Chapter 18: The Great Pirate Era

Months passed as I continued my training with the Kusa Pirates. Before I knew it, a piece of news shook the seas just before my 9th birthday.

It was the execution of Gol D. Roger… and his final words.

[Did Gol D. Roger hide all his treasure somewhere in the seas?]

[What is the One Piece?]

[Countless pirates dreaming of turning their lives around are flooding the seas… We are now in the Great Pirate Era!!]

Reading the news I had found while raiding a pirate crew, I clenched my fist tightly.

Finally, the beginning of the original story. The Great Pirate Era had arrived.

“Whoa, so that guy really got executed, huh?”

“I always thought it would be interesting to see him at least once,” Lefay and Eria said as they looked at the newspaper. I shook my head in response.

At first, they seemed to take the news lightly, as if it was just another big story.

But what they didn’t realize was that this news would eventually reach the island, and the consequences would affect even Amazon Lily.

If the Great Pirate Era truly began, it meant that the pirates coming to our island would only increase.

I began explaining it to them carefully.

“Lefay, Eria, this is no simple news. You need to understand what this means.”

“Huh?”

“Why should we care?”

Seeing their confused faces, I sighed and pointed to the words. The Great Pirate Era.

“Look at this. The Great Pirate Era is what’s being called the age where pirates are pouring out into the seas. And who are the ones coming to our island?”

“Pirates, of course…”

“…Ah.”

Eria finally understood, her face turning pale.

“You mean… the number of pirates coming to our island will explode?”

“Most likely, yes.”

“Then I need to report this to the captain.”

Eria said that, and I nodded. I gathered the newspapers and headed toward Captain Bellusa to report it.

***

“…Hah… So, you’re saying the number of pirates will explode? Our island is already at its limit…”

“On top of that, if that many come, the chances of strong ones coming increase as well, Captain.”

“If that happens, the Kusa Pirates will surely be breached, and the pirates will start coming into the island. We need to prepare,” Captain Bellusa said, nodding seriously.

Eria and Lefay’s words were true. We needed to be ready.

Whether it was by increasing the size of the Kusa Pirates or training the island’s people, or even seeking protection from an outside force, we needed a solution.

After some thought, Bellusa turned to Hancock, who was present, and began asking her opinion.

“Hancock. What do you think?”

“Are you referring to that news?”

“Yes, you’re the one Gloria mentioned as the next queen, so I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

I briefly pondered. What was the best move?

After closing my eyes to think, the answer became clear.

The Shichibukai. I would bring them in earlier than in the original timeline, gaining help from the Navy.

“…I think it would be best to reach out to the Navy. However, we cannot join them directly. We should maintain a structure where we can receive their help without becoming part of them.”

“Under the World Government, you mean? But that’s where the Celestial Dragons are…”

“I know. That’s why I’m suggesting we be allies, not subordinates. Even the Celestial Dragons can’t just do whatever they want with allies. And even if they try, we can resist them.”

“…But Hancock, you know we’re pirates, right? We’ve never gotten along with the Navy, and our queen has a bounty of 90 million beri…”

( TL NOTE : Berries is the currency used in the One Piece world. )

I nodded, then pointed to the newspaper again.

“Even so, we can still negotiate this time. Because of the Great Pirate Era.”

“…So you’re saying that not only are pirates increasing, but the Navy will also be in a tight spot?”

“Yes, the Navy will also be stretched thin. And more importantly, they’ll be lacking elite forces. The Navy will need capable individuals, just like us.”

“Since we already have plenty of elites… we can trade with them?”

Captain Bellusa began considering Hancock’s suggestion. The warriors of Amazon Lily were all strong, each capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone. If the Navy were to count them, they could be compared to mid-level officers, at the very least.

But the island was small, and we didn’t have many people.

If we could get reinforcements from the Navy, it would allow us to operate more ships and even secure naval vessels to patrol Kamabakka Island…

‘This… could work.’

Captain Bellusa thought, looking at Hancock with astonishment.

Was it really the thought of a 9-year-old? It was exactly what we needed right now. What a brilliant idea.

“Thank you.”

Captain Belusa said, then decided to head back early.

Before the effects of the Great Pirate Era reached us, it was better to act quickly than to wait until the last minute.

***

The proposal was quickly brought to the current queen, and Queen Beliosa could only sigh deeply at her daughter’s suggestion.

“Is this really the idea of Hancock, the one Gloria said was the next queen?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“…I see.”

Gloria’s insight was undeniably excellent. But as a mother, Beliosa felt conflicted.

She had always hoped that her own daughter would become the queen.

Her daughter was strong, after all, being the first captain of the Kusa Pirates and second only to her in strength. She also led the crew well, demonstrating excellent leadership.

But apparently, Gloria saw something in Hancock that she thought was more fitting for the next queen.

The tradition of Amazon Lily couldn’t be violated, but Beliosa couldn’t help but sigh deeply as she considered her options.

For now, she needed to think about the proposal that had been made. If the Great Pirate Era really had begun…

Before long, pirates would flood our island. But if we could secure help from the Navy, that might be possible.

“Alright. Let’s try proposing it to the Navy.”

“Thank you, Mother!”

“Of course. As the queen of this island, it’s only natural. And when you get the chance, bring Hancock here. I’d like to see the child Gloria spoke so highly of.”

“I understand. If Hancock is willing, I’ll bring her here.”

Queen Beliosa nodded, deciding to think about the future later.

Hancock was still only 9 years old, so maybe her own daughter could rule first, and then pass it on to Hancock.

With that thought in mind, Beliosa summoned her subordinates, wrote a letter, and instructed them to deliver it to the Navy.

Her proposal, Hancock’s idea, was now on its way to the Navy…

Soon after, the letter would find its way to the desk of Admiral Kong.