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

The atmosphere inside the luxurious "Pearl Shell" VIP box is subtle.

Zhefu personally pushed the food cart, serving each of his signature dishes, which could be described as works of art.

From the freshest sashimi platter from the East China Sea to perfectly pan-fried seafood ribs, to lavish seafood soup and exquisitely presented desserts.

When the food was spread all over the table, even the well-informed Hancock couldn't help but nod slightly in approval.

However, what happened next almost made even the seasoned "Redfoot" Zeff drop his jaw in astonishment.

Hancock's dining posture remained extremely elegant.

Every movement was as if it had undergone the most rigorous etiquette training, carrying an innate aristocratic air.

But her speed... was astonishing!

Moreover, their appetite far exceeds what most people can imagine.

She didn't wolf down her food, but with each bite of her knife and fork, the food on her plate disappeared at a visible speed.

The dishes, enough to feed four or five strong men, seemed like mere appetizers to her.

Zhefu even went to the kitchen several times to add more dishes.

In the end, Hancock devoured the entire table of sumptuous dishes, including the final dessert.

She picked up a clean white napkin, gently wiped her mouth, and her face had a satisfied, languid blush.

It was as if they had just done a perfectly timed workout.

[Ding! Enjoying the food fully triggers the 'Glutton's Gift,' increasing energy absorption efficiency and slightly restoring stamina.]

[Ding! Target 'Vinsmoke Sanji' witnessed the host enjoying his cooking, and his satisfaction and infatuation levels have soared! Infatuation level +5! Current infatuation level: 50/100 (Intermediate Simp)!]

"It's...it's perfect!"

Sanji's eyes had turned into hearts, and he was so excited that he was dancing around.

"To witness the beautiful Snake Princess enjoying my... no, I mean Boss Zeff's and my cooking so much is truly a divine blessing! I'm so glad you like it!"

Zhefu looked shocked. His wooden leg paused on the ground, and he couldn't help but speak.

"Your Majesty...you have a good appetite."

He had been navigating the seas for many years and had never seen a woman with such an appetite, especially an empress known for her beauty.

This completely overturned his understanding.

Hancock was already used to Sanji's fanaticism, but she remained noncommittal about Zeff's surprise.

She gently swirled the clear after-dinner drink in her glass, her gaze once again turning to the window.

The shimmering sea surface carried a sense of leisurely anticipation.

"The taste is acceptable. My presence here is not solely for satisfying my appetite."

Zhefu's expression hardened; he knew the real topic was coming.

"Oh? And the Empress is...?"

"I'm waiting for someone," Hancock said casually.

"Waiting for someone?"

Zhefu frowned even more deeply.

"Who would be worthy of someone like you waiting in a small restaurant in the East China Sea?"

His mind raced; the only thing that could make a Shichibukai wait was…

"Could it be... another Shichibukai?"

This guess startled even himself.

Two Shichibukai appeared in the East Blue at the same time, at his restaurant?

This is something we wouldn't even dare to dream of! What merit does their little temple have?

Upon hearing this, Hancock let out a soft, ambiguous laugh.

Instead of answering directly, she turned her gaze from the window and placed it on Zhefu's weathered face.

Her beautiful eyes held a hint of knowing amusement.

"Waiting certainly requires patience, but you can also do other things while waiting."

She paused, and under the questioning gazes of Zeff and Sanji, she parted her red lips slightly and posed a question that struck like a thunderbolt.

"For example... listen to a story. A story about you, 'Red-Leg' Zeff, and that 'Pirate King' Gol D. Roger."

"What?!"

Zhefu's eyes widened suddenly, his composure vanishing instantly, replaced by extreme shock and vigilance.

His experience of meeting Roger's fleet when he was young, and even sailing with it for a period of time, is not exactly a secret.

But very few people in the East Blue know about it, let alone one who is mentioned so accurately by a Shichibukai far away in the Grand Line.

Sanji was also taken aback and looked at Zeff in surprise.

"You old geezer? You...you even know One Piece?"

The atmosphere in the private room instantly became heavy and suspenseful because of Hancock's casual remark.

Zeff stared intently at Hancock, as if trying to discern her true intentions from her flawless face.

Hancock remained calm and composed, as if she had only suggested listening to an interesting bedtime story.

She knew that dropping this bombshell would be enough to throw Zhefu into a state of turmoil.

This could also add some interesting bargaining chips and... possible intelligence to her during this "waiting" period.

Zhefu became deeply immersed in his memories and began to recount the past.

……

The sea breeze, carrying a salty, fishy smell, flutters the flag of "Baratie, the floating restaurant".

Several days have quietly passed since Hancock arrived at the floating restaurant.

These past few days have been quite eventful for Barrati.

Hancock did not leave; instead, she treated the place as a temporary palace, enjoying the delicious food prepared by Sanji and Zeff, who was forced to cook for her, every day.

However, the money will still be given as usual.

She would occasionally sunbathe on the deck and enjoy the sea view.

Her astonishing appetite and unparalleled beauty had long been the focus of discussion throughout the restaurant, though no one dared to speak of it aloud.

During this time, there were some inconsiderate individuals who came to disturb them.

A fleet of naval warships led by a colonel from headquarters received news from an unknown source that "the Seven Warlords of the Sea Empress is suspected to have appeared in the East Blue."

They arrived aggressively to assess the situation and attempt to maintain order.

However, when that self-proclaimed elite colonel led a squad of soldiers onto the deck of the Baratie...

Seeing Hancock lounging lazily in a sun lounger, he was about to use the authority of the Marine Headquarters to say something.

Hancock didn't even bother to lift her eyelids, simply waving her hand casually as if shooing away mosquitoes.

"roll."

A cold and authoritative voice, accompanied by a faint hint of Conqueror's Haki, spread out.

The colonel and the soldiers behind him were immediately struck as if by a heavy blow; their faces turned pale, and cold sweat poured down their backs.

They can't even stand steadily, let alone draw a sword or raise a gun.

Only then did they truly realize the chasm between themselves and the truly powerful beings at the top of the ocean.

"East... East Sea... How could there be such a monster..."

The colonel's teeth chattered, and finally, with Hancock's impatient second wave, he scrambled back to the warship with his men, leaving in a sorry state.

This scene deeply shocked everyone in Barradi, including Zhev.

He became even more convinced that the Empress's presence here was not for any ordinary purpose.

Sanji, on the other hand, has been completely immersed in a blissful obsession these past few days.

His greatest joy and honor each day was preparing three meals and snacks for Hancock.

He stood not far away, gazing at her intently.

His gaze was intense but not lewd; it was more like that of a devout believer gazing up at his goddess.

It was filled with adoration, care, and a fervent willingness to give everything.

He adhered to the code of chivalry, maintaining a proper distance and never getting too close or behaving rudely.

But that infatuation, which was almost solidified, was obvious to everyone.

[Ding! Target 'Vinsmoke Sanji's' daily infatuation points continue to accumulate, +2! Current infatuation points: 52/100 (Intermediate Simp).]

Hancock was already used to this and even welcomed it.

A stable, mid-level sycophant with "outstanding" potential provides a considerable amount of energy, making her feel that her own strength is slowly increasing.

When she's in a good mood, she might casually comment on a dish or respond to Sanji's cautious greeting.

This could make the blond chef so excited that he spun around on the spot, and his energy level jumped a little again.

Zhefu looked at his adopted son's useless state with a mixture of helplessness and worry.

He tried several times to subtly inquire about Hancock's true intentions regarding "waiting for people" and "listening to stories."

But Hancock deftly deflected them all.

She simply enjoyed the waiting time leisurely, as if everything was under her control.

Until that afternoon.

On the horizon, a small, somewhat comical-looking boat with a sheep's head appeared.

The ship appeared to be carrying several figures and was heading towards Barati.

Hancock was sitting by the window of the private room, sipping her flower tea, her gaze casually falling on the sea.

The moment the small boat with the ram's head came into her view, her hand holding the teacup paused slightly.

coming.

She clearly felt that the gears of fate had begun to slowly turn.

At the same time, shouts could be heard from the lookout tower in Barrati.

"We have guests! It's a... well, a very unique boat!"

On the platform outside the restaurant.

Some chefs and guests were also drawn in, peering out curiously.

Sanji was busy wiping the wine glasses, but his mind was entirely on the direction of the private room.

Zhefu stood at the kitchen doorway, his brows furrowed, as if he too had sensed something unusual.