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

Just as Hawkeye Mihawk's sharp, knife-like gaze swept across the battlefield.

The camera finally focuses on Zoro, ready to face the challenge of this arrogant swordsman from the East Blue and show him the vastness of the world.

Out of the corner of his eye, he inadvertently caught sight of the conspicuous Kuja pirate ship docked next to the restaurant.

And...that stunningly beautiful figure standing by the second-floor corridor, watching him with a playful smile.

Boa Hancock!

Mihawk's usually calm and collected state of mind was instantly disturbed by an extremely subtle ripple, almost imperceptible.

He recalled the embarrassing experience he had not long ago.

That damned sea...

He subconsciously straightened his already ramrod straight back, and his expression became even colder and harder.

It was as if they wanted to use this layer of solid ice to cover up their unnaturalness.

He decided to pretend he hadn't seen anything and that nothing had happened.

Focus all your attention back on the challenger in front of you.

However, Hancock would not let this opportunity slip by.

She had already seen it coming.

Mihawk may appear aloof and cold, but he actually possesses a strong sense of self-respect and pride.

Such people tend to respond better to gentle persuasion than force, especially when dealing with stronger individuals of the same level.

Especially the recognition and praise from someone like her, the "world's most beautiful woman," can have an effect far exceeding the ordinary.

Thus, in a tense atmosphere, Zoro assumed a three-sword style stance, ready to fight to the death, as if facing a formidable enemy.

Hancock's clear and uniquely alluring voice rang out leisurely.

The eerie silence of the battlefield was broken:

"Dorakoel Mihawk, it's been a long time. Your swordsmanship seems even more formidable. With just one strike, you annihilated the so-called 'strongest fleet' in the East Blue. You truly deserve to be called the 'World's Greatest Swordsman' who stands at the pinnacle of the world."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.

These words were not deliberate flattery, but rather praise based on facts.

But the way she said it carried an indescribable weight and... allure.

Mihawk paused slightly as he prepared to swing his knife.

He didn't expect Hancock to suddenly speak up, and even... praise him?

He still didn't turn to look at her, but the tight lines at the corners of his mouth seemed to have softened imperceptibly.

No one dislikes being recognized, especially by someone of equal standing who is also a great beauty.

To acknowledge it in such a direct way, in front of so many people.

Even Hawkeye is no exception.

Hancock took in his subtle reactions, chuckled to himself, and pressed his advantage.

The voice carried a hint of remoteness.

"Going it alone is your choice of freedom. But winning the title of 'World's Greatest Swordsman' from Shanks proves that your strength is already on par with monsters like Whitebeard and Kaido—you are the uncrowned fifth emperor of this sea."

"This position isn't about whether you can sit on it, but whether you're willing to sit on it. The so-called vacant position of the Fifth Emperor isn't because no one can reach it, but because no one but you is worthy of it. You simply... disdain that empty title."

Her words carried a certainty, as if she were stating an imminent fact.

The words "Fifth Emperor" caused Mihawk's pupils to contract slightly.

He was used to being alone and rarely thought about this title.

But undeniably, the power and status represented by this word represent the pinnacle that most ambitious people on this vast sea dream of.

Hancock caught his fleeting emotional shift, and her red lips curved into a breathtaking arc.

She uttered even more impactful words, her voice carrying a subtle, almost seductive quality.

"If one day you truly possess the power to aspire to become the 'Fifth Emperor,' and... if you are willing..."

She paused deliberately, as if carefully choosing her words.

Then he spoke slowly, with an indescribable meaning.

"Perhaps... there might be a place reserved for you on my ship."

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating even bigger waves in Mihawk's heart than before!

A Shichibukai, who is also the "world's most beautiful woman" Boa Hancock, personally expressed her willingness to submit to him and join his ranks?

How could he conquer a woman who was also a Shichibukai?

This is simply...

Even with Hawkeye's composure, he felt a sense of disbelief and... a very subtle feeling of being pleased.

[Ding! Target 'Jorakoel Mihawk' has generated emotional fluctuations and latent anticipation due to the host's high level of approval and highly alluring prospective portrayal. Infatuation value +3! Current infatuation value: 4/100.]

The system's notification confirmed Hancock's guess.

Sure enough, for such top-level experts, they make grand promises and give them extremely high levels of recognition and expectations.

It's more effective than simply being seductive.

Although it only increased by 3 points, considering Mihawk's rock-solid willpower, this is already a pretty good breakthrough.

This proves that she successfully planted a seed in his heart.

However, Mihawk is Mihawk after all.

The ripples that momentarily appeared were quickly suppressed by his powerful willpower.

The almost imperceptible upward curve of his lips vanished quickly, and he returned to his usual cold and aloof demeanor.

He still didn't look at Hancock, only replying indifferently, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

"A boring assumption."

But everyone could feel the pure and cold swordsman's killing intent emanating from him, directed at Zoro.

It seems that this interlude has slightly disrupted things.

At this moment, Zoro, standing directly opposite Hawkeye, felt it most deeply.

He had already gathered all his energy and spirit, preparing to meet that earth-shattering sword strike.

But the Empress's few words actually caused a slight fluctuation in the aura of this powerful man, who was like a demon god.

Although it was only for a moment, it was enough to horrify Zoro!

This woman... she can actually affect the mindset of the "World's Greatest Swordsman"?!

Zoro was deeply shocked, and his fear of Hancock and his understanding of her power reached a whole new level.

At the same time, he also gained a clearer understanding of the gap between himself and Hawkeye.

It wasn't just about swordsmanship, but also about a complete and utter domination in terms of mindset and aura!

Even a few words from others can cause a stir, but in front of him, I don't even have the right to make him take it seriously!

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Zoro jerked his head away, banishing his distracting thoughts, his eyes regaining their unwavering and crazed intensity, and pointed his three swords at Hawkeye.

"Come on, Hawkeye Mihawk! Let me witness the power of the world's strongest swordsman!"

Hawkeye's gaze finally returned completely to Zoro, and the slight fluctuation caused by the Empress's words had vanished without a trace.

Instead, there is a purity and focus as solid as ten-thousand-year-old ice.

"Like a frog at the bottom of a well, unaware of the vastness of the world... let me show you for yourself."

He raised the black sword Night, which resembled a cross.

The battle of the century has finally begun.

Meanwhile, Hancock, the instigator, looked with satisfaction at Hawkeye's pitiful 4 points of infatuation on the system panel.

It's like admiring a small but meaningful "work of art" that you've just finished.

She knew that with a man like Hawkeye, you couldn't rush things; you needed patience and... the right timing.

And now, watching Zoro get "educated" seems to be a pretty good pastime.