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

The journey back to the Kuja Pirate Ship was calm and peaceful.

Alone in the most luxurious cabin, Hancock focused her mind on the system, examining the Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that had been awarded as a mission reward.

The spiral patterns on the surface of the fruit are surrounded by peculiar fluctuations of laws; a product of the system, it must be extraordinary.

She herself possesses the Sweet Fruit, which her sisters have already consumed.

The best place for this fruit is to be given to loyal subordinates, so as to further enhance the core strength.

In the blink of an eye, a candidate had already become clear.

Arya.

This person showed admiration during the inspection of Kuja, possessed remarkable talent, and had the potential to use Observation Haki.

The girl who stood by my side throughout the trip to the East China Sea is worthy of this investment, both in terms of her strength and loyalty.

"Arya".

The hatch opened with a click, and Arya stepped in respectfully.

"Lady Snake Princess, what are your orders?"

Hancock didn't say much. With a slight thought, the Devil Fruit, imbued with strange power, appeared in her hand.

"I observe that you are diligent and loyal, and your aptitude is quite good. This is a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. I bestow it upon you. Eat it, gain power, and serve me better in the future."

Arya's gaze was fixed on the treasure that countless pirates dreamed of, her mind blank.

Overwhelmed by shock and ecstasy, she was instantly overwhelmed by the immense happiness that caused her to lose control.

"Snake Princess—this is far too precious, I cannot accept it!"

"This is a reward for your efforts these past few days. Don't you listen to me anymore?"

The Empress smiled gently, and the world paled in comparison.

Arya fell to her knees with a thud, almost lunging forward, and took the fruit with trembling hands.

Then her emotions completely overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her face.

She instinctively hugged Hancock's leg, buried her face in her gorgeous clothes, and cried uncontrollably.

"Oh... Thank you! Thank you, Lady Snake Princess! Arya... Arya is unworthy of this... Oh..."

But she immediately realized her lapse in composure, abruptly released her grip, hurriedly stepped back, pressed her forehead against the deck, and pleaded for forgiveness with a sob in her voice.

"I am so sorry, Lady Snake Princess! I was too excited and was so rude as to soil your skirt..."

Seeing her disheveled yet sincere appearance, a barely perceptible hint of tolerance flashed in Hancock's eyes.

She did not get angry; she simply stated her position calmly.

"This is the Paramecia-type Entangling Fruit. It allows you to freely manipulate inorganic matter you come into contact with, binding, pulling, and defending it like threads. If used properly, it can be used for offense, defense, and support. Go down and familiarize yourself with your new power."

[Ding! Target 'Arya' has developed extreme gratitude and absolute loyalty due to the Devil Fruit bestowed upon her by the host, resulting in a dramatic surge in emotional energy! Current infatuation level: 80/100 (High-level simp)! (Automatically locked.)]

[Ding! Congratulations, host, for successfully cultivating your first 'high-level simp' who has risen through your own potential. You have received a special reward: a slight increase in the loyalty of all low-level simps, and a slight enhancement of your charm aura.]

A surge of energy, far purer and more powerful than before, flowed into Hancock's body.

Arya's loyalty and infatuation are locked, meaning she has a core group that will never betray her.

"Yes! Arya swears to serve Lady Boa Hancock to the death! For the rest of my life, I will obey only your commands!"

Arya suppressed her excitement and hugged the fruit tightly.

He respectfully withdrew, having already resolved in his heart to serve the country to the death.

Several days later, the Kuja Pirates' ship and the Straw Hat Pirates' Going Merry met again on the route to the Grand Line, this time to say goodbye.

Hancock stood at the bow of the ship, the sea breeze ruffling her long hair, her gaze sweeping over the group of energetic young people on the Going Merry.

Luffy adjusted his straw hat and revealed a bright smile.

"Hey! Beautiful lady! Thank you! We're heading to the Grand Line!"

Zoro, holding his sword, nodded slightly.

Usopp waved from behind.

Sanji, with tears in his eyes, frantically blew kisses at Sanji.

"Lady Boa Hancock!!! I will miss you so much!!! Wait for me on the Grand Line!!!"

Nami's eyes held a complex mix of emotions—gratitude, reluctance, and a hint of determination—as she bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, thank you for everything you have done."

Hancock's red lips parted slightly, her voice carrying the languidness characteristic of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, yet lacking some of their aloofness.

"Go! The Grand Line is very interesting."

She paused, as if mentioning it casually, "I'll be waiting for you on the Grand Line... Don't die easily."

These words are like an invisible form of recognition and expectation.

"Hehe! Don't worry! I'm going to be the Pirate King!"

Luffy remained oblivious, smiling as always.

After a brief encounter, the two ships separated again, each heading towards its own destiny.

The Kuja ships will return to their home deep in the Calm Belt, while the Going Merry will resolutely head towards the challenging Grand Line.

Hancock watched the Going Merry sail away until it disappeared above the horizon.

"They have their own adventures."

She murmured to herself, turned around, and her gaze regained the sharpness and majesty of an empress.

"And I, too, have my own journey to continue."

"Return to base, Kuja!"

Guided by the snakes, the perfume-scented serpent boat cuts through the waves, steadfastly heading towards home.

The legend of the Empress has only just begun to unfold in a grander way.