Chris nodded slightly without saying much, his right hand slowly rising, his fingertips pointing toward the direction of the lava.
Seeing Chris make this gesture, Hancock's beautiful eyes lit up, her delicate face blooming with joy as she exclaimed happily,
"The ability of Admiral Borsalino!"
Sure enough, a faint golden light spot quietly appeared, confirming her words.
The light spot quickly expanded, forming a golden ring that cast a pale golden glow over the two of them.
Whoosh…
A brilliant beam of light sliced through the void, flashing as it shot toward the lava pool.
Boom!
A terrifying explosion erupted, its deafening roar echoing across the entire island.
The warriors of Amazon Lily on the outskirts of the island, hearing this explosive sound, exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what had happened.
"What's going on? Did that bastard not die yet?" Karina frowned, her pretty face filled with confusion.
Sandersonia shook her head, dismissing the idea. "With Lord Chris's strength, how could he possibly fail to kill him?"
"Don't overthink it. Everything must be fine."
Marigold turned to the warriors and raised her voice in warning.
"Everyone, stay where you are! It's nothing serious. We must not disturb our sister!"
The women of Amazon Lily quickly nodded and responded in unison, "Yes, Lady Marigold!"
Deep within the island.
Gazing at the spot struck by the beam, Hancock's peerlessly beautiful face showed astonishment as she murmured, "So strong… unbelievably strong!"
"As expected of an Admiral's Devil Fruit power. Its offensive capability is truly extraordinary."
Where the lava pool had once been, only a massive crater remained, the surrounding area scorched black.
The scene resembled hell itself!
For once, Chris furrowed his brows slightly, his resolute face showing a thoughtful expression.
Noticing her beloved's unusual reaction, Hancock brushed aside her glossy black hair and smiled gently. "Chris, what's wrong?"
"This fruit, while capable of replicating others' abilities, can't fully unleash their power."
Chris tucked his hands into his pockets and calmly explained, "It can only replicate 90% of the original user's offensive strength. That's the limit."
"Moreover, to copy someone's ability, I must first witness that person using their Devil Fruit power."
"Just now, I was thinking about how to use the Repel-Repel Fruit to eliminate all these weaknesses of the Copy-Copy Fruit."
Chris's eyes burned with determination as he declared firmly, "If I can achieve that, then this Devil Fruit will become the strongest in the world."
"At that point, I'll be able to replicate anyone's abilities and wield them perfectly."
"That way, dragging the Celestial Dragons down from their throne will be much more feasible."
Hearing her beloved's confident words, Hancock's heart swelled with joy. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with admiration, and an irresistible sweet smile bloomed on her face.
"You will succeed, Chris. I believe that nothing in this world can stop you."
"You are so outstanding, so incredibly talented—there's no reason for you to fail."
Chris looked at Hancock and said plainly, "Let's set that aside for now. What are your plans next?"
At this question, Hancock fell silent, not answering immediately.
Chris wasn't in a hurry either. Keeping his hands in his pockets, he simply watched her quietly, waiting for her response.
"Chris… I'm sorry. I was wrong."
After what felt like a long time, Hancock lowered her gaze, her flawless face filled with remorse.
"Before, I always held myself above everyone else, looking down on others, acting as if I were the most superior."
"Just as you said, I stayed in the Calm Belt, never facing real danger, ignorant and arrogant."
"I was wrong… so very wrong."
At this point, she lifted her head slightly, her voice filled with shame. "Chris, I promise you, I won't be like that anymore."
"I'll train harder, grow stronger. I won't let my pride blind me like before."
Hancock's heartfelt apology further shifted Chris's impression of her.
Originally, her decision to set sail and grow stronger had already given Chris a favorable opinion of her.
Now, he found himself increasingly convinced that Hancock was truly remarkable.
"Good."
A rare smile appeared on Chris's face. "To be honest, your potential is immense. Your talent is first-rate."
"Before, you wasted time, let years slip by—that's why you stagnated, never reaching the pinnacle of strength."
"But that's all in the past. The fact that you can say these words today proves you've already developed the heart of a true warrior."
Chris's eyes gleamed with approval as he encouraged her, "In just a few years, your name will undoubtedly be counted among the strongest."
In truth, ever since Chris arrived in this world, this was the first time he had ever encouraged someone so sincerely.
How rare was that?!
"Oh, stop… I'm not as amazing as you say."
Hancock's transformation had clearly moved Chris deeply.
Seeing the admiration in his eyes, Hancock instantly blushed, covering her cheeks with her hands as she whispered shyly,
"You're so strong… I can't afford to stay weak. Otherwise, how could I stand by your side?"
Chris nodded and smiled. "Next, you'll be entering the New World—the domain of the strong, where danger lurks everywhere."
Hancock let out a soft "Mhm," nodding firmly. Her delicate brows curved as she replied cheerfully, "I know. And you'll always be my greatest support."
Chris didn't waste any more words. "Alright, continue your voyage. I'll take my leave now."
Before he could depart, Hancock looked at him, her gaze unwavering as she declared, "Chris, don't worry. I'll train harder and catch up to you."
"And if I ever face danger again, I won't stubbornly endure it alone. I'll call you."
"If I ever run into something I can't handle, I'll definitely contact you. Hehe~"
With that, he prepared to activate his ability and vanish.
But at that moment, Hancock hastily added, "Chris… can I call you often from now on?"
"Of course."
The moment the words left his mouth, Chris disappeared without a trace.
Hearing his answer, Hancock clasped her hands tightly, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Chris… I'll call you every day from now on. Hehehe~"
Muttering to herself, she then strode gracefully toward the island's outskirts, her steps light as a feather.
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T/N:
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