The journey is complete! As Mihawk in OP has officially reached its ending with 159 chapters on P@tre0n!
Want to read the full story and discover how everything ends? Join us on P@tre0n and read all 159 chapters!
How to access it: Go to → p atreon .com / Hemlet (remove the spaces and type it normally in your browser)
---
A deathly silence fell over the cove. The very sight of Dracule Mihawk setting foot on the sand had transformed the atmosphere. The Marines, who had been aiming their weapons at Bonney just moments earlier, instinctively recoiled. Some even let out startled gasps.
"Dracule... Mihawk…" a young Marine stammered, his trembling voice betraying his panic.
"The Hawk…"
"What the hell is he doing here?!"
Whispers rippled through the soldiers, a nervous murmur that clashed with the fallen Warlord's unwavering calm. Even Gauss felt a cold sweat bead on his brow. His eyes shifted from Mihawk to Law, then back again.
"Trafalgar Law... and Dracule Mihawk... together," he growled through clenched teeth, struggling to maintain composure. His military mind was already working, analyzing the situation. "Could they have joined forces? This information... HQ must be informed immediately."
But even with that tactical priority in mind, Gauss couldn't ignore the reality: he was facing two of the most dangerous pirates in the New World. One of them rivaled the Four Emperors in sheer presence. And contrary to what he had hoped, they clearly weren't here by coincidence.
Mihawk took a few steps forward. The Marines instinctively moved back, forming a wider semicircle. The fallen Warlord swept the scene with his piercing gaze, his eyes lingering briefly on Bonney, still on her knees in the sand, before landing on Gauss.
"Vice Admiral," he said in a calm, almost courteous voice. "My greetings."
Gauss straightened, ignoring the sharp pain in his injured shoulder. He couldn't afford to show weakness in front of this man. Despite the fear twisting his gut, he forced himself to appear confident.
"Dracule Mihawk," he replied, his voice regaining a touch of firmness. "I recall your armistice with us." He paused, assessing the situation. "But your presence here, accompanied by Trafalgar Law… should I take it you've come as an enemy, an ally, or... neutral?"
Mihawk's gaze shifted to Bonney, still kneeling and panting. She tried to stand, her legs shaking with effort, but exhaustion and pain kept her grounded.
"That depends on her choice," Mihawk answered simply.
Bonney, though disoriented and drained, snapped her head up at him. Her reddened, tear-filled eyes locked onto the Warlord's expressionless face. Her features twisted in complete confusion.
"Wh...what?" she mumbled.
Mihawk stepped toward her, and this time, all the Marines raised their weapons. But the man didn't even seem to notice. He stopped a meter from Bonney and, in a move that shocked everyone, extended his hand.
"I've come to offer you a place in my crew, Jewelry Bonney," he said, his voice calm and measured. "The question is simple: what do you choose?"
The shock was total. Even Law, though aware of Mihawk's intent to recruit new members, was caught off guard by his bluntness. His eyes widened slightly, and he glanced at his new captain with a mix of surprise and... was that admiration?
Gauss nearly dropped his staff.
"Wh-what is the meaning of this?!"
Mihawk didn't look away from Bonney, but he still answered the Vice Admiral.
"I was perfectly clear. I've decided to offer Jewelry Bonney a place in my crew. If she accepts, her problems become mine. If she refuses..." He gave a slight shrug. "Then I'll leave her to you."
Rage flashed across Gauss's face. His knuckles whitened around his staff, and the crystal sphere atop it began to pulse with a brighter light. But even in his anger, his survival instincts screamed the truth: Mihawk was far beyond his level. Not even close. If it came to a fight... No. He had to find a way to alert HQ. This potential alliance between Mihawk and Law was critical information.
"You... you can't just..." he began, but his voice faltered.
All eyes were now on Bonney. The young woman stared at Mihawk's outstretched hand, her mind spinning. Seconds dragged on, thick with tension.
Then, slowly, she clenched her fists. Wet sand slipped between her fingers. Her shoulders began to tremble.
"Always..." she murmured at first, barely audible. Then louder: "Always the same damn thing!"
She raised her head, and her eyes now burned with incandescent fury.
"Used like a pawn! Forced into choices that aren't real choices!" Her voice rose into a scream: "I'M A PIRATE! I BELONG TO NO ONE! SO YOU CAN ALL GO TO HELL!"
A cruel smile curved Gauss's lips.
Perfect.
Bonney had rejected Mihawk's offer. The armistice still held.
"Very well," he said, stepping toward her, staff pointed. "Bonney has made her choice. She's made it quite clear she wants to remain... independent." He sneered. "Which means she's still a wanted criminal and has no ties to you, Hawk. And now, I will proceed with her arrest."
Law glanced at Mihawk. His captain hadn't moved, hadn't reacted to Bonney's refusal. His expression remained utterly neutral.
Bonney tried to rise, her shaky legs barely holding her up. She raised her hands, ready to use her powers one last time, even if it killed her. Her palms began to glow faintly with that familiar pink light, weaker than ever.
"You've got nothing left," Gauss said with satisfaction. "It's over, girl."
He raised his staff, ready to deliver the final blow.
That's when Mih
awk spoke, his voice slicing the air like a blade.
"I knew your father."