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

After dealing with the two unexpected "gains" of Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine's Day.

Hancock's gaze fell on their eye-catching attire, and she couldn't help but furrow her brows.

She pointed to Miss Valentine, who was crying and had exaggerated makeup and clothes, and gave instructions to Arya.

"Take her down there and change her out of that flashy outfit. Find her a more ordinary crew uniform. We don't need these eyesores on our ship."

"Yes."

Arya obeyed the order and unceremoniously pulled up Miss Valentine, who was still sobbing.

Then, she looked at Mr. 5, who was drooping his head and unconsciously reaching into his nose, her tone filled with undisguised disgust.

"And you, take off those ridiculous sunglasses. If I ever see you picking your nose on my ship again, I'll break that finger off."

Mr. 5 was startled and quickly took off his sunglasses and put them in his pocket.

With his hands tightly clasped behind his back, he dared not move again.

Looking at the two "newly recruited laborers" who had temporarily become obedient, Hancock felt a pang of regret for their crude use of their abilities.

In particular, Mr. 5's Blast Fruit has enormous potential in theory.

Whether it's ranged attacks, area clearing, or special explosions, it's extremely valuable.

But this guy only knows how to pick his nose and flick it, such a low-level trick, it's a complete waste of his talent.

The Blast Fruit... If developed to a high level, combined with Armament Haki for internal destruction, or to create a large-scale secondary explosion... Unfortunately, it fell into the hands of such a useless person.

Hancock shook his head inwardly, suppressing his thoughts of instructing them for the time being, deciding to temper their temperament first.

Her gaze then turned to Weiwei, who stood to the side with a complicated expression and seemed hesitant to speak.

She knew exactly what the princess was thinking; she simply wanted to ask for help.

But Hancock had absolutely no interest in getting embroiled in the Alabasta quagmire.

"What are you still standing here for?"

Hancock's tone was indifferent.

"Are you waiting for the crocodile's men to come back and settle scores? Before I change my mind, let's run for our lives!"

Weiwei trembled, knowing this was her last chance.

She gave Hancock a deep look, her eyes filled with gratitude, disappointment, and a resolute determination to burn her bridges.

Without further hesitation, she lowered her hat brim and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Hancock wasn't worried that Crocodile would take his anger out on Vivi because of this.

She never revealed Vivi's identity from beginning to end. Apart from herself, Crocodile Sand had no idea about Vivi's whereabouts or identity.

Given his arrogance, he wouldn't go to such lengths for a "minor character."

Just when she thought the little incident was over.

As she prepared to return to the ship, the system notification sounded in her mind again, but this time the content made her pause slightly.

[Ding! A target with excellent qualifications has been detected approaching rapidly! Location: 3 o'clock, port!]

Excellent level?

Hancock's heart skipped a beat.

Sand crocodile?

Impossible. That guy should be stationed in Yudi right now. He wouldn't come here personally for two of his men, and he wouldn't be that fast either.

Following the direction indicated by the system, she turned her head gracefully and casually.

At the edge of the harbor, a very simple sailboat, which could only accommodate one or two people, had just docked.

A figure leaped off the small boat and landed steadily on the dock.

The man wore an orange cowboy hat, with some black curly hair peeking out from under the brim, and a string of red beads hanging around his neck.

He wore an open-front short jacket, revealing his muscular abs and chest, and loose-fitting capri pants.

Her face was dotted with a few freckles, and she wore a casual yet confident smile.

He casually adjusted his hat, his gaze sweeping across the harbor.

He seemed to be searching for something, and his body naturally exuded a fiery and unrestrained aura.

Portgas D. Ace!

Fire Fist Ace, the second division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates!

A genuine surprise and intense interest flashed in Hancock's beautiful eyes.

Unexpectedly, on this outlying island of Alabasta, I would encounter this extremely famous Fire Fist, who is also Luffy's sworn brother!

"So it was him..."

Hancock's lips unconsciously curled up. "No wonder he has an exceptional level of aptitude."

Whether it's his own formidable strength, the potential of his Logia-type Flame-Flame Fruit, or his identity as a member of the D. clan.

Whether it's the immense power of the Whitebeard Pirates behind him, it's enough to warrant the evaluation of "outstanding".

Moreover, he doesn't seem to be completely immune to beautiful women like Luffy?

Ace seemed to sense that unique and highly noticeable gaze as well.

He turned his head, his gaze piercing through the crowd, landing precisely on the stunningly beautiful Hancock, who was surrounded by the Nine-Headed Serpent Warriors.

Eyes facing each other.

A distinct look of amazement flashed in Ace's eyes, but he didn't show the infatuation or fear that most people would. Instead, he smiled generously.

He raised his hand to adjust the brim of his hat, as if to say hello.

His smile was sunny and open, carrying a sense of mutual scrutiny and curiosity between strong individuals.

[Ding! Target Portgas D. Ace has developed a high level of admiration and interest in the host, meeting the inclusion criteria. Current infatuation level: 3/100.]

[Note: The target possesses exceptional qualities; difficulty level: medium to high, influenced by their own beliefs and the bond with the Whitebeard Pirates.]

Hancock sensed the exceptionally pure and stable emotional energy, which, though initially low, intensified her interest.

This Ace seems quite different from the other "simps" we've encountered before.

She didn't avoid his gaze; instead, she met his eyes, nodded slightly, and a half-smile appeared on her beautiful face.

It seems that this short stay in Alabasta is about to become interesting again.