He is probably thanking her for all that she did. She really put her life on the line to help him. But you right though. If they hurt Ace, Luffy will probably go berserk and not even the admirals will be able to stop him
Indeed this might be Hancock's BIG opportunity to get even closer to Luffy. Think about it. Everyone in his crew (except Sanji), has lost a loved one and/or family memeber ...and now it finally seems to be Luffy's turn. Luffy will indeed be in one of the most vulnerable moments in his life (after he goes Berserk and kills everyone of course), and that will be the perfect moment for the snake-empress to make her move.
Niiba said: Indeed this might be Hancock's BIG opportunity to get even closer to Luffy. Think about it. Everyone in his crew (except Sanji), has lost a loved one and/or family memeber ...and now it finally seems to be Luffy's turn. Luffy will indeed be in one of the most vulnerable moments in his life (after he goes Berserk and kills everyone of course), and that will be the perfect moment for the snake-empress to make her move.
Niiba said: Indeed this might be Hancock's BIG opportunity to get even closer to Luffy. Think about it. Everyone in his crew (except Sanji), has lost a loved one and/or family memeber ...and now it finally seems to be Luffy's turn. Luffy will indeed be in one of the most vulnerable moments in his life (after he goes Berserk and kills everyone of course), and that will be the perfect moment for the snake-empress to make her move.
I hope so, Niiba. But I doubt she'll use his weakness just for that.Maybe she'll get closer to him and comofrt him, yes, but he might realize her feelings by himself at that time.
Remember, Luffy has been oblivious to Hancock's affection until now but has he ever held the hand of another woman in the series, no matter how much said woman helped him? Has he ever hugged another woman in the series? No, he hasn't.
So he might be starting to feel something, I don't know.