章 48: Run Away
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Everyone around Hancock was stunned by her unusual expression and more by her words. They had never seen the calm and dignified Snake Princess look so flustered.
"Lady Hancock, have you returned safely?" Akira's voice came through the phone bug, calm and steady.
"Yes," she replied with an unusual softness, "I just returned not long ago."
Everyone around exchanged bewildered glances; they had never heard her speak in such a gentle tone.
"As long as you're safe," Akira continued, "could you help call for our clan leader, Shisui, and Itachi?"
Hancock's voice immediately softened even more. "Of course. I'll send someone right away."
Turning to her aide, she instructed, "you, go and invite the Uchiha clan leader, Uchiha Shisui, and Uchiha Itachi."
The aide immediately executed her orders, leaving Hancock alone with the phone snail. "Where are you now?" she asked, a hint of longing slipping into her voice. "Why haven't you returned yet?"
Hancock had the unmistakable look of a young wife quietly brooding over a husband who hadn't come home. Her usual pride was softened by a touch of longing.
Akira who didn't realize anything different chuckled slightly. "I still have a few things to handle here."
The expression on Hancock's face suddenly became extremely disappointed.
Akira continued " But if you ever want to come out and explore, you're always welcome to join me."
Hancock's eyes brightened with excitement. "Is it really okay?"
"Of course. With the calm belt and the warriors you have, Amazon Lily is more than secure for now."
"The gold will last for centuries, and with the Uchiha clan's added protection, there's nothing to fear."
"And our Uchiha leader isn't one to be underestimated. Most Warlords of the Sea would hardly be a match for him."
"You're right" Hancock's eyes were shining.
"And don't forget I can reach Amazon Lily anytime I want"
Akira had been traveling to various islands, marking each one with coordinates. Though he might never need all of them.
It was a habit among those who would master the Flying Thunder God Technique: to leave their mark and secure an anchor everywhere they went.
Hancock nodded "What's crucial now is strengthening ourselves. With the breathing technique you introduced, it won't take long to cultivate a new generation of formidable warriors and making the strong even more stronger."
The two continued their conversation.
---
Just then—swish!
In a flash, Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Shisui, and Uchiha Itachi appeared in the palace, bowing slightly in acknowledgment of Hancock.
Akira's voice came through the phone bug. "Clan leader, the gold has been delivered as I told you before."
Fugaku nodded with a satisfied expression. "Well done. We'll await your return to discuss its distribution."
"No need to wait me? It's up to the clan leader to decide. But I can make some suggestions."
"Most of it should be held in the clan's vault for future use," Akira advised. "We can set up monthly stipends for our elders and bonuses for families with new children. We should also establish a school on Amazon Lily Island to provide free education for all young clan members."
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully, clearly impressed. "Your plan is good, Akira."
"As for the younger members of the clan, I'm planning to set up some jobs for them," Akira said thoughtfully. "Gold won't last forever; they need to work."
"And what kind of work?" Fugaku inquired.
"Similar to the responsibilities we had back in the village, though with a twist," Akira replied. "I intend to establish a security company—Uchiha Security Company."
"A security company?" Fugaku's eyes lit up with interest. He had been gathering information about this world from Elder Nyon and other people, but the mix of pirates and the World Government had left him with more questions than answers. While some pirates were truly criminal, others held values akin to their own clan's principles. Even Amazon Lily was labeled a 'pirate' force by the World Government.
Fugaku had been considering the clan's livelihood as well. The security company Akira proposed seemed like an ideal solution. In a world of inevitable conflict, setting up a company around security made sense—it kept their reputation intact even if clashes arose.
"Akira, feel free to move forward with this. If you need additional personnel, just let us know. The younger members are restless."
The family members had been training hard in Fire Breathing, Armament Haki, and Observation Haki. Some had shown promise already. Initially, tales of riches on the sea sounded like mere legend, but after seeing the recent haul of gold, they believed it—and were eager to venture out themselves.
"Let them keep at it. Only those who excel will join the company," Akira added. "Once the company is set up, I'll return to evaluate them, and Only the top ten will be selected."
Fugaku chuckled. "Those youngsters won't be able to sleep after hearing that."
Next Akira turned to Shisui and Itachi. "Shisui and Itachi. I need the two of you to take some funds to Water 7. I'll need a ship and additional supplies for our journey."
"Yes, Brother Akira!" Shisui and Itachi were clearly looking forward to the assignment.
"If that's everything, I'll end the call here. Thank you, Lady Hancock."
Hancock responded with an unexpected gentleness, "You're very welcome, Akira. I'm glad I could be of help."
"Ehh?!" The people around her were baffled—when had their Empress ever used such a soft tone?—was this really the same Snake Princess they knew?
"Goodbye!" Akira ended the call, and the Den Den Mushi returned to its original state, along with the Empress's usual demeanor.
Hancock turned to the gathered clan members. "From today, Uchiha Fugaku will serve as Amazon Lily's Protector General, tasked with ensuring the island's safety."
Fugaku blinked, taken aback by the honor. Though it wasn't Konoha, being appointed as the island's Protector General was a significant position of trust.
"I humbly accept the responsibility," he replied, bowing formally.
---
That evening, a sudden scream echoed through Kuja City.
"What happened?" Marigold, Hancock's sister, rushed into the palace with several guards.
One of the attendants, panicked and breathless, stumbled in. "Lady Hancock… she—she's missing!"
"Missing?!" Marigold gasped. "What do you mean? She was resting earlier!"
The attendant stammered, "She… she ran away, my lady!—The Empress has run away!"
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