NOVEL NEXT Chapter 232: Chapter 232
Compared to the panic-stricken Marines, Hancock's face slowly turned crimson. The initial shock from Yamato's bold declaration had worn off, leaving her indignant and flustered.
"You rude fellow! How dare you say such frivolous words in front of my beloved?!" Hancock exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage. "I will not forgive you!"
Before Luffy could intervene, Hancock brought her hands to her chest, forming a heart shape with her fingers. Her fury radiated from her like a storm as she unleashed her attack.
"Mero Mero Mellow!"
A vibrant pink wave of heart-shaped energy shot forth from Hancock's hands, sweeping toward Yamato. The four Marines scrambled to get out of its path, shouting warnings and diving for cover.
Meanwhile, Yamato remained stationary, her expression a mix of curiosity and excitement. She watched the incoming wave with wide eyes, showing no sign of fear or understanding of the danger it posed.
This idiot has no idea what she's in for, Luffy thought, struggling to suppress a laugh. He knew the Love-Love Fruit's ability was absolute—no one enchanted by Hancock's beauty could escape its petrifying effects. Male or female, they all succumbed.
This would teach Yamato a lesson. Flirting with his woman in front of him, even unintentionally, deserved some consequences.
But as the wave struck Yamato, something unexpected happened. Instead of her body turning to stone, it was the seastone chains binding her that became petrified.
"Huh?"
The word escaped the mouths of Luffy, Hancock, and Yamato simultaneously as they stared at the bizarre outcome.
Yamato tilted her head, glancing down at her unscathed body. "What's going on?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice.
Hancock, however, took it as an insult. "You little brat! Are you mocking me?!" she fumed, her pride wounded. She immediately activated her ability again.
"Mero Mero Mellow!"
The same heart-shaped wave shot out, and again Yamato stood motionless, allowing the attack to wash over her. Once more, the result was the same—no petrification, just a slight shimmer around the seastone chains before they shattered completely.
Yamato flexed her arms, testing her newfound freedom. "Huh, that's handy," she mused, brushing away the remaining bits of stone.
Hancock's frustration boiled over. "Damn it! Why isn't my ability working?! Didn't you admit you were attracted to me? This is impossible!"
"I am interested in you," Yamato replied earnestly, her brow furrowing in thought. "But I have no idea why your ability doesn't affect me."
"Liar!" Hancock snapped, her anger flaring again. "Anyone drawn to me is petrified—it's how my power works! You must be lying. Let's try this again!"
With unwavering determination, Hancock unleashed another wave of her ability, but it ended in the same failure. The result left Hancock standing frozen, her confidence shattered.
Luffy couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity. "Hahaha! Stop wasting your energy, Hancock. This girl probably doesn't even understand what love is."
"Bastard! How dare you look down on me?!" Yamato snapped, stamping her foot in defiance. "I'm Kozuki Oden, a man who sailed with Whitebeard and Roger! Of course, I know what love is!"
Her proclamation caused both Hancock and Luffy to pause.
"Love means liking a woman, wanting to be with her, and having a baby together!" Yamato declared proudly, as if reciting a passage from a sacred text.
Hancock's jaw dropped, while Luffy burst out laughing again, clutching his sides. "Oh, man! You've got it all figured out, huh? So that's what love means to you?"
Yamato crossed her arms and puffed out her chest, clearly proud of her explanation. "Of course! It's what Oden wrote in his diary. If you find a woman beautiful, you express your love to her. If she agrees, you take her home. If she doesn't, you convince her to agree and then take her home anyway!"
Hancock's face alternated between disbelief and fury. This girl was ridiculous! But before she could retort, Yamato continued.
"And Hancock is the only woman I've ever felt such a strong attraction to. I don't know why, but the moment I saw her, I just knew!"
Hancock's face softened momentarily, taken aback by Yamato's sincerity. However, her pride wouldn't allow her to accept defeat. "If that's true, then why doesn't my ability work on you?!"
"I don't know," Yamato admitted, shrugging. "But it doesn't change how I feel."
Luffy shook his head, still chuckling. "Hancock, give it a rest. This girl's an oddball. She's probably just imitating what she read in Oden's diary. You're dealing with someone who hasn't even been to sea, let alone figured out real emotions."
"I have been to sea!" Yamato protested, stamping her foot again. "Well… Oden did. And I've read all about his adventures. I know what love is!"
"Do you now?" Luffy asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes! Oden sailed with Whitebeard and Roger! I've read all about it!" Yamato exclaimed, her excitement reigniting. "I've even been to Raftel and seen the One Piece!"
"Nani! Is this true?!" Hancock covered her mouth with her hands in surprise, which made Luffy laugh.
==============================================
Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other chapter.
==============================================