"Captain Marco, why don't we just bring Lady Hancock with us"
"That's right, she's already our comrade, isn't she"
"Don't worry, Lady Hancock, we'll definitely help you get revenge"
Kingdew and several Captains spoke one after another, their expressions visibly softened as they looked at Hancock. A few of them even had faint hearts in their eyes, clearly affected by her presence.
Yamato quickly stepped forward as well, full of energy. "Don't worry, Sister Hancock, we'll make sure those Celestial Dragons get what they deserve"
Marco frowned slightly at the scene and spoke in a flat tone.
"Can you all act normal for once If she uses Mero Mero Mellow, you will all turn to stone instantly. Do you not understand the situation"
Kingdew scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
"She won't do that anymore, Hancock is already our comrade"
Another Captain added quickly, trying to justify himself.
"Besides, isn't Lady Hancock your woman now, Captain Marco"
The moment those words fell, Hancock's face instantly turned red. She covered her cheeks with both hands, her voice soft and shy.
"Am I already Master Marco's wife… how embarrassing…"
Marco immediately looked even more speechless.
"If she really were my woman, then all of you are openly flirting with her in front of me. That's getting a bit too bold"
"Uh…"
The group immediately coughed and whistled awkwardly, quickly avoiding Marco's gaze.
Marco did not press the matter further. He understood pirates were often loose with their words. His attention instead shifted to Hancock.
He observed her quietly.
Her strength had clearly recovered. From a weakened Captain level state caused by her time as a Celestial Dragons' slave, she had now returned to a weak Yonko Commander level. Her Haki had stabilized again after regaining her freedom.
If she were granted the Phoenix ability, her strength would likely rise to at least a strong Yonko Commander level. Hancock was already a master of physical combat and Haki, so the Zoan type Phoenix power would be a perfect enhancement for her.
While Marco studied her, Hancock kept glancing at him, her face growing redder by the second. Steam seemed almost to rise from her head as her thoughts drifted without restraint.
"Master Marco is truly exceptional… after defeating the World Government, he will definitely have many wives… when he becomes the king of the world, I will be his queen…"
Her thoughts continued in a completely unfiltered direction, far beyond what she was actually saying out loud.
Marco did not hear her inner thoughts, but he noticed her strange behavior and quickly concluded she was far too emotionally unstable at the moment.
Still, her combat potential was undeniable.
"Alright" Marco said after a brief pause. "If you insist on coming, then sign the Oath of Immortality with me. From this moment, your life will be tied to mine."
Hancock stepped forward immediately, her expression filled with admiration.
"Yes, as long as Marco needs it, I can offer my life to you at any time"
The intensity in her gaze was almost overflowing.
Even Marco, who had seen many things in this world, felt that her reaction was a bit excessive. It had only been a short time since he saved her, yet her devotion had escalated rapidly.
He briefly wondered if this was truly her nature or something exaggerated by the world itself.
Still, he made his decision.
Without further hesitation, Marco activated the Heart of Immortality and integrated it into Hancock's body.
Blue flames erupted around her instantly.
A system-like scan appeared in Marco's perception.
Boa Hancock, Paramecia type Love Love Fruit, Phoenix Ability, strength evaluation, low Emperor level.
Marco raised an eyebrow slightly.
Her strength had jumped directly from weak Yonko Commander level to low Emperor level in one step.
That was a significant increase.
As expected of the Pirate Empress, a woman with Conqueror's Haki. Once she gained the Phoenix power, her growth rate exceeded expectations. The boost affected her speed, stamina, durability, recovery, and even mental resilience.
The Phoenix regeneration ability was especially dominant. Even severe injuries could recover rapidly as long as stamina remained. Limbs could regenerate, making prolonged battles far less dangerous.
This meant the Phoenix Pirates could now fight without hesitation, fully committing to direct confrontations. Marco's own combat style benefited heavily from this kind of endurance-based warfare.
With Hancock now integrated, the Phoenix Pirates had gained another top-tier fighter.
Six Admiral level fighters now stood under Marco's command.
That alone made the upcoming confrontation with the World Government even more viable.
Hancock slowly rose into the air, her body still wrapped in blue flames. She could clearly feel the transformation in her strength. Every aspect of her physical ability had been enhanced.
She tested a simple movement, then a short flight, confirming her control over the Phoenix power.
Without hesitation, she descended back down and suddenly embraced Marco.
"Marco" she said softly, her voice filled with emotion. "Thank you. You saved me, and now you've given me the power to take revenge"
Her arms tightened slightly.
"I have decided. I will no longer run away. I will kill every Celestial Dragon who once humiliated me"
Marco remained still for a moment, not responding immediately. He did not push her away, but his expression stayed composed and controlled.
He understood her desire for revenge. In this world, it was nothing unusual.
After a brief silence, he simply said.
"Then use that power properly. Do not waste it"
Hancock nodded immediately, holding him a little longer before finally releasing her grip, her eyes still burning with determination.