One Piece - Heaven Defying Comprehension!

"Flame Emperor?!"

"The very Flame Emperor who led the war and defeated Naval Headquarters?!"

The citizens of Amazon Lily stared at Ace in shock and fear.

The infamous Flame Emperor Incident, led by the Flame Emperor, had spread across the world, even reaching the far-off shores of Amazon Lily through the broadcasts of the Transponder Snail. Despite the Calm Belt's natural isolation and limited communication, the island had received the signal. 

The entire nation had witnessed the battle that shook the world.

During the Flame Emperor Incident, the Naval Headquarters—one of the strongest forces among the three great powers of the sea—had brought the newly developed seastone-outfitted ships. These ships negated the natural defenses of the Calm Belt, making Amazon Lily vulnerable to Marine invasion.

But that formidable force—the Naval Headquarters—had fallen in a stunning defeat at the hands of the Flame Emperor, a defeat witnessed by the entire world. It was as though Flame Emperor had brought the mighty Naval Headquarters to its knees in plain sight of the global stage.

Not only had Ace, the Flame Emperor, defeated Admiral Akainu, but he had also bested Marine Fleet Admiral Sengoku in a strategic battle. With nothing but his own power, Entei had single-handedly brought down two of Marine's strongest leaders.

He had even executed three world nobles—the Celestial Dragons—and, in an act of unprecedented defiance, crushed the heads of the Five Elders, the highest-ranking authorities in the world.

This man was truly the pinnacle of strength on the seas, someone who could easily destroy the entire Amazon Lily if he so wished.

The citizens of Amazon Lily struggled to reconcile the terrifying legend of the Flame Emperor with the gentle young man standing before them, smiling warmly. 

Could this really be the same man who had faced down the full might of the Naval Headquarters and won?

In fact, Ace's current demeanor and appearance were vastly different from how he had looked during the live broadcast of the Flame Emperor Incident. Back then, his overwhelming Conqueror Haki had made him seem untouchable. Even the mere broadcast signal had conveyed the fierceness in his eyes, striking fear into those who watched.

When Ace revealed his demon-god-like form, it had shocked and awed the entire world.

But now, the same man—smiling kindly and greeting the citizens—seemed gentle, approachable, and even kind-hearted.

It wasn't until the citizens caught sight of the pirate flag fluttering in the wind—a flag that could shake the entire sea—that they realized who they were really looking at. 

This young man, with his handsome and mild-mannered appearance, was none other than the man who stood at the top of the sea—Flame Emperor.

"Ace is so gentle. Is it because of me?" Hancock thought, blushing as she covered her reddening face with her hands. "He must be leaving such a warm impression on these people because you plan to marry me!"

"Hancock, Ace didn't say anything like that!" Gloriosa exclaimed, exasperated as she covered her forehead, watching Hancock completely lost in her own romantic fantasies.

"Well, well, Granny Nyon, isn't it good that Sister's lovesickness has eased a little?" Sandersonia, with her green hair swaying, smiled as she spoke.

"Her lovesickness is far more intense than mine ever was," Gloriosa replied with a sigh, though there was a glimmer of joy in her eyes as she looked at Hancock. "But…"

She trailed off, grateful for one thing—Hancock had fallen in love with Ace, the Flame Emperor.

The power of the Flame Emperor was enough to clear away any obstacles that might stand in Hancock's way as she pursued her love for him. Even the seastone-outfitted ships invented by the Naval Headquarters—those ships that had once posed a threat to the Calm Belt—would be no match for Ace's might.

With Ace's current reputation, even the title of the Seven Warlords of the Sea paled in comparison. He was a man feared across the seas, a man who had defeated the Naval Headquarters head-on, and a man who had openly executed three Celestial Dragons.

There was no one—no force in the entire world—who would dare to provoke him.

By this point, Gloriosa had already come to understand the future path of Amazon Lily. 

It would join under the command of the Flame Emperor!

It was inevitable. Hancock was completely in love with Ace, and if he so much as hinted, she would eagerly join the Entei Pirates. Naturally, under their Empress decision, Amazon Lily would follow, joining the Flame Emperor's forces.

Most importantly, Shakky's return to Amazon Lily highlighted the stance of the former empress.

Together with Rayleigh, she had secured a protector for Amazon Lily—someone who could safeguard the island and lead the Kuja to even greater prosperity.

Hancock had joined the Seven Warlords of the Sea to shield Amazon Lily from both Marines and pirates, ensuring that the Kuja Pirates could sail and raid freely without suffering any casualties. Her stunning beauty, combined with the charm of her Devil Fruit, made her a beloved and admired ruler—the most popular empress in Amazon Lily's history.

The younger generation of warriors was fanatically devoted to Hancock, blindly worshipping her. Even though Shakky was a former empress, she still held high status in the hearts of the elderly citizens.

Now, with both empresses in agreement, it was clear that Amazon Lily would join forces with the Flame Emperor, Ace. His power and reputation alone were enough to protect the island.

Gloriosa felt incredibly fortunate that the man Hancock had fallen in love with was Ace. To her, Hancock had already become like a granddaughter.

"Prepare the banquet! We must honor Ace and use the finest ingredients!" Hancock ordered, waving her hand.

"Yes!" the citizens responded swiftly.

"Ace, let me check the kitchen," Raki said with a smile, her red lips curving upward.

Amazon Lily, isolated in the Calm Belt, had little contact with the outside world. The kinds of ingredients they used were intriguing to her. Most importantly, Ace had mentioned that he was fond of her cooking. With a smile on her face, Raki followed a citizen toward the palace kitchen.

"Ace, I can cook too," Hancock said, blushing as her fingers circled nervously. "Would you like to try something I make?"

The thought of cooking for Ace filled her with anticipation and joy—cooking for the one you love was, after all, one of the greatest pleasures in life.

"Sister!" Sandersonia and Marigold stared at Hancock in disbelief.

Their sister, the empress of Amazon Lily, offering to cook herself? 

But then, seeing Hancock so happy, they couldn't help but smile. In their eyes, Hancock looked more beautiful than ever, and they couldn't deny that this was the power of love.

"Thank you, Hancock," Ace said as he took her hand, gazing warmly into her eyes. Hancock, her face flushed with embarrassment, covered her face and could hardly bring herself to look at him. 

"No, it's no trouble... I'm so happy," Hancock murmured, her eyes swirling, her face growing redder by the second, and her body going weak. If Ace hadn't skillfully caught her, she would've collapsed on the spot.

Ace... He held my hand and looked at me so gently. There's nothing more I could ask for in life, Hancock thought, her mind going blank as pink hearts floated around her—a result of her Devil Fruit powers.

"Well, I'll head to the kitchen now, Ace," Hancock stammered, reluctant to leave but knowing that if she stayed any longer, even just holding his hand might overwhelm her.

"I'm looking forward to it, Hancock," Ace replied with a smile.

Soon, the banquet began.

Amazon Lily's most renowned dish featured the giant Sea Kings of the Calm Belt. These creatures were dozens, if not hundreds, of times larger than those found elsewhere, with enough power to overturn even the sturdiest warships of the Naval Headquarters. Their meat was not only more nutritious but far more flavorful than that of ordinary Sea Kings.

Ace devoured huge chunks of the Sea King meat, washing it down with a drink, thoroughly enjoying the feast. Even his highly developed physique could feel the slow but steady increase in strength as he consumed the protein-rich meal. It became clear why the women of Amazon Lily were such formidable warriors. Growing up on a diet of these colossal Sea Kings, they developed powerful bodies that allowed them to master Armament Haki with ease.

The banquet was attended by only a few within the palace itself—Hancock, Gloriosa, Sandersonia, and Marigold, alongside Ace and the leaders of the Entei Pirates. The other Kuja Pirate officers were seated in the hall outside, while the ordinary warriors and citizens celebrated in the open space outside the palace.

Amazon Lily was a nation with a strict hierarchy. Strength determined one's rank, a necessity for survival in the perilous Calm Belt. Even in festivities, this structure was maintained to inspire citizens to strive for greater strength.

At the banquet, Hancock carefully placed a dish of fish soup in front of Ace, her eyes filled with nervous anticipation. 

"Ace, this is... something I made for you," she said, her voice trembling as she blushed furiously.

"I'll give it a try," Ace said with a gentle smile, realizing this was a dish Hancock had personally prepared. Unlike his earlier ravenous eating, he sipped the soup slowly, savoring the flavor.

"This is delicious... truly," Ace said, his eyes lighting up in surprise. It tasted far better than he had expected, comparable even to Raki's cooking. And considering that Raki was renowned for her culinary skills across the sea, it was impressive that Hancock, an empress, had cooked something this good.

"It's the power of love, Ace," Shakky said with a knowing smile as she observed him.

"Lovesickness can be life-threatening for the empress of Amazon Lily, but if they're with the one they love, even the food they cook can be infused with that love," she added with a laugh.

"I see," Ace said, realizing why the soup tasted so special. 

"Hancock, thank you for your hard work," Ace said, looking at her with a smile.

"It's no trouble... I'm just happy," Hancock replied, her face reddening even more.

"Can I come to your room tonight? I have a gift for you," Ace said softly.

"Wh-What?!" Hancock froze for a moment, her face turning crimson as she covered it in shock.