One Piece: I am the Empress, and the more sycophants I have, the stronger I become.

Stepping out of the chaotic auction house, which resembled a storm, Hancock squinted slightly at the outside light.

The sky above the Sabaody Archipelago was still filled with dreamy bubbles, as if the thrilling conflict that had just taken place was nothing but a fantasy.

However, the intermediate-level Conqueror's Haki surging within her body, as well as the [Forced Contract] and the newly added passive skills in the system space, were all clearly telling her...

Everything is real.

She casually glanced at the terrified crowd who were scattering and fleeing in all directions.

But my gaze inadvertently caught sight of a familiar figure in the distance, under the shade of a huge mangrove canopy, holding a wine jug and drinking heartily.

It's Silbaz Reilly!

He was still wearing that floral shirt and shorts, looking relaxed, as if he were just a retired old man passing by to watch the fun.

But Hancock's keen senses clearly revealed that beneath Rayleigh's seemingly relaxed posture, his muscles had been in a state of pent-up energy.

His aura blended perfectly with the surrounding environment.

Without the system's assistance, she would hardly have been able to detect his presence.

He's been here the whole time! Right outside the auction house!

Like a silent guardian, he concealed all his presence and quietly observed everything in the arena.

If the situation had really gotten out of control, if the Vice Admiral and CP0 had launched a desperate attack.

If a Celestial Dragon's safety is truly in mortal danger... he will definitely take action.

An indescribable warmth quietly swept through Hancock's heart.

This seemingly unreliable old man, despite saying he wouldn't get involved, secretly followed her and provided backup.

"This little old man..."

Hancock chuckled inwardly.

She observed Rayleigh's seemingly flawless, yet ultimately elusive, lurking posture through the system's perspective.

They're quite loyal, aren't they?

She neither approached to acknowledge him nor revealed anything.

Some feelings are best kept in your heart.

She simply nodded very slightly in that direction, then casually looked away.

Rayleigh seemed to notice her gaze and the subtle movement, and paused slightly in his drinking.

He then smiled knowingly and shook the wine pot at her.

Then, like a ghost, the figure silently blended into the shadows of the mangroves and disappeared.

"Big sister, where are we going now?"

Sandasonia stepped forward and asked, her voice tinged with the weariness of a battle.

But more than anything, it was a feeling of reverence for her older sister.

Her sister's performance just now completely overturned her understanding!

Before Hancock could answer, a vibrant figure jumped up to her side—it was Jewelry Bonney.

Her eyes were shining, and her face was flushed with excitement. She looked at Hancock as if she were looking at an idol.

"Sister! Sister! You were so cool! You were amazing!"

Bonnie was so excited that she almost threw away the kebab she had just swiped from who-knows-where.

"My god! They scared the Celestial Dragons half to death! They beat CP0 to a pulp! And they even fooled that fat pig into thinking he was an idiot! Hahaha! That was so satisfying! I declare that from today onwards, you are the person I, Bonnie, admire the most! I'm going to follow you!"

Her words were direct and passionate, making no attempt to hide her admiration and determination to follow.

On the system panel, Bonnie's [Intermediate Simp] (Fanatic Worship Type) icon was shining brightly.

The energy they provide seems to be more active than that of a rational type like Hawkins.

Hancock found Bonnie's fangirl-like expression both amusing and endearing.

Bonnie has a very easygoing personality.

But she is quite capable, has great potential, and Hancock finds her unaffected by conventional charm very interesting.

Having several followers like this doesn't seem so bad.

"Follow me?"

Hancock raised an eyebrow and deliberately gave Bonnie a critical look from head to toe.

"I don't keep idle people here."

"I'm not someone who does nothing!"

Bonnie patted her large chest.

"I'm a great fighter! And I can eat... uh, that doesn't count. Anyway, I'm very capable! And I can even be your cheerleader! Look how hard I shouted just now!"

Her nonsensical remarks made Marigold, who was standing next to her, laugh.

Even Hawkins, who had been silent the whole time, seemed to twitch the corner of his mouth beneath his mask.

Hancock was amused by her and shook her head.

"Fine, if you want to come, then go ahead. But if you hold us back, I won't be so lenient."

"Don't worry, don't worry! Absolutely not!"

Bonnie immediately made her promise and stood happily behind Hancock, acting as if she were Hancock's number one little sister.

Hancock looked at the lineup around her.

Loyal sister Sandersonia and Marigold, newly recruited rational henchman Hawkins, fanatical admirer Bonnie, and the [Forced Contract Paper] in the system space that can create cores of absolute loyalty...

A confident and charming smile slowly curved her lips.

The trip to the Sabaody Archipelago, though thrilling, was far more rewarding than expected.

Their strength has broken through, their sycophantic team is beginning to take shape, and they have even given the Celestial Dragons a good slap in the face!

"Let's go," she said, turning around, her scarlet skirt tracing an elegant arc.

"We shouldn't stay here any longer. Let's go back to Senior Xia Qi's place first... and then, we should also consider our next move."

It's time to let the name of the "Pirate Empress" truly resound throughout this sea!

And her "simp army" expansion plan will also move towards a wider world as she takes her steps!

Amidst the hazy lights and bubbles of the Sabaody Archipelago, the group walked toward "Knock on Bamboo Bar," their figures gradually disappearing at the end of the street.

She was left behind only the still chaotic auction area, which was no longer relevant to her.