"Whew…"
Looking at Marigold's completely restored back, Jin finally let out a long breath.
After several hours of surgery, the slave brands on all three sisters had finally been erased completely.
Honestly speaking, this kind of operation was incredibly exhausting.
Precise.
Delicate.
Mentally draining.
Without his massive chakra reserves, performing three consecutive surgeries of this level would've been impossible.
"Is… is it done?" Marigold asked nervously.
"It's done," Jin nodded. "Go take a look."
Hearing those words, excitement immediately flooded Marigold's eyes.
Supported by Sandersonia, she slowly walked toward the mirror step by step.
And the moment she saw her back—
Tears streamed down her face.
"It's finally gone…"
"Thank you… thank you so much!"
Seeing Marigold crying openly, Jin smiled faintly.
"From today onward, none of you have to worry about people seeing your backs anymore."
"Mhm!"
Sandersonia wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes as well before bowing gratefully toward him.
This man…
Had done them an unimaginable kindness.
"I wonder how Hancock's side is going," Jin muttered while glancing toward the door.
Seeing no movement outside, he simply shook his head and began cleaning the operating table.
"W-We'll help too," Marigold hurriedly said.
"No need. Just rest properly," Jin replied.
"But we're not tired…"
"You wouldn't understand these tools anyway," Jin said casually. "If you accidentally hurt yourselves, it'd become troublesome."
Hearing him say that, Sandersonia reluctantly gave up the idea.
Very quickly, under Jin's skilled movements, all the surgical instruments returned to their original state before being sealed back into the scroll.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Jin pulled over a chair and sat down heavily.
"You look exhausted," Marigold said worriedly. "Shouldn't you rest for a while?"
Looking at the now emotionally stable Marigold, Jin shook his head.
"I don't really have time to rest right now."
"I'm sorry… doing three surgeries in a row must've been exhausting…"
"Huh?"
Jin laughed.
"Well, not entirely because of that."
"The main reason is…"
"I haven't slept in three days."
The room instantly fell silent.
"Three days?!"
"Yeah."
Even counting only from the moment he stepped onto Sabaody Archipelago…
It had already been three full days without sleep.
Although the Mangekyo Sharingan allowed his body to remain in peak condition temporarily…
Mental exhaustion still existed.
And that kind of fatigue couldn't be ignored forever.
Unfortunately—
This wasn't the time to rest.
Marigold and Sandersonia stared at him in shock.
Three days without sleep?
Even during their nightmare days in Mary Geoise, they had never gone that long without rest.
Just how had this man endured it?
"It's nothing," Jin said calmly. "At least for me."
"You should still rest for a bit," Sandersonia said seriously. "If you don't stay at your best condition, how will you deal with the battles ahead?"
After all…
Jin and his captain were about to invade Impel Down to rescue Fire Fist Ace.
There was no way such a place wouldn't contain unimaginable dangers.
If he entered exhausted…
He might genuinely die there.
"That's unnecessary, I—"
"What's unnecessary?"
Granny Nyon walked over from the distance curiously.
"What are you all talking about?"
"Granny Nyon," Sandersonia explained quickly, "Jin hasn't slept in three days."
"Three days, huh…"
Granny Nyon carefully examined Jin before nodding slowly.
"Looks like you're a monster too, brat."
"Granny Nyon?"
"Relax," she explained. "For true monsters on the sea, fighting continuously for several days isn't uncommon. He won't suddenly die from staying awake."
As someone who had wandered the seas for decades, Granny Nyon understood this very clearly.
"Fighting for several days…" Sandersonia looked stunned.
People could actually do that?
"Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist," Granny Nyon replied.
Then she turned toward Jin again.
"Still… if possible, I'd prefer you get some rest."
"After all…"
"You're heading to Impel Down."
That place was one of the World Government's most important prisons.
Its defensive forces were unquestionably terrifying.
There might even be Admiral-level combat power stationed there.
Facing enemies of that level without proper rest?
That was suicide.
And more importantly—
If these two boys failed to rescue Ace from Impel Down…
Then they might end up invading Marine Headquarters directly.
And the battlefield there…
Would be even crueler.
"That makes sense," Jin admitted after thinking briefly.
"But I don't plan on resting here."
Seeing Granny Nyon's lingering concern, he smiled lightly.
"Don't worry. I'll find a chance to sleep."
Since he'd already said that much, Granny Nyon could only nod helplessly.
"By the way," Jin suddenly asked, "what about Hancock? Still no response?"
"I'm not sure," Granny Nyon shook her head.
"After I finished discussing things with her earlier, she went outside with the Den Den Mushi."
"As for whether Headquarters replied yet… I don't know."
"I see. Then first—"
Before he could finish speaking—
Hancock suddenly ran over from the distance while carrying a Den Den Mushi.
Granny Nyon immediately asked:
"Hancock! What happened?"
"The Marines accepted my conditions!"
Hancock's face was filled with joy.
She…
Had finally managed to help Jin.
"Accepted?" Granny Nyon visibly relaxed.
"That's good."
As long as the Marines agreed, there was no need to force things violently.
And most importantly—
Hancock's Warlord title would remain secure.
That was the best possible outcome.
"So they accepted…" Jin rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Looks like the Marines really need the Warlords' strength."
Then he looked at Hancock curiously.
"So what exactly did you tell them?"
"Did they add any conditions?"
"Well…"
Hancock hesitated slightly.
"You actually agreed to additional conditions from the Marines?!" Granny Nyon's eyes widened.
Had this girl really made some massive sacrifice for Jin?
"It's nothing too serious," Hancock replied calmly.
"The Marines only requested that I wear Seastone handcuffs after entering Impel Down."
"WHAT?!"
Sandersonia was instantly horrified.
"Big Sister, Seastone is the natural enemy of Devil Fruit users!"
Once restrained by Seastone, even powerful users became nearly powerless.
Even Hancock wouldn't be an exception.
"I know," Hancock replied calmly.
"And you still agreed?"
"Mhm."
Sandersonia: "..."
Wasn't her sister afraid the World Government would take advantage of this opportunity?
After thinking briefly, Granny Nyon spoke.
"Relax. As long as the Marines aren't idiots, they won't touch Hancock."
First—
The Marines currently needed Hancock's strength for the upcoming war against Whitebeard.
Second—
If they betrayed Hancock openly, what would the other Warlords think?
Attacking a Warlord during cooperation would create massive distrust.
The Marines understood that better than anyone.
So in Granny Nyon's view—
Hancock wouldn't be in danger this time.
Although her explanation made sense, the worry on Sandersonia's face still didn't disappear.
"Don't worry," Jin suddenly said.
"If they truly try to capture Hancock inside Impel Down…"
"I'll save her."
The room instantly fell silent.
Then Jin continued calmly:
"This is my promise to all of you."
Since Hancock was willing to risk herself for him—
There was no way he would allow her to be abandoned.
Hearing those words, Hancock's cheeks immediately turned slightly red.
A beautiful smile bloomed across her face.
"I believe you."
Watching her sister's expression, Sandersonia silently sighed inwardly.
What exactly is happening to Sister…?
"Jin," Marigold said softly, "I'll leave Big Sister to you."
"Don't worry."
Then Jin looked toward Hancock.
"Once everything on my side is ready, go meet up with the Marines."
"I'll have Sea Kings follow behind your ship."
With their enormous bodies, secretly trailing a warship wouldn't be difficult at all.
"Yes~ I understand."
Hancock smiled brightly.
"Good."
Jin nodded before turning toward Granny Nyon.
"Granny Nyon, let's go back first. We should meet up with Merry and the others."
"Alright."
Without wasting words, Granny Nyon grabbed her snake staff and walked off alongside him.
"Jin!"
Hancock suddenly called out from behind.
"I'll prepare for departure as well!"
"Got it."
Without turning around, Jin casually waved his hand.
Soon—
The two disappeared into the distance.
Watching his departing figure, Hancock slowly lowered her raised hand.
"Big Sister… what's wrong with you lately?" Sandersonia asked cautiously.
"Nothing," Hancock shook her head softly.
"Go prepare yourselves."
No matter what—
She needed to change clothes before departure.
After all…
Her previous outfit had already been ruined.
"Before changing clothes, let's take a bath first," Marigold suggested.
"We sweated quite a bit earlier."
Hearing that, Hancock glanced down at herself.
After fighting Jin earlier—
Combined with the surgery afterward—
She truly was a bit messy now.
"Alright," Hancock nodded.
"A bath sounds good."
Sandersonia suddenly grinned mischievously.
"And while we're at it, we can announce that the curse on our backs has disappeared!"
Hancock paused briefly before smiling.
"Good idea."
That way—
The people of Amazon Lily would understand exactly what Jin had done for them.
Thinking that, Hancock walked toward the changing room, gathered several sets of clothes, and headed outside.
…
Meanwhile—
Back at the residence.
"Why is Jin taking so long?" Luffy muttered impatiently while staring outside.
"It's already nighttime!"
"What exactly is he helping that woman with?"
"It's taking forever!"
"Even so, you're not allowed to run outside again," Merry scolded while standing on the sofa with her hands on her hips.
"Don't forget what happened earlier today."
If not for Jin stepping in…
That terrifying giant woman might've killed Luffy already.
Just thinking about it made Merry feel frightened again.
Seeing tiny Merry lecturing him seriously, Luffy scratched his head awkwardly.
"I know, I know."
"I didn't go outside, right?"
Even he understood this wasn't the time to cause trouble for Jin.
After all—
Jin promised that once everything was finished, they'd obtain the Eternal Pose to Marine Headquarters.
Of course…
If that woman dared deceive Jin—
Then she'd have to face his anger.
"No matter how anxious you are, it won't change anything," Margaret sighed helplessly.
"It's already dark outside."
"Even if you wanted to leave, it'd probably have to wait until tomorrow."
"You should sleep first and restore your energy."
Only by staying rested could they fight properly later.
"But I can't sleep," Luffy shook his head.
If he weren't worried about interrupting Jin, he would've already run over to ask what was happening.
In this situation—
How could he possibly relax?
Margaret sighed helplessly.
Then suddenly—
Voices echoed from outside the courtyard.
"Granny Nyon?!"
"Why are you girls still gathered here?" Granny Nyon looked speechlessly at the crowd outside.
"You're not even attending tonight's celebration banquet?"
Every time the Kuja Pirates returned safely, the island held a massive celebration.
Yet instead of attending—
These girls were surrounding the house to stare at men.
"Well… we've never seen men before," one girl said shamelessly.
"Of course we're curious."
As she spoke, her eyes shamelessly scanned Jin up and down repeatedly.
That gaze…
Made it seem like she wanted to touch him directly.
Jin: "..."
Looking at Jin's twitching expression, Granny Nyon shook her head helplessly.
"Forget it. Do whatever you want."
"Jin. Come inside."
The crowd immediately parted to create a path for Granny Nyon.
But the moment they entered—
The women instantly sealed the gap again and continued staring into the courtyard silently.
"Jin!"
The moment Luffy saw him return, he shot out of the house like a cannonball.
"Did you get the Eternal Pose?!"
"Yeah. I got it."
"Great!"
Luffy instantly became excited.
"Then let's leave right now!"
Finally—
They could head to Marine Headquarters and save Ace!
Even if Ace yelled at him afterward—
He still had to go.
Watching Luffy's excited face, Jin placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know you're excited."
"But we can't leave yet."
"Huh?"
"Why?!"
Luffy looked completely confused.
"Let's go inside first."
Watching Jin walk into the room, Luffy scratched his head in confusion but still followed obediently.
"Jin!"
The moment Merry saw him return, her face lit up with joy.
"Mhm. I'm back."
Jin gently rubbed her head before gesturing toward the sofa.
"Luffy. Sit down first."
After everyone settled down, Jin finally spoke.
"First of all, I already obtained the Eternal Pose leading to Marine Headquarters."
"But…"
"Our destination has changed."
"WHY?!"
Luffy instantly stood up again.
"Jin! I'm going to save Ace!"
"I know," Jin replied calmly.
"Changing the target is precisely for saving Ace."
Luffy: "???"
His face was completely full of question marks.
"Granny Nyon and Shakky believe Ace is currently being held in Impel Down," Jin explained.
"So our new target…"
"Is Impel Down."
"If we can rescue him there, we won't need to invade Marine Headquarters at all."
"Oh…"
Hearing that they were still saving Ace, Luffy relaxed immediately.
"Then let's go right now!"
"To that… underwater prison place!"
"It's called Impel Down," Jin corrected.
"That doesn't matter!" Luffy shouted.
"Let's just save Ace already!"
Luffy genuinely didn't care where they were going.
As long as Ace could be saved—
That was enough.
"Saving Ace is fine. Going to Impel Down is also fine," Jin said seriously.
"But Luffy…"
"Do you really think it's safe to bring Merry with us?"
The atmosphere instantly froze.
Merry's smile stiffened immediately.
Luffy also frowned as he slowly turned toward the tiny girl.
Taking in both of their reactions, Jin continued softly:
"The place we're heading to is extremely dangerous."
"There's a very high chance we'll encounter enemies on Admiral level."
"Existences even more terrifying than Kuma."
"You understand what that means… right?"
The moment Kuma's name was mentioned—
Luffy's pupils shrank violently.
His mind instantly recalled the despair at Sabaody Archipelago.
Even against Kuma—
They had been completely powerless.
If enemies even stronger than Kuma appeared…
Could they truly protect Merry?
Thinking that through—
Luffy fell silent.
Seeing his silence, Jin continued:
"If we encounter enemies of that level…"
"Merry could die."
"So I think…"
"Leaving her temporarily with Granny Nyon would be safest."
"At least here…"
"She won't face any danger."
But before he could continue—
Soft sobbing suddenly interrupted him.
Jin stopped speaking instantly.
Turning around—
He saw Merry lowering her head while crying uncontrollably.
Then—
With trembling shoulders—
She finally broke down completely.
"Is… is it happening again…?"
"When we were at Sabaody…"
"Nami said almost the same thing…"
"She hid me inside a tree hole…"
"But when I came out…"
"Everyone was gone…"
"And now…"
"Are you all abandoning me here too?!"
At that point—
The tiny girl completely lost control and burst into tears.
That feeling of being left behind…
Of losing everyone…
She never wanted to experience it again.
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