News of the Navy declaring war on the Four Emperors spread rapidly across the sea, sending shockwaves through the world. The seas churned with tension, and turmoil brewed on every shore.

At Mary Geoise, the Five Elders gathered once again. Unsurprisingly, the focus of their conversation was Uchiha Chiga.

The Elder in the black flat hat was the first to speak.

"Uchiha Chiga has crossed the line. His actions are disrupting the global balance. Are we really going to stand by and do nothing?"

The blond-haired Elder nodded in agreement.

"We must intervene. The Navy is no longer under our control. If this continues, the entire system will collapse into chaos."

The Elder in the white kimono, his hand resting on the hilt of his katana, remained calm. After a moment, he spoke in a low voice.

"Enough. I've already reported the matter to Im-sama. His instruction is clear—do not interfere. In fact, if the Navy begins to falter, we are to provide support."

"Nani!?"

The blond Elder's face turned red with rage, ready to explode, but at the mention of Im-sama, his fury faded into silence.

The others followed suit, tension filling the room.

The swordsman Elder stood from the sofa and walked to the center of the hall. He looked up at the ornate ceiling, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Im-sama... what are you really planning?"

---

At Navy Headquarters:

"Master, Master! Are you going to beat up my father!?"

Chiga looked helplessly at Yamato, who clung to him with shining eyes. Her excitement was overwhelming. Was this what filial piety looked like?

Kalifa and Robin quickly intervened, pulling Yamato away. These days, Robin assisted with official duties alongside Kalifa, working almost like Chiga's secretaries.

As a Navy Admiral, Chiga's life was quite relaxed. Apart from the occasional battle, he rarely had to deal with day-to-day concerns.

Stretching lazily, Chiga asked casually,

"Kalifa, have the Shichibukai been contacted? What did they say?"

Kalifa adjusted her glasses.

"They've all responded positively. Especially the Empress—she seems eager to come right away."

Chiga smiled knowingly. He had already predicted Boa Hancock's reaction. No doubt she had been impatiently waiting for a reason to come.

After a brief thought, he decided to retrieve her himself—no need to send a ship.

He gave Kalifa and Robin a few instructions, then disappeared from the office in a flash.

Once he was gone, Robin turned to Kalifa curiously.

"Kalifa, is there something special about the Empress? Chiga's attitude toward her seems... different compared to the other Shichibukai."

Kalifa gave her a sly smile.

"Of course. The relationship between the Empress and the Boss is similar to the one you and I have with him."

Robin blinked, then sighed and shook her head in understanding.

Yamato, however, tilted her head in confusion.

"Sister Robin, Sister Kalifa, what kind of relationship are you talking about?"

---

On Amazon Lily, inside the royal palace:

Boa Hancock paced back and forth in excitement, unable to stay still. Her sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold, watched as she spun in circles.

Just then,Elder Gloriosa (Nyon) burst into the room with her cane tapping against the floor.

"Hancock! Did you agree to join the war!?"

Hancock looked down at her, clearly annoyed.

"Of course I did. This war was started by Chiga-sama—how could I not go?"

Gloriosa exhaled in relief.

"Good. If you had refused, you'd have lost your Shichibukai title. That would've put the whole island in danger."

Hancock rolled her eyes and turned to her sisters.

"Do I look alright?"

Sandersonia and Marigold examined her carefully, then nodded in unison.

"Sister, you're the most beautiful woman in the world."

Flushed from their praise, Hancock cupped her cheeks with both hands and drifted into one of her usual fantasies.

In her vision, Chiga held her close, whispering with affection,

"Hancock, you're truly beautiful. Marry me."

Her thoughts sent steam rising from her head. She staggered, her legs giving out.

Just as she was about to collapse, someone caught her.

It was Chiga.

Thanks to the golden Flying Thunder God Kunai he'd once gifted her—likely kept close to her heart—he was able to teleport directly to her side.

He steadied her in his arms, concern in his voice.

"Are you alright? Is your body still recovering?"

Hancock stared at him in awe, managing a soft "Chi..." before fainting completely.

"Hancock!"

Gloriosa and her sisters rushed forward, but Chiga raised a hand, stopping them.

They froze, watching anxiously as Chiga gently cradled Hancock.

He sighed, recognizing the symptoms—just another one of her dramatic infatuation episodes. Even Iwanagahime would've given up trying to cure this.

Chiga lightly shook her shoulders, whispering her name.

Eventually, Hancock blinked awake. Her gaze met his, and she nearly swooned again.

This time, Chiga was prepared.

He furrowed his brow and barked gently,

"Hancock!"

The sudden seriousness snapped her out of her daze.

She stepped back reluctantly, bowed with grace, and said softly,

"Chiga-sama, please forgive my disgraceful behavior."

Chiga smiled.

"It's fine. I heard you were eager to head to Navy Headquarters, so I came to pick you up."

Her heart swelled at the gesture, but recalling her earlier embarrassment, she restrained herself and said meekly,

"I'm sorry to trouble you. I could've made the trip myself."

"Oh? Then I guess I'll leave you to it."

"Eh!?"

Hancock's wide, confused eyes made Chiga chuckle. He leaned forward and flicked her nose gently.

"Just kidding. Come on, hold my hand."

This time, Hancock didn't hesitate. Instead of just taking his hand, she wrapped her arms around his, pressing close.

After bidding farewell to Elder Gloriosa and her sisters, Chiga vanished with Hancock in a flash of golden light, using the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Once they were gone, Gloriosa watched the space they had disappeared from, sighing with a knowing smile.

"That... is a woman in love."

---

Send Stones.