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

The journey back to Kuja was not without its challenges.

As they approached the edge of the doldrums, Hancock decided to test the abilities of her newly promoted high-class sycophant, Arya.

Arya took the Paramecia-type Entangling Fruit.

After initial adaptation, she has been able to manipulate objects to bind and entangle them.

At this moment, she was concentrating on using her abilities on a heavy training stake on the deck.

Her sword transformed into several living cables, which swiftly wrapped around and tightened around the wooden stake like giant pythons.

It made a teeth-grinding "crunch" sound, and finally, with a muffled thud, the hardwood stake was snapped in two!

"My lady, I am of limited ability and this is all I can do for now."

Arya stopped, slightly out of breath, a hint of guilt on her face.

Hancock nodded slightly.

"Not bad. The development direction is good, focusing on control and strangulation. In the future, it can be combined with your Observation Haki to predict the enemy's actions and take the initiative to restrain them. Practice diligently and do not disappoint my expectations."

"Yes! I will certainly live up to Lady Snake's expectations!"

Arya responded excitedly, her eyes burning with even greater loyalty.

[Ding! Due to the host's guidance and approval, the loyalty of the high-level simp 'Arya' has been strengthened, and her energy has been slightly increased.]

Just then, Hancock's personal Den Den Mushi rang.

It was Hawkins who remained in the Sabaody Archipelago.

"Pulling pulling—click."

"leader."

The Den Den Mushi mimicked Hawkins's perpetually calm and even voice, but Hancock could detect a subtle hint of seriousness.

"speak."

"According to my divination and the intelligence I've gathered, 'Captain' Kid and his crew have arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago and seem to have made contact with several other 'Supernovas.' In addition, 'Gluttonous Girl' Bonney, 'Gangster' Capone Bege, and 'Maverick' Urouge have also appeared. The Marine Headquarters seems to be making some moves. Rumor has it... they intend to collectively call these rookie pirates with bounties exceeding 100 million berries in a short period of time the 'Worst Generation,' and may take targeted action."

Hawkins paused, lowering his voice slightly.

"Chief, the situation in Sabaody is currently very complex. Although you are powerful, you must still be careful."

[Ding! Triggered a phase-based story mission: 'The Wicked Generation and the Undercurrents']

[Mission Requirements: In the upcoming Sabaody Archipelago conflict, ensure the safety of your own forces and recruit at least three 'high-level sycophants' (0/3).]

[Task Rewards: Based on completion rate, you can obtain a large amount of "sycophant energy," a random high-level skill or item, and a significant increase in faction reputation.]

Three high-class sycophants?

Hancock raised an eyebrow slightly.

This task is quite difficult. Currently, the only clearly recognized high-level sycophants under her command are Hawkins and Arya.

Sanji and Nami have exceptional potential and are quite popular, but...

As soon as she had a thought, a new function appeared on the system panel.

[Difficulty Assessment of the "Simp" Approach]

My gaze swept over several key individuals:

Monkey D. Luffy: Quality: ? ?, Difficulty: ∞ (Unconquerable? Special Insulator)

Vinsmoke Sanji: Quality [Excellent], Difficulty: Medium-High (Deeply influenced by chivalry and the Straw Hat crew, he is fond of women but his core loyalty already belongs to someone else)

Nami: Quality [Excellent], Difficulty: Medium-High (Shrewd and realistic, values ​​her companions and hometown, grateful to her host but extremely independent)

Roronoa Zoro: Quality [Excellent], Conquest Difficulty: Extremely High (Stone-willed, focused on swordsmanship and companions, almost immune to women)

Djorkol Mihawk: Quality [Legendary], Difficulty: Extremely High (Aloof and unyielding, requires special opportunities and long-term strategy)

As expected, Sanji and Nami's initial favorability increased quickly.

However, due to the bond between Luffy and the Straw Hat crew, it is quite difficult to completely transform them into absolutely loyal "high-level sycophants".

For Zoro and Mihawk, it was even more difficult.

"It seems that back in the East Blue, trying to bring Nami and Sanji directly under your command was indeed a bit presumptuous."

A pang of regret flashed through Hancock's mind, but she quickly accepted it.

"However, investing in them and building good relationships can bring considerable benefits in the future. The targets of high-level sycophants need to be set out elsewhere."

Just as she was pondering her next plan, the silhouettes of several naval vessels appeared on the sea ahead of the ship.

A report came from the watchtower.

"Lady Boa Hancock! It's a patrol fleet from the Navy branch! Leading them is... Captain Smoker!"

Smoker?

The Logia-type Devil Fruit user who blocked Luffy in Loguetown?

A hint of interest flashed in Hancock's beautiful eyes.

She walked to the bow of the ship and saw in the distance on the deck of the largest warship a man with short silver hair, two cigars in his mouth, and wearing a navy coat.

Beside him was a petite female swordsman wearing glasses and carrying the famous sword "Shigure".

Tashigi.

Smoker also saw the Kuja pirate ship, especially the lone figure at the bow, and his brows furrowed tightly.

"Boa Hancock, the 'Pirate Empress'? What's she doing here?!"

Tashigi adjusted her glasses, her face serious.

"Mr. Smoker is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea! What should we do?"

As is customary, the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the Navy have the right of way during peacetime, and both sides usually tacitly ignore each other or simply exchange a greeting before leaving.

However, Hancock doesn't want things to end so simply today.

With a new mission in hand and a "potential target" right in front of me, how could I miss it?

As she watched the approaching naval warship, and observed the disgruntled smoker and the overly serious female swordsman on the deck, a captivating smile curved her lips.

The next moment, she took a deep breath, and the invisible aura of charm around her was activated to its fullest extent!

[Enchanting Eyes], activated!

Without using any Devil Fruit abilities, it was simply her naturally stunning demeanor, coupled with her deliberately captivating gaze.

His chin was slightly raised, and his expression, which seemed to hold endless stories and allure, was neither a smile nor a frown.

This creates a powerful aura that is indiscriminate and capable of shaking people's hearts.

Like an invisible ripple, it spread out instantly, enveloping the naval fleet ahead!

The naval soldiers, who were initially on high alert, relaxed the moment they met that gaze.

I felt my heart leap, my breath catch in my throat, and my eyes involuntarily became dazed and unfocused.

The weapon in his hand almost slipped from his grasp.

Even the usually serious and earnest Tashigi blushed and her heart raced at that moment.

He subconsciously avoided the Empress's gaze, his heart pounding.

"So beautiful... Is this the power of the world's most beautiful woman?"

Smoker, who was directly hit, felt an indescribable force coming towards him.

He was upright and had a deep hatred for pirates.

But at this moment, faced with the Empress's pure and alluring beauty that transcended all positions and morality, even his hardened heart was shaken by a very subtle wavering.

His mouth, pursing a cigar, was slightly open, and he forgot to close it for a moment.

Although this wavering was instantly suppressed by his will, it turned into deeper vigilance and anger.

But Hancock had already captured that moment of distraction perfectly.

[Ding! Passive skill 'All Beings Adore' activated. A large number of naval soldiers within range become briefly infatuated, gaining a small amount of Mixed Simp Energy.]

[Ding! Target Tashigi has developed an admiring and shy gaze towards the host, meeting the inclusion criteria. Current infatuation level: 15/100.]

[Ding! Target 'Smoker' is extremely wary of the host's charm and slightly wavers in his emotions, meeting the criteria for special attention. Current infatuation level: 5/100 (Note: Target has a strong will, difficulty of conquest: high)]

Hancock looked at the system notification with satisfaction.

Although it was only initial attention, being able to pry open a crack in a tough nut like the Smoker was already an unexpected bonus.

This proves that her charm is equally effective on those with strong willpower, but it requires more patience and skill.

She maintained her alluring pose, facing the warship.

With that languid yet magnetic voice, he softly uttered a sentence, as if it were hooked.

"The Navy... is truly dedicated."