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"Indeed, Arton's pirate crew really does fit the atmosphere of our Beasts Pirates," King said. "The problem is that man's Conqueror's Haki is far too overwhelming. He might become the next Red-Haired. Trying to make a man like that bow his head could be tougher than killing him."
"Conqueror's Haki?" Kaido echoed. "The next Red-Haired? So that brat showed off his Conqueror's Haki this time?"
Kaido blinked at the newspaper in his hand, puzzled for a moment—then his eyes flew wide open. "You've got to be kidding. His Conqueror's Haki can actually damage solid objects? That kid's powers were already bizarre, and now his Haki is mastered to that degree?" he exclaimed.
As a Yonko, Kaido possessed profound skill with Conqueror's Haki himself, yet even he found it hard to split the earth with raw Conqueror's force unless he coated his attacks with the advanced technique. "For his Haki to reach that level… inviting him will truly be difficult," Kaido muttered.
"So, are we giving up?" King asked. "Should we recall Black Maria and Ginrummy?"
Kaido chuckled. "No need for that. Since Black Maria and the others have already set sail, let them try their luck. Maybe she really can bring Arton over to our side. Besides, the guy dared lay hands on a World Noble—reminds me of an old acquaintance. I might get along with him quite well."
"If that's your decision, I'll respect it," King nodded, turning to leave. As one of the All-Stars, he still had plenty of work to do.
Kaido lifted the newspaper again, rereading the article on Arton. "He dared do that to a World Noble—just like the late Captain Rocks. With this man on the seas, we might see a war on the scale of God Valley all over again. Wahahaha… this ocean is getting more and more interesting."
…
New World – Elbaf, land of giants.
Inside a tavern.
"Shanks, big news!" Red-Hair Pirates' first mate Benn Beckman strode in holding a newspaper and headed straight for Shanks, who was nursing a drink.
"Big news?" Shanks set his mug down, curious. At the same moment, the other crew members pricked up their ears; Beckman was usually the calmest among them—very little ever shook him.
"It's about Arton," Beckman said, unfolding the paper before Shanks.
"Arton? Did something happen to Uta?" Lucky Roux asked, chicken leg in hand as he ambled over.
"It's not Uta," Beckman answered, worry creasing his brow. "But Arton has done something that will shake the whole world. I'm afraid it could drag Uta into danger."
"What? What did Arton do that could endanger Uta?" Lucky Roux stared at Shanks, suddenly tense.
"That man killed a World Noble," Shanks said grim-faced. "He then publicly claimed responsibility—and went further, declaring he'll take revenge on another female World Noble who shelled him earlier."
"No way…" Lucky Roux's eyes went round, the drumstick slipping from his fingers. "The Navy and the World Government will never let him go. Uta… Uta's in danger!"
Shanks waved the newspaper and laughed. "Hahaha, Lucky Roux, you're too tense. Remember—this is the man who beat Hawkeye. On top of that, he wields Conqueror's Haki on the same level as mine. Even if the Navy or the World Government make a move, bringing him down won't be simple."
"Conqueror's Haki on your level?" Lucky Roux blinked. "Boss, you've got to be kidding, right?"
"At least that's what the article says." Shanks grinned. "It states—word for word—that Arton split the ground and the walls with sheer Conqueror's force."
"R-Really?" Lucky Roux's eyes bulged as he stared at the paper. "That Arton is absurdly strong. When he fought Hawkeye he never showed Haki like that! If he has such power, why could a World Noble shell him in the first place? If he's bold enough to take revenge now, he should've struck back right then." Ship doctor Hongo scratched his head in puzzlement.
"It is strange," Shanks mused, rubbing his chin. "Could it be that he didn't have that strength back then?"
"Whoa, if that's true it's terrifying," Yasopp muttered, brow furrowing. "Arton's feud with the World Nobles isn't that old. How did he grow so strong so fast?"
"I'd rather believe he was already hurt—or simply hadn't yet decided to oppose the World Government," Benn Beckman said, exhaling a ribbon of smoke. "Either way, Uta is in a dangerous spot now. Shanks, are we really doing nothing? If the Navy sends heavy hitters after Arton, Uta's Devil-Fruit power will be exposed. Then both of them will have even more pursuers. No matter how tough Arton is, he can't block everything—especially in Paradise, where the Navy's main force is concentrated."
Silence fell across the tavern as every Red-Hair crewmate looked to their captain. Shanks frowned over the paper. "Uta, huh… I would like to see her. I wonder if she hates me—hates us." Doubt clouded his face.
Just then a clear voice rang out. "If you're that worried about her, why not just go see her? Only then will you know whether she'll forgive you. Guessing forever won't answer anything."
Everyone turned. "Gerd, it's you," Shanks said, smiling at the giant maiden in the doorway. "You heard all that?"
"You were loud enough that I couldn't not hear." Gerd strode over, eyes fixed curiously on the newspaper. None of them noticed the faintly glowing diary drifting at her side.
Shanks chuckled. "Fair enough. So—are you here to set sail with us? Hoping the search for Uta is your ticket onto the Red-Hair Pirates?"
Gerd nodded—then quickly shook her head.
"You nod and shake at the same time," Shanks said, baffled. "I'm not following, Gerd."
"I do want a lift off Elbaf on your ship," she explained, grinning wide, "but I don't plan on joining the Red-Hair Pirates. I have my eye on a different crew."
"Not us, but someone else?" Hongo whistled. "Interesting. Which pirate crew could possibly be more attractive than ours?"
"You should know: right now there isn't a single active pirate crew made up of giant warriors. Given our strength and our good standing with Elbaf's folk, most giant youngsters dream of joining us—that alone proves our charm."
"I want to join the Flameblade Pirates," Gerd declared, chin lifted.
"Oh? The Flameblade Pirates," Shanks echoed. "Sounds familiar… Wait—that's Uta's crew, isn't it? Gerd, why pick Arton's Flameblade Pirates, and why hitch a ride with us all that distance just to find him?"
"W-Well… I just—just really want to be part of Arton's crew, that's all!" Gerd fidgeted, cheeks reddening.
The Red-Hair crew traded looks, suspicion rising.
"Gerd," Beckman asked, eyes narrowing, "don't tell me you admire that man?"
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