Bab 92: Solved
"But venture onto Amazon Lily and the punishment is death without exception," Gloriosa declared, her icy words slicing through the tense air. The blunt proclamation caused a visible ripple of alarm to course through the crowd, Jack's family drawing closer to him instinctively.
"I am sorry to break your rule," Jack began, his voice steady, "I wouldn't do it under normal circumstances. But when someone I care about is in danger, there is no place on this world that can stop me." His gaze didn't waver from Gloriosa, the depth of his conviction mirrored in his intense eyes.
"You can act on your own beliefs, and we will on ours." Gloriosa's voice echoed, slicing through the tense silence. "You will fight in the arena. To the death."
Jack merely raised an eyebrow. He wasn't impressed. His senses had already analyzed their abilities. Yes, almost all of them were Haki users, but their strength left much to be desired. He could probably spar with most of them even before his Haki awakening. But that wasn't his intention at all.
His family spent a quiet night among these Kuja women, Shakky proving particularly helpful and pleasant. Jack was not a man who wished for unnecessary harm or violence, and to hear the threat of it being tossed about so carelessly was discomforting. He had no intention of hurting these women, much less killing them. After all, these women were a part of Shakky's clan, Shakky who had shown nothing but kindness and understanding to him and his family.
Shakky made a swift movement, stepping forward and grabbing Gloriosa's cheek with a force that belied her petite frame. "What the hell are you talking about, You witch?" Her voice was a terrifying low hiss. Her hand clenched tighter around Gloriosa's face, turning her complexion ashen.
"I permitted his entrance to the island as the acting Queen. Your era is long gone, you old hag." Shakky's venomous words echoed throughout the area, the veiled threat lingering in the air, cutting through the lingering tension. Gloriosa gasped, wincing at Shakky's vice-like grip on her cheek. "Stop threatening him or I will throw you to the sea," Shakky warned, her voice colder than the deepest depths of the ocean.
The sight of the once regal Gloriosa now grovelling before Shakky was almost comical. She whimpered in pain, "Ow, ow, Shakky, stop it. It hurts." Yet Shakky showed no sign of letting go, her grip only tightening. The anger in her eyes was enough to make anyone cower, but Gloriosa had earned it.
"I will make it hurt even more. Don't you dare to hurt him!" Shakky's voice was laced with a protective ferocity that was both admirable and terrifying. The sight of Shakky's outrage brought a smirk to Jack's face. He knew Shakky wouldn't harm Gloriosa. Her anger was justified, and even Gloriosa seemed to realize that she had overstepped a line.
His family spent a quiet night among these Kuja women, Shakky proving particularly helpful and pleasant. Jack was not a man who wished for unnecessary harm or violence, and to hear the threat of it being tossed about so carelessly was discomforting. He had no intention of hurting these women, much less killing them. After all, these women were a part of Shakky's clan, Shakky who had shown nothing but kindness and understanding to him and his family.
Feeling a hand tighten around his, Jack turned to look at Shakky. The usually composed woman was now frothing with indignation. He watched as she took a step forward, grabbing Gloriosa's cheek in a vice-like grip. Shakky's voice was a hiss, low and dangerous, "What the hell are you talking about, you Witch?"
"I permitted his entrance to the island as the acting Queen. Your era is long gone, you old hag." Shakky's venomous words echoed throughout the area, the veiled threat lingering in the air, cutting through the lingering tension. Gloriosa gasped, wincing at Shakky's vice-like grip on her cheek. "Stop threatening him or I will throw you to the sea," Shakky warned, her voice colder than the deepest depths of the ocean.
The sight of the once regal Gloriosa now grovelling before Shakky was almost comical. She whimpered in pain, "Ow, ow, Shakky, stop it. It hurts." Yet Shakky showed no sign of letting go, her grip only tightening. The anger in her eyes was enough to make anyone cower, but Gloriosa had earned it.
"I will make it hurt even more. Don't you dare to hurt him!" Shakky's voice was laced with a protective ferocity that was both admirable and terrifying. The sight of Shakky's outrage brought a smirk to Jack's face. He knew Shakky wouldn't harm Gloriosa. Her anger was justified, and even Gloriosa seemed to realize that she had overstepped a line.
Glancing around, Jack caught sight of his family. Aria, his precious little princess, stood close to her mother, Amelia. His surrogate daughter, Robin, clung to her mother, Olvia. He watched as Liana, his mother, and Luna, his sister, came to stand by his side, their faces stoic but their eyes filled with worry. Sophie, his childhood friend, was there too, her mother Isabella standing protectively by her side. Titi, the woman who had left her chance to become the Queen of Arabasta just to journey with him, stood near Ponis, the last member to join their family. Ponis, a resident of Skypiea, always had a sparkle in her eyes whenever they encountered a new island. Her excitement was infectious, and it often spread to the other members of their family.
Their eyes were all on him, silently asking for his reassurance. Aria, despite her tender age, was brave. Jack felt a surge of pride looking at her. He didn't need to reassure them. They knew him, they knew he wouldn't back down, and they knew he would protect them.
With a sigh, Jack turned his attention back to Shakky and Gloriosa. The two women were still in the middle of their disagreement, Shakky still holding Gloriosa's cheek. It was time to put an end to this farce.
"Enough," he said, his voice calm but firm. Both women stopped their bickering, turning to look at him. Shakky let go of Gloriosa's cheek, taking a step back to stand next to him. Gloriosa massaged her cheek, shooting Shakky a glare. Shakky simply shrugged, a small smirk playing on her lips. Jack could see that she was satisfied. Shakky had said what needed to be said. The message was clear. He was not to be threatened, not by Gloriosa, not by anyone.
"Thank you, Shakky," Jack said, giving her a small nod. Shakky's smirk widened at his gratitude, her eyes dancing with mischief. She gave him a casual salute before stepping back, letting him take the lead.
Turning to face Gloriosa, Jack locked his gaze with hers. His calm blue eyes met her fearful ones, showing her the hint of the storm that was brewing deep within him. "I hope this is the end of this matter, Gloriosa," he said, his tone even. He watched as Gloriosa nodded, her pride making her stand tall even in her defeat.
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Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
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