Back at the palace, King Ghezo refuses to authorize a rescue mission, believing it is too dangerous. Defying the king's orders to protect her people and her daughter, Nanisca leads a group of loyal Agojie on a covert mission to liberate the captives. A chaotic and bloody battle ensues at the slave port. During the fight, Izogie is tragically killed while trying to help Nawi escape. Heartbroken but determined, Nawi and Nanisca fight side-by-side. Malik, horrified by the brutality of the slave trade, helps the warriors by creating a diversion and freeing more captives.
The victorious warriors return to the Dahomey capital. King Ghezo, recognizing Nanisca's bravery and leadership despite her defiance, crowns her "The Woman King"—the female co-ruler of Dahomey. Nanisca and Nawi privately acknowledge their mother-daughter bond, and the kingdom celebrates its freedom and the end of its participation in the slave trade. Back at the palace, King Ghezo refuses to
Tensions rise when a group of Portuguese slave traders, led by Santo Ferreira and accompanied by the half-Dahomean Malik, arrive to buy slaves from the Oyo. Malik is drawn to Nawi, and she learns from him that the Oyo are planning a massive attack on Dahomey. During the fight, Izogie is tragically killed while
