"Pfft—HAHAHA! You dumb little brat! You want to be a pirate?! Try finishing a whole beer in one go first!"
Inside Windmill Village's tavern, Shanks looked at the indignant Luffy with an amused grin.
The surrounding pirates joined in teasing:
"Hehahaha, Luffy! If you want to be a pirate, you've gotta at least chug your beer in one go! Otherwise you can't call yourself a pirate~"
"Shut up! Watch me drink ALL this alcohol right now!" Luffy stared at the pirates around him, his face flushed with anger, then directly picked up the beer mug that was even larger than his own head and began chugging the amber-colored 'beer' in big gulps.
The sound of "glug glug" filled the air, and Shanks suddenly stopped laughing.
His eyes fixed tightly on Luffy, worried the kid might choke.
But when Luffy drunkenly set the mug down, Shanks still cheerfully poked Luffy's head and said.
"You little brat, you've had a bit too much, haven't you? Go rest now. When you're a bit older, you'll be able to become a pirate who can stand on your own."
With that, Shanks picked up the now-passed-out drunk Luffy, carefully draped a blanket over him, and placed him on a nearby table.
The pirates playing around instinctively lowered their voices, their drinking and chatting becoming noticeably quieter.
Makino emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of fried rice, which she set in front of Shanks, scolding him.
"You guys teased Luffy again, honestly! He's still so young—what if he becomes an alcoholic later? And when Luffy gets drunk, he wets himself! Shanks, you'll have to change him then!"
Hearing Makino's words, Shanks wore a helpless smile while his crewmates chuckled and patted his shoulder and said.
"Captain, looks like you'll have to change Luffy's diaper today. Otherwise, if that brat pees himself, we'll all think you're an irresponsible captain."
Shanks took a bite of fried rice and then said to Beckman.
"As the vice-captain, shouldn't you step up to share the captain's burdens and tasks more often?"
Ignoring Shanks' unreasonable demand, Beckman turned to Makino and said.
"Another beer, please. Also, that idiot captain will have to pay for his own fried rice—we're out of extra money."
"Hey, hey, hey! Not only refusing to help your captain, but now you're kicking me while I'm down? Damn it, how can a pirate crew like this ever become the Pirate King crew? Fine, I'm issuing a captain's order now—whoever helps me change Luffy's pants will get..."
Shanks suddenly trailed off, his heart sinking as he looked around and saw that no one was paying him any attention.
Only Yasopp glanced at Shanks and whispered.
"Captain, you're broke, remember? Last time you got drunk and promised to treat everyone to a meal, but even after emptying your own wallet, it wasn't enough. We all had to wash dishes for three days and nights to pay it off.
After that, no one believes your promises anymore. Everyone knows you're even poorer than the rest of us."
Hearing this, Shanks was completely disheartened.
With no other choice, he turned back, glancing at Luffy while eating his fried rice and asking Makino for a spare pair of pants for Luffy.
But just then, Shanks suddenly turned his head, pausing the spoon in his hand.
His voice, previously carefree, now carried a low, slightly hoarse tone.
"Seems like this little tavern has welcomed quite an extraordinary guest."
"No, to me, you're the outsider here—Red-Haired Shanks."
As the tavern door swung open, Jake walked in with Monet, both clad in Justice Coats, a stark contrast to the rowdy pirates around them.
Seeing this, Makino's heart instantly tightened.
Worried Jake might take action against Shanks and his crew, she immediately stood up and explained to Jake.
"Jake, this isn't what you think. Shanks and his crew aren't ruthless pirates. In fact, they've helped us drive away many Sea Kings and even chased off wild wolves from the forest.
They... they may be pirates, but they're good pirates! Please don't harm them!"
Observing Makino's nervous expression, Jake chuckled softly and reassured her.
"Don't worry, Makino-san. I'm not some extreme Marine. I just work under Sakazuki-san. I have my own views on how to handle pirates, and I certainly don't believe I could take down a pirate of Red haired caliber."
Makino was momentarily stunned.
In a small village like Windmill Village, where news coos hadn't yet reached, she had no idea just how terrifying the man who always joked around in front of her truly was.
Still, when she heard Jake wouldn't act against Shanks, she sighed in relief.
After all, Makino understood what the Justice Coat on Jake's back represented.
Moreover, both Jake and Shanks were dear friends to her.
If they were to fight, any harm coming to either side would be something she couldn't bear.
"Relax, Red Hair. I'm not here to cause trouble for you. For pirates like you who are easy to get along with, I don't hold much malice. In my eyes, you're hardly even pirates—I'd rather call you adventurers.
Though I doubt you'd agree. But whatever, as long as you don't do anything evil. Oh, Makino-san, could I trouble you for a glass of orange juice and some milk?"
Hearing this, Shanks slung an arm over Jake's shoulder and laughed teasingly.
"Pfft—ha! The future pillar of the Marines can't even drink alcohol?!"
"Orange juice tastes much better, and too much alcohol damages certain bodily functions."
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