New Shining Star |『 Male Reader 』• One Piece

Cover Story 1: Tales of the Red Cinders - Part 5

The jungle buzzed with an uneasy tension as the Red Cinders stood ready, their eyes scanning the trees for the source of the sudden attack. The rustling of bushes came from all directions, putting everyone on edge.

Hinote raised a hand, signalling his crew to stay sharp, but before anyone could act, a loud voice echoed through the forest, followed by laughter. "Best sharpshooter, huh? Well, you missed them!" said a man's voice boomed through the trees, bouncing off the dense foliage.

*Crunch*

*Munch*

"No more talking for you," said a feminine voice, bored and disinterested, as the unmistakable munching filled the air. Then came the man's voice again, but now with his mouth full. "If you think food will quiet me down...you are absolutely right!" he exclaimed, followed by the sound of exaggerated munching.

The Red Cinders exchanged puzzled glances at the bizarre exchange, but Eleonor's expression darkened. Her eyes narrowed as she focused on the direction the voices were coming from. "It's them," she muttered, her voice filled with certainty.

The crew turned to her, their eyes asking the question she already knew was coming. Standing at the front, Hinote glanced at her before returning his gaze to the tree line. "The Astro Hunters," Eleonor said firmly, making everyone snap to attention as the bushes ahead parted.

A group of figures emerged from the jungle's darkness, each distinct but unified by their strange and otherworldly presence. The leader stepped forward, a man wearing a long coat and a white bowler hat that obscured most of his face. His presence was calm, almost too casual for the situation at hand.

"Well, well..." the leader greeted, his tone relaxed. "Eleonor, long time not chased," said the leader with a smile. "It seems you have made some new friends," the leader realised as Eleonor's jaw tightened as she glared at him.

Sensing her discomfort, Hinote stepped forward, his fiery gaze locked on the leader. "Why are you chasing her?" he asked, his tone demanding answers rather than requesting them. At his question, the leader tilted his head slightly, raising his hand to tap his chin as if considering his response.

"Well, you see, she's far more important than she lets on," he said before shrugging. "And my superiors want something she has," he calmly added. His voice carried no urgency, but the weight of his words hung heavy in the air.

Beside him, a woman with long pink, pale hair raised her twin pistols. "Now we know for sure that you ate a devil fruit," the woman said flatly. "It would be best if you came quietly," she said, her fingers resting on the triggers, ready for any sudden movements.

Behind her, the man who had been speaking earlier laughed. "Of course, I don't mind beating a few people up to get what we want!" he added, making Rekka narrow her eyes. Her fists glowed faintly with heat as the energy crackled through her fingertips.

*Crackle*

*Crackle*

Her hands clenched tightly. The crackling of her devil fruit was the only thing breaking the tense silence. "I don't like these guys," she muttered, preparing to strike. But before she could act, Homura stepped in, placing a hand on Rekka's arm.

"Don't rush in," Homura warned quietly, her eyes locked on the group. "We need to be careful with them," added Naoki, looking at the remaining wood he had created when the first bullet was fired.

The leader chuckled at their exchange, his gaze flickering over the Red Cinders before settling on Hinote. "I know who you are," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You're the Red Cinders, aren't you? And you..." he paused, turning fully to Hinote. "You must be 'Deerferno' Hinote," he said.

At the mention of his alias, Hinote's eyes narrowed. The leader's grin widened beneath his hat as he stepped forward. "Why don't you take your crew and leave Eleonor to us? We'll handle things from here," said the leader.

Behind Hinote, Yakeru adjusted their grip on the grenade launcher. "What do we do, Captain?" they asked quietly, their finger hovering over the trigger. Hinote remained silent for a few moments, his mind weighing the situation. The air around them grew thicker, the tension between the two groups palpable.

*Click*

*Bang*

Suddenly, a shot was fired directly at Eleonor. The bullet sped through the air, but before it could reach its target, Hinote's eyes flashed, and a flame sparked from his hand, engulfing the bullet in a swirl of fire. The bullet disintegrated mid-air, reduced to ash before it could do any damage.

The fire flickered for a moment longer before being snuffed out instantly, and Hinote turned his narrowed gaze back toward the Astro Hunters. "We won't leave her alone," he said firmly, stepping forward.

"We shared a meal, and that's all the reason we need," said the pyro mink. A small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of Eleonor's lips as she stood beside him.

"Rehehehahaha! The defiance of the youths," laughed the leader before looking at Hinote. "You remind me of my son," he said suddenly, his tone casual but carrying a weight that immediately caught Hinote's attention. "Your... son?" he repeated slowly, trying to make sense of the man's words.

The leader's grin widened, his eyes glinting beneath the shadow of his hat. "You've already met him," the leader said, raising his head just enough for his eyes to gleam with amusement. "Back in Glasteria," he revealed, seeing Hinote's eyes widen in realisation.

He furrowed his brows as the pieces fell into place. "You're...his father?" he muttered, almost to himself. The leader let out a soft, satisfied hum before removing his coat. "The name's F/n," he said, and as he did, an eerie pulse of energy radiated from his body, making the ground beneath him tremble.

End of Cover Story 1