Chapter 2: Power Boost and Gion’s Pursuit

"Charm and physique stats have increased? They didn't appear the first time."

Kuke stared at the newly revealed stats.

<Charm >: A combination of grace, behavior, and appearance.

Appearance made up the majority, and it was nearly impossible to increase.

<Current Charm>: <82+9=91 >

"Hancock is a Devil Fruit user, and the Love-Love Fruit is a very special Paramecia type. Not only did I gain her combat power, but I also got a bonus to charm." A pleasant surprise.

<Physique >: A combination of endurance, recovery, vitality, and defense.

Physique is mostly something you're born with, and it's incredibly difficult to improve.

Even someone as powerful as Whitebeard could be stabbed by his own son. Shanks lost his arm to a Sea King, and Garp was injured by a Marine captain with an axe.

If caught off guard, even the strongest could be hurt by swords or blades.

But those with incredible physiques...

Like Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom) and Kaido of the Beasts—regular attacks had no effect on them.

Big Mom was born with monstrous strength.

Kaido, with his Mythical Zoan, Azure Dragon form, had a massive boost to his already extraordinary physique.

"Hancock's sisters are both Zoan-type users. Is that why my physique increased?"

<Boa Marigold>: Zoan-type, Snake-Snake Fruit—Cobra Model.

<Boa Sandersonia>: Zoan-type, Snake-Snake Fruit—Anaconda Model.

<Current Physique>: <12+5+5=22 >

The starting physique stat was far lower compared to charm.

"These base stats... even someone like Big Mom hasn't broken 100. Regular Zoan users may get one chance to boost their physique, but I have limitless opportunities."

Kuke smiled, thinking about the future.

As he kept recruiting more crewmates...

If they had Zoan abilities...

His physique would keep increasing.

Besides gaining the combined combat power of all his crew members, the system had another unique function.

<Achievement Points: 38,000 100,000>

"Invading the Holy Land and freeing the slaves really boosted my achievement points." Kuke grinned.

<Achievement Points>: These measure the crew's overall strength, bounty, and influence.

The points had a clear purpose.

Each time the crew leveled up...

Kuke would receive a special ability.

The first milestone was 30,000 points, which he had just surpassed.

<Reward: Ship Spirit>

"A Ship Spirit?" Kuke's eyes lit up. Now, this was something good.

In the original story, the Ship Spirit only appeared on the Going Merry, and it had been crucial in saving the Straw Hat Pirates from certain doom.

The Going Merry was just an ordinary caravel.

But with the help of the Ship Spirit...

It had performed far beyond expectations.

"I'll save it for when I get a decent pirate ship. Then, I'll extract the Ship Spirit." Kuke suppressed his excitement.

He glanced at the next achievement reward.

The next level required 100,000 points.

<Reward: One-Hour Invincible Defense for Pirate Ship>

For one hour each day, the pirate ship would be invulnerable to any attack. No matter how powerful the enemy, they wouldn't be able to damage the ship or harm anyone onboard during that time.

Its strategic value was immeasurable.

The system's core function was to recruit powerful crewmates and stir up trouble.

The larger and stronger his crew, the stronger Kuke became.

The more influence the crew had, the more achievement points they earned, leading to even greater rewards.

That's why, when Fisher Tiger decided to free the Celestial Dragons' slaves...

Kuke wasn't going to miss such a golden opportunity.

The outcome had been more than satisfactory, and Kuke was in high spirits.

After reviewing the system, Kuke's attention shifted back to reality. Hmm?

He felt something soft and warm under his fingers.

Looking down, he realized his hand was clasped with Hancock's. Their eyes met.

Hancock's heart raced, and her face flushed red.

"Sister, what's going on with you and our benefactor?" Hancock's two younger sisters approached from behind.

"S-Sister, you... I... um..." The two sisters stammered, flustered.

"I... uh... the weather's nice today..." Hancock stumbled over her words, clearly nervous.

Without realizing it...

She tightened her grip on Kuke's hand.

Her charm was undeniable.

With a charm stat of <90+ >, she was among the most captivating people on the seas.

Combined with the fact that Kuke had saved them, it was no wonder Hancock and her sisters found themselves drawn to him.

"Vrrr-"

The peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the sound of an engine from behind.

"Not good! The Marines are catching up!" Boa Sandersonia shouted.

Behind them...

A Marine ship was quickly closing the distance.

"Don't panic. We're not weak, and besides, we have Kuke..." Hancock glanced at Kuke, her voice growing softer, like a whisper only she could hear.

Back in the Holy Land...

She had witnessed Kuke fight off hundreds, leading them through waves of powerful enemies, commandeering a ship, and escaping hell.

"They're here, huh?"

Turning back...

Kuke locked eyes with the figure standing at the bow of the Marine ship behind them. She stood with her arms crossed, exuding elegance and strength.

Boom!

She leaped from the Marine ship.

The entire vessel tilted upward under her immense power.

With a single bound, she crossed hundreds of meters of ocean, landing on Kuke's ship with a soft thud. Her long legs, bent from the jump, slowly straightened as she stood tall.

Her crimson eyes...

Coldly swept over Hancock and her sisters.

"That's her... the Marine Vice Admiral, Gion!" Boa Marigold gasped in fear, recognizing the figure.

Even among slaves...

Word of certain individuals spread.

They had heard of Gion, also known as Momousagi, one of the strongest up-and-coming Marines. She was rumored to have the potential to become an Admiral.

"You, the ringleader of the Holy Land invasion, are under arrest." Gion said calmly as she locked eyes with Kuke. She slowly drew her famous sword, <Konpira >. The pressure of her presence bore down on the ship, causing it to sink several meters.