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

The three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Hancock used this brief time for final preparations and rest.

She confirmed the daily defense and administrative arrangements for Amazon Lily and temporarily transferred most of the management authority to the experienced Granny New.

Of course, the core decision-making power remains firmly in their own hands.

Early morning on the day of departure, at the port of Nine Serpents City.

Hancock changed into a more practical yet elegant cheongsam-style combat outfit that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure.

Nicole Robin stood beside her, still wearing that elegant dress, with an intellectual and composed smile on her face.

Holding a thick ancient book in his hands, he was clearly filled with academic anticipation for this trip to the Sky Island.

Arya, on the other hand, was dressed in a sharp Nine Serpents combat leather armor, carrying a longbow on her back, her eyes sharp as a blade ready to be drawn at any moment.

However, the atmosphere was not entirely cheerful.

Boa Sandasonia and Boa Marigold, Hancock's two younger sisters.

Standing at the very front of the crowd seeing them off, her eyes were slightly red, and her face was filled with disappointment and worry.

"Big sister..."

Sandasonia's voice trembled slightly, "This time... am I not able to stay by your side again?"

Marigold whispered, "We want to share more of the danger with you, instead of always staying on the island..."

Seeing the expressions on the faces of his two younger sisters who had relied on each other since childhood.

Even Hancock, whose heart was already occupied by the soul of the transmigrator and his grand goals, couldn't help but feel a pang of tenderness.

She stopped and turned to face them, her beautiful face melting away its icy demeanor to reveal a rare and genuine tenderness.

She reached out and gently stroked Sandasonia's hair, then patted Marigold's shoulder, her voice soft yet firm:

"Silly girls, what nonsense are you talking about?"

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the entire Nine-Shell Island, her tone filled with utmost solemnity:

"Do you think that staying behind in Nine Serpents, protecting our homeland, and safeguarding the last sanctuary of our people, is an easy, simple, and insignificant task?"

"No, quite the opposite!"

Hancock's voice rose a few decibels, carrying an unquestionable authority and trust.

"This is the most important and crucial responsibility that I can entrust to you!"

She looked into her two younger sisters' eyes and spoke, word by word.

"The Nine Serpents are our roots, our escape route, and the cornerstone of our future conquest of the seas! If our foundation is unstable, even if I achieve great things abroad, it will be like a castle in the air, ready to crumble in an instant!"

"I entrust this most important foundation to you because I absolutely trust your abilities and your loyalty! You are my blood-related sisters, the strongest warriors of the Nine Serpents besides myself, and the only ones who can give me complete peace of mind!"

Hancock's words were like a warm current, instantly washing away the grievances and disappointments in the hearts of Sandasonia and Marigold.

Most importantly... most crucial... absolute trust... no worries whatsoever...

These words struck their hearts heavily.

It turns out that in my older sister's heart, staying behind was not a sign of disrespect, but rather a sign of supreme responsibility and trust!

[Ding! Detected that Boa Sandersonia's emotions are fluctuating wildly due to feeling absolute trust and importance, her infatuation level has greatly increased, current level: Intermediate (65/100)!]

[Ding! Detected that Boa Marigold's loyalty and worship have reached their peak due to being entrusted with the important task of protecting the "Foundation," resulting in a significant increase in her infatuation value. Current level: Intermediate (68/100)!]

The water vapor in the eyes of the two younger sisters transformed into unwavering determination and burning fighting spirit.

They straightened their chests, nodded vigorously, and said in unison:

"Sister! We understand! Please rest assured! We will definitely protect the Nine Serpents! We will never allow anyone to invade our home! We wish you good fortune in battle and a speedy return!"

Seeing her sisters' renewed fighting spirit and their almost overflowing loyalty and adoration, Hancock nodded in satisfaction.

Excellent, internal reassurance is complete, and there are no worries at home.

She said no more, turned gracefully, and the hem of her scarlet dress drew a clean arc.

"Let's go."

At his command, Hancock, Robin, and Arya headed towards the shore.

From afar, a haughty figure could be seen already waiting there.

Shiki the Golden Lion was still wearing his signature kimono-style prison uniform, with his two famous swords, "Karaki" and "Sakura Ju," deeply embedded in the ground.

He had his arms crossed, a cigar dangling from his mouth, his long white hair whipping wildly in the sea breeze, and a hint of impatience on his face.

But deep in his eyes gleamed an excitement for the adventure that was about to begin.

He saw Hancock and her group approaching, grinned, revealing a mouthful of gold teeth:

"Heh heh heh! Little girl captain, after all that dawdling, you've finally decided to set sail? I've been waiting forever!"

His floating vehicle, resembling a small island, hovered quietly on the sea not far from the shore, waiting for its owner.