He had inhaled some of the poisonous gas. His resistance to poison was strong, and given time, he could expel it but for now, his state was clearly weakened.
The feces didn't harm him, but being drenched in it was humiliating beyond belief. Sticky and reeking, it clung to his fur and dulled his senses. Enraged, Morley's pride burned hotter than his wounds. The humiliation clouded his mind; his Observation Haki faltered, and he was forced to rely on his eyes alone.
Bloodshot and wild-eyed, Morley seemed to have lost his sanity, chasing Nelson with relentless fury. But this series of injuries had slowed him down ever so slightly.
Nelson, meanwhile, had pushed his ability to its limits. His stamina was nearly spent, by his estimation, he could use it at most two more times. Still, he ran at full speed, lungs burning, heart pounding, but excitement flickered beneath the exhaustion. The air was damp; the scent of salt grew stronger. He was close to the shore.
Behind him, Morley's roar echoed like thunder, his speed suddenly bursting forth again. He had realized that Nelson's ability was nearing its limit. It was only a matter of endurance now—who would give out first.
Nelson dodged once more, but his reserves were nearly gone. One more use, just one left. The sea lay ahead, moonlight shimmering on its surface. Out on the water, about fifty meters from shore, a small boat rocked gently. It was tethered to a tree by a long rope, Nelson's escape route. Fifty meters... that was the outer limit of his range.
Morley noticed it too and sneered. He already knew Nelson's plan and he would never allow it. If Nelson used his power twice in succession, he might just reach that boat and escape. As a Devil Fruit user, Morley couldn't pursue him into the sea.
But would he give Nelson that chance?
Nelson gritted his teeth, pouring every ounce of energy into his legs. His vision blurred; his body screamed in protest. He could already feel Morley's killing intent closing in from behind.
Then, a massive shadow flashed overhead. A giant figure landed in front of him with a thunderous crash, blocking his way. Despair flickered in Nelson's eyes. Just thirty more meters... and he would've made it.
Morley turned slowly, a cruel smile stretching across his face. "Run, kid. Run again."
He raised one claw and slashed sideways. A sharp flash of light cut through the air—shhk!—and the rope snapped. The small boat, freed from its tether, drifted slowly away with the tide.
Nelson froze. His last hope was gone.
"What now, brat?" Morley sneered, advancing step by step. "Let's see who you are, daring to make a fool of me."
Nelson instinctively stepped back, his legs trembling. Morley's strength was overwhelming.
But instead of cowering, Nelson suddenly bolted sideways, toward the cliff. It was seven or eight meters high, and below it stretched the dark, restless sea. Morley blinked in surprise.
"What's he planning? Suicide?" he muttered, narrowing his eyes.
He saw nothing else, no hidden trap, no trick. Just the cliff and the sea.
Nelson kept running.
Morley's anger flared again. "You think I'll let you die so easily?"
He lunged forward, his speed exploding. In an instant, he caught up. His clawed hand came down like a hammer, aiming to crush Nelson's back. The air whistled with the strike's force.
At that distance, Nelson could feel death closing in, he could feel the beast's breath on his neck, the suffocating pressure of raw power. Fear gripped his heart.
But he wasn't ready to die.
A desperate will surged within him. His mind cleared, time slowed, and for an instant, he saw every movement of Morley's attack.
Dodge.
He ducked—his body moved before he could think. The claws swept over his head, missing by inches.
Morley's eyes widened in disbelief. "What—!?"
Nelson rolled, sprang up, and sprinted again. Ahead was only the sea. His chest heaved, but his resolve hardened. He leapt from the edge with all his strength, soaring into the night.
Morley's expression twisted. "He's—jumping?!"
The next moment, his eyes widened again.
In midair, as Nelson's body arced over the waves, he vanished, his last use of the ability.
In the blink of an eye, Morley found himself hanging over the cliff, feet kicking in empty air. Nelson stood where Morley had been.
For a brief heartbeat, their eyes met—Morley's filled with disbelief, Nelson's with grim satisfaction.
Then gravity claimed the beast.
Morley plummeted toward the sea.
Nelson collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. "Finally… safe…"
But when he extended his perception toward the water, his heart froze.
Morley wasn't dead.
From the edge of the cliff, Nelson saw him clinging to the rock face, claws dug deep into the stone. The honey badger's beastly face slowly emerged from the shadows, eyes gleaming with fury.
Step by step, Morley climbed up, every movement radiating murderous intent.
Nelson's despair deepened. He could no longer move; his strength was gone. He could only watch as Morley advanced.
"I'll admit it—you almost killed me," Morley said, sneering. "But it ends here."
He stomped forward, planting one foot on Nelson's chest. Crack.
Nelson spat blood, vision spinning. The weight crushed his lungs; every breath was agony.
"Die, brat. And afterward… I'll take that mask off and see your face." Morley raised his claws high, the sharp edges glinting in the moonlight.
Nelson shut his eyes, powerless to resist.
But the fatal strike never came.
He hesitated, then opened his eyes.
A large hand had appeared—clamped tightly around Morley's wrist. Morley's claw trembled, frozen mid-strike, unable to move an inch.
The hand belonged to a tall, broad man standing between them. His grip radiated effortless dominance.
Teach.
Morley's expression darkened. "Who are you, stranger?"
He could feel it, the overwhelming power contained in that one hand. He couldn't even pull back. When had this man appeared?
"Zehahahahaha!" Teach's booming laugh rolled across the cliffside. "Let's end this here. Spare the kid, and walk away. How about it?"
He spoke casually, still gripping Morley's wrist, his other hand holding a massive, ornate wine bottle. He uncorked it with a twist, raised it to his lips, and took a deep swig.
Nelson stared blankly. Who was this man? Why was he helping him?
Under the moonlight, Teach's features were clear: thick black curls brushing his shoulders, eyes gleaming with confidence and mischief, a grin that seemed to devour the world. That aura—it was commanding, almost predatory.
Morley snarled. "You think I'll just walk away? Who do you think you are?!"
He pressed harder on Nelson's chest, drawing another strangled gasp. The sight of Teach drinking enraged him even further. That was tribute wine—Heavenly Gold property. Its theft alone was a capital crime.
Teach wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and smiled lazily. "Oh? Guess we can't talk this out, then."
He sighed, shaking his head, though his grin never faded. "In that case, I'll just have to take you out right here."
Morley laughed coldly. "You? Take me out? You want to save this brat so badly? Fine—then watch him die first!"
He roared, his body expanding, fur bristling as he fully transformed into his beast form—a towering honey badger. His massive paw swung toward Nelson with terrifying force.
But before it could connect, his body froze again.
Teach's foot had already struck.
With one explosive kick, Morley's enormous frame was sent flying like a cannonball, soaring through the night sky. He crashed into the sea with a colossal splash.
Only a single claw broke the surface before sinking beneath the waves.
Silence followed.
Nelson blinked in disbelief. "He's… dead?"
He had seen it clearly. Morley hadn't even had the strength to resist. One kick—just one—and the beast was gone.
Teach turned toward him, grinning. "What's your name, kid?"
"Nel… Nelson," he stammered weakly.
"Nelson, huh? How about joining my crew?" Teach's grin widened.
Nelson froze. Did he… even have a choice?
"I—I'll join," he said quickly.
"Zehahahahaha! That's the spirit!" Teach laughed heartily, extending a hand. "Welcome to the Nightfall Pirates. Rest up first. Once you recover, we'll go take some Heavenly Tribute of our own."
Nelson hesitated for only a moment, then looked at the hand before him—the same hand that had saved his life. It radiated strength, ambition, and something else he couldn't name.
Maybe… following him wouldn't be so bad.
He reached out and clasped Teach's hand. "Please guide me, Captain."