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

After resting briefly at the edge of the strange sky island and quickly recovering her strength using the [Gift of the Glutton], Hancock did not leave immediately.

Looking at the limited-value [Light Feather Fruit] in her hand, and recalling the promise made by the Golden Lion, she made her decision.

She made careful preparations, bringing with her a jar of aged "Daughter Red" wine from the Nine Snakes Collection, known for its rich aroma.

He then had Robin fetch the top-quality cigars he had "casually" taken from Crocodile.

As the former vice president, it wouldn't be difficult for Robin to obtain these things.

She didn't take Arya with her, only Robin accompanied her, and once again embarked on the journey to the main island of the Golden Lion.

When Hancock and Robin reappeared outside Shiki's humble palace, Shiki was staring blankly at the sea of ​​clouds, a hint of melancholy and irritability on his face.

Seeing Hancock return, he frowned and said irritably.

"Why are you here again? I always keep my word! One request! Think it over and say it quickly, don't disturb my peace and quiet!"

This time, Hancock was not as confrontational as before. Her beautiful face showed a hint of respect for her senior, and she gestured for Robin to serve her wine and cigars.

"Senior Shiki, the daytime battle was exhilarating and I benefited greatly from it."

Hancock's voice was calm.

"I've prepared some light wine and cigars for you to enjoy with my senior, and also... to discuss that request."

Shiki glanced at the jar of sealed old wine and the exquisite cigar box, his nose twitched slightly, and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes.

How many of these legendary pirates from the older generation didn't enjoy drinking?

Even without a white beard, it's still a great pleasure in life.

Especially the "Daughter's Red" wine, which is quite famous.

As for cigars, that's a habit he's had for many years.

"Hmph, at least you have some sense."

Shiki's expression softened slightly, and with a wave of his hand, he tacitly approved their entry.

Although he was arrogant, he also acknowledged strength.

Hancock's ability to fight him to that extent had earned him his respect; if she were an unknown nobody, he would have slapped her away long ago.

The three of them set out simple wine vessels outside the cave, facing the sea of ​​clouds and starry sky.

Robin quietly poured the wine, his movements elegant.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere eased considerably.

Shiki, with a cigar dangling from his lips, looked at Hancock across from him, whose breathing had mostly recovered, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes once again.

This girl's recovery speed is simply too abnormal!

"Speak, little girl, what exactly do you want me to do?"

Shiki exhaled a smoke ring and got straight to the point.

"Will I teach you Conqueror's Haki Entanglement? Or guide you through the awakening of your Devil Fruit? Or perhaps you want to know the location of my hidden treasure? While I'm still in a good mood and haven't backed out yet, hurry up and tell me!"

Hancock gently swirled the wine in her glass, the amber liquid rippling in the moonlight.

Instead of answering directly, she asked a question in return.

"Senior Shiki, trapped on this sky island, entertaining yourself by creating monsters with drugs... are you really content with that? Don't you want to return to the vast ocean, meet the heroes of the new era, and let the name 'Golden Lion' resound throughout the world once more?"

Shiki's grip on the wine glass tightened slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by arrogance.

"Hahaha! I'll go wherever I want! Once I find the right navigator, I'll naturally reign supreme over the seas once more!"

"Navigator?"

Hancock smiled slightly.

"Why go to such lengths when you can find something nearby? What do you think of my ship, senior?..."

Shiki was taken aback.

Hancock put down her glass, stood up, and the sea breeze ruffled her long hair.

She looked at Shiki, her stunning face radiating an undeniable confidence and domineering aura, and made her carefully considered request:

"My request is that I sincerely invite Senior Shiki to serve as the 'Vice-Captain' of my Kuja Pirates!"

Upon hearing this, even Robin, who was quietly pouring wine, couldn't help but raise his head, his eyes filled with shock.

Inviting Shiki the Golden Lion to be the first mate?!

This idea is absolutely outrageous!

Shiki seemed to have heard the biggest joke in the world, and he suddenly put down his wine glass, his eyes wide open.

"What did you say? You want me, Shiki the Golden Lion, to be your first mate?! Are you crazy or did I hear you wrong?!"

"Please calm down, senior."

Hancock had anticipated this and calmly began his lobbying efforts.

"He wasn't a first mate in the usual sense; he was more like a guest advisor, a collaborator."

She began to offer her own chips.

"First, I am one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, the Queen of Amazon Lily! I am not an unknown nobody, but possess a legitimate identity and immense power, enough to serve as your starting point and cover for returning to the world."

"Secondly, my subordinates are full of talented people."

She pointed at Robin.

"This is Nicole Robin, the last surviving archaeologist of Ohara, a woman of exceptional wisdom. There are also many loyal and powerful warriors. More importantly, I know Shakky and Granny New; they might know some... ancient methods or medicines for treating your injuries. I can use all available resources to help you regain your virility, at least... so that thing on your head will no longer be a hindrance."

When Shakky and Granny New were mentioned, Shiki's eyes flickered, clearly indicating that he knew the information channels these two names represented.

The temptation of healing his injuries was even more irresistible to him!

Hancock continued to escalate the situation, her tone becoming increasingly provocative.

"Thirdly, as a temporary vice-captain, you possess absolute freedom! Unless the Nine Serpents face a life-or-death crisis, you are free to come and go as you please, without needing to obey any orders. What I need is your reputation, experience, and assistance in crucial moments. This is also an excellent platform for you to re-observe and intervene in this new era!"

"Think about it, Shiki-senpai. Instead of wasting time on this sky island, why don't you come with me and see the Navy today, the Four Emperors today, and see if this new era can still support our ambitions! Don't you want to know where this era that Roger started will ultimately lead?"

Hancock's words were like keys, constantly knocking on the closed doors of Shiki's heart.

Absolute freedom, the hope of healing, a platform to return to the world stage, curiosity about the new era...

These are all his deepest desires!

Shiki fell silent, taking deep drags on his cigar, his eyes shifting uncertainly amidst the swirling smoke.

He had to admit that the conditions offered by the girl were extremely tempting.

Especially the promise of absolute freedom and healing of injuries.

After a long while, he suddenly stubbed out his cigar, raised his head, and stared sharply at Hancock with his lion-like eyes.

"I can agree to let you lend your name to me! But!"

He emphasized his words.

"I've already said, absolute freedom! Unless you're about to die, don't bother me! And first, I want to see your sincerity in treating my injuries!"

Hancock felt a huge weight lifted from her heart, and a triumphant smile spread across her face.

"That's natural. It's a pleasure working with you, Shiki... First Mate."

[Ding! The legendary target, Golden Lion Shi Gene, has agreed to a temporary collaboration based on the generous conditions and precise needs offered by the host, generating initial recognition and anticipation. The relationship has been transformed into that of a special collaborator, granting the host some of Shi Gene's luck and potential assistance!]

As expected, legendary simps aren't so easy to win over.

However, although he couldn't directly recruit this legendary pirate as a "lapdog," being able to tie this legendary pirate to his own chariot was already a huge victory!

Shiki the Golden Lion, the overlord of the old era, has temporarily joined the Empress's camp in such a peculiar way.

The new world order may be disrupted by this unexpected alliance, which could cause unpredictable upheavals.