One of the best-selling manga across the world, Eiichiro Oda's One Piece has been going strong since its debut in 1997. The series has recently seen the conclusion of the Wano arc, and with that, the entirety of the Yonko Saga that started with the Zou arc.
The newest addition to the story, One Piece chapter 1059 saw the readers being greeted by old beloved characters, notably Boa Hancock, who fans hadn't seen for a very long time. Following the abolition of the Shichibukai system, fans saw old characters being reintroduced into the main story, such as Sir Crocodile and Dracule Mihawk, who collaborated to create the Cross Guild. Now, Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress as well as the leader of the all-female crew, the Kuja pirates, takes the stage. Oda previously teased her being in danger and this chapter finally gave everyone the answer to her fate.
Abolition of the Shichibukai system
The Shichibukai, or Seven Warlords of the Sea, were a group of seven pirates affiliated with the Word Government for their own benefice. Along with the Yonko and Marine, they constituted the Three Great Powers that keep the world in balance. Recently during the Reverie arc, new Admiral Fujitora went to the council with the mission to abolish the Shichibukai system after two of its members, Sir Crocodile and Donquixote Doflamingo got arrested for committing atrocious crimes and using their Shichibukai titles to meet their evil deeds in Alabasta and Dressrosa respectively. The abolition that was proposed by the Admiral was accepted, and in Chapter 956, Fujitora achieved his goal.
With this escalation of events, it now means that the Shichibukai, who previously had their bounties frozen, are now threatened by the Marines once again. In retaliation to that, some former Shichibukai, notably Sir Crocodile, Dracule Mihawk, and Buggy The Clown, formed the Cross Guild and started placing bounties on Marines' heads. Boa Hancock, having been a Shichibukai before its dissolution, had a bounty that was frozen since her first voyage out to sea, worth 80,000,000 berries. Evidently, this was not a bounty that reflected the power of the Pirate Empress, as was seen in the most recent chapter.
Current Events Surrounding Hancock
In the most recent chapter, 1059, the fans finally got to see the Island of Women, Amazon Lily, where the Kuja Pirates, led by Boa Hancock reside. Hancock and the Kuja made their last appearance in chapter 956, nearly 3 years ago. As such, this chapter was very refreshing to a lot of readers as it took the focus away from the Straw Hat Pirates and onto the rest of the world. As expected, Hancock and the Marines confronted each other on Amazon Lily where she had to stop a fleet sent by the Marines, at their head being Koby the Hero. While the Navy weren't as much trouble, it was the Seraphim, small children reassembling Hancock and Mihawk, who proved to be the real trouble. At the same time, Blackbeard and his crew arrived on the island to murder Hancock to get hold of her Devil Fruit.
Befitting her title, Hancock fought well and turned everyone, including two Commanders in Blackbeard's crew, to stone, but was taken by surprise by Blackbeard himself. Eventually, Rayleigh's arrival proved to be decisive as he saved her and negotiated with all parties, saving the day in the process. Blackbeard accepted Rayleigh's demands in exchange for Hancock turning his men back from their stone state. However, he took Koby as hostage with him. During this chapter, fans also got to see the new bounty of Boa Hancock, with an impressive 1,659,000,000 berries being placed on her head. This is especially impressive as her bounty sees no increment from the likes of major organizations, such as the Cross Guild. Fans also learned that Shakky was accompanying him and, what's more, is a former leader of the Kuja Pirates and the Empress of Amazon Lily two generations ago. Hancock acknowledged that as long as she resides on the island, the Marines would keep pouring in.
Boa Hancock's Future
For now, Hancock is safe. However, her future remains uncertain as she can't stay on Amazon Lily for long. After Blackbeard left her island, it was clear to her that she can't stay on Amazon Lily and put everyone at risk. Naturally, the Marines are not keen on letting her rest until she is captured because of her strength and her powerful Devil Fruit, the Mero Mero no Mi, which even Blackbeard was after. With this in mind, she could very well choose to sail out with the rest of the Kuja to join forces with Monkey D. Luffy.
It is possible that Hancock will join the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, especially seeing how Hancock would love to meet Luffy again after a long time. On the flip side, she could decide to remain and defend Amazon Lily, especially now that Dark King Rayleigh and Shakky, former Amazon Lily Empress joined her, making them a force to be reckoned with. Either way, Hancock looks set to be involved a lot more in the story, and fans should be ready to see more of her in the upcoming arcs of One Piece.