One Piece: Rise of Valoria

William's senses heightened as he and Robin walked through Rusukaina's dense forest, the distant presence of the Boa sisters and Rayleigh growing stronger with each step. The air was thick with anticipation, but the moment he spotted them gathered ahead, the quiet tension broke. Hancock's eyes landed on him, and in a flash, she crossed the distance with graceful speed, throwing her arms around his neck in a fierce hug.

"What took you so long?" Hancock demanded, her voice soft but filled with an edge of impatience.

William grinned, playfully ruffling her hair. "I told you I'd be back in a month at most. It hasn't even been three weeks! How does that qualify as 'too long'?"

Hancock's pout softened, but her eyes sparkled with a mixture of affection and longing. "It felt like three years to me," she murmured, barely able to mask the relief in her voice.

As she spoke, her gaze shifted over William's shoulder, landing on Robin, who stood nearby, with an amused smile on her face. Hancock's expression changed instantly as if struck by an epiphany. She pointed at Robin with a trembling finger, her face filled with shock.

"It's because of her, isn't it?" she accused. "She's the reason you were late!"

William blinked, taken aback. "What? Hancock, I—"

But Hancock, lost in her own train of thought, was already looking back at him with a hurt expression. "You… you married her, didn't you?" She held her hand over her chest, pretending to swoon as if heartbroken. "Just like a husband who abandoned his wife…"

William's face flushed, "What? I didn't marry her. Hancock, believed me."

Robin's smirk grew even wider. Amused by the sudden twist, she decided to add a spark to the fire.

"But you did kiss me, didn't you, William?" Robin said with a wicked smile. "And you hugged me to sleep. Isn't that what married couples do?"

William stared at her, speechless, his face turning a darker shade as he realized the trouble she was causing. "Robin, you're not helping," he groaned, feeling his grip on the situation slip away entirely.

Hancock's eyes widened, her sorrow giving way to fierce resolve as she caught William by the ear. "So, it's true!" she said, her tone a mix of hurt and fury. "Kael D. William, you're going to marry me today, or I'll turn you to stone and make sure you stay with me forever!"

William winced, caught in her hold as she tugged on his ear with surprising force. "Hancock, wait! It's not what you think!"

Robin chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos she'd stirred up. "Oh, this is so much fun," she said, her laughter almost melodic as she watched the scene play out.

William shot her a dark look. "I'll deal with you later, Bookworm."

Seeing his exasperation, Sandersonia and Marigold watched with barely suppressed grins of their own. Desperate, William turned to them with a pleading look. "Sonia, Marie—help, please!"

Sandersonia looked up at the sky, as if noticing the weather for the first time. "Such a clear day today, don't you think, Marie?"

"Yes," Marigold replied with a light smile. "A beautiful day indeed."

William's shoulders slumped in defeat. He let out an exaggerated groan, giving them a look of mock betrayal. "Traitors. Both of you."

As Hancock's gaze fixed him with fierce determination, William took a steadying breath, then moved closer to her, slipping his arm around her waist and holding her gaze. Her expression softened as he drew her closer, all traces of her earlier fury fading. He leaned in and whispered softly, "I missed you, Hancock." Then, gently, he pressed a light kiss to her cheek.

Hancock's face turned scarlet, her entire body seeming to go limp as she melted into his arms, her mind lost in a daze. Her fingers released their grip on his ear, and she swayed, her eyes half-closed, drifting into one of her daydreams.

William took the chance to exhale and let out a sigh of relief. He shot Robin an amused yet wary glance as she continued to observe the scene, clearly entertained.

"We'll settle this later, Robin. Just you wait," he warned, his voice filled with humor.

Robin only gave a playful shrug and stuck her tongue out at him, unbothered by his threat. Then, gracefully, she turned to Sandersonia and Marigold, a warm smile on her face.

"It's nice to meet you both. William has told me a lot about you," Robin said, extending a hand.

The two sisters exchanged glances before Sandersonia shook Robin's hand. "Likewise, Robin," she replied with a smirk. "We've heard a lot about you too."

Marigold joined in, her smile softer as she observed the exchange between Robin and William, piecing together the strong bond they shared.

A hearty laugh came from behind them, drawing everyone's attention to the silver-haired figure watching the entire scene with a twinkle in his eye.

"Oh, the joys of being young," Rayleigh remarked, his deep, hearty laughter echoing in the open air. He looked at William with a knowing smile, then glanced at the other members of their unusual group. "Seems you've managed to keep things lively around you, William."

William grinned, nodding respectfully. "Rayleigh, it's good to see you. And yes, things have been… eventful."

Rayleigh's chuckle deepened, his gaze settling on Robin with curiosity and recognition. "Nico Robin," he said, nodding at her. "It's an honor to meet you, the last scholar of Ohara."

Robin inclined her head. "Likewise, Rayleigh. I look forward to learning from you all."

Rayleigh's eyes twinkled with warmth as he surveyed the group. "Well, you've all arrived just in time. The wilds of Rusukaina are no easy training ground. But if you're all prepared, I'm certain you'll come out stronger than ever."

William's grin grew. "That's what we're here for."

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