Third POV
Bonney made fists out of her hands. As Hope's voice reverberated, every muscle in her jaw tightened; it was too steady and composed for the type of revelation he was about to reveal.
He stared at her like a dagger at the tip of her soul, asking, "Bonney, you want to know who killed your father? Pirates weren't involved. It wasn't fate."
The room froze for her.
Outside, even the ocean appeared to quiet down.
Hope's tone become piercing.
"One of the five elders, Saint Saturn, killed her out of amusement. They chased your mother and father like slave dogs in order to breed them."
Bonney's breathing became labored. She remained still. couldn't.
The memories flashed like lightning behind her eyelids, her father, shackled and unyielding. She had spent years investigating.
However, the reality struck her chest like a ton of fire.
"You're telling lies."
She was aware that he wasn't, though.
Hope's gaze shifted slightly to Shirahoshi, who was standing there looking pale and shaking.
"And Shirahoshi, your mother—Queen Otohime…" He spoke less loudly now. Like presenting a blade with respect rather than brutality.
"It wasn't a typical offender. A World Noble, that was involved." Shirahoshi's lips opened, but no sound emerged. "Who hired Mr. Jones?"
Too surprised for rage, too raw for denial, her tears came silently.
"Under the pretense of diplomacy, he entered your realm and left your mother bleeding in the coral garden. The government covered up the truth with gold and treaties." There was a heavy hush. Anger replaced grief.
Reiju's gaze grew stony. Incredulous, Viola shook her head.
Even Boa, who had long been numb to cruelty, became surprised.
Hope's tone grew more intense.
"I didn't come to get even with you. To give you clarity, I came and the authority to ensure that it doesn't occur again."
Later, on the island of Crimson Fang...
As they got ready for battle, Bonney remained silent, but something inside was burning. No longer just rage.
Goal.
Hope had been honest with her.
Crimson Fang Island, with its ragged rocks protruding like the ribs of some monstrous beast, was threatened by a dreadful storm.
The gang was standing here, with Hope in the middle, next to Min-ah, Nico Robin, and Nami, all of whom had expressions of preparation and calmness mingled together. Tensed and on guard, the others stood in a loose circle.
"It's not a punishment," Hope stated bluntly. "It is evidence. Earn a spot in this cause if you desire one. Show us who you are without titles, lineages, or legends."
Min-ah made a languid gesture. norms. "No murder—unless they are deserving."
Adrenaline glowed beneath Bonney's skin as she cracked her neck.
She detested being put to the test. However, there was a part of her that craved combat.
The others dispersed.
Yamato gave her kanabo a heaviness.
Lilith put seastone cartridges into her gauntlets.
Boa's eyes sparkled with curiosity and rage.
Freya and Sif nodded to each other, the warrior and the half guants both prepared to pass judgment and receive it.
Then it started.
The first crash shattered the sky.
Robin gracefully swatted Yamato back after calling forth a gigantic hand from the ground.
Nami moved with the dexterity of a dancer as she channeled lightning to disperse Lilith's assault by Utilizing Haki.
With knives concealed in her sleeves, Min-ah parried with intent rather than force as she danced between blows.
Hope, however, changed the tone.
He answered, not attacked. Calmly, surgically, using a pressure point tap to paralyze Kalifa and a wrist twist to disarm Rebecca.
He didn't move in a combative manner. He moved as though he could end conflicts with little effort.
Time blurred as Bonney surged, her blood seething.
Mid-strike, he grabbed her wrist.
"Are you still mad?" he inquired.
"Always," she spat.
He relaxed.
Her pride was damaged but not crushed as she glanced at him and breathed heavily.
Boa was compelled to escape elsewhere due to Robin's brutal coordination. Freya threw back her head, laughing, thrilled but not defeated. Despite the smoke rising from her equipment, Lilith was smiling and flat on her back.
They were pushed, not punished, one by one.
And after twelve hours, the majority were still breathing, although with bruises, as they struggled to meet their own potential.
Hope moved forward once more, looking around the battered bunch. Min Ah, Nami, and Nico Robin were worn out.
He asked, "You want a new world?"
"This is just the start. No travelers. Just architects."
Bonney sat on a splintered pillar and combed her perspiration-damp hair. Her rage didn't feel pointless for the first time in years.
She gave him a look.
"Okay, Black Star. Let's check your authenticity. But if you're lying—" Hope to look her in the eye.
"Then I'm entitled to fall first."
And Bonney wasn't sure if she detested him more at that precise moment.
Or trusted him.