Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
Power Hall.
The Five Elders convened once more.
"Whitebeard, Red Hair, and Earth Calamity!"
"Never expected these three forces to cross paths."
"Fortunately, Red Hair isn't an ambitious schemer like Earth Calamity, seeking to control the world."
"Let's hold our position for now!"
"The most pressing matter is finding successors for the Royal Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"First, the Pirate Empress, and now even Crocodile has been defeated. If another Warlord falls, the balance of the three great powers will collapse completely."
The Five Elders' expressions darkened.
The Royal Seven Warlords were a crucial force in restraining the Four Emperors. But with two Warlords defeated in succession, the legitimacy of the system would undoubtedly be called into question.
Without their deterrent power, the Warlords would become obsolete.
With the Beasts growing stronger by the day, the existence of the Royal Seven Warlords was more vital than ever. They couldn't afford any more mistakes.
"And then there's the Straw Hat who defeated Crocodile!"
"The Gum-Gum Fruit user."
"..."
Elsewhere in the Holy Land, another special meeting was underway.
Bartholomew Kuma, Doflamingo.
And Hawkeye!
Three of the Royal Seven Warlords were present!
On the Navy's side, Fleet Admiral Sengoku presided over the meeting, which was also focused on selecting candidates for the Warlord position.
An unexpected guest arrived.
The fact that someone could infiltrate the Holy Land undetected and reach the meeting hall was enough to shock the assembled dignitaries.
Tsuru recognized him immediately.
"You're Lafitte, aren't you?"
"To think someone knows my name—what an honor!"
Lafitte adjusted the brim of his hat.
"Gentlemen, I'm here to recommend a candidate for the Royal Seven Warlords—our captain."
"Blackbeard Teach!"
Meanwhile, on Hachinosu Island...
"It's Red Hair!"
"What's he doing here?"
"Didn't he leave the New World?"
The arrival of the Red Hair Pirates caused a stir. Even though Red Hair had lost his title as one of the Four Emperors, no one dared underestimate him.
His crew was elite through and through.
"Gahahahaha!"
"Kababababa!"
Booming laughter echoed across the island.
The pirates stared in disbelief at the two towering giants aboard Red Hair's ship, cold sweat dripping down their backs.
"Hey, are those two...?!"
"No way!"
"The leaders of the Giant Warrior Pirates—Blue Ogre Dorry and Red Ogre Brogy!"
"They're still alive?!"
A hundred years ago, the Giant Warrior Pirates had roamed the seas, carving out a fearsome reputation. Their two captains were none other than the giants now standing on Red Hair's ship.
They had joined his crew!
Gurd glanced at the Red Hair Pirates.
Finally, they've arrived.
Returning to the New World at this time could only mean one thing—Whitebeard. And with the recent banquet, the timing was perfect.
"Welcome Captain Red Hair!"
The Red Hair Pirates were known for their composed demeanor, rarely clashing with other factions. As such, the division commanders didn't show much hostility.
Red Hair boarded the ship alone.
Boom!
The railing cracked!
With each step he took, an invisible pressure seemed to ripple outward.
Marco shouted a warning.
"All rookies, fall back!"
"Huh? Why?"
Before they could react, the pirates around them collapsed, foaming at the mouth. Wherever Red Hair passed, no one remained conscious.
"That's terrifying Haki!"
The commanders' faces turned grave.
Facing Red Hair, if one isn't mentally prepared, they might faint—his Haki is completely comparable to Whitebeard in his younger days.
In this era, no one can match him!
Marco angrily rebuked.
"Red Hair, are you here to cause trouble?"
"Yo, Marco, congratulations on having a kid!"
Shanks greeted him with a hearty laugh.
"I came to congratulate you!"
"Cut the crap!"
Marco snorted coldly.
Even a fool could tell Red Hair was here for the old man.
Marco glanced at Whitebeard.
"Old man, what should we do?"
"Gurararara! Doesn't look like he's here to fight me. Let the three of us have a moment alone!"
Three people.
Including Gurd!
Gurd looked up at Red Hair and scoffed.
"Your Haki has grown much stronger."
"Oh, it's you! Long time no see!"
Shanks greeted him with a smile, showing no surprise or the awkwardness of former enemies—just like meeting an ordinary friend.
"Seems I arrived a step late."
"Not too late. We just started drinking."
Gurd sneered.
He had clearly timed his arrival precisely, though he couldn't have come earlier—after all, his ship was docked at Hachinosu Island.
"Whitebeard, I have something to discuss with you."
Shanks had also brought wine, pouring himself a large bowl and then one for Gurd before tossing the rest to Whitebeard.
"Gentlemen, try the wine from my hometown!"
"Doesn't look like much."
Gurd and Whitebeard showed mild disdain but each took a swig.
"Not bad."
"Average."
A rather lukewarm assessment.
Gurd was honest—the wine Shanks brought was merely decent, far inferior to what he had brought.
His selection had been carefully chosen, a single jar worth 5 million Berries , absolutely top-tier.
Shanks looked slightly embarrassed.
"Gurararara~~"
Whitebeard changed the subject.
"Time flies. Back then, you were just a rookie on Roger's ship."
After reminiscing for a while, Whitebeard asked, "A man like you lost an arm in the East Blue—what kind of enemy took it from you?"
"Well..."
Shanks grasped his empty sleeve.
"I bet it on the new era!"
"Interesting!"
Gurd grinned.
"Red Hair, to me, the era I exist in is the new era. I'd love to know—what does the new era mean to you?"
"..."
Shanks looked at Gurd.
For him, the new era was the arrival of the person his captain had been waiting for—someone who would inevitably bring change to the world.
He firmly believed this.
And he believed that person was Luffy.
But he couldn't tell Gurd. Knowing Gurd's ruthlessness, he might very well crush Luffy before he could grow.
"The day the world undergoes change!"
"Ze hahaha! Fair enough!"
Gurd laughed.
A smooth answer that said nothing at all.
But he truly couldn't understand—why bet on a fool? With Luffy's lack of political acumen, how could he change the world? Even if he did defeat the World Government, would he really change anything?
Or would it be like the ninja world, where years later they'd just get a "Boruto" sequel, and the world would remain the same as ever?
Shanks didn't want to engage further with Gurd and turned to Whitebeard to state his purpose:
"I came about Blackbeard Teach!"
"Whitebeard, I've fought countless battles, and now only the scar over my eye still aches faintly. This wound was given to me by your subordinate, Blackbeard Teach!"
"Teach is strong—"
"Enough talk!"
Whitebeard cut off Red Hair's words.
"I've already discussed Teach's matter with Gurd earlier. Just tell me directly—what do you want me to do?"
"..."
Shanks fell silent for several seconds.
"Recall Ace!"
"Gurararara, how laughable!"
Whitebeard laughed in anger, downing his liquor in one gulp before slamming the flask beside Shanks. "You snot-nosed brat don't even see things as clearly as Gurd! If you want to tell me what to do, come back in a hundred years!"
"..."
Shanks remained silent, picking up his sake bowl and drinking heavily.
When he finished,
Shanks drew his sword.
Whitebeard pulled out his naginata.
"This era is about to spiral out of control!"
"So what? I am Whitebeard!"
"Clang!"
Blades clashed as gales howled.
The sky... split open yet again!
Gurd watched the two locked in combat, leisurely sipping his sake.
Calm.
Standard procedure, nothing to worry about.
"Crack!"
His sake bowl shattered, spilling liquor all over him.
Gurd's eyes darkened as he silently rose, drew his sword, and charged forward.
"I'll cut you two bastards down myself!"
(End of Chapter)