"Captain Shanks, I see the Moby Dick," Lucky said as he chewed on the roasted meat in his hand, walking over to Red-Haired Shanks's side in a low voice.
"Is it really worth you personally making the trip for something like this?"
"We've sent rookies to negotiate already; that's considered our best effort. If Whitebeard doesn't appreciate it and makes you come out in person, it seems a bit against the rules."
As one of the Four Emperors in the New World, Red-Haired Shanks was somewhat later to rise to fame compared to the other three.
However, in this tripartite stalemate, with the Navy Headquarters suppressing everything, Shanks's rise was more than enough to prove his strength wasn't simple.
Most importantly, among the Four Emperors, Shanks was the youngest, and his strength was undoubtedly at its peak.
Right now, for Ace's safety, Shanks had sent a newcomer to deliver the message, which in the eyes of outsiders was a show of respect.
But Whitebeard publicly gave him a warning, directly forcing him to retreat.
Under such circumstances, the Red-Haired Pirates had not fought, which was already considered a form of tolerance.
Now, Shanks, also one of the Four Emperors, personally arrived in the Hive Sea to meet Whitebeard, surpassing everyone's expectations.
It was precisely because of this that the outside world generally believed that this meeting could easily cause the sea to go out of control if any misstep occurred.
"Lucky, you've misunderstood Captain's intention. He just thinks now isn't the time to provoke trouble. Breaking the old order of this sea, the strength accumulated for a new era, is still not enough," Beckman said first, smoking his cigar.
"Moreover, Ace is Luffy's sworn brother and also Roger's biological son. If we just watch him go to his death, the captain wouldn't be able to stand by and do nothing, morally or emotionally."
As soon as he finished, Jesus Burg and others fell silent, showing smiles.
In their eyes, choosing Shanks to board this pirate ship was entirely because of his sense of loyalty. Their current actions undoubtedly embodied that principle.
"Beckman, I know what the captain's intention is, but seeing Whitebeard's arrogant attitude, I can't swallow this anger," Lucky said with some displeasure after stuffing all the greasy roasted meat into his mouth.
Looking at Lucky's face full of resentment, many present also shared this feeling.
But compared to Lucky, who only liked to eat meat and was straightforward in temperament,
They understood better what the big picture was.
"Alright, Lucky, don't complain here. Whitebeard's ship is right in front of us. Don't let a moment of rashness embarrass the captain," Beckman said first, patting Lucky's shoulder with a smile and raising his voice.
"Everyone, stay alert, carefully steer closer, and don't let any mistakes happen at this critical moment. Be ready for battle and welcome the captain back."
"Got it, Beckman!"
With a series of responses, the huge Moby Dick quickly changed course and approached the Moby Dick.
Watching the distance between the two ships grow larger, Shanks casually swung the large wine barrel he had prepared earlier onto his shoulder and smiled warmly, saying, "My lads, when I return, we'll continue the feast. No one is to act on their own without my orders!"
"Understood, Captain!"
As the voices responded, Shanks's sharp eyes remained fixed on that even larger pirate ship than the Moby Dick.
Meanwhile, on the Moby Dick, the atmosphere was even more lively than on the Redfield.
Everyone gathered here was a division commander from Whitebeard's Pirate Fleet.
However, compared to the Red-Haired Pirates, the vast deck carried an inexplicable sense of oppression.
Many of the gazes turned sharply, locking onto Jozu, including Whitebeard himself, who sat at the head.
"Jozu, have you managed to contact Ace yet?" Marco asked first, unable to hold back.
As soon as he spoke, everyone's nerves were stirred again.
After all, not long ago, when Ace went to pursue Blackbeard, they had all supported him wholeheartedly.
Even the rookies sent by Shanks had been directly driven back.
Now, if Ace had encountered any trouble, they couldn't avoid responsibility.
"Only know for now that Ace and Blackbeard had contact on URI Island," Jozu replied with a difficult expression.
"I've already sent someone closest to URI Island to investigate what's going on there."
"But by the time our people arrive, the island has already become a ruin, as Teach had attacked it. There are no witnesses left, so we don't know the final outcome of that battle."
Hearing this, Jozu couldn't help but glance at Whitebeard and said, "Based on the current intelligence, we still have no way to find Ace…"
As soon as he finished, the faces of everyone present darkened further.
In their view, this was a cruel world of survival of the fittest.
If there was no news for a long time, it probably meant he was dead.
For a moment, many people instinctively looked at Whitebeard, sitting at the head.
Feeling the tense atmosphere, Whitebeard's expression darkened, and he snorted coldly, saying, "Hmph, notify everyone that we must find Ace as soon as possible."
"Don't worry too much. Ace's strength is recognized by us. If something unexpected happens, with his Gura Gura Fruit powers, few can stop him."
"Dad is right. Ace is still young, but judging by his strength, he's definitely among the top on the Moby Dick," Marco added in agreement.
"Now, let's discuss whether Jozu and Doma's reports about that guy named Saitama—whether he might have participated in Ace and Teach's fight after Jozu left."
Many people were also concerned about this.
"I think it's unlikely," Jozu said after a moment's hesitation, shaking his head.
"At that time, we were in the Feather Ridge Sea, at least half a day's sail from URI Sea — and that's with record-keeping. According to the intelligence, Ace and Teach fought about four hours after I separated from that guy named Saitama. Based on multiple conditions, he simply couldn't have participated in that battle."
Faced with Jozu's analysis, several division commanders nodded silently, even Whitebeard nodded in agreement.
"Dad, the Redfield of the Red-Haired Pirates has successfully approached us. Captain Shanks is preparing to board," Vista hurriedly reported from the bow deck.
Seeing this scene, Marco raised an eyebrow and was the first to speak, "I didn't expect that guy to arrive so early. Those who think they're just a little weaker, fall back first. This is a man who's showing his dominance."
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