Hancock Is Stubborn? Nonexistent...

"It's you, Finn!"

Hancock's eyes widened as she recognized Finn, the Marshal of the Marine. Although their paths had never directly crossed, she had seen his picture at a Shichibukai meeting and had heard plenty about his reputation since then.

Finn smirked confidently. "That's right. And since you know who I am, why don't you make this easy and surrender?"

Hancock's expression darkened. "Surrender? To you Marines? After interrupting my business? Don't make me laugh!"

Without another word, Hancock raised her leg, executing a swift "Perfume Femur" kick aimed at Finn.

"Careful, Finn! Her abilities can turn you into stone!" Robin called out from nearby, concern lacing her voice.

But Finn didn't flinch. He casually caught Hancock's ankle mid-strike, his grip firm yet calm.

Hancock's confident smirk faltered. "What? Why haven't you been petrified?"

Finn shrugged, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Maybe your charm isn't as effective as you think."

Hancock's face turned red with indignation. "How dare you!" She swiftly drew a heart-shaped bubble with her finger, releasing her signature move, "Mero Mero Mellow!"

The wave of pink energy surged toward Finn, enveloping him completely. Hancock's lips curled into a victorious grin—until the energy dissipated harmlessly around him. Finn remained standing, unscathed, and still grinning.

"Impossible!" Hancock gasped. "How can you resist my power?"

"Maybe you're just not my type," Finn replied nonchalantly. Then, his tone hardened. "Now, undo the petrification on my crew."

Hancock crossed her arms defiantly. "Never! You think you can just command me? A Shichibukai? Dream on!"

Finn's expression remained calm, but his voice carried an edge of authority. "I see. If words won't work, maybe action will."

Before Hancock could react, Finn delivered a light but deliberate strike to her side. The force wasn't enough to injure her seriously, but it was enough to startle her. Hancock staggered, her expression shifting from anger to disbelief.

"You dare—!"

"Yes, I dare," Finn interrupted. "And I'll keep daring until you cooperate."

Hancock glared at him, her pride battling with the stinging sensation. Her loyal crew watched in shock; none of them had ever seen their fearless leader so thoroughly challenged.

"You... You'll regret this!" Hancock growled, summoning another wave of Slave Arrows.

Finn dodged effortlessly, his movements precise and controlled. Each of her attacks seemed to miss by inches, as if he were always one step ahead.

"Your persistence is admirable," Finn said with a hint of mockery. "But let's not waste time. Undo the petrification now."

Hancock's resolve wavered. She glanced at her subordinates—many of them incapacitated—and then at Finn, whose unwavering stance left no room for doubt. Finally, with a frustrated sigh, she relented.

"Fine! But this doesn't mean you've won," she hissed, waving her hand to dissolve the petrification spell.

As her spell lifted, Finn's crew began to recover, gratitude and determination evident in their expressions.

"Good choice," Finn said, his tone softening slightly. "But next time, think twice before crossing us."

Hancock's pride was bruised, but she managed to maintain her composure. "You've made an enemy of me today, Finn. Don't think this is over."

"Wouldn't dream of it," Finn replied, turning to rejoin his crew. "Let's go, everyone. We've got work to do."

As the Marines regrouped, Hancock stood on the deck of her ship, silently vowing to regain the upper hand in their next encounter.