Blackbeard held Naruko in front of him, his deep, guttural laughter echoing across the battlefield. Naruko's face was a canvas of scars, three deep gashes running diagonally from her forehead to her chin, covering one of her eyes. The wounds were hideous, as if the skin had been melted off, and she was missing an eye, a gruesome reminder of her past battles.
Blackbeard's laughter grew louder, his grip on her tight and mocking. Naruko's remaining eye narrowed, her anger bubbling to the surface as she remembered how she got those injuries.
--
It had taken Naruko weeks, but she finally tracked down the pirate who had betrayed her. The pirate's hideout was deep in the middle of a rocky island, surrounded by his loyal crew. Naruko approached with a determination that bordered on fury, her mind set on vengeance.
She fought through the pirate's minions with brutal force, her haki-enhanced punches and kicks shattering bones and sending pirates flying. Each pirate fell before her, their strange Devil Fruit abilities no match for her sheer physical prowess. Her uniform became torn and bloody, her sweat mixing with the grime of battle.
Finally, she stood before the pirate leader who had betrayed her trust and caused Akainu to lose faith in her. The leader sneered at her, his eyes gleaming with malice. He possessed the Smelt Smelt Fruit, a Devil Fruit that allowed him to create and manipulate molten metal. To intimidate Naruko, he consumed a piece of burning coal, then dipped his fingers into his gut, pulling out molten, dripping digits.
"You must be the dumbest Marine in existence for believing me," he taunted, laughing as he flicked molten drops at her. Naruko's eyes blazed with fury. Coating her fists in haki, she lunged at the pirate, their clash sending sparks and heat waves across the battlefield. The fight was grueling, each of his molten touches a searing pain.
With a sinister grin, the pirate leader lunged forward, his molten fingers glowing with searing heat. Naruko barely had time to react before his fingers raked across her face, the intense heat melting her skin as they left three deep, diagonal gashes from her forehead to her chin. She screamed in agony as the molten metal burned away her flesh, taking her eye with it, the smell of scorched flesh filling the air.
But Naruko was relentless, slwoly standing back up as the pirate laughed. Drawing on her inner strength, she unleashed a burst of Conqueror's Haki, a wave of raw power that swept through the entire camp. The remaining pirates collapsed, their consciousness overwhelmed by her sheer willpower.
Standing over the pirate leader's unconscious body, Naruko breathed heavily, her body marked by the fierce battle. Akainu's Marines arrived to capture the defeated pirates, but Naruko ignored them. She grabbed her prize, the pirate who had betrayed her, and dragged him to the ship, her single eye cold with the promise of retribution.
--
Naruko's anger boiled as Blackbeard's laughter continued to mock her. Her single eye burned with fury, and she could feel her rage building to an uncontrollable level. With a primal scream, she unleashed a powerful burst of Conqueror's Haki. The shockwave forced Blackbeard to drop her, his grip faltering under the immense pressure.
Naruko hit the ground and immediately reformed herself, her body flickering with water as she restored her flawless appearance. The scars and missing eye vanished, replaced by her unblemished form. The giant tentacles of water that had fallen dormant around the island began to writhe and rise once more, their movements mirroring Naruko's renewed strength and resolve.
Blackbeard staggered back, momentarily stunned by the force of Naruko's haki. His eyes narrowed as he regained his composure, realizing that the battle was far from over. Naruko stood before him, her eyes locked onto his with an intensity that promised retribution.
The atmosphere around them crackled with tension, the blood-red tendrils of water towering over the battlefield, ready to strike at Naruko's command.
Naruko's rage was palpable, her eyes locked onto Blackbeard with a fury that seemed to set the very air on fire. Blackbeard, his grip momentarily broken by her burst of Conqueror's Haki, snarled as he regained his footing. The two adversaries faced each other, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife. The air crackled with energy, the sky above them darkening as if responding to the immense power being summoned.
With a roar, Blackbeard unleashed his own Conqueror's Haki, the force of his will crashing against Naruko's in a visible wave. The ground beneath them trembled, the very island seeming to buckle under the pressure of their clashing wills. Trees shook and splintered, their leaves ripped away by the violent gusts of wind that whipped through the jungle. Animals fled in terror, sensing the immense power that threatened to tear the island apart.
The sky above them swirled ominously, dark clouds gathering and twisting as if caught in a giant vortex. Lightning flashed, illuminating the scene with a stark, otherworldly light. The sheer force of their haki caused spouts of water to erupt from the ground all over the island, geysers of blood-red liquid shooting high into the air before crashing back down in torrential waves. The once-calm sea around the island churned violently, huge waves slamming into the shore with a deafening roar.
Naruko's face was a mask of determination, her eyes blazing with unyielding resolve. She pushed back against Blackbeard's haki with everything she had, her body trembling with the effort. The air between them shimmered and cracked, the intense energy creating a palpable barrier that neither could cross. Blackbeard's laughter echoed through the chaos, but it was tinged with a hint of strain as he matched Naruko's power with his own.
The island itself seemed to groan under the strain, the ground splitting and cracking as the two titans clashed. The blood-red water tentacles around the island writhed and twisted, their movements reflecting the turmoil of the battle. The sky darkened further, a storm brewing that mirrored the conflict below. The clash of Conqueror's Haki reached a crescendo, the force of their wills causing the very air to hum with power. This was a battle not just of strength, but of indomitable spirits, each seeking to dominate the other in a contest that would leave only one standing.
--
Iruka was locked in a fierce battle with Doc Q, his moves precise and calculated. His iron body technique and haki enhanced his defense, while his sky walk kept him agile, avoiding the explosive apples that Doc Q hurled his way. The forest around them was a battleground, each explosion sending leaves and dirt flying into the air. The acrid smell of smoke and sulfur filled the air, mingling with the natural scents of the jungle. Iruka's strikes were powerful, and he was slowly wearing down the pirate, each hit landing with a satisfying crunch and eliciting a pained grunt from Doc Q.
Doc Q, despite his drunken state, proved to be a cunning opponent. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and malice as he continued his assault, his horse mirroring his unpredictable movements. "Fate's a funny thing, isn't it, Marine?" he slurred, chucking another basket of explosive apples. The apples glowed with a sinister light as they arced through the air, each one a ticking time bomb.
Iruka dodged with ease, flipping through the air and landing a solid kick to Doc Q's side, sending him and his horse skidding across the ground. The impact of Iruka's kick caused a crater to form beneath them, dirt and debris scattering. As he put some distance between them, his snail watch began to beep. He glanced at it briefly before answering, "I'm a little busy at the moment."
The aura of Naruko's battle with Blackbeard was growing, a palpable force that seemed to shake the very island. The atmosphere was thick with tension, the air heavy with the promise of more violence. The ground beneath Iruka's feet trembled slightly, as if responding to the immense power being unleashed not far away.
--
Meanwhile, Kakashi was engaged in a high-stakes duel with Van Augur. The sniper's bullets whizzed past him, each shot precise and deadly. Kakashi's movements were fluid and calculated, his keen senses enhanced by observation haki, making his second eye glow a vivid red as he tracked Van Augur's every move. The jungle around them was alive with the sounds of their battle, the crack of gunfire and the hiss of lightning echoing through the trees.
"Stay still, Marine, and maybe I'll let you die quickly," Van Augur taunted, his voice calm despite the ferocity of the battle.
Kakashi smirked, his canine features adding a menacing edge to his expression. "Sorry, but I've got other plans," he replied, dodging another volley of bullets with a swift roll. He looked at his snail watch, speaking into it while keeping a sharp eye on Van Augur. "Iruka, it looks like the fight with Blackbeard is getting more intense than even I thought it would. Naruko is angry... I have never seen her this angry. She's going to cause a mess on the island, so you need to get back to the ship and have it set sail. Either finish him off quickly or knock him out, just take him out of the fight."
As he spoke, Kakashi charged his other hand with lightning, the crackling energy illuminating his intense expression.
--
Doc Q struggled to his feet, coughing up blood and chuckling darkly. "You think you can just walk away from me, Marine? Fate won't let you!" He reached into his tattered coat and pulled out another apple, its surface gleaming with menace. "This one's unique," he added with a grin, preparing to throw.
Iruka's face hardened with resolve as he responded to his watch snail. "Understood, let me deal with this quickly then." His voice was calm, but his eyes burned with determination.
With a powerful leap, he used sky walk to ascend high above Doc Q. The pirate's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he hesitated. Coating both his legs in haki, Iruka began to spin, transforming his legs into a drill. He spiraled downwards with tremendous speed, aiming directly at Doc Q and his horse. The drill-like attack hit them with immense force, sending them crashing through the trees and ground, creating a massive explosion of dust and debris.
The sound of the impact was deafening, reverberating through the forest and scattering birds from their perches. Doc Q lay in a crater, groaning and barely conscious, his horse similarly incapacitated. The pirate's coat was torn and bloodied, and his eyes were unfocused, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Iruka landed a few feet away, his legs still crackling with the residual energy of his attack. He looked down at the defeated pirate with a mix of pity and disdain.
"You brought this on yourself," Iruka said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of his conviction. The forest around them bore the scars of their battle. Trees were uprooted, the ground was scarred and cratered, and the air was thick with the smell of smoke and blood.
Doc Q let out a weak, humorless chuckle, his eyes barely able to focus on Iruka. "Fate... is cruel," he whispered before slipping into unconsciousness.
Iruka wasted no time, using sky walk to head back toward the ship. Each leap took him further from the site of his victory, the wind rushing past him as he soared through the air. His mind was already shifting to the next objective, the urgency of the situation propelling him forward.
The ominous glow from Naruko's battle with Blackbeard grew brighter in the distance, casting an eerie light over the landscape. The sky above the island seemed to ripple with energy, the clouds swirling in unnatural patterns. Iruka's thoughts raced, his mind a whirlwind of strategy and concern. He knew that the battle was far from over, and that their greatest challenges still lay ahead.
As he approached the ship, Iruka's determination solidified. He had to ensure that the crew survived no matter the cost. The lives of his comrades and the fate of their cause depended on it. The island itself seemed to pulse with the energy of the battles, each clash echoing through the jungle. The distant sounds of combat and the cries of his fellow Marines spurred him on.
Iruka landed on the deck of the ship with a soft thud, his face set in grim determination. He quickly relayed the situation to the crew, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "Prepare to set sail. We need to be ready to move as soon as possible."
The crew nodded, their expressions serious as they began their preparations. The ship was a hive of activity, every member focused on their tasks. Iruka took a moment to catch his breath, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of his comrades.
The fight was far from over, but for now, their priority was to regroup and prepare for the next phase of the conflict. Iruka's resolve was unwavering, his mind clear. He knew that they would face whatever challenges lay ahead together, their bond as Marines unbreakable.
--
Kakashi charged his hand with lightning, the crackling energy illuminating his intense expression. Van Augur's form flickered in and out of sight as he dodged, his sniper rifle aimed steadily at Kakashi. The jungle around them was a chaotic mess of shattered trees and scorched earth, each of their moves leaving a trail of destruction.
With a calculated leap, Kakashi sent a streak of lightning zigzagging towards Van Augur. The energy crackled and sparked as it tore through the air, its path erratic and unpredictable. Van Augur's form flickered and disappeared, reappearing just as the lightning struck the ground where he had been standing. The sniper smirked, lining up another shot, but Kakashi anticipated his move. The lightning redirected and hit Van Augur as he reappeared, causing a small explosion that sent the sniper sprawling.
Van Augur groaned, shaking off the impact. His eyes were sharp, and he quickly regained his footing, aiming another shot at Kakashi. The bullet raced through the air, but Kakashi was already moving, his observation haki allowing him to predict the shot's trajectory. He sidestepped and closed the distance between them, his movements a blur of speed and precision.
You think you can escape mutt," Van Augur remarked, his tone measured as he fired another rapid succession of shots.
Kakashi dodged each shot, the bullets grazing past him as he advanced. "I've been called worse," he said, his voice steady. With a burst of speed, he launched himself at Van Augur, his lightning-coated arm aimed for a decisive strike.
Van Augur leaped back, firing a shot that Kakashi deflected with his other hand. The ground shook with the impact, dust and debris flying into the air. The sniper attempted to create more distance, but Kakashi pressed on, his movements fluid and relentless. Each strike was calculated, aiming to wear down Van Augur's defenses.
Finally, Kakashi saw his opening. With a swift, decisive strike, he sent a bolt of lightning straight at Van Augur, hitting him squarely and causing a massive explosion. The sniper was thrown back, his rifle clattering to the ground as he lay incapacitated.
Kakashi stood over him, breathing heavily but victorious. "Time to head back," he muttered, turning his attention to the growing chaos surrounding Naruko's battle with Blackbeard. The ominous glow from their fight lit up the sky, casting eerie shadows across the devastated landscape. Kakashi's mind raced with concern for Naruko, but he knew he had to regroup with Iruka and ensure the ship was ready to sail
--
Burgess was sent flying through a cluster of trees, each trunk splintering and snapping under the force of his body. He landed hard on the ground, creating a deep furrow as he skidded to a stop. His muscles ached, but his fury only grew. He pushed himself up, growling with determination.
Shiryu calmly walked towards him, puffing on his cigar and letting out a plume of smoke. His eyes were cold and dispassionate, a stark contrast to Burgess's blazing anger. "You knew we were coming, and you couldn't even make me sweat," he said, his voice dripping with disappointment.
Shiryu's sword glistened menacingly in his hand, the blade reflecting the chaotic light from the blood-red tendrils rising around the island. Burgess looked up at him, his face twisted with rage. He spat blood onto the ground, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
"You're gonna regret that, Marine," Burgess snarled, getting to his feet. He flexed his massive muscles, trying to shake off the pain.
Both combatants paused as the sky above them began to change color, an ominous glow spreading across the horizon. The air grew heavy with the oppressive energy of the ongoing battles. Shiryu glanced up briefly, his eyes narrowing.
"Naruko must be having a better time with Blackbeard," Shiryu remarked casually, turning his attention back to Burgess.
Burgess, using the momentary distraction, picked up a large tree with a furious roar and swung it like a bat at Shiryu. The tree whooshed through the air with immense force, but Shiryu reacted with lightning speed. He turned his head slightly, and with a simple, almost effortless swing of his sword, he sliced the tree in half. The two halves fell to either side of him, crashing to the ground with a thunderous noise.
Shiryu looked at Burgess with a mixture of boredom and disappointment. "Is that the best you can do?" he taunted, his voice icy. "I expected more from someone with your reputation."
Burgess's eyes blazed with fury. "You damn Marine!" he bellowed, charging at Shiryu with all his might. His massive fists swung at Shiryu, each blow capable of crushing bones.
Shiryu remained calm, his movements precise and deadly. He sidestepped Burgess's wild swings, his sword flashing in the dim light. Each cut was clean and efficient, drawing blood and further enraging Burgess. The ground beneath them became slick with blood, the air filled with the sounds of their fierce clash.
Burgess roared in frustration, his attacks growing more desperate and reckless. Shiryu, in contrast, maintained his composure, each strike methodical and devastating. The disparity in their fighting styles was evident; where Burgess relied on brute strength and rage, Shiryu wielded his skill and precision like a finely honed blade.
As their battle raged on, the oppressive atmosphere grew thicker, the sky darkening with the ominous glow of Naruko's clash with Blackbeard. Shiryu glanced up again, briefly admiring the chaotic beauty of the blood-red tendrils writhing in the sky. His momentary distraction cost him as Burgess managed to land a glancing blow, sending Shiryu staggering back a few steps.
Shiryu wiped a trickle of blood from his lip, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of annoyance and pity. "Not bad," he admitted, his voice low. "But it's not enough."
Burgess, panting heavily, prepared to charge again. Before he could move, Shiryu lunged forward with blinding speed, his sword a blur. He slashed Burgess across the chest, the force of the blow sending the pirate reeling back.
Burgess fell to his knees, clutching his bleeding chest and gasping for breath. Shiryu stood over him, his expression unreadable. "Stay down, or the next cut will be your last," he warned, his voice cold and final.
As Burgess struggled to stay conscious, the island around them seemed to pulse with the energy of the ongoing battles. The ground trembled, and the air was thick with tension. Shiryu turned his attention back to the ominous glow in the sky, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Naruko and Blackbeard's clash.
The fight was far from over, but for now, Shiryu's focus was on the immediate threat. He kept his eyes on Burgess, ready to strike again if needed but didn'tknow if the man was even worth killing. The chaotic atmosphere of the island served as a grim reminder of the stakes they were fighting for.
--
Naruko and Blackbeard faced each other, the air between them crackling with tension. The ground beneath them trembled as their respective powers surged, ready to unleash hell upon the battlefield. Naruko's eyes blazed with determination, the memory of her scars fueling her rage. Blackbeard grinned, dark energy swirling around him like a storm.
With a primal scream, Naruko initiated the attack. She thrust her hands forward, and massive tendrils of water, blood-red and writhing, shot out from the ground, converging on Blackbeard. Each tendril moved with a life of its own, twisting and striking with lethal precision. Blackbeard countered by summoning a vortex of darkness, his gravity powers pulling everything towards him. The tendrils of water collided with the vortex, creating a violent explosion of steam and energy.
The force of the explosion shattered the ground, sending chunks of earth flying in all directions. Naruko leaped into the air, dodging debris with agile movements. She formed a massive wave of water beneath her feet, riding it like a tidal wave towards Blackbeard. With a swift motion, she directed the wave to crash down upon him, its immense weight and power threatening to crush him.
Blackbeard roared, raising his hands and summoning a sphere of darkness around him. The wave hit the sphere with a tremendous crash, but instead of being overwhelmed, Blackbeard used his Devil Fruit power to absorb the water into his vortex, swallowing the attack whole. The water disappeared into the darkness, leaving the ground dry and cracked where the wave had been.
"Is that all you've got, Naruko?" Blackbeard taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "Your water attacks are nothing to me!"
Naruko's eyes narrowed in fury. She wasn't done yet. She summoned another series of water attacks, sending spears, whips, and torrents of water crashing towards Blackbeard from all directions. But each time, Blackbeard's dark vortex absorbed the attacks, the water vanishing into the void of his power.
With a sudden, sinister grin, Blackbeard lunged forward, his hand outstretched. Naruko barely had time to react before he grabbed her, his fingers closing around her arm. She felt a sickening pull as his power began to drain her Devil Fruit abilities, her control over the water slipping away.
"Got you now, little girl," Blackbeard growled, his grip tightening.
--
The ship pulled away from the port, its sails catching the wind as it began to move swiftly over the waves. On deck, Kakashi and Iruka stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the distant island where the battle between Naruko and Blackbeard raged with unrelenting ferocity. The sky above the island was dark and turbulent, illuminated by flashes of lightning and the eerie glow of their clashing powers.
"Look at that," Iruka muttered, his voice tinged with awe and concern. "I've never seen anything like it."
Kakashi nodded, his face stern. "Naruko is giving it everything she has. We need to be ready for whatever comes next." His observation haki allowed him to sense the immense energy emanating from the island, a testament to the intensity of the fight.
Behind them, Shiryu leaned against the railing, a dissatisfied expression on his face. He took a long drag from his cigar before exhaling a plume of smoke. "That guy was too weak," he grumbled, referring to his defeated opponent. "I barely even broke a sweat."
Kakashi glanced over his shoulder and waved Shiryu off. "There will be plenty more pirates to fight," he said calmly. "This is just the beginning."
Shiryu shrugged, though a glint of excitement flickered in his eyes. "I hope you're right," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation. "I want a real challenge."
As the ship sailed further from the island, the sounds of battle grew fainter, but the sight of the destructive power on display remained vivid. Massive waves crashed against the shore, and plumes of steam and smoke rose into the air, marking the epicenter of the clash.
Kakashi and Iruka shared a look of mutual understanding. They knew that their mission was far from over and that more battles awaited them. But for now, their focus was on regrouping and preparing for whatever lay ahead. The ship sailed on, carrying them towards their next destination, leaving the chaos of the island behind. The journey continued, each member of the crew steeled for the challenges that awaited them on the horizon.
--
Naruko struggled, her remaining eye blazing with defiance. With a burst of haki, she pushed back against his grip, managing to break free and leap away. She landed a few feet back, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
"You'll have to do better than that," she spat, her voice cold and determined.
Blackbeard laughed, the sound echoing through the battlefield. "Oh, I will," he promised, his dark energy swirling around him like a living shadow. He raised his hands, summoning tendrils of darkness that shot out towards Naruko, each one seeking to ensnare and crush her.
Naruko dodged and weaved through the tendrils, her body moving with the fluid grace of water. She retaliated by summoning a dozen water whips, each one striking with the speed and precision of a serpent. The whips clashed with the tendrils, the impact sending sparks of energy through the air.
Their battle raged on, each strike more powerful than the last. The island trembled under the force of their clash, the ground splitting and crumbling as their powers tore through the landscape. Naruko summoned a geyser of boiling water, directing it towards Blackbeard with lethal intent. Blackbeard countered with a blast of dark gravity, the two forces colliding in a violent explosion of steam and energy.
Chunks of the island were ripped away, the sea churning violently as the debris fell into the water. The sky above was a chaotic swirl of dark clouds and lightning, the air filled with the roar of their powers clashing. Naruko and Blackbeard stood at the center of the storm, their wills unyielding as they fought for dominance.
With a final, desperate surge of power, Naruko gathered all her strength and unleashed a massive wave of water, its sheer size dwarfing the battlefield. Blackbeard roared in defiance, summoning a vortex of darkness to absorb the wave. The two forces collided with a deafening roar, the impact shaking the island to its core.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as the energy of their clash reached a crescendo. The ground trembled, the air crackled with energy, and the sky lit up with a blinding flash of light. When the dust finally settled, the battlefield was a wasteland of shattered earth and boiling water.
Naruko stood at the center of the devastation, her body flickering with the remnants of her power. Blackbeard lay on the ground, his dark energy dissipating as he struggled to rise. The island around them was in ruins, the once lush landscape reduced to a broken, smoldering wasteland.
"You underestimated me, Blackbeard," Naruko said, her voice filled with quiet determination. "And that was your biggest mistake, this is where the story of blackbeard ends."
Blackbeard glared at her, his eyes filled with fury and frustration. "This isn't over, Red Death," he snarled, his voice a low growl. "I will return, and I will crush you."
Naruko's eyes blazed with unyielding resolve. Her rage grew, and she raised her hands high, summoning an immense amount of water from the surrounding sea. The water formed into colossal tentacles, crashing down with unprecedented force, destroying what remained of the island. The ground quaked, fissures splitting the earth as entire sections of the island crumbled and sank into the sea.
As the destruction reached its peak, Van Augur, looking half-dead and barely able to stand, warped in beside Blackbeard. His body was bruised and bloodied, but his eyes were filled with determination. With a quick, pained motion, he grabbed Blackbeard.
"Time to go," Van Augur whispered hoarsely. In an instant, they vanished, warping away from the collapsing island.
As Blackbeard and Van Augur vanished, escaping the devastation, Naruko stood amidst the wreckage, her body trembling with exhaustion and fury. The realization that her enemy had eluded her grasp once again sent a surge of frustration through her. She threw her head back and let out a primal scream, the sound echoing across the shattered landscape.
The force of her scream unleashed another wave of destructive power. The water that had formed colossal tentacles now crashed down with renewed ferocity, pulverizing the remaining fragments of the island. The ground beneath her feet split and crumbled, entire sections sinking into the sea as the water surged and churned.
When the fury subsided, Naruko found herself standing on a small, isolated circle of land. The rest of the island had been reduced to rubble and swirling waters. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body flickering with the remnants of her power. The sea around her was a tumultuous mess, reflecting the chaos and destruction she had wrought.
She stood there, alone on the tiny piece of land, the weight of her frustration and anger heavy on her shoulders. The once lush and vibrant island was now a desolate wasteland, a testament to the intensity of her battle with Blackbeard. Naruko's eyes blazed with determination, her resolve unbroken despite the setback.
As the storm began to clear and the sea calmed, she knew that this was not the end. Blackbeard had escaped, but the war was far from over. Naruko's eyes scanned the horizon, her mind already planning her next move. She would hunt him down, no matter where he hid, and she would finish what she had started.
The small circle of land beneath her feet was a reminder of her power and the lengths she was willing to go to achieve her goals. With a final, deep breath, Naruko turned her gaze towards the open sea. The fight would continue, and she would not rest until she had brought Blackbeard to justice.
The journey ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but Naruko's resolve was unwavering. She was the Red Death, and she would stop at nothing to see her mission through to the end