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

After a brief rest at Shakky's secretive bar, Hancock realized something clearly.

The Sabaody Archipelago, a land teeming with countless evils, is not something she currently has the power to completely change.

The privileges of the Celestial Dragons, the darkness of the slave trade, and the complex web of various factions.

Like a giant net, she has only torn a small hole, far from being able to completely destroy it.

The most urgent task is to continue to enhance our strength.

Expand your "sycophant army" and accumulate enough power to shake the world.

Her gaze fell on the taciturn Hawkins.

This man, who relies on divination and reason, has temporarily submitted to the government.

But the motives were ultimately driven by calculation and the passivity of fate.

Not sturdy enough.

And right now, there is an excellent opportunity to completely bind him.

She dismissed everyone else, leaving Hawkins alone in the room.

Basil Hawkins.

Hancock's voice was calm and even as she toyed with the [Forced Contract Paper], a system reward that shimmered with a strange silver light, in her hand.

"You followed me because of divination, believing that I am a 'variable' and 'possibility' in your destiny. Now, I am giving you an opportunity, an opportunity... to make this 'possibility' a 'certainty'."

Hawkins looked up, and a ripple finally appeared in his usually calm eyes.

He could sense a power within that strange piece of paper that he couldn't comprehend, yet it seemed to touch the very essence of his soul.

"Your Majesty, this is...?"

Hancock didn't explain, but simply pushed the contract paper gently towards him.

"Sign it, and you will gain a clearer future, and... my true trust."

Hawkins looked at the paper, his divination instincts making him want to resist this unknown constraint.

But deep down, there is a longing for a "clearer future".

His curiosity about the Empress's unfathomable power, coupled with a hint of awe that had long been present, ultimately overwhelmed his rationality.

The moment he stretched out his finger and touched the contract paper, a brilliant silver light shone forth.

Countless intricate runes seemed to come alive, surging into his body!

In that instant, Hawkins felt as if his soul had been cleansed and branded!

The rational obedience based on the divination results was instantly replaced by a fanatical, absolute, and soul-deep worship and loyalty.

His gaze toward Hancock was filled with brilliance.

It was as if she were the only truth and destiny in the world!

"Your Majesty the Empress!"

Hawkins knelt on one knee, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Your subordinate, Hawkins, is willing to dedicate everything to you, even unto death! Your will is my destiny!"

"Ding! [Forced Contract] successfully used! Basil Hawkins' loyalty is locked at [High-Level Simp] (Absolute Loyalty Type)! His potential has been slightly increased!"

Become!

The first absolutely loyal high-level sycophant!

Hancock could clearly sense Hawkins's completely different, almost unwavering, loyalty.

Although forcibly altering her will using system items made her feel somewhat uneasy.

But in this dog-eat-dog world, having an absolutely reliable core fighting force is of paramount importance.

She told Hawkins to get up.

"You and Bonnie will stay in Sabaody for now. It's a mixed bag here, and information flows quickly, so someone needs to keep an eye on things. Especially... keep an eye on that kid wearing a straw hat who might be from the East Blue."

She thought of Luffy, the future "chosen one," and perhaps she could make plans in advance.

To reassure them and to demonstrate her own depth, she brought Hawkins and Bonnie, who had become a devoted fan.

They arrived at the beach again and happened to "bump into" Rayleigh, who was sunbathing there as if nothing had happened.

"Hey, little Hancock, leaving already?"

Rayleigh squinted and greeted him lazily.

"Senior Rayleigh."

Hancock nodded slightly, then introduced herself to Hawkins and Bonnie, who were looking on in shock behind her.

"This is Mr. Silbaz Reilly, an old acquaintance of mine."

Rayleigh, the Dark Lord!

Hawkins and Bonnie were utterly shocked!

They finally understood why the Empress was so confident.

With this legendary figure secretly watching over her, it's no wonder she dared to act so recklessly in Chambord.

Hawkins' loyalty grew even stronger, while Bonnie's adoration reached its peak.

"Grandpa, these two little ones will stay on the island for the time being. We'll trouble you and Senior Xia Qi to look after them occasionally."

Hancock said to Rayleigh.

Riley glanced at Hawkins and Bonnie and chuckled.

"Don't worry, as long as they don't cause a huge uproar, this old man can still help fool them."

With Rayleigh's almost promise-like words, Hancock was completely relieved.

She decided to postpone her trip to the New World, the territory of the Four Emperors, a place shrouded in mystery.

Moreover, based on the timeline, Luffy has already set sail, and the "paradise" of the first half of the Grand Line will be thrown into turmoil by the arrival of the Straw Hat Luffy.

There are even more "plot twists" and "opportunities" waiting for her there.

The supernovas are just an appetizer; the real protagonists are the ones she needs to focus on and… "invest" in.

After making the arrangements, Hancock, along with her two sisters and the loyal Arya, went to the barracks.

They arrived at the port of the Sabaody Archipelago, ready to board the Kuja pirate ship and leave.

However, just as they were about to board the ship, a sudden change occurred!

The atmosphere at the port froze instantly.

A large number of CP0 members, dressed in white suits and exuding a sharp aura, appeared from all directions and blocked the way.

The leader was still the CP0 leader who had suffered a loss at the auction; his eyes behind the mask were cold and piercing.

What's even more alarming is that they were surrounded by a group of guards in black.

Charles Saint, wearing a bubble hood and with a complex expression of obsession and fear still lingering on his face, also appeared at the port!

He sat in a luxurious palanquin pulled by slaves, his eyes fixed on Hancock, muttering to himself.

"Beautiful lady...don't go..."

The CP0 leader stepped forward, his voice as cold as ice.

"Boa Hancock! Attacking a World Noble, seriously injuring a CP0 member—the evidence is irrefutable! Did you think you could leave so easily after inciting His Highness Charlos? Today, you must give the World Government an explanation!"

On the naval front, Vice Admirals Storoberry and Onigumo also appeared on the sea with their fleets, blocking the shipping lanes. They had obviously been notified by CP0 and came to put pressure on the enemy.

The situation instantly became tense again!

Hancock looked at the scene before her, but showed no fear on her face. Instead, she revealed a mocking smile.

She gently stroked her long hair, which was being blown by the sea breeze, and a hint of her intermediate-level domineering aura was faintly visible.

"An explanation? Haven't I already given an 'explanation'?"

Her gaze swept over the infatuated Celestial Dragon and the gloomy-faced CP0.

"Or perhaps you all feel... the previous 'sparring' wasn't enough?"

Her words were full of provocation, and her scarlet skirt fluttered in the sea breeze at the harbor.

It was as if it were making a declaration.

You want to keep me here? Go ahead and try!