The fall of a lion without claws.

Hawkins was riding Kokushibyō as he flew, Kokushibyō being the name that Hawkins had given the black horse.

"Good boy, come on take me to the castle" Hawkins said to Kokushibyō, he gave a whinny in affirmation and increased speed, it seems the horse had an outstanding intelligence.

After a few minutes of flight, they arrived at Shiki's castle, when they entered the main room there was Shiki, Dr. Indigo and the Gorilla.

So was the rest of Hawkins' crew.

"Ah a dog with wings" Shiki said with a silly face.

"OBVIOUSLY IT'S A HORSE WITH WINGS" Dr. Indigo said as he smacked Shiki on the head.

"Yeah!" They both said as they along with the monkey made poses and raised their hands.

'How stupid' This was the thought that crossed everyone's mind and a drop of sweat fell down the side of the heads of Hawkins, Law, Bellamy, Sarquiss, Bepo, Penguin, Shachi and even Kokushibyō.

"So, Hawkins, have you considered my proposal to join you as my nakama?" Shiki returned to his normal behavior state.

"I think that would be fine, but I want to talk to my crew first if you don't mind," Hawkins said calmly.

"Well, you can give me the answer later… Hey you!! Take them and assign each one their rooms." Shiki gave the order to one of his subordinates who briskly started walking towards the rooms.

Hawkins gave Shiki a nod and then started following the guy leading the way, Law and the rest of the crew following.

He showed them their rooms one by one, but none entered, as they will first meet in Hawkins' room.

Which was the last to be shown, once everyone was inside and Shiki's subordinate left, Hawkins spoke.

"Law, you can use your room and tell me if you can feel any foreign objects, like a camera or a microphone." Hawkins ordered.

Law did as he was asked, but apparently there was none of those things.

"Hmp how silly of him to trust me that much... Let's see what my cards say." Hawkins pulled out his deck of cards.

"Battle... probability of defeat 80%"

"Escape… Chance 39%"

"I see... he must still retain a lot of his old strength" Hawkins was trying to think what to do in consequence of the result that his cards had given him.

"Then we will join him? I don't agree, I joined you not some crazy old man who wants to destroy the East Blue" Law said, as everyone had already been informed of Shiki's plan.

"That's out of the question Law, obviously he didn't want to be under anyone, we just have to come up with a plan" Hawkins answered calmly and Law nodded.

After a few minutes where everyone was thinking about what to do, Hawkins used his cards again.

"Shiki training... power increase chance 100%"

"Battle after training... Probability of victory... depends on training time"

They were all silent.

"I think the choice is obvious, we will pretend to join Shiki in exchange for training, once my cards assure me a percentage greater than 80% of victory, we will take care of shiki… do not see this as a stumbling block in our path, it's just an opportunity that destiny gives us to become stronger, Shiki was one of the great figures of the old era, along with Roger, Shirohige, Garp and Sengoku.

They all admitted that was a good point.

2 days later

Hawkins and Law were wounded, their other companions were lying on the ground even more wounded.

It seems that Shiki meant by training a battle until no one was left standing.

It was only the first day of training and even so Shiki attacked them with all the power I had, which by the way was not little.

It seems his power was weakening every day because of the rudder that was embedded in his head, according to his own words he is barely half as strong as 11 years ago.

Using Haki is complicated for him, according to Doctor Indigo's estimates in 9 years Shiki will not be able to use any type of Haki, this is also the reason why Shiki's plan does not directly involve him in battle and is only limited. to use the beasts.

"You two are the strongest, there's no doubt about it, I'm glad to have you as subordinates Shihahahaha" Shiki laughed happily.

Hawkins and Law didn't say anything, just looked at each other for a moment before attacking together.

1 month later.

Time had passed quickly, but at the same time it was hell for Hawkins and his crew, each battle ended the same, all defeated and bleeding on the ground.

But his progress could not be denied, Law was able to learn armor Haki and master the ability to launch long-distance cuts with his sword, he also mastered Shigan and is currently training Kami-e as it works as a stepping stone to learn armor haki. observation.

Bellamy was able to learn Geppo and Tekkai, Tekkai in order to speed up his approach to Armor Haki, his battle style was a melee type so he hadn't paid much attention to learning Rankyaku.

Bepo and Sarquiss also learned Geppo and Tekkai, although they weren't as good as Bellamy.

Penguin and Shachi were able to learn Geppo.

The crew got stronger much faster than in the previous two-month training, this thanks to the fights with Shiki, because the best way to get stronger is to fight with someone powerful.

Apart from all those techniques they also improved his strength, speed and endurance.

Without a doubt, the one with the greatest advance was Hawkins, he had achieved a complete mastery of the Rokushiki including its variations of the techniques and although he had not tried it yet, Hawkins was sure that he could use the Rokugan.

His haki grew stronger with each battle against Shiki, though Shiki's Haki was still superior.

Although he had shown Shiki his ability to transform into a straw man, he had not shown him his voodoo ability, this in order to keep it as his secret card.

At this time Hawkins was in his room with his cards.

"Battle… Defeat probability 60%

"I can still get stronger... in two months I will be half a year since I woke up as Hawkins" Hawkins was contemplating his chances.

2 months later.

In the evening

"Survival… Probability of death!!" Hawkins was reading his letters, but he wasn't alone, his crew was surrounding him waiting for the prediction.

"......."

"0%"

Everyone in the room sighed, except for Hawkins who was already expecting this result.

After two months of continuous training with Shiki he has reached an equal level of armor haki and observation, right now no pirate other than someone of renown like Shichibukais or Yonkou Commanders can defeat him.

Not only did Hawkins increase in strength, his crew also grew stronger with Law and Bellamy being the most powerful, followed by Sarquiss and Bepo, followed by Penguin and Shachi.

Although only Law and Bellamy managed to use Armor Haki, Law being able to use Observation Haki as well, they all learned how to use all of the Rokushiki's abilities, even if some don't have 100% mastery of all the skills, they have a basic mastery of said techniques.

"Alright, the time has come for us to leave this place, Law, I want you to deal with Doctor Indigo, Bellamy I want you to deal with Scarlet, the others must prepare the Polar Tang by adding a parachute that can slow down that will fall." Hawkins gave orders to the crew, as they prepared to leave Hawkins spoke again.

"Bellamy, Sarquiss... I officially declare you my second and third commander." When Hawkins said these words, the faces of Bellamy and Sarquiss filled with joy.

Bepo who was present was disappointed as he thought he would be a commander as well.

"Bepo, Penguin, Shachi also values their strength and consider them part of my crew, but I see them more as Law's Sub-Commanders." Hawkins showed a slight smile and the aforementioned three gave a big smile, because they know that they are more loyal to Law than to Hawkins himself.

This doesn't worry Hawkins as he knows he has Law's loyalty.

A while later in the main room.

Shiki was meeting with Dr. Indigo and Scarlet, as Indigo was informing him of the progress of her plans.

Footsteps began to be heard, then the main doors were cut causing them to fall to pieces on the ground.

So, the ones who caused the steps proceeded to enter, these people were Hawkins, Law and Bellamy.

"Oh, it's you guys, what a surprise... though. Is there a reason to destroy my door?" Shiki spoke, first with a happy tone which changed to an annoyed tone.

"Shiki, I appreciate your teachings, but the time has come for me to continue my journey as a captain and not as a subordinate." Hawkins spoke calmly as he created his straw sword.

"Oh, what a disappointment, I had high hopes for you Hawkins" Shiki seemed not to give much importance to the matter because he simply lit a cigarette and put it in his mouth, but in his pupils, you could see the fury.

"He didn't plan to follow a senile hen that has a rudder for a crest." Hawkins said.

"Hmp, very well if you want, I'll kill you, it's a pity" Shiki flew at high speed down the corridor behind the room.

Hawkins began to follow him running at high speed.

Doctor Indigo and Scarlet charged at Hawkins, Indigo with a sword and Scarlet with a punch.

Hawkins didn't flinch as he ran down the hall, at which point Law and Bellamy appeared.

"Stay out of my captain's way" Law said as he cut Indigo's sword and kicked it that sent him flying out of the room breaking the wall.

"Who do you think you are to attack my captain, you damn ape?" Bellamy said as he punched Scarlet hard in the chest who was shot into the sky breaking the roof and falling on top of the castle

Bellamy vs. Scarlet

Bellamy used Geppo to get to the roof of the castle, where Scarlet was getting to her feet and looking very angry.

"Well, it's time for me to do my night show." Bellamy ran his tongue over his lips as he gave a big psycho grin.

"Soru" Bellamy appeared at high speed in front of Scarlet where he punched her in the stomach again causing Scarlet to spit blood.

Before Scarlet could react, Bellamy grabbed him by his shirt to stop the momentum of his body and proceeded to punch Scarlet hard in the face before throwing him over her body causing Scarlet to crash into the roof of the castle.

As Scarlet was trying to get to her feet, Bellamy stomped on her face, returning Scarlet to a lying position.

Bellamy removed his foot from the gorilla's face and then met his eyes.

"Hahahh-haha What a wimp… Shigan Ōren" Mercilessly Bellamy unleashed a barrage of Shigan attacks on Scarlet.

Law vs Indigo

Law came out behind Indigo through the hole in the wall that he had caused, Indigo was already standing waiting for him

"Chemical Juggling" Indigo began to create bright green and purple chemical orbs, which she fired from her hands, one after another, in rapid succession.

Law quickly started deflecting them with his sword one after another, but there was one coming straight at him so he cut it in half, but said orb exploded as it was cut in half.

"Tekkai" Law used Tekkai to reduce the damage of the explosion.

Seeing Law emerge intact from the explosion, Dr. Indigo prepared a more powerful attack.

"Mass juggling" Indigo created an Orb much bigger than the previous ones.

"Room" Law created his room in preparation for what would happen.

"Commit my entire attack!" Indigo launched the large chemical orb at Law.

"Shambles" Law traded places with Indigo, as Indigo didn't have Haki to resist his ability.

"Huh?" Indigo hadn't managed to understand anything, one moment he was launching his strongest technique and the next he was the one receiving the technique head-on.

The following explosion destroyed half of the castle, as the chemicals that Indigo had with her increased the size of the explosion.

Hawkins vs. Shiki

Hawkins had caught up with Shiki, only a few feet separated them.

"I see the shadow of death over you, Shiki," Hawkins said as he prepared to attack Shiki.

"Hmp you're very arrogant boy" Shiki dropped the cigarette he was smoking and began to float higher and higher as he did this, he proceeded to give a series of kicks which thanks to his swords sent long distance cuts.

Hawkins countered those attacks with his own straw sword.

Using the Kamisori, Hawkins quickly closed in on Shiki, where they engaged in a battle of punches and slashes.

Shiki received a punch to the face that made him spit blood but at the same time he managed to stab Hawkins' abdomen with the sword of his left foot, but to Shiki's surprise, Hawkins paid no attention and took advantage of Shiki's leg. she was stretched out to deliver a haki-infused punch to Shiki's leg.

"AHGG" Shiki let out a groan as he felt his leg bone snap, quickly backing away from Hawkins.

"Your resistance to pain is something I admire" Hawkins said still without expression on his face.

"This is nothing compared to cutting off my feet... but, you also seem to have a great resistance to pain" Shiki said as he looked at where the wound, he caused to Hawkins was supposed to be.

"Oh yeah, about that" Hawkins, from Hawkins' shoulder came a Voodoo doll with a hole where the abdomen was supposed to be.

"I see, you transfer your wounds to those dolls." Shiki made assumptions about Hawkins' ability and seemed very intrigued.

"Yes, although these dolls are connected to your men," Hawkins said as he returned to his sword fighting stance.

"I understand, I regret a bit that I wasted my time training you… Now I want to see how many lives Hawkins have" Shiki said before launching himself at Hawkins.

They began a not so even fight again since Shiki now only used one leg, Hawkins' superiority was quickly noted as he fought without fear of wounds no matter how lethal they were and still looked unharmed, instead Shiki looked every worse with deep cuts all over his body, blood drenched his clothes.

At one point Shiki floated away from Hawkins, and stared at him for a moment, Hawkins jumping instead thanks to the Geppo to avoid falling.

"I admit, you have surpassed the physical power of my current self, but if it was 10 years ago you wouldn't have a chance" Shiki said as he panted to regain some stamina.

"Excuses are for the weak," Hawkins said as he gave Shiki a slight smile.

"What a nuisance, I'll finish you at once" Shiki said with a bit of anger.

Shiki stretched out his arm in front of him, with his palm facing down, and then proceeded to put his palm up, as if holding something.

"SHISHI ODOSHI!!"

The ground began to shake and great columns of earth rose up.

Hawkins looked down and saw eight gigantic lion heads made of earth and rock rise up and head towards him.

Hawkins quickly used Kamisori to start dodging the lion heads. From left to right Hawkins moved and dodged with precision thanks to his Observation Haki, but there were too many heads attacking at the same time Hawkins couldn't keep up for long.

One lion head caught him head-on and took him in its jaw, then proceeded to crash head-on to the ground, and the other lion heads did the same, all crashing onto the first lion head, forming a small mountain.

It then began to writhe like a snake, then unified into a single pillar of earth which began to grow.

But at that moment the earth exploded into pieces, the pillar of earth remained motionless and on top of it was Hawkins.

But above him was a demon made of straw and nails, which was the one who had destroyed the pillar of earth.

"Shit... I ran out of voodoo dolls" Hawkins said and it could be seen how his body was full of wounds, even blood fell down his face.

"Shihahahaha it seems that you have already exceeded your limit of Hawkins dolls" Shiki let out a big laugh when seeing Hawkins covered in blood.

The straw demon began to disappear little by little, while Hawkins tried to collect himself.

"It's now or never" Hawkins said and then used the Kamisori to the maximum power his body would allow.

Shiki noticed and tried to use his technique once more, but he was a bit slower than Hawkins who a second later was in front of Shiki.

"Rokushiki ogi: rokuogan" Hawkins brought his armor Haki imbued fists together right in front of Shiki's chest and unleashed a devastating shockwave that caused great internal damage as… SHIKI'S HEART EXPLODED.

Shiki's eyes lost any signs of life and immediately the islands began to fall.

Hawkins was also falling as he was badly injured and had spent his last strength in the final attack against Shiki.

Hawkins activated his king's haki to get the attention of Kokushibyō, who was in the castle.

As Hawkins fell, I could see in the distance the Polar Tang falling as a makeshift parachute slowed its fall speed.

Soon Kokushibyō came to his aid, as Hawkins fell with his body vertical, Kokushibyō began to swoop down so that Hawkins could grab him and mount him without hurting himself.

After Hawkins settled on Kokushibyō they proceeded to fly towards the polar tang.

When they reached the submarine that still fell, they could see that the rest of the crew was already there, Kokushibyō landed on the polar tang, there Bellamy helped Hawkins down from Kokushibyō.

"So, you did it? Did you defeat the golden lion, Shiki?" Law asked and everyone paid attention.

"I think everyone knows the answer," said Hawkins as he watched the islands fall into the sea, causing huge waves.

"Well done captain," Law said as he gave Hawkins a slight smile.

"CAPTAIN!" Sarquiss shouted and everyone turned to see, on a table there was a plate with fruits, and one of the pears that was there was transforming, from its natural green color it changed to a golden yellow, with black circles in an unknown pattern.

End of chapter

What did you think?

I hope you liked it.

Hawkins has already been at sea for 6 months, in which there have been continuous training and battles, his three-month training with Shiki being the most fruitful, what better way to become stronger than to fight with someone who is far superior to you?

Currently there are still many characters above Hawkins on the power scale, but at least he wouldn't lose to Luffy before the Time Skip.

Next chapter to the grand line.

I appreciate your comments.

Greetings.