I'll Raise Your Daughter

Dawn's lips curved upward. He chose neither side. His figure flashed and vanished from the spot, leaving an Afterimage that slowly faded.

The darkness crushing Crocodile lost its hold and ebbed away, revealing a figure almost drenched in blood.

Squelch!

Hanavza's scythe bit deep into Crocodile's left shoulder just as he broke free, nearly severing his entire arm.

Agony tore an inhuman howl from Crocodile as the force of the blow sent him flying backward.

Boom!

The missile struck its target. Fire swallowed Hanavza, and the shockwave hurled him into the cabin wall. Spiderweb cracks spread across his helmet.

Clap, clap, clap.

Crisp applause came from above. Dawn stood on the mainmast's yardarm, looking down at the wreckage with a faint, mocking smile as he clapped hard.

"Your teamwork was truly eye-opening."

Guernica was about to speak when Crocodile shoved him aside. Crocodile struggled to his feet, his left shoulder wounded to the bone and blood soaking his expensive coat.

He gave Dawn a long look. There was anger and humiliation in his eyes, but fear outweighed them both.

At this point, the title of Shichibukai no longer mattered.

Staying alive did.

Crocodile turned his entire body into sand and let the sea breeze carry him toward the distant horizon.

Hanavza crawled out of the wreckage and had the same idea. He kicked the air in rapid succession, activated Geppo, and shot toward the edge of the ship.

He had learned the move specifically to improve his mobility. Now it came in handy.

"Dark Water."

Dawn reached toward Hanavza with his right hand. Darkness swirled in his palm, and a terrifying gravitational pull erupted.

Already airborne, Hanavza felt his body grow heavy. It was as though countless invisible chains had wrapped around his limbs and were dragging him back.

Dawn