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

On the east side of the port, in the abandoned reef area, the sea breeze howls and the waves crash against the jagged rocks.

Hancock and Ace stood facing each other, the atmosphere tense yet subtly tense.

Hancock deliberately suppressed all her outward allure, even her innate charm aura was somewhat diminished.

She knew very well that against an opponent of Ace's caliber, especially with his straightforward personality, any interference unrelated to the battle would only make him uncomfortable or even look down on her.

What she wanted was a pure test of skill, to win his true approval.

Ace stretched his wrists and ankles, and his eyes became focused and sharp under the brim of his orange cowboy hat.

Looking at the seemingly frail empress opposite him, he did initially have a fleeting thought of "should I show mercy?"

After all, the other party was a woman, and she had just treated him to meat.

"Watch out, Your Majesty!"

Ace let out a low shout and launched the first attack.

Instead of unleashing his powerful fire fist right away, he flashed away, his speed so fast that he left afterimages in his place.

A fist imbued with Armament Haki aimed straight for Hancock's face!

This is a test, and also a contest of physical skills and domineering aura.

A glint flashed in Hancock's beautiful eyes, but she neither flinched nor avoided the attack.

Her slender hands were also covered in jet-black Armament Haki, and she seemed to float lightly as she met the approach.

"Bang!"

The fists and palms collided, producing a dull, loud thud!

The shockwave spread outwards from the two people, stirring up sand and gravel on the ground.

Ace felt an immense force emanating from the seemingly delicate hand of the other person, causing his arm to go numb slightly, and he was immediately startled.

"Such immense power!"

With a single blow, the difference in skill was immediately apparent.

Based on her original body techniques and Haki, Hancock underwent further training through the system's energy and arduous practice during her return journey.

With a more solid and profound foundation, it firmly held the upper hand over Ace.

Ace's eyes narrowed, and he no longer held back.

He used the momentum to retreat, his arms instantly transforming into elements, turning into raging flames!

"Musketeers!"

Countless fiery bullets rained down on Hancock like a storm.

Hancock moved like a ghost, leaving afterimages in her wake, and most of the fire bullets landed in empty air.

Occasionally, a few shots would come close, but they were easily swatted away or shattered by her hands or kicks covered in Armament Haki.

"The speed is good, but the accuracy is a bit lacking."

Hancock still had time to comment, her voice cool and detached.

Ace frowned, and his offensive strategy changed again.

"Sacred Fire Shiranui!"

His hands transformed into flaming spears.

It pierced Hancock at incredible speed, the flames blazing hot, as if they could pierce through anything.

This time, Hancock didn't completely dodge. She seized the opportunity and lashed out like a whip with her right leg, which was wrapped in advanced Armament Haki!

"Fragrant feet!"

"boom!"

The leg collided violently with the flaming spear!

The flames were mostly dispersed by the powerful aura and force, and Ace was also forced back two steps, his face showing undisguised astonishment.

He sensed that the Empress's Armament Haki was not only highly intense, but also possessed a peculiar penetrating power, making his elemental transformation feel somewhat sluggish.

As the battle progressed, Ace became increasingly alarmed.

The Empress's physical skills are sharp and versatile, her domineering cultivation is solid and profound, and especially her Observation Haki, which always allows her to predict his attack trajectory.

Although his fire abilities are ferocious, they are often difficult to inflict effective damage against the opponent's exquisite use of domineering aura and agile movements.

On the contrary, the Empress's seemingly elegant attacks each contained terrifying power, forcing him to deal with them with all his might.

He even had the illusion that the other party... hadn't gone all out yet?

Moreover, she seemed to be keeping the aftermath of the battle confined to the reef area, avoiding impacting distant towns and ships.

"Inflammation is on the rise!"

Ace created a wall of fire in an attempt to block the Empress's view and attack.

However, Hancock just snorted coldly.

Intermediate Conqueror's Haki mixed with Armament Haki was concentrated at his fingertips, and he unleashed a hand chop!

"The enemy's arrow!"

The pink energy arrow tore through the wall of fire in an instant and shot toward Ace with undiminished momentum!

Ace's pupils contracted, and he crossed his arms to block!

"Mirror Flame!"

A massive wall of flames rose up before him.

"Boom—!"

A violent explosion rang out in the reef area, with flames and shockwaves spreading in all directions, cracking several huge rocks.

The smoke and dust slowly dissipated.

Ace was breathing slightly, his arms were a little numb, and he looked at Hancock, whose breathing remained steady, with a serious expression.

He knew he had lost, at least in the exchange just now, he was completely outmatched.

His opponent was superior in strength, speed, domineering presence, and combat experience.

More importantly, he could sense it.

The Empress seemed to be mindful of his status and the potential damage he might cause, and did not actually take drastic measures.

Hancock, seeing Ace's shocked, unwilling, and thoughtful expression, knew that the time was almost right.

She dispelled her fierce aura and returned to her languid and noble demeanor, as if the battle maniac from just moments ago was not her at all.

"As expected of someone Whitebeard values, his strength is quite respectable."

Hancock spoke calmly, giving a mediocre evaluation.

"Let's call it a draw for today."

A draw?

Ace was taken aback for a moment, then realized that the Empress was giving him face.

He was straightforward, but not stupid. His opponent was clearly stronger, yet he offered a draw...

He glanced at the faint outline of the town in the distance, recalling the Empress's deliberate control of the battle's scope, and then realized that he had indeed been somewhat restrained for fear of affecting civilians.

Involuntarily, a different opinion arose in my mind regarding this empress who was rumored to be willful and capricious.

[Ding! Target 'Portgas D. Ace' has developed admiration and goodwill towards the host for the host's displayed strength, sense of restraint in battle, and willingness to save face. Infatuation value +4! Current Infatuation Value: 11/100 (Beginner Simp)]

Hearing the system notification, Hancock was satisfied. Although the increase wasn't large, this recognition based on strength and respect was far more stable than mere charm.

Ace scratched his head, revealing a somewhat embarrassed yet relieved smile.

"Your Majesty the Empress is truly powerful; I have lost. Thank you for your guidance!"

He readily acknowledged the gap, and this magnanimity earned Hancock's respect.

"Your fire abilities have good potential, but you still lack in the combination and application of Haki."

Hancock offered a rare word of advice, then turned around and said, "Go on, take care of your important business."

Ace watched the Empress's departing figure, the sunlight once again bathing his freckled face.

He pressed his hat down hard, his eyes regaining their resolve.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Until we meet again!"