Hancock cannot believe it. After fighting off 15 Marine ships she thought Navi HQ got the message not to mess with the Kuja Pirates. But apparently the Manthings in charge are even dumber than she thought possible. Which was impressive since she already thought them to be absolute imbeciles. But their informants were notifying them that 12 more are already on their way to Amazon Lily.

"I do not think that we will be able to fight them off this time, Snake Princess-nyo." said Elder Nyon, as if that wasn't obvious. The Kuja Pirates are beautiful, powerful and proud beings. But no matter how prideful they are Hancock cannot deny that some of her best warriors are hurt and most are exhausted.

"You do not have to tell me, I already know!" hissed Hancock. She bit her nail thinking about their next move, thinking what she could do. She refuses to give up, Hancock will never let herself or her sisters get captured. She would rather die than be chained up again.

"Snake Princess-" started Elder Nyon again but Hancock interrupted.

"I am trying to think so if you would leave me be." Hancock was running up and down on her bedroom, browns deep in thought not sparing a glance at Elder Nyon who was standing on her staff or at her sisters.

Marigold was lying on Hancock's bed, her shoulder bandaged up. Sandersonia was sitting next to her brushing hair out of her eyes, locking at Mari with worried eyes with Salome lying around them. A Navi Vice Captain came at her out of nowhere and shot finger guns at her. Mari was fast enough to swerve to the side as to not get hit on the chest but the shot hit her on the shoulder and hit her on her cuff tendon before Sonia hit him with her tail. Mari can't use her left arm anymore and a fever has started to kick in.

After hesitating for a bit Sandersonia looked over and asked "...Granny Nyon do you have an idea? Something that could help us out of this situation?"

"Actually, I do have an idea-nyo," Elder Nyon said confidentially gaining Hancock's attention, "but it requires us to give up Amazon Lily."

Hancock was probably gaping which was unsightly for an Empress but she was stunned, speechless. But then she got angry because How dare she- "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND! How can you suggest we give up our kingdom, our HOME! Amazon Lily belongs to the Kuja's, to us! To give it up would be the Kuja's greatest humiliation. I will not let it fall in to the Navi's hand!"

"SO WILL YOU LET US LOSE OUR LIVES OVER IT!" shouted Elder Nyon back. Hancock reared back, not having expecting her to shout but grew angry again and opened her mouth to talk but Elder Nyon wasn't finished.

"WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THE ISLAND OR OUR PEOPLE! Snake Princess you are the Empress you make the decisions but is your pride really so important that you would let your people suffer for it?! Staying would mean we are trapped here! Our best Warriors are out of the game, Marigold is hurt and you would rather damn your people than let your pride be take a beating." finished Elder Nyon.

Hancock was trembling, she was fuming, so furious she couldn't open her mouth because Elder Nyon was right but how dare she speak to her in that tone. And what could she do anyway. They could leave Amazon Lily but they would be stranded in the middle of the ocean with no other shelter, no sanctuary. They could stay at Rusukaina, the Island Luffy trained with Rayleigh for two years, for maybe a few days but it was dangerous for her people there and it would be too near to Amazon Lily, the Navi would find them immediately. Hancock had no other allies who could help them not to speak take them in and staying on her ship never stopping wasn't an option. She has too many people to have them all living long term on the ship and most of them wasn't used to the ship. She couldn't do that to them. So yeah, what else can she be but furious at Elder Nyon, at the Navi and at the situation.

"Sister..." croaked Marigold out.

"Mair!" called Sandersonia, "lay down, don't try to get up."

Anger momentarily forgotten Hancock rushed over kneeling besides her sister, "Mari you should rest. You have got a fever."

"Sister I think- I think you should hear Granny Nyon at least out." panted Mari, "just please hear her out. Maybe her solution is the only one that may work."

Hancock felt irritated at the suggestion but sighed after a few second. What other choice did she have, she had no idea of her own except being out on the ocean on their own or die protecting Amazon Lily.

"Fine." said Hancock sharply, "let's hear that suggestion of yours."

Elder Nyon sighed, tension leaving her shoulders. "Thank you, Snake Princess. I am sure that this is the best solution."

"Just say it already." was the irritated reply.

Elder Nyon looked at Hancock but she wasn't looking back. "Do you remember the News Papers that arrived yesterday?"

With interest Hancock looked back at Elder Nyon, "the one about Luffy?"

Nodding she replied, "the one that stated Luffy's victory against Kaido."

Perplexed Hancock answered " Of course I remember that. Luffy gave Kaido over to the Navi. They announced Luffy as the fourth and new Emperor and that the Beasts Pirates disbanded."

Hancock was trembling again but this time it was clearly with adoration and pride. After getting the news Hancock did after all spent the whole day shrieking and gushing about it to everyone she was comfortable showing that side of hers to. Sandersonia and Marigold had to endure her the whole day rolling around on her bed squealing and giggling like a mad girl in love. Which she technically is.

"But what does that have anything to do with this?" asked Hancock after remembering the dire situation they were in.

Glad that she is back from La La Land, Elder Nyon cleared her throat and started, "After defeating Kaido I am sure that Luffy-kun will make Wano Country as his territory and since the Beasts Pirates are now gone there must be enough place for our people to live there. Now that you are nyot a Warlord anymore you can officially form an alliance with Luffy-kun and we can stay in Wano to assure protection so to speak. I doubt the Navi will go after you if you are under an Emperor's protection."

Hancock looked off into the distance Luffy would form an alliance with us if I were to ask, and if the citizens of Wano are grateful or indebted to Luffy then they would probably not mind my crew there as long there as we do not interfere with their life's and I could see Luffy again and I form an alliance with him and then we would be known as future Pirate King and Empress and everyone would know that Luffy was mine and then we will marry and have children and-"

"SNAKE PRINCESS PLEASE THIS IS URGENT!" screamed Elder Nyon while Sandersonia and Marigold awkwardly laughed, yeah that's their sister alright.

Hancock shook her head trying to focus and cleared her throat a little. "This idea of yours Elder Nyon is not a bad one. We would have an Island to live in as long as we wish for and protection. The Navy would not dare to attack us if they do not want to trigger a war." Thinking it all over again Hancock nodded to herself. Yes, this is the best solution for now

Elder Nyon just looked relieved that the Hancock agreed. No matter what they would decide for they had to decide for it quickly since time was running short and this was the only decision that would shed no blood. If they were quick enough.

"So, it is this path that we will take-nyo?" she asked even though she knew the answer.

Hancock grimaced and nodded "yes we will do it this way. Call for Enishida! Tell her to gather all the citizens be they Warriors or civilians at the banquet hall immediately! I will tell them about our decision there."

Elder Nyon bowed "Yes Snake Princess", she said jumping off of her staff and walking out of Hancock's room. Hancock sighed looking back at her sister's. Mari was asleep, apparently not able to keep herself awake for more than five minutes, Hancock felt a little bad since they had to wake her up soon if they wanted to escape. Sandersonia was looking at Hancock a little concerned.

"Are you truly alright with this decision Sister?" she asked.

Hancock sighed "what else can there be done. Staying here would mean death or imprisonment and we both know what we would prefer. And nonetheless I am an Empress and I have a duty to my people. I will not let them die because of my pride. But I will not let the Navi keep this victory. With Luffy's help we will take back Amazon Lily, no matter how long it takes. This is our home after all. " she finished with conviction.

Sandersonia looked at her seriously for a few seconds as if she wanted to say something but wasn't sure if it was called for. Hancock waited for a bit to see if she would speak and she did not disappoint.

"I do not wish to insult you sister but, the person you were two years ago would have cared more for her pride than her people."

Hancock looked up a bit shocked but did not interrupt. Sensing Hancock's curiosity Sonia continued, "You have changed Sister. Maybe you did not notice but Marie, Granny Nyon and I noticed. Ever since you met Luffy.

"I- I do not know how to explain it but you are kinder... softer. You opened your heart for Luffy but I believe that you let in more than just him. You are letting your guard down, letting more people in… you are behaving like a real Empress now. And I cannot thank Luffy for this enough."

Hancock looked down thinking about it. It is true that she is letting her guard down, something she was terrified to do for so long. Maybe Luffy did change her, she still hated men and despises the Government but the thought of letting her people see her back wasn't that terrifying anymore.

She would never tell them about it if she can help it but knowing that no matter what, if her people were to find out or not, no matter if her people would turn out to resent her for it or think her unfit to be their Empress anymore or not, no matter what, Luffy would never judge her, judge them. Luffy would be her save haven, would be there for her no matter what. And that thought alone makes her ten time stronger, ten times kinder, ten times softer. For her people at least.

"Fufufu." Hancock laughed smiling softly, looking up to make eye contact with Sandersonia. "Maybe you are right, maybe he did change me. But I would not have it another way."

Sonia smiled back, also a soft thing. "I can only agree,"

Both sisters smiled at each other taking comfort in the soft atmosphere for a bit before Hancock got up.

"Stay here with Mari while I announce the news to our people. It will probably take some time before we are ready to depart. If you wish to see your quarters or anything else for the last time, you have time to do so. Give Mari the same opportunity but let her rest some more. I will be busy with preparations."

"Yes Sister." answered Sonia.

Hancock smiled at her again.

"Come Salome." called Hancock turning on her heels to walk out of her room. Salome followed close behind the doors closing behind them.

Walking through the halls of her castle Hancock noticed how quiet it was. Everyone was probably already gathered at the banquet hall. Widening her strides, she soon arrived the entrance. She could hear a lot of hushed talking, some even loudly claiming that they will die to protect their island. Head held high and shoulder proud she entered the hall. All at once the voices stopped and only Hancock's high heels were making noises walking down to the slightly raised platform were normally she, her sisters and Elder Nyon ate. Standing there were Enishida and Elder Nyon both waiting for her.

"Enishida", started Hancock "how long until the Navi ships arrive?"

"Oh- Um around 14 hours Snake Princess." she replied flustered.

Hancock nodded in thank and turned around to face her people, Salome curling up behind her head high. It was packed full, her girls all sitting tight together to make room for everyone. Hancock held her chin high but not so that she was looking down on them and looked at as many as she in the eyes while she announced with a loud voice.

"We will be leave Amazon Lily. It is not safe here for us anymore."

Although she expected it, it was still a bit surreal to see so many people protest her words.

"Snake Princess what do you mean with that?"

"We can't just leave here Snake Princess!"

"Are you saying that we abandon Amazon Lily Snake Princess?!"

Warriors and citizens alike are all protesting about leaving Amazon Lily, talking over each other but one particular comment irritated Hancock.

"Are you running away Snake Princess?!"

But before Hancock could do more than open her mouth another voice cut in.

"She is NOT running away!" everyone got silent and Hancock looked over to where she heard the voice coming from.

Margaret was half sitting half kneeling as she repeated "the Snake Princess is not running away. Don't you see how bad the situation for us is?" Without giving her a chance to answer she continued.

"Our best Warriors are injured and the rest of us are tired, how are we supposed to protect ourselves this way! More Navi ships are coming and we are backed up against a corner. The only way out of this is by giving up Amazon Lily! We may not have won but they would not win either since their main target is the Snake Princess. Or are you saying we should give up our Princess to keep Amazon Lily?!" Margaret almost shouted. "Can't you see she is doing this for us? For her people?! The Snake Princess would never suffer such a humiliation if there wasn't something she would give it up on!"

"N- No! I never said that!" that same voice cried out probably for the comment about giving up their Princess.

Hancock sighed loudly gathering everyone attention, secretly feeling pleased, "thank you Margaret for your faith in me." Hancock smiled at Margaret who blushed and averted her gaze. Hancock gazed back up and around. "But Margaret is right. There is no other choice. In 14 hours at least 12 Navi ships will arrive here at Amazon Lily. Our only options are to die protecting Amazon Lily while the rest will be imprisoned or leaving here for the time being."

Some girls started talking again murmuring about their opinions and Hancock's comment about leaving only for some time. Some wondering where they could even stay.

Hancock continued "Right now we have decided to go to the New World."

More murmuring. Normally Hancock would despise the disrespect but this is a fragile situation and she is asking for an entire populace to leave their home.

"As some of you may already know Luffy defeated Kaido the day before yesterday and was announced the title of an Emperor. We are positive that Luffy will make Wano Country his turf and with the Beasts Pirates disbanded we are expecting them to flee from Wano, which gives plenty of room for us. I will ask Luffy to officially form an alliance with the Kuja Pirates which will make the Navi think twice about touching us. There we can stay as long as we want, far away from Navi HQ and protected by an Emperor."

While speaking her girls got quieter with now no one speaking. All her people were deep in thought thinking that idea over and over.

"I am not saying that we are giving up Amazon Lily for eternity. We are just retreating for the time being. After getting our strength back and with allies on our side one day we will take back Amazon Lily, no matter what. This is the best solution we came up with and if any of you truly believe to have a better idea then come forth." Hancock finished confidently. It was good to see everyone was thinking about it, so they could see there truly was no better way.

"I think that's a great idea" started Margaret which was to be expected since she likes Luffy.

"I too believe this is the best solution." continued Kikyou which was good since she does not particularly like Luffy and everyone knows that, so her response was not biased. After that more started speaking up for this plan happy to know Amazon Lily was not lost to them forever and agreeing with it and soon everyone was on board.

Smiling Hancock threw one of her arms up and loudly proclaimed "Since we are in agreement, it is time to start packing! Everyone! Only pack the necessities and important things! This will be a very uncomfortable ride since we are taking all of us at once! I promise you all one day we will come back here but for now this will be our last time in this island for some time! Now Go! We have to leave soon!"

At her announcement everyone sprang up and left quickly to their houses, only leaving Hancock, Elder Nyon and Enishida in the banquet hall. Hancock turned to Enishida, "As soon as you are done packing your things gather help to pack proviant. Mostly fresh Water since we can always hunt Sea monsters if food is getting low."

"Yes, Snake Princess" Enishida bowed and left in a hurry. Leaving Hancock and Elder Nyon back.

Hancock sighed. "Tired?" asked Elder Nyon.

"Exhausted." answered Hancock already on the move to prepare her own things. She wanted to sleep. After fighting and destroying 8 of the Navi ships and now this, she deserved a nap. An 8 hour long nap. But she has things to do and they cannot wait. On her way to through the banquet hall Elder Nyon called out, "You are a good Empress."

Hancock turned around looking at Elder Nyon with calculating eyes while Nyon smiled at her. She turned back around and huffed, continuing walking to the entrance saying over shoulder. "You do not have to tell me that. I already know."