One Piece: I am the Empress, and the more sycophants I have, the stronger I become.

The agreement was reached, and Shiki the Golden Lion didn't drag things out, or perhaps he was simply tired of staying on this sky island.

He swaggered off with Hancock and Robin back to Kuja's perfume cruise ship.

His demeanor was more like that of a king inspecting his new territory than a newly joined member.

He stepped onto the deck, his sharp lion eyes sweeping unceremoniously over the magnificent hull and the aloof female warrior.

And those two trembling figures in the corner.

"Tsk, Kuja's ship... it's quite unique, all flashy and gaudy."

Shiki commented, his tone neither praising nor disapproving.

His gaze eventually fell on Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine, who were trying to keep a low profile.

"Um?"

Shiki frowned, pointed at Mr. 5, and spoke with undisguised contempt.

"The Blast Fruit? Such great potential, and you've turned it into this? Using boogers as cannonballs? Even a random pawn under my command back in the day could use it better than you! You're a complete waste!"

Mr. 5 blushed and lowered his head even further, not daring to utter a single rebuttal.

Then, Shiki looked at Miss Valentine, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.

"The Float-Float Fruit? It can change one's own weight? That's an interesting little ability, but unfortunately... it doesn't seem to be used for anything worthwhile."

He stroked his chin, seemingly contemplating some possibilities of this ability.

Hancock's beautiful lips twitched slightly as she watched Shiki's judgmental and domineering manner.

This old guy... he seemed reluctant just now, but he's adapted quite quickly now?

Shiki seemed to read her mind and snorted.

"Since I've agreed, I'll naturally see what your ship is all about. But..."

He changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over the beautiful and uniquely styled Nine Serpent Warriors on the deck with a scrutinizing air.

"You Kuja... are said to be all women?"

Hancock immediately became alert, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly, her tone carrying a warning.

"First Mate Shiki, I must remind you, Kuja has its own rules. Everything is based on mutual consent. If anyone tries to force you... hmph."

She didn't finish speaking, but the chill emanating from her body said it all.

"Hehehe!"

Upon hearing this, Shiki burst into laughter and waved his hand.

"Don't worry, I'm not interested in coercion! If I, the Golden Lion, want women, I can have plenty of them throwing themselves at me with a snap of my fingers! I'm just checking out the surroundings."

He smiled meaningfully, "I know what I'm doing."

Hancock didn't bother to delve into the meaning behind his words. As long as he didn't cross her bottom line, she was happy to let the old man behave himself for the time being.

Looking down at the vast cluster of floating islands, she raised a practical question:

"Senior Shiki, do you perhaps intend to... simply control these enormous floating islands and brazenly follow my ship all the way back to the Land of Women?"

She imagined the scene.

The Kuja pirate ship sailed ahead, followed by several floating islands that blotted out the sky... It would be hard not to cause a sensation with such a spectacle!

"What? Is there a problem?"

Skeeter nonchalantly lit a new cigar, "I can go wherever I want!"

Hancock sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.

"This is a huge problem! What do you think the Marine Headquarters, especially Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Garp, will think when they see you, Shiki the Golden Lion, showing up near the Calm Belt with such a large entourage? Will they think... you're preparing to attack Marineford to avenge your previous defeat?"

Upon hearing the names "Sengoku" and "Garp," Shiki's fingers, which were holding a cigar, paused almost imperceptibly.

He forced himself to maintain his composure and shouted arrogantly.

"Hmph! Sengoku? Garp? Those two old geezers! Do you think I'm afraid of them?! If it weren't for..."

He was speaking when he seemed to recall some unpleasant memories, and his voice unconsciously lowered.

I felt incredibly miserable.

That's right. He might not have been afraid when he was at his peak, but now he's not in good shape and has a "weakness" to his name.

Now they've been reduced to fighting back and forth with this little girl.

If one were to face both Sengoku and Garp at the same time, the consequences would be unimaginable.

When he escaped from Impel Down, he tried his best to avoid the main naval force.

"Cough cough..."

Shiki coughed awkwardly twice and changed the subject.

"Then what do you suggest we do? I can't just leave these islands here, can I? They represent years of my hard work!"

Hancock had already devised a plan.

"Simple. Senior, you can temporarily keep the Sky Islands in a relatively secluded area nearby, or let them float high in the clouds, avoiding regular shipping routes. You can then return to Kuja with me by ship. Once settled, we can discuss further. This way, we can avoid alerting them and also allow you to... observe the current situation at sea in secret. Wouldn't that be better?"

Shiki stroked his chin and pondered for a moment. Although he felt a little frustrated, he had to admit that this was the safest solution at the moment.

He snorted, which was taken as tacit agreement.

"Then it's settled."

Hancock nodded in satisfaction and ordered the ships to set sail and return to Kuja.