate kiss.

Though they had spent much of the night together, Zane could never get enough of Hancock's allure.

As they kissed, he pressed forward, forcing Hancock to arch back slightly.

"Hancock, I like you very much. My chief ship doctor is an excellent physician. I'll have him look at you later. He might be able to remove the brand on your back."

"...Yes, Mr. Zane... whatever you arrange. As long as it's... your wish, I'm willing to do anything..."

The edge of the bath was unknowingly splashed with water, which soaked the floor for a long time before finally draining away.

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