Elbaf Shore.
Beneath the Rainbow Bridge.
"Hmm?"
A pitch-black teleportation gate shimmered into existence. The giants, who had been rushing forward, suddenly found themselves relocated and looked around in confusion.
"Huh? Why are we at the edge of Elbaf?"
"Huh? Zoro?"
The Straw Hat crew, still riding on the giants' shoulders, quickly noticed Roronoa Zoro standing ahead. His posture was tense, his expression sharp with battle intent.
In front of him stood Shirogai, smiling calmly as he faced them.
"Shirogai, why did you bring us here?"
Usopp waved his arms excitedly.
"We want to see Luffy fight the giant cursed prince. Hurry and take us back!"
Shirogai chuckled softly, then spoke in a tone that instantly froze Usopp.
"Your father is coming."
"...What?"
Usopp, standing atop the giant Brogy, widened his eyes.
"My father… is coming?"
"Usopp, who is your father?"
Tony Tony Chopper tugged at him curiously.
"Ow!"
Caught off guard, Usopp lost his balance and slipped off the giant's shoulder.
Bang!
A perfect Usopp-shaped imprint formed on the ground.
"Ahhh! Usopp, are you okay?!"
Chopper leaned over in panic, shouting down.
"Ptooey! Ptooey!"
Usopp spat out dirt as he pulled his head from the ground, ignoring the pain.
"Shirogai, did you say Yasopp?"
His eyes widened in shock.
"Does that mean the Red Hair Pirates are coming to Elbaf?!"
He quickly grasped the real meaning behind Shirogai's words.
It was not about a reunion. It was about one of the Four Emperors arriving.
"Yes."
Shirogai nodded with a faint smile.
Nami crossed her arms, her expression turning serious.
"The Red Hair Pirates… led by Shanks. Another Emperor."
Chopper blinked, looking up.
"Wait, is that the Shanks Luffy always talks about? The one who gave him the Straw Hat?"
Nami nodded slowly.
"Yes. But why would they suddenly come to Elbaf now?"
None of the Straw Hats doubted Shirogai. With his overwhelming strength and influence, information like this reaching him first was natural.
Sanji exhaled smoke from his cigarette, his brows slightly furrowed.
"The timing is too perfect. We just arrived, and now one of the Four Emperors shows up. They are most likely here for us."
His gaze shifted toward the giant chiefs.
"Did you inform them of our arrival?"
The giants exchanged uncertain looks.
They had a strong relationship with the Red Hair Pirates, but everything had happened too quickly. None of them had sent any message.
"We did not."
Sanji's expression darkened.
"Then that confirms it. They came on their own."
"Hehehe! Maybe they just want to see Luffy!"
Chopper bounced excitedly.
"If that were the case…"
Sanji tilted his head, glancing at Zoro.
"That idiot swordsman would not be this tense."
Zoro stood still, his aura sharp and focused, like a blade ready to be drawn.
"Only a worthy opponent gets him like this."
"Hmph."
Zoro ignored the insult and looked straight at Shirogai.
"When will they arrive?"
His battle spirit was already surging.
"Soon."
Shirogai's smile deepened slightly.
"They are here."
In the distance, a pirate ship surged through the waves.
A black flag fluttered high above it, marked with a skull bearing three scars across its left eye and crossed swords behind it.
The Red Hair Pirates had arrived.