Chapter 16:Promise on the Eve of Departure

The sun was beginning to set over the Sabody Archipelago, casting a warm golden glow across the horizon. The year had flown by in what felt like the blink of an eye. Jason stood on the shore, watching as Rayleigh finished preparing the small ship that would take the Boa sisters back to Amazon Lily. Tomorrow, they would leave the island, and the bittersweet thought weighed heavily on his mind.

Inside the bar, the Boa sisters were packing their few belongings, preparing for the journey back to their homeland. Hancock, the eldest of the three, had been unusually quiet that evening. Her thoughts were swirling as she considered what tomorrow would bring—saying goodbye to Jason, the one person who had become her closest friend, her confidant, and perhaps more.

That night, as the stars began to appear in the darkening sky, Jason found himself walking toward the small hill overlooking the shore. It had become their spot, the place where he and Hancock would often sit together after long days of training. Tonight, though, the atmosphere felt different. There was an air of finality, a sense that this moment was the last they would share like this for a long time.

Hancock was already there, standing near the edge of the hill, her long dark hair flowing gently in the evening breeze. She turned when she heard Jason's footsteps, her usual calm expression giving way to something more tender.

"You're really leaving tomorrow," Jason said, more a statement than a question. He looked at her, the weight of the past year between them. He had known this day was coming, but now that it was here, it felt more difficult than he had anticipated.

Hancock nodded, her eyes soft as they met his. "Yes. It's time for us to return to Amazon Lily. My sisters and I have to go home."

Jason was quiet for a moment, searching for the right words. There was so much he wanted to say, but he knew he had to keep it simple. "You know," he began, his voice thoughtful, "this year has been… something special. I don't think I've ever had a friend like you, Hancock."

A faint blush rose to Hancock's cheeks. She had always been composed, a natural-born leader, but there was something about Jason that broke through her walls, something that made her feel vulnerable in a way she hadn't expected. "You've been special to me too, Jason," she replied softly. "More than you know."

The two stood in silence for a moment, the sounds of the sea filling the space between them. Finally, Jason spoke again, a hint of determination in his voice. "One day, I'm going to set sail as a pirate. I'm going to gather the strongest crew, and we'll conquer the Grand Line together."

Hancock raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming on her lips. "Is that so?"

Jason nodded, his gaze intense as he turned to face her fully. "When I do, I want you to be my Vice Captain, Hancock. You're stronger than anyone I've ever met. I need someone like you by my side."

Hancock's heart skipped a beat at his words. It wasn't just the request that made her chest tighten—it was the faith he had in her, the belief that she could stand beside him as an equal. She took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto his with a seriousness that mirrored his own.

"If you can make it to Amazon Lily—if you can reach Daughter Island—then I will sail with you, Jason," she promised, her voice steady.

Jason grinned, the confidence he was known for shining through. "Then it's a deal."

The two of them stood there for a moment longer, the weight of their words sinking in. Jason reached out, gently taking Hancock's hand. "I'll see you again," he said, his voice soft but resolute.

Hancock nodded, squeezing his hand in return. "You'd better."

The Next Morning

The morning sun shone brightly over the archipelago, signaling the start of a new day—and the day the Boa sisters would leave Sabody. Rayleigh and Shakky stood at the docks, finishing the last of the preparations for the ship. The small vessel would take the girls to the meeting point where they would rendezvous with the Kuja Pirates.

Jason stood with the sisters as they said their goodbyes to Shakky and Rayleigh. Hancock, for once, seemed reluctant to leave. She glanced at Jason, their unspoken promise hanging in the air between them. The other two sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold, were excited to return home but also expressed their gratitude to their mentors for helping them grow stronger.

As the group made their way to the meeting point, the air was filled with a mix of excitement and melancholy. They arrived at the designated rendezvous spot by the sea, where the Kuja Pirates' ship awaited them. Gloriosa, the former empress of Amazon Lily and an elder of the Kuja tribe, stood at the helm, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon as they approached.

Gloriosa greeted Rayleigh and Shakky with respect, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you for keeping the girls safe and for everything you've done," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Rayleigh waved off the thanks with his usual carefree attitude. "No need for thanks. They're strong girls. They held their own."

Shakky smiled warmly, adding, "It was a pleasure having them with us."

As Gloriosa turned her attention to Jason, her eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity. She had heard about him, of course—this young man who had trained alongside the Boa sisters and formed a bond with Hancock. "You must be Jason," she said, her voice sharp but not unkind. "I've heard much about you."

Jason gave a respectful nod. "Yes, ma'am. It's an honor to meet you."

Gloriosa studied him for a moment, then nodded in approval. "You've done well. The girls speak highly of you."

Jason smiled, feeling a sense of pride at her words. He glanced at Hancock, who was standing nearby, looking at him with a mixture of fondness and determination. It was time to say goodbye.

As the sisters prepared to board the ship, Hancock approached Jason one last time. "Remember," she said, her voice low so that only he could hear. "If you can reach Daughter Island, I'll be waiting for you."

Jason met her gaze, his heart swelling with determination. "I won't let you down, Hancock."

With that, Hancock turned and joined her sisters aboard the Kuja Pirates' ship. As the ship began to set sail, Jason watched it disappear into the distance, his mind already racing with thoughts of the future.

Rayleigh placed a hand on Jason's shoulder, offering him a rare smile. "You've made quite the impression on her. Now, let's see if you can live up to that promise."

Jason nodded, his eyes still on the horizon. "I will. One day, I'll sail to Amazon Lily and make her my Vice Captain."

As the Kuja Pirates' ship vanished from sight, Jason knew that his journey was far from over. But with the promise he had made to Hancock, he had even more reason to push himself—to become the strongest, to gather the best crew, and to one day fulfill the vow he had made on the shores of Sabody Archipelago.