One Piece: Investing In Whitebeard At The Start.

There was nothing particularly special about it—Vane just needed his daily lunch break at noon. That was non-negotiable. But today, someone dared to interrupt that sacred routine.

The moment he woke up, he found Kalifa bruised and battered—courtesy of Boa Hancock.

Vane's expression darkened. He didn't care if she was the Pirate Empress—he'd beat down anyone who laid a hand on someone under his protection. If this ship weren't important to him, he would've blasted her straight through it.

Vane had no fondness for Boa Hancock. That arrogant queen complex? Disgusting.

Pride? Status?

So what? If she thought she could do anything just because she liked someone—she was dead wrong.

"Master!" Kalifa's eyes brimmed with tears. She couldn't believe Vane had struck down a legendary beauty like Boa Hancock. That meant... he didn't care about her looks. He wasn't moved by her charm. He stood his ground for Kalifa, and that made her heart race.

What man wouldn't be tempted by the Pirate Empress?

What man could resist that allure?

But Vane? He beat her down.

For her.

Kalifa was so moved, she could die happy.

"Is anything wrong?" Vane asked casually.

His tone wasn't cold, but it wasn't exactly gentle either. Yet to Kalifa, it was proof he cared.

"I—No, that's not it! She kicked me so many times!"

Kalifa shot a glare at Hancock, scowling inwardly. You snake. I'll never forgive you.

"The Kuja Pirates tried to attack us first," Kalifa continued, her voice laced with righteous anger. "I struck back—and then she showed up. Shameless!"

She gritted her teeth. "The Shichibukai have the right to plunder other ships. That includes pirate crews, merchants, even Navy vessels. But this woman just abused it."

Kalifa spat on the deck in disgust. "Out of all the Warlords, only Jinbe and Dracule Mihawk haven't misused that privilege."

"Boa Hancock," Vane muttered as he walked up to her.

He squatted beside her, staring her down. There was no question—she was beautiful. But to Vane, drooling over someone was just pathetic.

In this world, only power mattered. That's what Vane believed in—absolute strength. It trumped wealth, status, everything. It was the ultimate currency in a lawless sea like this.

He drew his Blade and stabbed it into the deck—just beside her ear. The tip of the blade came dangerously close, cutting a few strands of her hair.

That's what he thought of pretty faces.

They didn't impress him.

To him, Kalifa was far better.

Snake Princess types? Proud on the outside, obsessive on the inside? No thanks.

Vane didn't even flinch.

"L-Lord Vane…" Boa Hancock was stunned by his coldness, but in her eyes, it was raw dominance.

Lord Vane?

He blinked for a moment. There was a strange look in her eyes—something between awe, submission, and fascination.

She was interested.

That expression made Vane pause. So she's into me? Probably because I killed a Celestial Dragon a while back…

If that's the case, she could be useful.

"Master Vane… my name is Boa Hancock…" Her voice trembled with admiration. She looked like she was ready to fall into his arms.

She was captivated.

So this is fate, she thought, the man I waited for all my life, appearing like this…

He didn't look at her like all the other men did. There was no hunger, no lust in his eyes. He didn't even flinch at her beauty.

That's why he stood out.

That's why she adored him.

Vane didn't answer immediately. He was thinking—how could he use her?

"You attacked one of my crew," he said coldly. "What are you going to do about that? That woman behind me—she matters to me."

"I—I apologize!"

Her immediate response caught Kalifa off-guard. Not because she apologized, but because of the way she did it. That blush, that look… it was obvious.

Kalifa could tell right away: Hancock was falling for him.

Vane chuckled. "You think an apology is enough?"

"Then… what should I do?"

"Boa Hancock… do you have a Devil Fruit?"

"A Devil Fruit? Y-Yes! I do! I picked one up just yesterday!"

Kalifa scoffed. Picked up? More like stole it. But why did Master Vane want more Devil Fruits? There were already two aboard.

"You caused a serious problem today. You tried to plunder my ship. You hit my crew. If you want forgiveness…"

"I do! I want your forgiveness, Lord Vane!"

"Then hand over your Devil Fruit. And from now on, you'll help me collect more Devil Fruits. Do that—and I'll let it go."

"I'll obey, Lord Vane!"

She agreed immediately, no hesitation. Before him, she felt completely powerless. She didn't care what he asked—she just wanted his approval.

Vane smiled.

Obedient Hancock—now that was useful.

She even apologized to Kalifa, returned their ship, offered Vane the Devil Fruit—and swore to gather more for him in the future.

The Kuja Pirates were stunned.

They had never seen Hancock like this—bashful, obedient, blushing. It was like watching the sun rise in the west.

Kalifa, watching the ship in the distance, saw Hancock waving goodbye—not to her, but to Vane.

She clenched her fists. "Tch… now she has more reasons to get close to Master Vane."

"Kalifa," Vane called, "I'm hungry."

"I'll make food right away, Master!"

Life moved on. For now, as long as that woman was out of sight—Kalifa could endure.

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