Qi Ling stood still, his gaze locked onto the massive cage behind the Tianlong people. Inside, three young girls huddled together—one with black hair, one with green, and the other with brown. No matter how he looked at them, they seemed oddly familiar.
"Have I seen these girls before?" he muttered, puzzled.
Logically, having just arrived in this world, he should only recognize the major characters from One Piece. Yet, as he stared at them, a sudden realization struck him.
"Could they be the sisters of Empress Boa Hancock when they were young?"
Given the current timeline, this was likely around the period when they were captured by the Tianlong people. The resemblance was uncanny—about seventy percent certain. Even if he was mistaken, it hardly mattered. The little girl in particular was strikingly beautiful.
Being captured by the Tianlong people as a slave was a fate worse than death. He had to save them. And if he did, perhaps she would become his future wife.
"I never expected to get such an opportunity the moment I arrived here!" Qi Ling's excitement grew.
In the anime, the Empress had fallen in love with Luffy—a man as dense as a rock—who did nothing despite her affections. Such a waste! Now that he was here, he would make sure she became his woman.
"The Tianlong people in front of me will not stop me!"
Rather than stepping aside, Qi Ling boldly moved forward, blocking their path. His sudden action sent a wave of shock through the crowd. The bystander who had just pulled him aside turned pale.
"This kid is insane! He dares to obstruct the Tianlong people? He's doomed!"
"Insolent fool!" A nearby guard snarled upon seeing Qi Ling in the way. "When Lord Tianlong passes, you should be groveling, not standing there like an idiot! Move, or do you wish to die—"
Bang!
Before he could finish, Qi Ling sent him flying with a single strike.
Gasps filled the air. The onlookers recoiled in fear. Qi Ling's gaze turned cold as he declared, "Minions, step aside!"
Bang!
In an instant, all the attendants were blasted away, utterly powerless against him.
Ding! Gained +9 Fear from Unknown Guard!
Ding! Gained +9 Fear from Unknown Guard!
Ding! Gained +9 Fear from Unknown Guard!
Qi Ling strode toward the Tianlong noble. The man, visibly shaken, pointed a trembling finger at him. "Y-You... what are you doing?! I am a Tianlong noble! A ruler of this world! If you dare touch me, I will eradicate your entire family—"
Bang!
Qi Ling slapped the fat noble across the face, his eyes burning with the power of the Rinnegan as he stared deep into his soul. His voice was ice-cold. "You think your status means anything to me?"
"Brother, I was wrong!" the Tianlong noble crumbled, dropping to his knees in sheer terror.
The crowd was dumbfounded.
The Tianlong people had always considered themselves gods, looking down on all others as mere insects. Even when faced with death, they never showed fear—let alone kneeled to anyone. But now, in just a single exchange, this man had completely broken.
"Damn! Did he just make a Tianlong noble kneel?!"
"I've never seen anyone this crazy!"
"He may be strong, but he's doomed. The Tianlong people will send an army after him!"
"Exactly! The young shouldn't be so reckless. This world belongs to the Tianlong people."
The chatter swirled around him, but Qi Ling paid no mind. He pointed to the cage, his voice commanding. "Where did you take these three girls from?"
The trembling noble stammered, "T-They were kidnapped from the Kuja Pirates... If you want them, t-they're yours!"
Qi Ling's eyes flashed with understanding.
"So they really are from the Kuja Pirates!" His gaze softened as he looked at the three frightened girls. Their faces were streaked with dirt, their clothes torn, their expressions filled with fear.
His fists clenched.
Bang!
Qi Ling delivered another slap to the Tianlong man's face, his voice filled with anger. "You beasts! You won't even spare children! Open the cage, now!"
"Y-Yes, yes…" The Tianlong noble forced a flattering smile, though his heart seethed with humiliation. Never in his life had he been treated this way.
With shaking hands, he produced a key, hastily unlocking the cage. Turning to the three young girls inside, he plastered on a fake grin. "Little sisters, you can come out now."
The three girls shrank back, their eyes filled with fear and distrust. They had suffered too much at the hands of these people.
The Tianlong noble frowned. "You three, come out! From now on, you belong to this gentleman—"
Before he could finish, Qi Ling kicked him aside with disgust.
"You're an eyesore! Don't scare them with your ugly face! Get lost!" Qi Ling sneered and sent him sprawling with another kick, making him eat dirt.
Seeing this, Hancock and the other two girls giggled for the first time in what felt like forever.
Qi Ling turned to them, his expression softening. "Little sisters, come out. I'm here to save you. Don't be afraid. From now on, as long as you're with me, no one will ever hurt you again."
He extended his hand, his voice gentle and reassuring.
The girls hesitated, torn between hope and fear. Their trust had been shattered too many times before.
"Believe me, I won't hurt you," Qi Ling assured them.
Hancock's large, innocent black eyes studied him carefully. After a moment of thought, she asked, "Big brother, can you really protect us? There are so many Tianlong people here…"
Qi Ling's gaze was firm. "Don't worry. I will destroy every Tianlong noble who has ever hurt you. I won't let you suffer again!"
The three girls exchanged uncertain glances, their hearts wavering between doubt and expectation.
At last, Hancock gathered her courage. Taking a deep breath, she reached out her small, trembling hand and placed it in Qi Ling's. Her lips curled into a bright smile, revealing pearly white teeth. "Big brother, I believe in you! My name is Boa Hancock, and I will follow you from now on!"
Qi Ling smiled warmly. "Good. I'll protect you from now on."
He then turned to the other two girls. "And what about you?"
They shared a look before taking deep breaths and stepping forward, each grasping Qi Ling's hand.
"My name is Boa Marigold!"
"My name is Boa Sandersonia!"
Qi Ling grinned and squeezed their hands reassuringly. "Good! From now on, you're my little sisters. If anyone dares to bully you, just tell me—I'll take care of them myself!"