505 Starting from One Piece

Gloriosa was quite perceptive. Without saying a word, she quietly exited the great hall, leaving the space to Hancock and the other two.

Kaito sat directly on the wide throne, while Hancock and Shirahoshi sat to his left and right.

Hancock leaned on Kaito's arm and said,

"Kaito-sama, I actually wanted to go to Marineford a long time ago, but lately there have been so many matters on the island that I just couldn't get away..."

Kaito nodded lightly and said softly,

"Mm, I know. You are the ruler of a nation after all. Being busy is normal."

"But I really don't want to be this country's empress anymore. If only someone could take over for me!"

"Oh? Already thinking about abdicating? You're still so young. Don't tell me you want Gloriosa to take the position again?"

"She's too old now. I've thought about choosing one of my two sisters as a successor, but while they can fight, they know nothing about state affairs. They're absolutely not suited to be rulers."

"So what do you plan to do?"

"Actually, I wanted my child to inherit the throne, but it seems we're running out of time..."

At the mention of a child, Hancock shyly glanced at Kaito. Her meaning was obvious.

Kaito raised an eyebrow. It really was too late for that—he'd have to wait for Kaguya's child to be born before even considering a second one.

After thinking for a moment, Kaito said,

"Then observe within the country more. See if there are any young people worth cultivating. The seas are peaceful now—your successor doesn't need overwhelming strength."

"Mm, Kaito-sama, then let's go walk around the city. This is Shirahoshi's first time here."

Shirahoshi quickly waved her hands and said,

"Don't mind me, the important matters come first!"

Kaito held her hand, smiling as he said,

"We've already handled the important matters. Come on, let's go have some fun in the city."

After speaking, Kaito extended his finger and tapped Shirahoshi's tail. A colorful flash swept across it, and her tail transformed into a pair of pure white, flawless long legs.

Kaito casually conjured a pair of denim shorts for her. Shirahoshi lightly bounced in place, getting a feel for having legs.

In truth, mermaid women gain the ability to freely switch between tail and legs after they reach thirty. Kaito simply pushed that process ahead of schedule.

Shirahoshi jogged around the great hall, and once she felt accustomed, she ran back to Kaito's side. It was clear she was delighted with her new legs.

Kaito reached up and brushed a few beads of sweat from her forehead and asked,

"How is it? Walking much easier now?"

Shirahoshi nodded vigorously with a crisp "Mm!"

The three walked out of the palace. As the women of the street saw Hancock and Kaito, they immediately swarmed toward them; however, Hancock simply waved her hand, and the crowd dispersed at once.

Her prestige here was extremely high. The citizens obeyed her unconditionally.

Kaito glanced around and noticed that there were far more shops than during his last visit. The Land of Women had already begun trading with the outside world, and many foreign goods had entered the market.

However, transactions still had to be conducted at sea. Other than Kaito, the island remained forbidden to men.

Even though the Shichibukai system was essentially defunct now, Hancock's relationship with Kaito was well-known, so no one dared cause trouble here.

Stopping before a stall, Kaito bought two cotton candies and handed them to Hancock and Shirahoshi. Shirahoshi stuck out her little tongue for a taste and showed an expression of pure satisfaction.

Hancock hadn't eaten hers yet, but her heart was already sweet.

After finishing their cotton candy, the three continued forward. As they passed a weapon shop, Kaito suddenly stopped walking.

The shop door was open. A young girl with short golden hair was writing something behind the counter. She looked completely absorbed, not noticing the three at the entrance.

This girl was not unfamiliar to Kaito. The first time he came to Amazon Lily, he had spoken with her. Her name was Marguerite.

Hancock glanced inside and said softly,

"This is Marguerite's shop. She's quite an outstanding girl. Kikyo said she joined the national warrior selection this year and did very well."

Kaito nodded and smiled.

"She is impressive. She runs this weapon shop very well too. Being both a warrior and business-minded is rare."

With that, Kaito stepped into the shop. Hancock and Shirahoshi followed.

Hearing footsteps, Marguerite immediately lifted her head and said with a smile,

"Hello, welcome—eh? You're Kaito-sama!?"

She hurriedly put down her pen and rushed out from behind the counter. When she saw Hancock walking in behind him, she instantly froze. These two were guests among guests—normally she could never see either of them this closely.

Marguerite was stunned. She began doubting whether she was dreaming.

Kaito smiled and said,

"Looks like you still remember me. What? Are you going to tell me men aren't allowed here again?"

Marguerite panicked and waved her hands repeatedly.

"No, no! I was young back then and didn't understand your status, Kaito-sama. Please forgive me!"

As she spoke, she secretly glanced up at him. He hadn't changed at all—still just as handsome...

Shirahoshi curiously looked at the weapons hanging on the walls. The designs were very different from those of Fish-Man Island. The bows, for instance, were shaped like snakes and looked almost alive.

She couldn't resist touching a pink snake bow. To her shock, the bow really was alive—the snake head hissed and flicked its tongue.

Shirahoshi yelped in fright and hid behind Kaito, pointing at the pink snake bow and shouting,

"Kaito-sama, look! The bow is alive! It stuck its tongue out at me!"

Marguerite quickly ran over and smacked the snake's head. The little pink snake's eyes instantly turned into spirals, and it drooped weakly.

After handling the little pink snake, Marguerite came before Shirahoshi, bowed slightly, and apologized with a gentle expression,

"I'm so sorry for scaring you! These snakes are actually very gentle—you don't need to be afraid."

When she lifted her head and saw Shirahoshi's face clearly, she froze again and murmured,

"So beautiful..."

Shirahoshi was already extraordinarily beautiful, and with her delicate, timid expression, even women—let alone men—would find themselves entranced.