An Eyesore

Oak used Conqueror's Haki to block the Love-Love Fruit's petrification effect. Across from him, Hancock frowned.

"Mero Mero Mellow~"

Unwilling to give up, she tried again, but it still had no effect. Her expression turned astonished.

How was that possible?

She stared at him in disbelief. The man across from her had clearly been attracted to her; she could tell from those desire-filled eyes. But why was her ability ineffective against him?

Her ability had never failed before. No matter how strong someone was, they would fall at her feet and be petrified.

Hancock did not understand what was happening, but Granny Nyon knew perfectly well.

"Have you become this strong already?"

Granny Nyon looked at Oak with a complicated expression. An invisible defensive barrier made entirely of Conqueror's Haki clearly stood before him. This was a Conqueror's Haki technique that only Rocks had known back then.

With this technique, no attack or Devil Fruit ability could get close to Rocks. It had allowed him to suppress the seas for an entire era, yet Oak had now mastered this technique as well.

She did not know what Oak had experienced all these years, but it was obvious that he had grown stronger—and not just a little stronger!

As for Oak, he paid no attention to Gloriosa's complicated gaze. He merely stared fixedly at Hancock and let out a soft laugh.

"Hehe~"

"Want to try again?"

He crooked a finger at Hancock with great interest, inviting her to see whether she could petrify him again.

Hancock's disbelieving expression and the rise and fall of her chest from her heavy breathing both amused him and... pleased his eye!

"Damn it!"

His provocation made Hancock breathe even harder, her pearly teeth nearly grinding to pieces.

He was far too arrogant!

This was the