Usopp leaped into the air, shouting in excitement, "Wow! Jinbe! Did you win? Uh…"
Suddenly, he snapped back to his senses. With a hint of delayed dissatisfaction, he circled Jinbe, flexing his not-so-impressive but still defined arms, baring his teeth in mock intimidation.
"Wuwuwu! What do you mean you underestimated me before!
Jinbe, you're just a new crewmate, don't get too arrogant!
Hmph! I, the leader of eighty million subordinates, the brave warrior who defeated the gigantic Golden Fish Sea Monster, the man who fought demons and slew demon dragons, the greatest and strongest warrior of the sea, Usopp-sama!
I am completely fearless and invincible!"
"Pfft!"
A suppressed laugh slipped out.
"Hey! Hey! Hey!"
Usopp's face twisted in anger as he raised his small hammer and charged at his father.
"You old geezer, what are you laughing at! I'm being serious!"
"Hahahahaha…"
Using Observation Haki, Yasopp effortlessly dodged every swing, wiping tears from his eyes as he laughed loudly.
"Sorry, son! I didn't expect you to have such ambition. That just caught me off guard. Your old man is laughing so hard I'm about to cry…"
Usopp swung his hammer even harder.
"I don't believe you! You're just making fun of me!"
Shirogai smiled faintly, ignoring the chaotic father and son. His gaze shifted to Jinbe as he waved casually.
"Hahaha, Jinbe, Benn Beckman, come over and listen."
Robin sat elegantly on a nearby tree stump, her posture graceful as ever. As Jinbe approached, she asked softly,
"Jinbe, did you win?"
Jinbe smiled slightly, his sharp teeth showing.
"Benn Beckman and I barely fought. We only exchanged a few blows when we met, then spent most of the time talking."
Jinbe and Benn Beckman were not strangers.
As two renowned figures of the sea, they had crossed paths many times before. Back when Jinbe was with the Whitebeard Pirates, the Red Hair Pirates, led by Shanks, frequently visited.
Whenever pirates gathered, competition was inevitable.
Even among the Four Emperors' crews, rivalries and sparring were common. Strength was the only language pirates truly respected. Those who were strong earned admiration, while the weak were ignored.
In previous encounters, Jinbe had the advantage in sea and ship battles, while Benn Beckman dominated on land.
Neither had ever revealed their full strength, but even what they showed was enough to leave others in awe.
Clang!
Their Armament Haki collided briefly.
Sizzle!
The exchange was short, a simple test of progress.
"Hahahahaha…"
They separated with laughter, already understanding each other.
"Jinbe, long time no see. You've gotten stronger," Benn Beckman said, casually sheathing his twin swords.
"I didn't expect a former Warlord of the Sea and Sun Pirates helmsman to join Shirogai's crew."
Jinbe relaxed his stance, his expression softening.
"It has been a while. To be honest, even I didn't expect this. Joining the crew of a man who makes the entire world tremble… it still feels unreal."
They both understood there was no reason to fight seriously.
With the relationship between the Red Hair Pirates and the Straw Hat Pirates, a real battle was unnecessary. And if it came down to it, even a Yonko crew might not have the upper hand against Shirogai.
His overwhelming strength had already been witnessed by the entire world.
"This was just a way for our captains to gauge each other," Benn Beckman added.
Then he extended his hand.
"Our captain has decided to ally with your crew. We'll likely be fighting on the same side, so take care of me when the time comes."
Jinbe glanced at the offered hand but did not take it. His tone remained steady.
"I am still new to this crew. I will follow whatever the captain and vice captain decide. Nothing more, nothing less."
He understood his position.
Despite his reputation, he could not speak on behalf of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Moments earlier, both he and Benn Beckman had sensed the clash of two overwhelming Conqueror's Haki and rushed over, arriving just in time to witness Usopp's sudden declaration.
Back in the present.
"Usopp, you've truly surprised me," Jinbe said, his voice filled with genuine respect.
Usopp scratched his head awkwardly.
Jinbe recalled the moment clearly.
Usopp, who usually appeared cowardly and unreliable, had stood firm despite knowing the terrifying power of those present. People capable of summoning a Buster Call with a single order.
Yet he still declared,
"I, the great warrior of the sea, will become one of the lights that illuminate this world! If I could have helped break the darkness and didn't, I would never forgive myself!"
That conviction left a deep impression.
Jinbe remembered Whitebeard's words before his death.
A great pirate crew is not defined by its captain alone, but by the greatness of every member.
"The Straw Hat Pirates aren't feared just because of Shirogai's overwhelming strength…"
He felt satisfied with his decision to join.
Even the so-called weakest among them possessed remarkable resolve.
"Hey, Jinbe, don't look at me like that," Usopp said, shivering as he rubbed his arms.
"I like women! I mean… not that I like men! Wait, that came out wrong!"
Jinbe fell silent.
For a moment, he questioned his earlier assessment.
Shirogai chuckled lightly.
"Enough fooling around. Jinbe, come listen. Robin, continue."
Robin nodded.
"The following is the original text of the Third World prophecy from the Halle Scriptures."
Her voice was soft but clear.
"Within the chaos of the Third World, a void exists,
The hidden echo of turmoil remembers.
Recalling the promised day,
And listening to the whisper of the broken moon.
The Sun God dances, bringing laughter,
Guiding the world out of chaos.
The sun will rise once more,
A new dawn will come again.
They will surely meet again."
Usopp blinked in confusion.
"They? Who are 'they'?"
Shanks' expression shifted slightly, though he remained silent.
"They, huh…" Shirogai said, smiling faintly as he looked at Usopp.
"They all share a name you've heard before."
"The Clan of D."
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