The conversation between Shanks and Rolan had been intense, filled with discussion about the secrets hidden deep within the world. Neither party had any room to interject, and the atmosphere grew heavy with implication and unspoken tension.
But just when the heaviness threatened to suffocate all hope of light conversation, the subject changed. The mood shifted instantly, lightening like a summer breeze.
"Boss, it smells incredible! There's a noodle shop up ahead, it must be amazing," came Lucky Roux's cheerful voice from behind, punctuated by a loud slurp.
He couldn't help it — he even wiped drool from the corner of his mouth, grinning like someone who hadn't eaten in weeks.
Shanks, too, breathed in deeply, a broader grin forming on his face. Wow, it really did smell good. This entire street was lined with enticing foods and drinks, each more delicious scent than the last. Shanks couldn't help laughing in delight. Haki warmth emanated from him in a very chill, inviting way even as he looked forward to the feast.
He turned toward Rolan, chuckling easily, "Hahaha, I think we should fill our stomachs first."
Rolan only raised a brow, momentarily taken aback by how quickly Shanks's mood switched from grave to carefree. This man truly was a bundle of contradictions, shifting emotions like rolling tides.
"That proprietress is mighty pretty, I wonder if her husband's around," Benn Beckman said in a steady drawl, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it with casual elegance.
Lucky Roux snorted, "Hey, hey, looks like our resident playboy is back in business again?"
Beckman exhaled a ring of smoke, eyes glinting with sly amusement, "You don't get it. I just want to give them a warm harbor in this cold world, that's all." His tone was deliberately naive, though everyone knew he was mostly teasing.
"Tch," Yasopp grumbled with a roll of his eyes, "I got a disease where I'll die if I don't eat good food."
"Hey, hey, I know, I know," Shanks said, clapping Yasopp on the shoulder with unrestrained affection.
Then Shanks looked at Rolan, eyes warm beneath the scarlet hair, "Rolan, go about your business for now. Let us explore your kingdom first."
Rolan just stood silent for a moment, staring at these undeniably unreliable pirates — and for a moment, couldn't reconcile them with the fearsome reputation of an Emperor‑level crew. If someone had caught sight of them now, jaws would drop at the contrast.
Seeing Rolan's expression, Shanks laughed heartily, the sound hearty and infectious, "Hahaha! Don't worry, we're not bad people, we won't cause any trouble in Peach Garden."
Rolan nodded coolly. Of course he believed Shanks wouldn't cause trouble — such men didn't need reassuring — and without another word, he vanished from the plaza.
A moment later, Shanks turned his head and asked Beckman, "Beckman, what do you think of this Rolan?"
Beckman took a slow drag, exhaling smoke into the open air, "It's hard to judge whether a person's good or evil from such brief contact. But so far? Seems solid. And you're right — Peach Garden isn't as simple as it looks."
The others surveyed the bustling kingdom around them. Peach Garden was vibrant, lively, and prosperous — unlike what someone would expect from a place "ruled" by pirates.
Shanks just chuckled, ever relaxed, "Hahaha, no matter. Let's eat first."
As Shanks and his crew strolled down the street, the crowd whispered and buzzed with recognition.
"Isn't that Red Hair Shanks?"
"You mean that Four Emperors Shanks? Here of all places?"
"What is he doing in Peach Garden?"
"Looks like they're just sightseeing."
"They say more and more people are coming to Peach Garden lately."
"That just shows how famous Peach Garden's getting."
"All thanks to our king."
"Kids, hurry home! School's almost out!"
"Disperse, go cook dinner. Don't just stare at Shanks or the Four Emperors!"
Shanks just stood there amidst the chatter, taking it all in, utterly unfazed.
Lucky Roux laughed from the side, "Boss, you're being ignored again!"
Shanks just grinned, "Hahaha! Partners, let's go, let's get a drink."
"Yeah, let's see how the wine in Peach Garden tastes," Yasopp said eagerly.
Beckman took note of the passing women with a lazy, appreciative gaze. "There are quite a few pretty ladies here, fair skin, long legs too. I should at least talk about life with someone tonight."
Lucky Roux stepped forward, indignant, "How can women be as good as food? Women lie, women leave, but food will never disappoint a devout eater."
Beckman looked him up and down with mock severity, "So what you're saying is I'm not a real man?"
Lucky Roux instantly spluttered in indignation, "I had a girlfriend before, alright?!"
Yasopp snorted with amusement, "I'd like to know who got squashed by his own woman."
Lucky Roux leaned so close to Yasopp that their faces almost touched, "Then who's the one who abandoned his wife and kid to jump on a pirate ship?"
"Baka! The sea was calling me," Yasopp said, reaching to push Luck's chubby cheek away.
The group walked on like this, laughter and words weaving into the festival bustle of Peach Garden.
Meanwhile, far beneath the waters of Fish‑Man Island…
"Reporting, Prince Fukaboshi! A pirate has arrived at Fisherman's Bay!"
At Ryugu Castle, Fukaboshi listened to the Den Den Mushi with a puzzled expression. "Didn't I tell you? If a pirate shows up and doesn't cause trouble, you don't need to report it."
"But, Prince Fukaboshi, this pirate's identity is… unusual!" the voice insisted.
"What identity?"
The Den Den Mushi crackled with excitement. "It's the Second Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates… Gold Emperor Ace!"
Fukaboshi froze, eyes widening at the words. This wasn't a standard pirate — this was a commander under Whitebeard himself, and that meant instant respect — and potential danger.
"Understood," he said at last, his voice steady but alert, "I'll head there immediately."
He ended the call and turned to Ryuboshi and Manboshi, both seated nearby with serious looks. "Let's move. We're going to meet this Gold Emperor Ace."
Ryuboshi blinked lightly, perplexed at Ace's unexpected mention. "Why would someone of that calibre come here? I hope he's not looking to cause trouble."
Fukaboshi shook his head. Fish‑Man Island was now aligned with Rolan's crew, Ion Tempest. Still, he couldn't shake his concern. Whitebeard Pirates were ferocious, and now that Ace was here, anything could happen.
"Prince Manboshi," Fukaboshi continued, voice firm with a sense of duty, "stay ready. We won't know his intentions until we greet him."
With that, the three princes moved swiftly toward Fisherman's Bay.
Down the path, Ace walked with relaxed footsteps, completely oblivious to the flurry of fish‑folk preparing to greet him. His presence carried confidence and ease, an aura of strength befitting a commander second only to Whitebeard himself.
Fukaboshi's heart thumped uncertainly. Ace's reputation was worth hearing about even among humans — and now he stood just a few meters away.
When Fukaboshi finally approached, bowing respectfully, Ace's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he smiled easily, big and open.
"I am Ace," he announced, voice warm and relaxed, "nice to meet you."
Fukaboshi bowed again, feeling a weight lift off his chest at Ace's friendly tone.
"I must ask," Fukaboshi began carefully, "what brings you to Fish‑Man Island?"
Ace laughed heartily, relaxed and breezy. "Eh, I'm just passing through."
"Oh," Fukaboshi said, visibly relieved but still curious.
Ace scratched the back of his head, then grinned. "Actually, wait. I came here for something… but I forgot. No matter. Let's eat first."
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