Chapter 5 – The Mysterious Attacker
As Mihawk deflected slash with yoru with practiced precision, a mysterious figure emerged from the shadows. Her presence commanded attention, her intentions veiled in mystery. With long, flowing black hair and eyes as deep as the abyss, she stood before them, clad in samurai attire, a black cloak adorned with intricate golden patterns billowing around her.
In her left hand, she wielded a battle axe, while a pitch-black katana, coated in haki, hung ominously at her side.
"Well, well, Mihawk, always on guard," she remarked with a hint of amusement, her voice echoing through the clearing. "I must admit, I didn't expect to find you leading a pirate crew."
Mihawk's gaze narrowed as he assessed the woman before him, a flicker of recognition crossing his features. Ron, too, remained on high alert, his instincts warning him of the potential danger posed by their unexpected visitor.
"Lyra, what brings you here?" Mihawk's asked, suspicion evident in his tone.
The woman, known as Lyra, smiled enigmatically, her gaze shifting between Mihawk and Ron. "Just a simple challenge," she replied cryptically, her intentions shrouded in mystery.
Ron exchanged a wary glance with Mihawk, sensing that she and Mihawk shared a history, a rivalry.
"You seem to know Mihawk quite well," Ron observed, his voice tinged with suspicion. "How long have you been acquainted?"
Lyra's smile widened, revealing a hint of amusement at Ron's directness. "Ah, perceptive, aren't you, Ron? I've seen your bounty in the newspapers," she replied evasively, sidestepping his question entirely. Before Ron could press further, she vanished using Soru, her movements as swift as the wind, and aimed her katana at Mihawk's neck.
Mihawk's grip tightened around Yoru, ready for battle.
The clash of swords between Mihawk and Lyra echoed through the air. Each strike was filled with intensity, the sound of their blades ringing out amidst the tension.
Sensing the intensity of the battle, Ron and Fernis decided to intervene. "Let's give them a hand," Ron said, readying his gun.
In a moment of strategic cooperation, Ron synchronized his Observation Haki with Mihawk's, an application they had both learned on their way to Goat Island.
As Ron fired a few shots from his gun, Fernis covered him with his bow, lurking nearby and holding his breath to stay hidden from Lyra's sharp senses. Fernis also kept a lookout in case a third party decided to intervene in their fight.
After 3 hours of intense swordfighting, Ron took advantage of the distraction and with a single well-aimed shot, managed to disarm Lyra of her axe while Mihawk seized an opportunity and put his sword at her neck, declaring their crew victorious.
"Who would've thought the renowned Mihawk, known for his solitary battles, would team up?" Lyra remarked sarcastically.
'She's angry, isn't she, After all, for her, it's not a fair fight, Who would have thought another great swordwomen on par with Mihawk would appear out of cannon' though Ron while vigilantly observing Lyra in case she opted for a sneak attack.
Ron couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and satisfaction as he saw the crew defeat Lyra. She may have been strong, but teamwork and strategy had won.
"Mind joining us, Lyra? You won't have to row a raft with your sword and axe," Mihawk said, extending an invitation to his former rival.
The atmosphere was charged with tension as Ron and Fernis exchanged perplexed glances, unsure of what to make of the mysterious encounter. It was clear that Lyra and Mihawk were rivals, and now Mihawk was inviting her to join their crew.
"Hmm, since you've won, I'll join your pirate crew," Lyra conceded, releasing her Conqueror's Haki, causing shockwaves to ripple through the island, only to be canceled by Mihawk's Conqueror's Haki. Ron, surprised by the display, couldn't contain his astonishment.
"Conqueror's Haki?" Ron exclaimed, bewildered by the unexpected revelation.
"If someday I feel you are not on par with me, Mihawk, I swear I will be the one to decapitate you," Lyra continued, her words carrying a chilling undertone.
"Since when were Conqueror's Haki users seen like cabbages?" Ron exclaimed, having encountered several users since arriving in this world.
'First Mihawk, Doflamingo, Shanks, Songenku, Roger in Lougetown, and now her in Goat Town, this adventure is surely full of surprises,' Ron thought to himself, amazed at the encounters they've had.
"So shall we go to the hideout? I am sure this much destruction would be noticed, and soon Navy scouts would be dispatched. I don't want to reveal our whereabouts for now, Captain," said Ron, suggesting they retreat to their hidden cave behind the waterfall.
After the crew arrived near the waterfall, Ron took the initiative to introduce everyone. "So, welcome to Hawk Pirates, Lyra, right? I am Ron Kamonohashi, a sharpshooter and Vice-captain."
"Me, Fernis. I joined yesterday, a hunter and bowman of Hawk Pirates. You guys are all monsters," Fernis added with a chuckle.
"I am Lyra Nightshade, a swordswoman and a former pirate. Unfortunately, my crew got annihilated by Shiki the Golden Lion, since I decided to reject him. Fortunately, I got away," Lyra sighed sadly.
Ron nodded, understanding her motivations better. "Don't worry, if we clash with the Golden Lions, you will get your chance for a rematch," he assured her.
"What was that about Fernis? I couldn't sense him during our clash," said Lyra, intrigued by Fernis's stealthy maneuvers.
Fernis looked enlightened, his previous feelings of inadequacy fading. "Oh that, I just calm down my beating heart, stop my breathing, and try to lower my presence. I've practiced this for years to hone my hunting skills."
"So, Fernis, what do you wish to do? Shall we clean up Goat City?" questioned Mihawk, considering their options now that they had secured the Devil Fruit they came for and gained two new crew members.
"Hmm, we can just fill up our food reserves and supplies, also loot the mayor's treasury," Fernis voiced his opinion, pragmatic and efficient as always.
"Okay, it's decided then. Cheers for Lyra & Fernis, our new crewmates, on the Lantern Ship!" Ron cheered loudly, bringing out a few premium wines along with Sea King Meat to celebrate.
The next day, Ron and Fernis went to Goat Island to refill their stock and loot the mayor's treasury. The process was silent and efficient, with only the Hawk Pirates aware of the robbery. That night, the crew boarded their ship and set sail for Lougetown.
As they departed Goat Island, Ron couldn't shake the feeling that their adventure was just beginning. With Lyra and Fernis on board, their voyages would undoubtedly become more eventful, promising thrilling encounters and unforeseen challenges.
And so, with their sights set on Polestar Island and the promise of adventure beckoning them forth, Ron, Mihawk, Fernis, and Lyra sailed into the horizon, their resolve unyielding in the face of uncertainty.