One Piece: Investing In Whitebeard At The Start.

This is April 17, 1519 in the sea calendar. That afternoon, Vane was preparing to leave Sky Island.

Having defeated the tyrant Enel and ended four centuries of territorial conflict, Vane brought true peace to the island. In gratitude, the residents helped him make his departure. Their ship descended smoothly from Sky Island, returning to the vast sea.

The first half of the Grand Line.

For the next seven or eight days, the Sovereign sailed smoothly, uninterrupted on the Grand Line.

Vane was planning to enter the New World. First, however, he intended to stop by Sabaody Archipelago to get his ship coated—and to personally thank Silvers Rayleigh for the help he provided last time.

A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude.

That day, around noon, Vane was resting after lunch, while Kalifa trained on the deck.

She had been developing her newly acquired powers from the Thunder-Thunder Fruit. Vane had stolen the fruit for her during their time on Sky Island—a clear sign of how much he valued her. Kalifa, determined not to let him down, trained daily without fail.

By now, she could generate up to 30 million volts of electricity, use lightning to smelt small amounts of metal, and even manipulate objects through electromagnetic force—like levitating items with static electricity.

She was proud of her progress, and the potential felt endless. However, she found herself puzzled by the other directions Vane had suggested—repulsion, magnetism, and more abstract applications.

Did such powers truly exist? Could the Thunder-Thunder Fruit evolve to that extent?

Kalifa couldn't help but feel that Vane knew too much. Though she was about ten years older than him, she often felt ignorant in comparison.

Was he some kind of child born from the gods?

"I have to keep pushing myself!"

Kalifa clenched her fists with renewed resolve.

"Huh? That ship is..."

Drenched in sweat from training beneath the summer sun, Kalifa reached for her water bottle. As she raised her head, her eyes caught sight of a red ship gliding across the sea. It was being towed by two massive sea serpents resembling Neptunes.

Her expression changed instantly.

"The Kuja Pirates?!"

Why were they here?

The Kuja Pirates were famous across the world—especially in the first half of the Grand Line. A powerful all-female pirate crew from Amazon Lily, led by none other than the Pirate Empress herself.

"The Pirate Queen..."

Kalifa's heart sank with unease. It wasn't that she feared them—no, she was worried about Vane. The Empress, Boa Hancock, had a beauty so intense that even women found themselves captivated.

How could any man resist her?

Kalifa had seen Hancock's wanted poster before and even that made her feel inferior. Her beauty wasn't just striking—it was overwhelming. A presence that could upend the world.

But looks weren't the only concern. Boa Hancock was immensely powerful. With a formidable Devil Fruit, all three types of Haki, and a kingdom under her command, she stood among the strongest women in the world—rivaled only by one of the Four Emperors, BIG MOM Charlotte Linlin.

Kalifa gritted her teeth.

"How is any man supposed to ignore someone like that?"

She considered herself attractive—no doubt about it—but Boa Hancock? She was in a league of her own.

"Damn it! Why today of all days?"

Kalifa felt an overwhelming wave of resistance toward other women—especially ones like Hancock. She was terrified that Vane might be swayed.

She had fallen for him. Even though he was clueless and dense as a rock, she kept trying—sometimes subtly, sometimes not. But Vane remained oblivious. Kalifa didn't mind being bold, but what held her back was her respect—and fear—of his strength. She worried that if she pushed too far, he might cast her aside.

And if she was thrown off the ship, she might not survive.

For now, it was just the two of them on this ship. A quiet world for two. Kalifa was determined to grow stronger—strong enough to become Vane's right hand. When that time came, if he already had a right-hand man, she would become his left arm.

And then, there'd be no need for anyone else.

She refused to be just another pretty face.

Vane might be young and naïve about romance now, but she was willing to wait.

Cooking, cleaning, laundry—even sneaking into his room at night to make sure he was covered with a blanket—Kalifa was happy doing it all.

But now... this woman had to show up!

She clenched her fists. Electricity crackled in her palms, and arcs of lightning flashed in her eyes.

"Boa Hancock better turn that ship around," Kalifa growled. "If she wakes him up, I'll strike the sea with 30 million volts and feed her to the sea kings!"

She turned toward the ship rapidly approaching.

"Get lost or go to hell! My captain is still sleeping!"

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Aboard the Kuja Pirates' Ship...

"Lady Hancock! A large ship spotted about a hundred meters ahead!"

"Yes! And what a fine-looking ship it is! Must've cost a fortune to build!"

"Lady Hancock, should we attack?"

The crew of the Kuja Pirates whispered excitedly, eyes glowing with admiration. At the center of it all sat the serene and imposing figure of the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock—her legs crossed casually, her beauty shining like sunlight, and her presence commanding total devotion.

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