The natural system started off strong, but the navy finally reached its peak!

Gloriosa pressed down on her shoulder, her voice heavy: "This is her choice... and also Kuja's chance."

"An opportunity?" Fire Lotus flung her hand away, burning with anger. "What right does the Navy have to interfere in Kuja's affairs?! I'll find a way to treat my sister's illness..."

"You can't do anything about it!" Gloriosa suddenly raised her voice, drawing the attention of those around her.

She took a deep breath and lowered her voice, "The Heavenly Tremor can cross the Calm Belt, can overturn an island with a single punch, and even after it made a big move against the Celestial Dragons in Sabaody Archipelago, it still managed to force the World Government to compromise..."

Do you think Nine Serpents has the ability to refuse a man like that?

And to put it another way... he's the "Snake Princess's" medicine now, unless you want to watch your sister die in front of you!

Upon hearing this, Torch Lotus paused for a moment, then lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Meanwhile, deep within the palace—in the Snake Princess's bedchamber...

Gern pushed open the heavy, carved wooden door, and the room was filled with the bitter smell of herbs.

The gauze curtains hung low, and a thin figure could be vaguely seen lying on the bed, with a giant snake with flame-like fur and an animal skull mask coiled beside it.

"I didn't expect you to come looking for me..." A weak female voice came from inside the tent, with a hint of a smile.

Gern walked to the bedside and gently lifted the gauze curtains.

The former "Snake Princess" is now as pale as paper, only her long orange hair, scattered on the bed, still shines like flames.

Looking at her like this, Gern was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Torch Lotus said you're dying."

"My sister is always so direct." Snake Princess coughed twice, struggling to sit up.

"But she's right... I don't have much time left."

Gern took out a document from his pocket. "The World Government can have Vegapunk treat you; he can temporarily suppress your condition."

The Snake Princess didn't take the document, but looked directly into Gern's eyes: "What's the price?"

"Become a Shichibukai," Gern said calmly. "Amazon Island will accept the offer of amnesty, and you will publicly support the Navy as 'Snake Princess'."

Upon hearing this, Snake Princess suddenly laughed, her laughter laced with sarcasm: "If that's the case, you wouldn't have come here in person."

You noticed?

"If you were a man who would compromise with the World Government, I wouldn't have fallen in love with you like this."

"Speak!" Snake Queen stared at Gern and said calmly, "What exactly do you want from me?"

"Tsk, if you're so eager to know..." Gern suddenly strode forward and scooped up the Snake Princess in his arms.

"Then I'll tell you, I'm here to kidnap people!"

"Abducting someone?" A blush rose on the Snake Princess's pale face, but she weakly clutched his collar.

"So you're saying I can't refuse to go with you?"

"That's right, because no one can stop me."

Chapter 222 Leaving Nine Serpent Island

At dawn, the sails of the Shanghai Navy flag fluttered in the morning breeze on the White Gull.

Gern stood on the deck, watching the silhouette of Snake Island gradually disappear into the distance, his expression calm.

The Snake Princess, wrapped in a thick blanket, leaned against the ship's railing. The sea breeze lifted her long orange hair, revealing her pale but smiling face.

She glanced back at the island where she had lived for many years, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by relief.

"Are you sure it's okay to just leave like this?" Snake Princess asked softly, her tone tinged with a hint of teasing.

"I thought you would stay a few more days to enjoy the 'warm hospitality' of Amazon Lily."

After speaking, she looked at Tesoro and Lipo, who had been carried onto the warship by Gern and were now fast asleep on the deck.

"After all, the kids on your warship were made dizzy by the girls from Kuja."

Gern scoffed, "Who told them they could get drunk on even fruit wine?" He paused, his gaze sweeping over the Snake Princess's slender frame.

"But you, the sea breeze is so cold, go back and lie down."

"It's nothing, I feel much better all of a sudden." Snake Princess chuckled and said nothing more.

She gazed at the rising sun in the distance, feeling a long-lost sense of freedom and ease.

Perhaps, leaving is the choice she truly needs.

........

Meanwhile, on the sea-view terrace of the Kuja Island Palace

Gloriosa stood by the railing, her aged fingers clenching slightly, her gaze following the warship that gradually disappeared on the horizon.

Her eyes were deep, as if they could pierce through time and return to that turbulent era.

"What an extraordinary man..." she murmured softly, her voice hoarse yet filled with an indescribable sense of emotion.

"If he and Rocks had been born in the same era, and started from the same point..."

Gloria paused, a complex smile appearing on her lips.

Images of Rocks, Roger, Whitebeard, Shiki, Wang Zhi, Silver Axe, and other renowned figures from that era flashed through my mind...

"Perhaps even 'them' will regard him as a lifelong rival."

Hearing Gloriosa's sigh, Torch Lotus stood silently beside her, her fingertips tracing the carvings on the railing.

His gaze remained fixed on the horizon where the sea met the sky, until the warship was completely reduced to a black dot and finally swallowed by the endless ocean.

“Toritoma.” Gloriosa glanced at her sideways.

His tone was as gentle as when she took control of the Kuja Pirates, and he addressed her by her name.

“No matter how reluctant you are, it’s no use. If she stays, she’ll only face death.” Gloriaosa’s voice was low and somber.

"Besides, that man... we can't stop him."

"I know." Torch Lotus gently tugged at the corners of her mouth, revealing a faint smile, but that smile was like sand blown away by the wind, fleeting in an instant.

“After all…” she said softly, her voice almost carried away by the sea breeze, “Snake Island has already produced three irresponsible empresses.”

My sister has already given enough for this country.

“Now, it’s time for her to live for herself.” With those words, Torch Lotus whirled around, her skirt billowing in the air.

Footsteps echoed across the empty terrace, each step feeling like a blow to one's own heart.

But only she knows

The moment Gern carried his sister onto the warship and left without looking back...

Her heart felt as if it were being squeezed tightly by an invisible hand.

Gloriosa looked at Torch Lotus's straight back, shook her head, and a trace of heartache flashed in her eyes.

“You two sisters…” she sighed softly, “are just as stubborn.”

"It's just a pity..."

"The men I met were completely different."

These words were like a blunt knife, piercing the heart of the torch lotus.

This caused her to stop abruptly, and her shoulders began to tremble uncontrollably.

Finally, she could no longer hold on, and slowly squatted down, hugging herself tightly with both arms, as if this could resist the overwhelming despair.

"Lady Gloriosa..." Her voice was trembling with broken sobs.

"Actually, actually, the moment my sister left with him..."

"I'm so...jealous...so envious..."

Tears fell to the ground, leaving dark stains.

"Why……"

Why can't the person I like... take me away without hesitation like he did?

Gloriosa paused for a moment, then let out a long sigh.

She slowly stepped forward, her aged yet strong arms gently embracing Huo Torch Lotus.

Just like many years ago, when the once-powerful captain of the Kuja Pirates embraced his injured crew member.

“Tolitoma…” Her voice was low and gentle.

"That irresponsible bastard doesn't deserve your tears."

“After all…” Gloriosa’s eyes instantly turned cold.

"A guy like him wouldn't love anyone."

……

Three days later, on the deck of the White Gull.

A gentle sea breeze caressed the boat, and sunlight streamed down its hull, casting a golden glow.

Lippo was skipping along, humming a little tune, carrying a large plate of fruit (mostly carrots), when suddenly a shadow fell over her.

"Hmm?" She looked up in confusion, meeting a pair of amber eyes that gleamed with a dangerous light.

"Little Lipo~" The Snake Princess smiled alluringly, her fingers already precisely pinching Lipo's cheek. "You seem even cuter now~"

"Whoa! Snake, Snake Princess?!" Libo was shocked and almost dropped the fruit plate in her hand, but Snake Princess caught it steadily with her other hand.

"Don't be nervous~" The snake princess's smile deepened, her fingers sliding down Ribo's cheek to the top of her head, and she began to shamelessly ruffle her hair.

"It's so soft and bouncy, it's really addictive!"

"Ugh...Gern! Help!" Libo struggled in vain and could only cast a pleading look at Gern, who was not far away.

Gern leaned against the ship's railing, arms crossed, watching the scene with great interest.

Snake Princess noticed his gaze, looked up to meet his eyes, her gaze filled with provocation and a hint of barely perceptible heat.

"It seems you're recovering quite well," Gern said casually.

"Thanks to you." The Snake Princess chuckled, but her hands didn't stop moving; Ribo's hair had already been turned into a messy bird's nest.

"Looking at you every day makes me feel much better, not to mention my physical health."

If you don't believe me, I don't lock my room at night. If you want to raid me at night, I'll...

"Stop, stop, stop!" Gern quickly interrupted the man's wild words.

However, compared to before, Snake Princess's complexion is indeed much rosier now.

Her once pale skin now glows with a healthy luster.

Her long, orange-red hair shone like a burning flame in the sunlight, and she exuded a cold and dangerous aura once again.

"What? You don't like it?!" Snake Princess looked completely innocent.

“So…” Gern raised an eyebrow: “This is your reason for bullying my Libo?”

"Bullying?" Snake Princess blinked innocently. "I was just expressing my affection."

As she spoke, she suddenly released Lippo and walked gracefully toward Gern.

Libo felt like she'd been granted a pardon and quickly hid behind Tesoro, muttering under her breath, "That was terrifying..."

"Get used to it quickly!!" Tesoro chuckled dryly, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead.

"After all, if you don't fight or compete, you'll regret it later..."

At the same time, Snake Princess had already walked up to Gern, tilted her head slightly, and parted her red lips: "Speaking of which, you still haven't told me where we're going next?"

"Guess?" Gern asked with a half-smile.

"Heh..." The Snake Queen chuckled softly, then suddenly reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling him closer until they were so close they could hear each other's breaths.

"I was just thinking, what if you dare to lure me out and then leave me bored..."

Her fingertips lightly traced his chest, her tone dangerous, "I can get angry, and when I get angry..."

Before he could finish speaking, Gern suddenly gripped the Snake Princess's wrist tightly, breaking her grip. The force was just right, yet she couldn't break free.

“There’s no time for jokes…” Gern’s eyes were unusually serious.