263. Request

Sad, the goal was not reached on time, so no bonus, still by giving 25 more power stones, you will get you normal bonus chapter, so fie those stones to me

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The dark mist cleared, and Hancock emerged with her elegant presence. Her robe was torn, showing her sturdy and white waist. The only remaining fabric barely covered the essential parts, leaving a large area of her snow-white skin exposed.

What surprised Marigold and Sandersonia the most was that—

Hancock's back was bare!

It seemed like that Marine had noticed it!

He saw the mark!

"Ah—!! Quickly move aside, it's the Gorgon's Eye!!"

"You're not allowed to gaze upon Snake Princess back; it's the Gorgon's curse!"

"Hurry, leave! Anyone caught in Gorgon's gaze will turn to stone!"

Upon witnessing Hancock's reveal, the other female soldiers, who had been on high alert, became bewildered.

To conceal the truth about being former slaves of the Celestial Dragons, Hancock and the three sisters created a story that they were cursed by the Hydra.

Anyone who sees their backs is said to be cursed and transformed into stone!

That's why the Amazon Lily female warriors were in such a panic.

"You... evacuate immediately and protect the Palace!"

Hancock approached slowly, keeping her back turned towards the direction of Atlas, and calmly directed the female warriors.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Amazon Lily, who had been in conflict, retreated one after another, strategically moving towards the palace.

"Sister, you..."

"Your back! Sister..."

As Hancock drew near, Marigold and Sandersonia got a clear view of her appearance.

White.

—Smooth and delicate, without any imperfections!

Where is the Hoof of the Soaring Dragon?!

That kind of mark can't be removed, can it?

Upon returning to Amazon Lily, the three sisters attempted various methods to eliminate the humiliating mark.

Unfortunately, they had no knowledge of what repulsive symbols the Celestial Dragons had imprinted on them!

Despite enduring the pain and even cutting away flesh and blood from their backs.

Even after the wound heals, this detestable mark will persist!

It's like gangrene clinging to the bone!

"Let's discuss it after we return..."

Hancock took a deep breath, glanced at the shocked Marigold and Sandersonia, and spoke calmly.

In just a moment, before she could react, the rude man intruded and roughly placed his hand on her back.

A trickle of warmth streamed into her body, bringing a sense of relief to her brain. She almost couldn't help but let out a moan, but fortunately, she restrained herself in time, avoiding embarrassment in front of the Marine.

However, right after Atlas's warm hands departed, she could unmistakably sense—

The Hoof of the Soaring Dragon behind him were gone!

"Marine... We should head to the palace to discuss this recruitment in detail."

Then, Hancock bit her red lips and addressed Atlas in an awkward tone.

Marigold and Sandersonia, equally puzzled, trailed behind Hancock as they made their way toward the palace.

"Hey! Smoker, you don't have to come with me, I can manage on my own!"

Atlas waved to the exhausted Smoker, signaling for them to remain on the boat.

....

Within the Palace.

Hancock, now fully clothed, sat on the bed, leaning against Salome, who was situated on her back. A complex expression adorned her face.

At the bottom, there was only one seat occupied by Atlas. Marigold and Sandersonia held their weapons, maintaining a guarded gaze on Atlas.

However, he looked at Hancock with a slightly perplexed expression.

Finally, Marigold and Sandersonia couldn't contain their curiosity. Marigold was the first to inquire:

"Sister... that Gorgon Eye behind you?"

After all, he kept an eye on it. Marigold wasn't sure if the disappearance of the mark was connected to the Marine in front of them, so she did her best to conceal the presence of the Celestial Dragon's Hoof.

"The Hoof of the Soaring Dragon is gone!"

Hancock subconsciously touched her back, feeling a sense of relief when she encountered smooth skin.

"Sister!" ×2

Marigold and Sandersonia urgently exclaimed.

"Don't worry, it should be fine in front of him..."

Hancock shook her head and finally unveiled the secret she had harbored in her heart for several years to the three individuals present:

"A few years ago, we managed to escape from Mariejois successfully, thanks to this Marine. I still remember—"

"At that critical moment, if his Conqueror's Haki hadn't arrived in time, the three of us might never have been able to escape that hell."

"Ah?! Yeah, that's really a coincidence, but..."

A troubling idea suddenly crossed Atlas's mind. He held his forehead, shook his head, and sighed, saying, "I made a mistake back then. I didn't expect that you three were actually slaves of the Celestial Dragons. I am a Marine. Should I arrest you?"

"What a dilemma!"

Swish!!!

Hearing this, Marigold and Sandersonia swiftly pointed their weapons at Atlas, who still appeared troubled, escalating the tension in the room.

"This guy, as expected, how could a Marine defy the Celestial Dragons!"

"Damn Celestial Dragons lackeys!!"

"Lower your weapons! Marigold! Sandersonia!"

Hancock gazed at the unflinching Atlas, a touch of helplessness adding to the complexity on her face.

"You really are bad!!"

"Who isn't?"

Atlas waved his hand casually.

"Alright, you two don't need to be so tense. While I don't understand the Marine's motive, one thing is clear"

"He shouldn't have any malicious intentions towards us, because..."

"He personally erased the mark on my back!!"

"Ah?! Really? Sister, can I ask him for help?"

"Uuu~"

Hearing this, the two sisters, Marigold and Sandersonia, teared up with excitement, as if recalling the painful memories of Mariejois.

"You must be well aware of what the Celestial Dragons subjected us to, so..."

Hancock's expression gradually lost composure, and tears began to well up.

Bang-dang——!!!

"Please help us remove the marks on our backs! Please!!"

Marigold and Sandersonia suddenly dropped their weapons, cutting off Hancock's next words. They knelt down with a 'pop' and pleaded with Atlas.

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