CRACK—!
A sharp snap echoed through the air as Hale Nock's bones gave way. He spat a mouthful of blood, pain twisting his features.
"Urgh..."
The pitch-black magma pressed him downward, dragging both him and Sakazuki toward a barren islet below. Panic clawed at Hale Nock's chest as the ground rushed up to meet him. He knew—if he hit the earth at this speed, he'd be finished.
His limbs were still locked tight by Armament Haki-infused magma, but survival trumped everything.
He drew a ragged breath.
"Explosive Steam Kill!"
Better to lose a limb than lose his life.
His body flushed red, swelling violently as he prepared to detonate. But just then, Sakazuki's cold voice sounded from within the magma cocoon:
"Volcanic Jade Blast."
The black magma faded to scorching red. A hundred meters above the island, both men detonated at once.
Steam and magma ballooned outward, engulfing the entire island in an instant. White steam and crimson magma collided, swirling in a chaotic dance.
But within three heartbeats, the steam was swept away. Rivers of magma surged forward, devouring the vapor and painting the sky blood-red.
A hellish rain of molten rock fell, transforming the island into a lake of fire.
Hale Nock crashed to the ground, rolling over and over before finally staggering to his feet.
"Cough... cough..."
Blood dribbled from his lips as he conjured a cloud of steam and collapsed onto it, gasping for air.
"Huff—huff—"
He looked up to see Sakazuki striding toward him, calm as ever. But the terror was gone from Hale Nock's face—replaced by a faint, almost amused smile.
Sakazuki stopped before him, eyeing his battered foe.
"Oh? Not scared of dying, are you?"
A smirk tugged at Hale Nock's mouth.
"Heh—"
"I should've died the moment I hit the ground."
"But I didn't."
"Which means I'm still useful to someone."
"The only question is—what'll it cost me, Marine?"
Sakazuki chuckled softly.
"You're a sharp one."
"Here's the latest news: Golden Lion died in battle at Edd War. In a few days, the whole sea will know."
"His territory is up for grabs."
Hale Nock instantly recalled those photos from before. He believed it—almost entirely—but kept his expression unreadable.
"That's big news, alright."
"So, you telling me this—want me to take over Golden Lion's turf?"
"Since when are Marines so generous?"
"Heh."
Sakazuki shrugged off the sarcasm.
"Don't bother dreaming. HQ already sent fleets to seize his territory."
"What you're going to do is attack Big Mom's holdings."
"That's the only reason you're still breathing."
Hale Nock saw straight through the ploy.
"Hiss... So you want me to go to war with Big Mom, while you lot swoop back into the New World?"
"Doesn't sound like much of a deal for me."
Sakazuki's gaze was flat. "At least you get to live. That's more than most."
Hale Nock was silent for a moment, then broke into a low laugh.
"Heh. Fine, you win."
He raised his hand and fired a burst of steam skyward.
BOOM—!
White vapor exploded above, twisting into the skull insignia of the Steam Pirates—a rallying call to arms.
———
Aboard the Steam Pirates' flagship.
By Hale Nock's order, every crew member had retreated below decks—no one was allowed topside.
On the vast deck, only Sakazuki, Hale Nock, and his two most trusted lieutenants remained.
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, the battered Hale Nock turned to Sakazuki.
"It's done. The orders are out."
"All our sleeper agents on the islands have begun their assault."
He pinched his brow, headache throbbing.
Big Mom... The only way to strike fast was to activate those agents. Sailing would take days—she'd never wait that long.
And who'd believe he didn't have spies planted everywhere?
Sakazuki nodded. "Good. Let's move."
Hale Nock drew a deep breath. "Yeah. Let's go."
He handed the Den Den Mushi to one of his men, then launched into the sky alongside Sakazuki—heading straight for Big Mom's territory.
Only after the two had vanished did the lieutenants finally exhale in relief. They flipped over the Den Den Mushi. At some point, a line of red text had appeared on its belly:
"Golden Lion is dead. Seize his territory at once."
That day, every inch of Golden Lion's domain came under attack. Countless ships set sail from the Steam Pirates' waters, racing to claim the vacant lands...
———
New World—unknown seas.
Golden Lion's fleet and floating islands cruised steadily through the clouds. Two days earlier, a monstrous tidal wave had interrupted his battle with Roger. Only by joining forces had they punched through the walls of water and escaped.
The fleet had suffered some losses, but nothing fatal.
"Roger..."
Suddenly, shouts broke the quiet.
"Boss Shiki!"
Golden Lion turned. "What is it?"
A panicked subordinate rushed over, clutching a Den Den Mushi.
"Boss! All our territories are under attack!"
Golden Lion's brow furrowed. "What kind of joke is that? Who'd dare?"
The crewman stammered, "They... they..."
"Out with it!"
"They say you died at Edd War, boss. So..."
Rage twisted Golden Lion's face as realization dawned.
"Bastards! Who's spreading this?!"
The crewman wiped cold sweat. "It's... the Steam Pirates."
A murderous gleam flashed in Golden Lion's eyes.
"Those fools want to die!"
The entire fleet and islands surged forward, speed doubling, tripling—despite the massive drain on stamina.
He had to show himself, and fast, to kill the rumors before they spread.
Killing intent and Conqueror's Haki crackled like a storm.
"Hale Nock...!"
———
Late night.
Aboard a Big Mom Pirates ship.
Buru buru— Buru buru—
Fury flashed across Charlotte Linlin's face.
Damn it, another island attacked? That made seven now.
She snatched up the Den Den Mushi, voice tight with rage.
"Speak!"
A terrified voice crackled back.
"Mama, O'Neil Island's been hit too! But this time, we saw who did it—"
A dangerous light flared in Charlotte Linlin's eyes.
"Who?!"
A gulp, then a trembling answer.
"It's... Hale Nock. They—they're headed for Tachis Island."
A cruel smile curved Charlotte Linlin's lips.
"Excellent."
She hung up, summoned Zeus, and soared toward Tachis Island.
"Hale Nock!"
———
New World, O'Neil Island.
Hale Nock took a long, shaky breath—he was in deep trouble now.
This grudge with Big Mom was set in stone...
The subordinate who'd just finished the call stared at the two towering figures in terror.
"It's... it's over... can I go now...?"
Sakazuki gave him a flat look and gestured indifferently.
The pirate scrambled to his feet and bolted.
Sakazuki glanced at Hale Nock, giving a subtle nod.
Without hesitation, Hale Nock raised his hand and fired a steam bullet.
The fleeing pirate exploded into a cloud of blood and mist... ~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
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