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

Ace leaped off the small boat, landing on the solid wooden planks of the dock.

It makes a soft "thump" sound.

He casually pulled down his orange cowboy hat to shield himself from the somewhat glaring sunlight.

His gaze, like that of a keen hunter, swept quickly across the somewhat noisy harbor.

He was looking for restaurant signs, or anything that looked like it offered plenty of food.

Chasing that bastard Teach had exhausted him, and now hunger was burning like fire in his stomach.

He is just like his brother Luffy.

He possesses an insatiable appetite, making him a true glutton.

"Damn Teach, he's fast..."

Ace cursed under his breath and rubbed his rumbling stomach.

He followed the trail of Blackbeard Marshall D. Teach to this area of ​​the sea, but temporarily lost track of his target.

They planned to try their luck around Alabasta to see if the traitor would show up in this turbulent country.

His next step is to rest for a while before venturing into the Alabasta interior to conduct further exploration.

Just then, his keen senses caught the unusual commotion on the other side of the harbor and the gazes filled with awe and fascination.

He followed the gaze.

At a glance, I spotted the group of aloof, fully armed female warriors, and the woman surrounded by them.

Even with his vast experience, Ace couldn't help but let a pure, undisguised look of amazement flash in his eyes.

So beautiful.

It was a kind of striking beauty that transcended gender, stance, and even carried a hint of danger.

Noble and aloof, like a thorny rose blooming on a cliff top.

It is captivating yet one dares not approach it easily.

"Kuja...Boa Hancock, the Pirate Empress?"

Ace immediately recognized the other person's identity.

After all, the title of Shichibukai and the Empress's unparalleled beauty are widely known on the seas.

He was curious as to why this Shichibukai, who had been based in the Calm Belt's Amazon Lily for many years, would suddenly appear on the remote Alabasta.

Could it also be related to the internal strife in Alabasta, or... to Teach?

Various thoughts flashed through Ace's mind, but he quickly suppressed the urge to approach and make contact.

His top priority right now is to capture Teach and he doesn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble.

Moreover, the Empress is said to have a rather willful and eccentric temper, and her strength is unfathomable. It is unknown whether making contact with her rashly would bring good or bad fortune.

When the Empress's gaze, which seemed to pierce through one's heart, fell upon him, Ace felt an invisible pressure.

He did not back down or dodge, but naturally met that gaze.

He gave a casual and friendly smile, raised his hand to adjust the brim of his hat, as if to say hello.

This is a tacit understanding between strong individuals, indicating that they have no hostility, but are not cowardly either.

Hancock sensed that pure and stable emotional energy, and her opinion of Ace rose even higher.

This man admired her beauty, but was not seduced by it.

Sensing her power, yet not afraid, but rather with a kind of hunting-like interest.

This attitude is far more interesting than those who are simply obsessed or fearful.

She looked at Ace, her beautiful face returning a half-smile, as if accepting his greeting.

However, Ace had no intention of engaging in further communication.

He glanced at the Empress and her conspicuous troops again, as if confirming something.

Then, without hesitation, he turned around and headed in the opposite direction from where the Empress was.

We strode towards the more remote end of the port, where the restaurants seemed cheaper and more affordable.

All he could think about right now was filling his famished stomach.

Then he quickly infiltrated Alabasta to continue his pursuit.

Hancock watched Ace leave without a second thought, and as he walked towards those low, dilapidated restaurants, she couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

This renowned captain under the white beard is surprisingly... capricious in his actions?

"Exceptional talent...Fire Fist Ace..."

Hancock murmured the name, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

"Chasing Blackbeard? Looks like this sea area is getting more and more lively."

She had no intention of stopping or tracking Ace.

For now, Ace is more like a "rare resource" worth observing than a target that needs to be "harvested" immediately.

His obsession is too deep, and his ties too strong; forcing contact might backfire.

"Let's go back to the ship."

Hancock withdrew his gaze and gave the order.

Ace's appearance was just a minor incident, and her schedule would not be affected by it.

After replenishing her supplies, she will leave to continue her plans.

However, in her heart, she had already marked the name "Portgas D. Ace" as a potential investment target.

After all, an exceptional qualification is also linked to the destiny of the Whitebeard Pirates and "D".

The potential rewards may be beyond imagination.

Meanwhile, Ace was already sitting at a greasy table in a secluded little shop.

They devoured the mountain of food, their minds consumed only with the thought of eating.

Then find clues about Teach as soon as possible.