"Renn Hawk!"
"You've forgotten, haven't you?! Back then you were just a third-class recruit! It was me me who recognized your potential and promoted you! It was me!"
Captain Rat's voice cracked as he shouted, spittle flying everywhere. He tried desperately to weave together some false sense of gratitude that had never existed.
But Arlong was dead. The Arlong Pirates had been destroyed.
Now, Rat stood completely alone.
If Hawk refused to acknowledge any so-called "favor," then his fate was sealed.
"Ha…"
Hawk let out a low laugh, dripping with mockery.
You promoted me?
I've long since studied the Navy's promotion system inside and out.
The military merits I've earned over the last six months were more than enough to make me a Branch Captain possibly even a Commodore.
But thanks to your greed, Rat, I've been kept stuck as a Lieutenant Colonel.
The funds you skimmed from the military budget.
The bounty money you embezzled.
Every coin stolen was soaked with the blood and sweat of me and my men.
And now you beg for mercy?
Too late.
Hawk slowly drew out a cigarette and placed it between his lips.
When Rat saw this motion, his eyes lit up with desperate hope. He scrambled forward on his knees, pulling a gold lighter from his pocket with trembling hands, trying to light Hawk's cigarette.
Hawk didn't stop him. He simply lowered his gaze, watching Rat's face twist between terror and sycophancy. The flame flickered, catching on the cigarette tip.
Hawk inhaled deeply, then exhaled a thin stream of smoke. His voice was calm, yet sharp as a blade.
"Rat, your sincerity… isn't enough."
"!"
Rat's entire body shuddered. His eyes burned with survival instinct there was still a chance!
He collapsed completely to the floor, kowtowing hard against the deck.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
"Hawk, I was wrong!"
"I really was wrong!"
His forehead struck the wood until blood ran down his face.
Hawk watched, lips curling into a cold smile.
Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic.
You weren't wrong you're just afraid of dying.
"Rat…"
He blew out another smoke ring, his expression hidden in the haze.
"And who am I, if not… merciful?"
"!!!"
Rat's head shot up. His battered face twisted with a grotesque joy.
"Hawk! You… you'll let me live?! Truly?!"
"This is wonderful!"
"I won't lay a hand on you," Hawk replied smoothly. "But…"
He flicked the cigarette, gesturing lazily in Rat's direction.
A sharp sound echoed step!
The Navy soldiers who had been silently standing in the shadows stepped forward in unison, their boots striking the deck with heavy rhythm.
They encircled Rat, their eyes cold, their rage long suppressed.
"Rat, remember the wages you stole from us?"
"The slop you served in the mess hall?"
"The rusted weapons in the training yard?"
"You… you…"
Rat spun wildly, terror flooding his features as the soldiers closed in. His last hope was Hawk.
"Hawk! You gave me your word! You said you wouldn't lay a hand on me!"
Hawk leaned back comfortably in his chair, knocking ash from his cigarette. His tone was calm, almost innocent.
"I didn't. My hands are right here."
He even waved the hand holding the cigarette for Rat to see.
The soldiers smirked grimly. True enough, their commanding officer hadn't moved. But that didn't stop them.
"You can't do this!" Rat screamed, stumbling backward into a soldier's chest. "We're Navy! There are rules! This is mutiny! Treason! Hawk, control your men I'm your superior officer!"
But Hawk only watched in silence.
The first punch landed, smashing into Rat's face.
That punch lit the fuse.
Dozens of fists rained down, boots striking his ribs, his legs, his gut.
"Stop! Please stop!"
"I was wrong! Spare me!"
"No—no, you can't!"
Rat howled and rolled on the ground, blood streaming across his face as he tried in vain to crawl away.
"Hawk… you… you're ruthless…"
In his pain and desperation, a final spark of venom flickered in his eyes.
If you won't let me live, then I'll drag you down with me!
He forced his hand inside his tattered uniform and pressed a button on a small, hidden Den Den Mushi.
Buru buru…
The emergency line. The direct call to Marine Headquarters at Marineford. A privilege only given to branch commanders.
Rat had always been too afraid to use it afraid his crimes would be exposed. But now he had nothing to lose.
"Hawk…" he sneered through blood and broken teeth. "You're finished. Headquarters will hear everything. You killed your superior. You let your men beat me! Even if I was corrupt, it wasn't for you to decide! The Navy has rules! The Navy has order!"
He laughed, half-mad with blood loss and triumph. In his mind, he already saw Hawk stripped of rank, dragged to trial.
Hawk exhaled calmly, smoke curling from his lips. He had seen the move coming long before with his Observation Haki.
So this was Rat's desperate counterattack? No. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for.
The East Blue had been almost fully cleansed. Staying here any longer would yield too little Justice Value. It was time to move on.
This emergency call would be his ticket out.
Worst case: stripped of rank and reassigned to another sea. But with his current strength easily at Rear Admiral level it wouldn't take long to climb back up.
Best case: if the right "justice-driven" figure at Headquarters took notice… he could rise even further.
Either way, Rat's final act only served Hawk's goals.
Hawk stood and walked toward him, boot heels echoing.
"You know," he said softly, "I haven't lifted a hand yet."
And then his boot came crashing down.
Thud!
Rat flew across the room like a ragdoll, slamming against the wall with a sickening crunch. A red smear trailed down as his body crumpled, motionless.
[System prompt: Killed corrupt Branch Captain – Rat.]
[Justice Points gained: 1000.]
[Total Justice Points: 3024.]
Hawk withdrew his foot with casual ease, as though brushing away an insect.
But before the smoke cleared
Step. Step.
Heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed through the ruined doorway.
Through the haze appeared a silver-haired man, two cigars clenched between his teeth, a cloak of Justice draped over his shoulders.
Behind him stood Tashigi and the soldiers of Loguetown.
It was Smoker, Captain of Marine Headquarters.
His voice cut cold through the air.
"Lieutenant Colonel Renn Hawk… killed his own commanding officer?"