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

After the standoff late at night, Robin's range of movement on the ship was implicitly expanded slightly.

But she was also keenly aware that she was still under close surveillance.

The empress's thoughts were more unpredictable than the quicksand in the desert.

She calls herself the "Son of the Devil," but it feels like this Empress is more like a true "devil" who can do whatever she wants and control everything.

Robin mentally estimated the time; given Crocodile's desire for control and his obsession with Hades, he would not remain indifferent after the vice president had been out of contact for several days.

"The sand crocodile... will probably notice something amiss soon."

Robin rubbed his temples, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over him.

The constant mental strain made her want to relax, at least to wash away the fatigue and the salty taste of the sea breeze.

That day, she asked a passing female soldier for directions to the bathroom, but lost in thought, she ended up pushing open an exceptionally ornate and heavy door by sheer chance.

The rising steam, carrying a rich and fragrant floral scent, wafted towards me, and before me lay a huge bathtub, several times more spacious and luxurious than the cabin bathroom.

Made of milky white jade, the pool is filled with colorful fresh flower petals.

In the pool, the stunningly beautiful figure that haunts the dreams of countless people leans lazily against the pool wall, her long, ink-black hair clinging wetly to her smooth back.

Hearing the noise, she turned her head slightly, her beautiful eyes, misty with moisture, showing a hint of surprise, which then turned into a playful smile.

Robin froze on the spot, her cheeks flushing uncontrollably, and she instinctively wanted to back out.

"I'm so sorry, Your Majesty, I went to the wrong place..."

"Since we're already here..."

Hancock stopped her, her voice slightly hoarse and magnetic due to the moisture, carrying a nonchalant air.

"There aren't many rules here. Since you've wandered in by mistake, let's all come together."

Robin's heart skipped a beat.

She hadn't expected that this empress, known for her arrogance and willfulness, would be so...unconventional?

Could it be that the rumors circulating about her disliking men are actually because... she actually prefers women?

This audacious thought popped into Robin's head uncontrollably, making his gaze wander and preventing him from looking directly at the stunning beauty in the water.

Hancock took in her awkwardness and wild thoughts, finding it amusing.

This is a great opportunity to get closer to each other and communicate in an informal setting.

She appeared relaxed, but in reality, her Observation Haki kept the entire bathroom under constant surveillance, just in case.

However, she could sense that Robin was only tense and confused at the moment, and had no courage or intention to launch a sneak attack.

"Don't be shy."

Hancock lazily closed her eyes, as if it were just a casual remark.

"Speaking of which, your Baroque Works has been operating in Alabasta for many years. Besides searching for Pluton for Crocodile, you must have also helped him gather quite a few forces, right? In the East Blue, and even the first half of the Grand Line, which other figures are connected to him?"

Instead of directly asking about the Poneglyphs, she started with the distribution of power that Robin was more familiar with and might be more willing to reveal.

Robin immersed himself in the warm pool water, gazing at the Empress's flawless profile through the misty steam, his heart still pounding wildly.

She forced herself to calm down, realizing that this was the Empress's test, and also an opportunity for her to gather information and assess her situation.

She carefully chose her words, answering in a way that avoided the main point.

"Boss... Mr. Crocodile is a secretive person, and many contacts are not handled directly by me. However, some underground forces in the East Blue and a few intelligence brokers in the Grand Line do have dealings with him."

She named a few non-core names and organizations.

Hancock gave a soft "hmm," neither confirming nor denying, as if it were just casual conversation.

"It seems he has great ambitions, but unfortunately, his vision is ultimately limited to that desert."

Her tone carried a subtle hint of disdain.

"Relying on external things like ancient weapons is ultimately a inferior approach. True strength lies in one's own power and... a reliable force."

Her words were pointed.

Robin remained silent for a moment, his heart filled with turbulent emotions.

He suddenly spoke softly, with a hint of self-mockery.

"A reliable force? Does Your Majesty believe there truly is such a thing as a reliable force in this world? The World Government? The Four Emperors? Or... the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"

Having witnessed the destruction of Ohara and countless betrayals, she no longer harbored any illusions about the word "reliable."

"I am not referring to loose alliances built on interests or fear."

Hancock opened her eyes, her gaze piercing through the mist and landing on Robin, carrying an unprecedented sharpness and... a sense of promise.

"But it is a force truly connected by bonds, powerful enough to shake the world, and even... uncover all the buried truths of history."

The truth of history!

These four words exploded in Robin's ears like a thunderclap!

She looked up at Hancock with disbelief in her eyes.

How much does this woman actually know?

What is she implying?

Seeing Robin's shocked expression, Hancock knew that her words had had the desired effect.

She said no more, leaning back lazily against the pool wall, as if her shocking words from just now were nothing more than a casual remark.

"To be honest, I am quite curious."

She changed the subject, her tone light.

"If Crocodile knew you were here, what would he do? Would he cower in the rain like a turtle, or... would he actually dare to come to me demanding your return?"

Robin looked at the Empress's attitude of completely disregarding Crocodile.

Considering Mr. 5 and Miss.'s situation on Valentine's Day, my fear of Crocodile was unconsciously lessened.

Perhaps... this empress before us truly possesses the confidence and strength to defy the Sand Crocodile?

[Ding! Target Nico Robin, due to the host's displayed vision, hints at historical truth, and contempt for Crocodile, has undergone deep reflection and wavering, developing a stronger curiosity and a slight expectation of the host's strength and intentions. Infatuation +7! Current Infatuation: 15/100.]

Sensing the significantly more active emotional energy emanating from Robin's side, Hancock smiled slightly amidst the misty steam.

In order to ease the tension, and perhaps in order to please this elusive empress.

Robin hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly.

"Your Majesty, I... know a little about massage techniques and can help you relieve your fatigue."

Hancock opened her beautiful eyes, glanced at her with some surprise, and then smiled.

"Oh? Flower fruits can be used like this? That's quite novel. Come, let me see your skills."

She readily agreed, closed her eyes again, and fully exposed her smooth back to Robin.

……