Chapter 13:Awakening Power and Bonds of Strength

As time passed on Sabaody Archipelago, and life for the Boa sisters had shifted drastically. Under the careful guidance of Rayleigh and Shakky, they trained tirelessly. Jason, too, was by their side through it all, sharing in their journey to grow stronger. Every day was filled with sparring, honing combat skills, and learning the mysteries of Haki, all in preparation for the uncertain future. The sisters, once fragile remnants of their enslavement, were steadily becoming fierce and capable warriors.

The shadow of their past, however, still lingered, particularly for Hancock. Despite the progress she made, her memories of the cruel world they had escaped from were never far behind. Jason could sense that weight on her, but neither of them spoke of it. Instead, they trained, each day bringing them closer, forging bonds stronger than either of them had anticipated.

It was during one such training session, on an otherwise ordinary afternoon, that everything changed.

Jason and Hancock were sparring, their strikes quick and precise. Sweat beaded on Hancock's brow, but her eyes were fierce with determination. She was giving it her all, as she always did. But then, something shifted. Hancock deflected one of Jason's attacks with more force than usual, and in that moment, an overwhelming wave of pressure exploded from her.

Jason, along with the others nearby, staggered backward as the force rippled through the area. The ground trembled, trees cracked, and the air itself seemed to shudder under the weight of her unleashed power. It was unmistakable—Conqueror's Haki.

Jason quickly regained his footing, his mind racing as he processed what had just happened. So, it's happening here, just like in the original timeline. He had always known that Hancock unlocked her Conqueror's Haki during her time as a slave, but now, seeing it firsthand, he understood the full extent of her power.

As Jason brushed the dirt from his clothes, he couldn't help but feel a surge of respect for her. To awaken Conqueror's Haki at such a young age, and after everything she's been through… it's extraordinary.

He stepped forward, his eyes meeting Hancock's. "That's impressive, Hancock," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his admiration. "You're stronger than I thought."

Hancock, still catching her breath, glanced at him. The rush of power she had just unleashed had left her shaken, but something in Jason's tone made her heart skip a beat. His praise wasn't empty—it felt genuine, and more than that, it carried the recognition she had never received before. She felt her cheeks flush with warmth, something that had nothing to do with the exertion of training. She had always wanted to prove herself, and now, Jason's words made her feel like she had done just that.

Her voice caught in her throat, and all she could manage was a slight nod, biting her lip as she tried to quell the nervous energy rising within her.

Rayleigh, who had been watching the entire time, stepped forward with a knowing smile. "You've awakened Conqueror's Haki, Hancock," he said calmly. "It's a rare ability, one that only those with the will of a king possess."

Hancock looked at Rayleigh, wide-eyed, as he continued to explain the significance of her newfound power. Conqueror's Haki wasn't something that could be learned; it was something that came from within, a sign of her potential to lead and dominate the battlefield. It could knock out those with weaker wills and, if she mastered it, become a devastating force in her arsenal.

But as Rayleigh spoke, Hancock's thoughts drifted back to the moment she had felt this power for the first time—long before today.

Hancock's POV:

As Rayleigh's words washed over her, a memory surged to the forefront of Hancock's mind. It was the day she had first felt this overwhelming force, back when she and her sisters were still slaves. She had been caged, helpless, and watching as a slaver reached for Sandersonia, threatening to take her away. She had felt a surge of rage, of desperation, and then it had happened—just like today. A force had erupted from her, knocking the slavers back, just as it had knocked Jason and the others off balance now.

Hancock's breath hitched, and before she could stop herself, she spoke. "This… this isn't the first time I've felt this power."

Jason, Rayleigh, and Shakky all turned toward her, their attention now fully focused. Hancock's voice was steady, but her heart raced as she continued. "Back when we were still slaves… there was a moment when a slaver tried to take Sandersonia away from me. I felt it then. I didn't know what it was at the time, but it happened just like this."

Jason's heart sank at her words, though he wasn't surprised. He had always known the details of Hancock's tragic past, but hearing it from her, in her own voice, brought the reality of it crashing down on him. Of course, her Conqueror's Haki awakened in that moment. She would do anything to protect her sisters.

Rayleigh, his expression softening, nodded in understanding. "It makes sense. Conqueror's Haki often manifests in moments of intense emotion, especially when the person feels the need to protect someone precious to them."

Hancock glanced at Jason, her eyes searching his for something she couldn't quite name. She had always been protective of her sisters, and knowing that this power had come from that deep-seated desire made her feel both proud and conflicted. She had no love for the strength she had developed in those dark times, but now, hearing Rayleigh's words, she realized that it had saved them—then, and now.

Jason, meeting her gaze, felt a wave of emotion wash over him. Hancock had suffered so much, but she had emerged stronger than anyone could have expected. She's always been a leader, even back then. Protecting her sisters at all costs… that's what gave her the strength to unlock this power.

He took a step closer to her, his voice softer now. "You protected them, Hancock. That power isn't just strength—it's your will to protect the ones you care about."

Hancock blinked, her eyes widening slightly at Jason's words. Her heart raced again, this time not from confusion or uncertainty, but from something deeper. Jason understood. He always seemed to understand.

Rayleigh smiled faintly, watching the exchange. "You've both come a long way," he said, his voice calm but full of pride. "But remember, unlocking Conqueror's Haki is just the beginning. You need to learn to control it, to wield it properly. Otherwise, it could be just as dangerous to those around you as it is to your enemies."

Hancock nodded, her resolve hardening. "I'll learn," she said, determination flaring in her eyes. "I'll control it."

Jason couldn't help but smile. He had no doubt that she would. Hancock had proven time and time again that she had the strength, the will, and the heart to rise above any challenge. And now, with Conqueror's Haki awakened, there was no limit to what she could achieve.

As the day's training resumed, the air between them felt different—heavier with the weight of newfound power and understanding. Jason and Hancock's bond had deepened, not just as training partners, but as people who had come to truly understand each other's strengths and struggles.

In the quiet moments between sparring, Jason couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Hancock has always been strong, but now, she's stepping into the role she was always meant to play. She's going to be incredible.

And Hancock, though she didn't say it aloud, felt the same. Jason's presence had become a steady anchor in her life, someone who saw her not just for her past or her beauty, but for the strength she carried within. And for that, her admiration for him grew deeper each day.

Though neither of them fully understood the feelings that had begun to blossom between them, they both knew one thing: together, they were unstoppable.