Seeing the battle clearly tipping in favor of my friends, I took flight and landed smoothly in front of the Baratie's line of cooks. They had formed a defensive formation, armed with ladles, knives, and pans as if their kitchen were an arsenal. But in truth, they hadn't needed to act at all—the Krieg pirates were being swept away like dust in a storm.
I raised my voice, locking eyes with Krieg."Luffy, finish him quickly. I've heard this guy's a coward who doesn't hesitate to use poison and other dirty tricks."
Krieg, already staggering from the blows, showed a flicker of fear in his eyes. His arrogance wavered for a moment, replaced by a twisted grimace. Then he growled:"Damn my men! As long as I breathe, the Krieg Armada… is me!"
He hurled two gleaming metallic spheres. I recognized them instantly—poison bombs."Not those!" I shouted, raising my hands. A dark yet luminous aura wrapped around my fingers, and the spell STOP burst forth, freezing the projectiles midair. Extending my other hand, I sucked them into my dimensional chest, slamming the lid shut just as the vials inside began to vibrate dangerously. A wave of relief swept through the room as the threat vanished.
Luffy seized the opening. His fist shot forward like a cannonball."A captain who sacrifices his men doesn't deserve the title!" he shouted, his arm stretching before smashing into Krieg.
The blow slammed Krieg's head into the deck with such force his helmet dented. The so-called admiral collapsed heavily, unconscious, unable to continue fighting.
Meanwhile, Sanji had already turned Pearl into pulp. The "Invincible Shield" lay sprawled on the ground, fainted, his metal plates dented and caved under the cook's precise kicks."Invincible, huh?" Sanji spat, crushing his cigarette against the brute's chest. "Tell that to someone else."
Zoro wiped his blades clean in silence, Usopp flexed his trembling hand after firing so many arrows, while Nami and Koby returned to us, having left nearly twenty frozen pirates incapacitated.
I grabbed one of the lackeys still conscious, a scrawny little man with such an ugly face it was almost comical. His legs shook like cotton."Tell me… you're missing a lot of people. Your crew's supposed to be five thousand strong, right? And where's Gin? He's supposed to be your vice-captain."
The man raised his hands in supplication, his voice trembling."P-please… I-I'll tell you everything! We… we ran from the Grand Line! There was this lunatic… a demon with a sword… he sliced through our ships like they were butter! Krieg panicked, so we abandoned everything just to survive!"
I tightened my grip on his collar."And Gin?"
The underling lowered his eyes, ashamed."H-he… he disappeared… He went out to look for food. When he didn't come back, we… we thought he was dead. So… we raided a coastal village for supplies. That's when we stumbled on the Baratie… by accident… I swear…"
"Someone who cuts ships apart with a sword…" Zoro muttered, his eyes gleaming with both fascination and determination. His hand clenched instinctively on the hilt of Wado Ichimonji.
As for me, I pushed my Observation Haki to the limit, probing the area behind Krieg's galleon. A presence… cold, razor-sharp, a predator neither pirate nor marine. And then the truth hit me like a cannonball."Damn it, no… I want this damn ship intact!" I cursed, leaping overboard.
Under the stunned eyes of the cooks and my crew, I dove beneath Krieg's galleon. My body twisted and expanded, dark scales spreading across my skin, my jaw elongating into deadly fangs. With a guttural roar, I assumed the form of a colossal ancient alligator. Forcing the galleon to drift away from the threat, I raised towering waves in my wake.
In the distance, upon a small one-man craft, a figure cloaked in black watched me. His yellow eyes, sharp as a raptor's, widened briefly at my transformation. But seeing that his "prey"—Krieg—already lay unconscious, he calmly sheathed his blade.
"Mihawk!!" Zoro roared, instantly recognizing the man standing there. His cry rang out like a challenge hurled straight at fate.
I managed to push Krieg's ship far enough away before returning to my human form, panting. Summoning my flames, I shouted, "Inferno!" My hands released a rain of blazing projectiles into the sea, thick steam billowing upward. Around me, crimson Nocturnes appeared, mimicking my magic to intensify the shrouding mist.
I quickly found the ship's lock and released it, transforming Krieg's massive galleon into a colossal Heartless — a monstrous fusion of pirate vessel and creature of darkness. From its hull burst flying pirate Heartless and even small winged galleons, grotesque guardians. Without hesitation, I sank the beast into my shadow, adding it to my arsenal.
Gathering my Nocturnes, I soared back toward the Baratie. The scene froze my blood: Zoro, bleeding and battered, barely stood against the strongest swordsman in the world. Kuina — or rather, her spirit bound to his blade — trembled faintly, her silent worry palpable in the air.
"Zoro, fall back!" I shouted as I landed with a beat of my wings. "You're not ready yet! Don't forget your promise!"
Zoro clenched his teeth, his eyes burning with defiance as he glared at Mihawk."That promise is why I can't retreat. To surpass this man… even if it costs me my life!"
Mihawk remained expressionless, though the faintest smile curled his lips. He raised his massive black blade and brought it down in a vertical strike."Pathetic… yet courageous."
A chill ran through me. I launched myself forward to intercept the attack — but another figure beat me to it."Gum-Gum Shield!!"
Luffy leapt in, slamming his shield in front of Zoro. The black blade struck with a thunderous crack, the shockwave ripping across the deck. Zoro and Luffy were hurled backward, rolling across the planks. But against all odds, Luffy's shield was intact.
Mihawk raised an eyebrow, intrigued."Hm. Interesting… What is that shield made of, boy?"
Seizing the momentary distraction, I dove in a full-force strike. But Hawkeye wasn't someone to be caught off guard. He shifted almost imperceptibly, dodging my aerial assault, and with a brutal backhand, his fist cloaked in Armament Haki, slammed into my side.
The impact stole my breath. Pain exploded in my ribs as I was flung across the deck, crashing down like a rag doll. Wood splintered beneath me, and the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.
"Jordan!!" Koby cried, rushing toward me, but Mihawk didn't spare him a glance.
The swordsman's hawk-like eyes lingered on Luffy and Zoro, shining with a strange intensity. Then his lips curved into a faint, ironic smile."It seems luck is on your side, boy." His voice was calm, yet it carried the weight of a sentence being passed. "I'll wait and see if you grow stronger. After all… I must preserve a certain quality in my opponents. Find me on the Grand Line… and challenge me once you've gained the strength."
Zoro, his body torn and his kimono stained red, slowly lifted his head. His gaze blazed with raw determination."I will…" he said, each word trembling but firm. "I'll become the world's greatest swordsman. I swear it. For myself… and for Kuina."
Silence fell over the Baratie, broken only by the roll of the waves and the whistle of the wind through the sails.
Mihawk then turned his golden eyes on me. I was still half-curled, one hand clutching my battered side despite the healing spells I had cast. Forcing myself upright, I swayed but managed to stand."You…" he said, studying me as though I were a puzzle. "You're interesting. A Zoan who can swim without being a fishman… That's far from ordinary. I look forward to seeing your evolution."
I grimaced, clenching my teeth, still holding my aching ribs."And I look forward… to being strong enough to return that punch," I muttered gruffly.
To my surprise, he let out a genuine laugh cold, but sincere."Hahaha… I like that. Then one day, return it. I'll be eager to see it."
Without another word, he boarded his tiny craft, unfurled its sail, and drifted into the misty sea, leaving behind a heavy silence and lingering tension.
The moment his boat vanished on the horizon, Luffy sprang to his feet, dismissing his shield."Zoro!!" he shouted, slamming his fist into his palm. "I told you not to challenge that guy!"
Zoro, still gasping and leaning on his last sword, snapped back, eyes blazing."Shut up, Luffy! You think I'd just stand by?! This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I couldn't back down!"
"And you think dying stupidly here would've fulfilled your promise?!" I snapped, raising my voice, fists clenched. My piercing gaze locked onto Zoro's. "You'll never become the world's greatest swordsman if you don't know when to retreat. Dying pointlessly isn't honor — it's stupidity."
Zoro opened his mouth to argue, but Luffy stomped the deck, cutting him off."Jordan's right! To make your dream come true… first you've gotta stay alive. And a guy living alone on the Grand Line, surrounded by monsters, can't be challenged by someone who's spent his whole life stuck in one of the four Blues."
The air itself seemed to vibrate with those words. Zoro grit his teeth, his eyes flickering with conflict.
And then, a soft, grave voice echoed from Wado Ichimonji."Luffy is right, Zoro. You must grow stronger…" Kuina's presence whispered, gently wrapping around the blade.
I laid a hand on Zoro's shoulder, passing on the message."Kuina… said it herself."
Zoro's eyes widened for an instant, then lowered. His breathing shook, but slowly, he lifted his head again, his posture regaining its dignity."…Forgive me," he muttered. His gaze moved from Luffy, then to me. "I swear… I will never lose another battle."
A solemn silence followed his vow. Even Luffy, usually so loud, simply gave him a sincere smile. He raised his fist toward Zoro — an unshakable gesture of camaraderie."Then get stronger, Zoro. Because I'm counting on you… when I become King of the Pirates."
Usopp, still trembling from the aftershocks, let out a nervous laugh."Hahaha… I swear my heart stopped three times seeing that guy… Mihawk, are you kidding?! His eyes — it was like looking straight at a demon in the flesh!" He slapped a hand to his chest, exaggerating his breathing. "But… if Zoro can stand back up after a beating like that, I guess I can get better too. Not just as a sniper… but as a man."
Koby, far more serious, nodded with rare intensity."Me too… I want to grow stronger. Not just for myself, but to prove I can protect others. When Mihawk struck, I couldn't do anything… I felt so small. But I want that to change." His fists clenched tight, and he fixed Zoro with admiring eyes. "I'll train again and again, no matter what it takes."
Nami, who had stayed quiet until then, crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with fresh determination."You all saw it, didn't you? That man… he was a monster. And yet, our crewmates are still standing. If you can grow like that, then I won't be the one left behind." Her gaze flicked to her staff. "I need to become stronger too, strong enough to sail wherever I want."
I nodded slowly."I'll never doubt your determination, Zoro. That's what will make you the best swordsman. But… if I had to compare today's power scales, it's like an ordinary fish trying to fight a Sea King." I folded my arms, drawing in a breath. "That man wields Haki more skillfully than Zachary ever did. And he regularly duels pirates worth hundreds of millions of berries."
Despite his wounds, Zoro gave a single firm nod, his eyes burning with rage and resolve.
Zeff, who had watched everything in silence, finally stepped forward, his wooden peg-leg thudding against the deck."You see how insane they are, my son?" he called toward Sanji. "These men just challenged one of the strongest in this world… Mihawk, the greatest living swordsman, and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
Sanji lit a cigarette calmly, but a genuine smile tugged at his lips."I can't wait to sail with them. I can feel it — I'll grow stronger alongside guys like this." His gaze slid to Nami, and he flashed his most charming grin. "Especially with such lovely company."
BAM. Zeff's wooden leg cracked down on his head."Mind your manners, you idiot!"
"Ow, pops!" Sanji yelped, rubbing the growing lump before straightening with his most dignified air. "I'll be a proper gentleman, I promise!" he stammered, blushing when Nami turned her head toward him.
"Well then, Zeff, we'll be taking your son, as promised," I said with a smile, while Luffy grabbed Sanji by the arm and dragged him toward the Merry with the excitement of a kid.
Zeff crossed his arms and nodded, his sharp gaze following his apprentice."Take care of that idiot. He gets flustered the moment a woman talks to him, but out at sea, you won't find a better cook… or a more reliable man." His voice trembled slightly with emotion despite his rough exterior. He waved a hand at Sanji.
Sanji, a cigarette dangling from his lips, averted his gaze for a moment, but his eyes shone with sincere respect."Old man… count on me. I'll make my dream come true."
Before leaving the Baratie, I turned to Zeff, a small smile on my face."Two things before we go. First, Sanji and we can come back anytime thanks to my portals. Second… you may have already heard about creatures with blue eyes that hunt down wicked people." I paused when I saw his brow arch. "Expect to see some wandering near your ship. But don't worry, they'll never attack you."
Zeff chuckled softly, his wooden peg-leg tapping against the floor."Of course I've heard. The newspapers paint them as nightmare monsters… But newspapers always lie a little. I've learned not to swallow everything whole."
I returned his smile before flying off to rejoin the Merry, a small vessel towed behind us, loaded with Krieg's unconscious men, tied up like bundles.
We crossed through a dark portal, and the sea vanished, replaced by the shoreline of Heartless Island. I cut the rope tethering the ship and watched without flinching as the massive aquatic Heartless, Arlong, rose from the water. With a simple motion of his giant hand, he transformed the 98 members of Krieg's crew and the two corrupted bounty hunters into Heartless.
Their bodies twisted and evaporated in a cloud of shadows. Within moments, the human silhouettes vanished, leaving behind a tide of common Heartless, waiting, their glowing blue eyes fixed on the ship.
Zoro instantly drew his sword, his gaze sharp."What the… what the hell is this?!"
Beside him, Sanji instinctively stepped in front of Nami, his leg already poised to strike.
I raised a hand calmly, lifting into the air to perch on Arlong's massive shoulder."Relax. They're with us."
The two froze, uncertain, but did not lower their guard.
The transformations continued. Pearl, the shielded man, became a grotesque Defender: his carapace warped into a massive dog-headed shield, occasionally spitting small sparks. Then, beside him, a Nobody appeared, clad in a pearly armor of seashells, graceful yet strangely elegant despite its unsettling aura. Without a word, it stepped through the luminous gate I had opened and vanished.
Krieg, however, underwent an even more terrifying change. His armor twisted, the metal plates merging with a dark aura. He grew slightly taller, his appearance reminiscent of a Nobody's astral armor — but corrupted, heavy, and menacing.
He clapped his hands together with a crash, and at once, a dozen Pirate Heartless erupted from the ground like shadows summoned by a Darkside. Their armed silhouettes bore scraps of leather and chains, mirroring his will to dominate. Around Krieg, bombs etched with dark runes materialized, while spikes dripping violet poison jutted from his armor, the venom eating away at the ground like acid.
Even I had to admit — he now radiated a truly intimidating aura."… Not bad. Exactly what I needed." With a simple gesture, I swallowed him into my shadow, sealing his existence. That way, I could later replicate his summons at will.
Beside me, Luffy burst into laughter at the sight of Sanji's and Zoro's stunned faces."Since we're all in the same crew now, let me show you my second form," I said, still floating in the air as I activated Sora's necklace.
"I am the one who frees these creatures and cleanses evil," I declared theatrically before returning to my normal appearance. "Keep this a secret, but it's my dream — to purge the evil of this world." I smiled at the two, who both nodded in agreement.
(Author's note: And that wraps up Sanji's integration. Next chapter will cover the Olympus Coliseum though with a very different twist, so expect a real spectacle ^^. Image of the ship and Krieg's Heartless form here.)