"Ugh…"
Shanks, the undefeated Yonko known across the seas, slowly pushed himself up from the deck, still visibly weakened.
"Yasopp… your son…"
Leaning against the wall, he gave a shaky thumbs up to the equally miserable Yasopp, a strange smile on his face.
"Not bad. He has potential. No wonder Luffy brought him along. He is just like that kid, completely troublesome. Birds of a feather."
"Pfft! Captain, you are the real cause of this!"
Lucky Roux, already recovered, somehow pulled out another chunk of meat and started devouring it, laughing loudly as he mocked his captain.
"Luffy has admired you since he was a kid. His personality, his habits, all influenced by you. Even how he picks his crew must come from us.
After all, we are all the same type of people. Hahaha!"
"Huh? That actually makes sense."
Shanks scratched his head with his remaining right hand and grinned.
"You are right. Luffy is a great kid I raised. His instinct for choosing companions is just as sharp as mine."
"Pfft, hahaha… It is because of your influence that we kept getting chased by Luffy's grandfather, the Marine Hero!"
Shanks burst into laughter again, recalling those chaotic days.
"Hahaha…"
At the bow, a calm voice cut in.
"Boss, we are approaching the shore."
Benn Beckman spoke without turning back.
"Hahahaha…"
But Shanks and Lucky Roux kept laughing, completely ignoring him.
"Boss…"
Beckman called again, his tone still steady.
"Hahahaha…"
The laughter only grew louder.
Then, suddenly.
"I said…"
Beckman appeared behind them, cigarette hanging from his lips, his expression dark.
"We are almost at the shore. You useless captain, are you planning to meet Shirogai like this?"
"Ah, hahaha… already?"
Shanks stiffened, feeling the pressure instantly. He turned with an awkward grin, scratching his head.
"Time really flies…"
Avoiding Beckman's gaze, he quickly shifted his attention to the crew. His hand moved to his sword as his grin widened.
"Everyone, get ready. We are about to meet Shirogai and Luffy's crew."
He paused, then laughed lightly.
"Good thing Luffy is not here. Seems like he is busy dealing with Loki. Otherwise, we would not be able to fight his crew in front of him."
"No choice. We are pirates."
Beckman stood behind him, eyes fixed on the cliff ahead where the Straw Hats stood.
"When pirates meet, strength decides everything. Only those who can prove their power earn the right to speak. The sea has no mercy."
"Woo gee gee gee!"
Monda screeched excitedly from atop Bonk Punch's shoulder, bouncing as it slapped his head.
"Well said."
Bonk Punch laughed, stroking the monkey's fur.
"As seniors, we should properly test Luffy's crew. But do not hold back. That kid has always been strong. His companions will not be weak."
Footsteps echoed as another figure approached.
A blond pirate carrying a long staff stepped beside Shanks and looked up at the cliff.
"Are we really going all out against Luffy's crew? Honestly, I do not feel like going that far."
"Limejuice, you already know why we are here."
Beckman's voice turned firm.
"There are World Government spies in Elbaf. CP0 agents. If they notice we are holding back, Uta will be in danger."
Limejuice sighed.
"They are still Luffy's friends. If something goes wrong…"
"Just attack."
Shanks cut him off with a grin.
"With Shirogai here, do you really think you can kill them? He can bring back the recently dead. That alone tells you everything.
Do not hesitate."
Limejuice paused, then nodded, his hesitation gone.
"Understood."
His gaze sharpened as killing intent rose.
"Do not blame us then."
Nearby, Howling Gab stood quietly, his calm demeanor contrasting his wild appearance.
Hongo walked forward, adjusting his spotless coat, a disinfected staff in hand.
"What a hassle. Fighting again… I hate getting dirty."
As he passed Lucky Roux, the latter suddenly grinned and tossed a clean bone at him.
Smack!
Without even looking, Hongo knocked it away with his staff.
Boom!
The bone exploded upon hitting the sea, sending waves crashing outward.
Hongo's control was precise and terrifying.
"You fat idiot, trying to sneak attack me again?"
He glared at Lucky Roux.
"If you have the guts, let's see who takes down Luffy's crew faster."
"Deal."
Lucky Roux's eyes lit up.
"Fifty pieces of meat."
"Done."
At that moment, Yasopp dropped down from the crow's nest, landing beside them.
"Do not underestimate them."
He rested his rifle on his shoulder, his tone serious.
"These rookies became famous in just over a year. They are not weak."
The others immediately mocked him.
"Oh? The same man who just got schooled by his own son?"
"Hahaha!"
Yasopp's face darkened.
"Then I am joining the bet. I will take one of them down first."
…
Elbaf, beneath the rainbow, atop the cliff.
Shirogai stood at the edge, looking down at the approaching ship with a faint smile.
"They are here."
Nami blinked, glancing at the still distant ship.
"Isn't that still far…"
Swish!
Before she could finish, two figures appeared above the cliff in an instant.
"Straw Hat crew, give us everything you have!"
"Woo gee gee!"
Limejuice and Monda had already arrived.
The core fighters of the Red Hair Pirates had made the first move.