The blood pool covering the entire isolated island gradually dissipated, and Yassop, who had nearly cried himself out, slowly stopped his sobbing.
When only a few square meters of the blood pool remained, Alucard and Shanks slowly became visible, though one was standing and the other was lying down.
"Captain!" "Shanks!"
Though they had mentally prepared for the worst, when the scene materialized before them, the entire Red-Hair Pirates crew rushed forward instantly, including the young pirates who had raised the white flag at the start of the battle.
Beckman knelt beside Shanks's body. He saw the slight smile on his Captain's face and checked for a breath, but his last hope was extinguished.
"Waaaaah!!"
"Captain!!"
"Shanks!!"
All the members of the Red-Hair Pirates burst into collective tears, and following their grief came intense hatred for Alucard and a burning desire for revenge.
In less than five seconds, more than half of the surviving Red-Hair Pirates raised their weapons, roaring threats of vengeance for Shanks.
However, before Alucard even had to move, countless members of the Immortal Pirates moved with equal speed, placing blades at their throats and muzzles against their foreheads.
"Stop!"
Beckman sternly commanded. From the smile left on Shanks's deceased face, he understood too many things.
Slowly rising, Beckman first gave a warning look to the remaining Red-Hair Pirates, forcing them to put their weapons away. Alucard also slightly raised his chin toward the Immortal Pirates crew, and they, too, lowered their weapons.
"Regarding the words the Captain spoke before the battle, what is your intention now?" Beckman addressed Alucard.
He was, of course, referring to Shanks's request: "If I die, and my subordinates surrender, I hope you will spare them."
"I did not take his corpse, which should indicate my meaning." Before the battle, Alucard did indeed have the idea of throwing Shanks into the River of Death, but now, he no longer had the inclination.
In truth, it was merely a matter of time. The souls of everyone killed by Alucard would flow into the River of Death, not the River Styx.
Only after dying a second time within the River of Death do they enter the River Styx, which constitutes true death.
Even if Beckman and the others took Shanks's body, it would only delay his soul from entering the River of Death.
But Alucard let go of Shanks's body. This was his final sign of respect for his opponent.
Beckman, who did not understand Alucard's abilities, could not comprehend the deeper meaning. He took Alucard's action to mean that since he did not interfere, he agreed to let them leave.
"...Thank you."
Beckman bowed, then gently lifted Shanks's body. All the Red-Hair Pirates closed their eyes and wept. Regardless of whether they were old hands or new recruits, everyone had to admit: Red- Haired Shanks was deeply loved. Even as an opponent, this fact had to be recognized.
"This battle is our victory."
Alucard rarely issued a declaration of victory, which immediately shifted the collective sorrow of the Immortal Pirates into a mood of ecstasy. They all raised their hands, shouting excitedly, "OH!!"
As Alucard stepped onto the Dragon Ship and the Immortal Pirates' battleships began to sail away, Ivalis, the swordsman holding the saber Shanks had acquired before the fight, fixed his
gaze on the departing fleet. It was a long while before he finally climbed back aboard the Red Force at Lucky Roux's call.
"The Red-Hair Pirates, once considered second only to the Yonko, have been annihilated by us! A great accomplishment! What a great accomplishment!"
"Bring out the food and the finest wine immediately! Let's party! Let's start the banquet!"
All the ships of the Immortal Pirates were filled with singing and dancing. Even the Kuja women joined in, though they kept to themselves, partying separately from the men.
Only on the Dragon Ship was there silence. Alucard sat alone on a massive, ruby-encrusted chair, with Hancock on his right, Scarlett on his left, and Viola slightly to the left of her sister. The stillness of the scene was a stark contrast to the wild banquets on the other ships.
"Not happy? This is yet another feat that will make your name famous throughout the world." Zephyr jumped over from another ship, holding a rare wine glass.
"You seem to be in a good mood," Alucard countered.
"Wiping out a Pirate Rookie and eliminating a huge potential threat to the future of the seas? Of course I'm happy." Zephyr smiled, then his expression darkened. "...But as long as the World Government remains in power, no matter how many pirates we kill, it won't bring peace."
With that, Zephyr downed the wine in his glass and continued, "So, what about you? You're usually silent enough, but I can tell you're not in the best of spirits."
Alucard crossed his legs and folded his hands on his knees. "Red-Haired Shanks hadn't reached his peak. Not getting to fight him ten years from now is a great pity, just like how I never got to fight Whitebeard in his prime."
"Are you saying you regret killing him?" Zephyr asked with a smile.
"No, I never regretted what I did." Alucard repeated Shanks's final words, not in imitation, but straight from the heart.
Shanks had offended him too gravely; he was beyond the scope of those Alucard could spare. Don't speak of waiting ten years for him to reach his peak, Alucard wouldn't wait even a year.
"What will become of the Red-Hair Pirates now?" Hancock asked curiously.
Zephyr turned, preparing to return to his ship, but paused at Hancock's question. He said, "I see two possibilities. One: they choose a new Captain, regroup their strength, and seek an opportunity to get revenge on Alucard. If they do that, the new Captain will most likely be Beckman. Two: they seek refuge with another power. A starved camel is still bigger than a horse. The only forces powerful enough for a man like Beckman to join would be other Yonko
crews. Us and the Beasts Pirates are out of the question, so that leaves only Big Mom and Whitebeard."
At that moment, Alucard suddenly sensed a new entry into the River of Death. He looked down and smiled faintly. "Has he arrived? Shanks."