BOOM!
A thunderous blast split the sky, the shockwave stirring up monstrous waves across dozens of meters of ocean.
The sheer force of it rattled the entire battlefield.
Both Marines and pirates instinctively paused, turning their gazes toward the heavens.
The brilliant light of Nao's Moon Eclipse technique slowly faded, revealing a violent mid-air clash between boy and eagle. Their figures collided and spun, trading blows again and again.
Their speed was insane—within moments, they'd already exchanged dozens, maybe even a hundred strikes.
Between the flashes of light and shadow, the massive black eagle form of Missaya could be seen riddled with wounds. Her agonized screeches pierced the air, her condition clearly deteriorating.
Nao, despite being dwarfed by her size, had only a few minor scratches.
They did nothing to slow him down. His momentum only grew—his fighting spirit burned brighter with each second. He had her completely on the back foot.
"H-How…?"
"Is Lady Missaya… actually losing?!"
The sight shook the entire battlefield.
The Hawkeye Pirates had already been at a disadvantage, but now, seeing their leader overwhelmed, their morale shattered. Under Rear Admiral Buma's command, the G2 Marines pushed harder, forcing the pirates to retreat in disarray.
Some even abandoned the fight entirely, throwing themselves into the water in desperate attempts to escape.
In the sky—
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!!"
Missaya, forced to retreat again and again, looked furious—but her heart was in turmoil.
He's just some teenage brat—how the hell is he this strong?!
Power, Armament Haki, physical prowess…
Even her greatest asset—her speed in eagle form—was being completely outclassed!
And that last move… the sword energy that burst like a rising moon… had caught her off guard and shredded her wings, badly weakening her ability to continue the fight.
I can't win. I have to escape!
It took only seconds for her to make the call.
As for her long-time crew down below…
A shame to leave them behind—but survival came first. She could always return to the East Blue mountains, gather her old forces, and rebuild the Hawkeye Pirates from scratch.
With that, she stopped hesitating.
She let out a piercing screech. Her already wide wingspan expanded further, and she swept downward with everything she had as Nao approached with another sword slash.
Giant Eagle: Sonic Boom Shockwave!
BOOM!
A savage gale exploded downward, engulfing Nao. The sheer force of it smashed into him like a mountain flood, slamming him into the sea with a towering splash.
Now's my chance!
After unleashing her trump card, Missaya's wings shrank back to normal size. Her aura was visibly weakened, but she didn't look back—just flapped hard and fled toward the horizon.
But—
CRASH!
The sea erupted again.
A figure launched from the waves like a cannonball, closing the distance between them in just a few strides.
"You're not getting away that easily!"
Nao's voice rang out as he surged through the air. Gripping both the Azakana Blade and the Wind Sword, he slashed at her back.
He wasn't a Devil Fruit user. He was a natural swimmer—being knocked into the sea only cost him a moment. It did nothing to stop his pursuit.
WHRRRRR—!
Two crossing arcs of sword energy, coated in black Armament Haki, tore through the sky and slammed into the eagle's back.
Blood exploded from the gashes as flesh split open.
Missaya let out a shrill, agonized scream. Her form trembled, her Devil Fruit power breaking down. She reverted to human form mid-fall, plummeting toward the sea.
But—
Before she could fall far, Nao used Moonwalk to intercept her.
His strong, lean hand clamped tightly around her neck, lifting her to eye level. His gaze was icy as it met hers.
"Ghh—khh…!"
Missaya choked violently. It took every last scrap of her strength to get a few hoarse words out:
"P-Please… spare… me…"
She wasn't even thirty. She still had dreams to chase, treasure to seek…
If the Marines captured her, she'd be dragged to Impel Down, left to rot in a dark, silent cell for the rest of her days.
Anyone would fear that fate—especially her, Hawkeye Missaya.
"You think that's gonna happen?"
Nao's voice was flat, cold as death. "Spare you? Did you think about sparing the kids in those ice coffins? Or their families?"
"I… I was forced…"
Her voice trembled, eyes teary, trying to play up every ounce of charm she had left. "I didn't really want to—"
But she didn't even finish the sentence.
Suddenly, the pressure around her neck tightened—she could barely breathe.
"How about this?" she gasped, changing tactics. "Let's make a deal. I have treasure—lots of it—not on the ship. Let me go, and I'll owe you. I swear I'll give you everything."
Nao stared at her, unmoved.
"Also, kid… you might not know this, but the first moment I saw you—I fell for you."
She rushed her words now, desperate. "This whole fight… it was just about being on opposite sides. If you want… I'll be your lover, your secret mistress, anytime, anywhere. My body, it's yours—just say the word…"
She saw something flicker in his eyes—a slight shift. Maybe curiosity. Maybe temptation.
Hooked, she pushed further.
"Besides, kid… you're not actually one of those G2 Marines, are you?"
Her tone softened, pitiful and sweet. "If you're worried they're watching, just take me back to the ship. Then… wait until midnight. Slip me out when no one's looking. You get the credit… they take the blame…"
"Tch. That's one hell of a plan."
Nao couldn't help but let out a low chuckle. His grip eased slightly as he looked at her and said, almost admiringly:
"To think you'd go this far for me… Maybe you do actually like me."
It worked.
Missaya's heart leapt. She leaned in quickly, eager—
"Of course! I'm totally serious, kid. I really li—"
CRACK.
Her words cut short.
Her neck twisted to one side with a sickening snap. Her body went limp. Eyes wide open in frozen disbelief and unwillingness, she dangled lifelessly in Nao's grip.
"Yeah, I know," Nao said softly, looking down at her corpse. "You weren't lying. You really did fall for me."
He let out a quiet sigh.
"But… I already have a girlfriend. I really can't take on another. Sorry."
The sea breeze brushed past.
After a silent beat, Nao looked up toward the sky and added sincerely:
"I'm just… the loyal type."
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin