Chapter 270: I See You Have an Extraordinary Bone Structure

Treating golden leeks.

Never let them grow alone in the wild, exposed to the elements.

Though the sun, rain, wind, and waves might make the leeks thrive, there's also a high chance they could grow crooked and ugly.

So harvesting—

No.

Regular pruning and maintenance are essential!

How can we fleece this young fat lamb, Shanks, of his golden wool?

Maybe, how can we milk this fat cow, Shanks, for it milk?

Maybe, how can we make this goose, Shanks, lay more golden eggs?

It's going in weird direction, so let's end this.

Adrian looked Shanks up and down, involuntarily stroking his chin.

Currently, Shanks' strength hadn't reached a notable level; he wasn't yet the future sea emperor who would shake the world, nor the (allegedly) second greatest swordsman in the world.

Hoping for an S-class challenge task like with Charlotte Linlin, Whitebeard, or Garp was pure daydreaming!

Not even an A-class challenge would be possible!

Shanks, who had just officially set out to sea, despite his experience with the Roger Pirates, couldn't possibly have the strength of the present-day Kaido of the Beasts.

The most powerful swordsmanship and Conqueror's Haki Shanks possessed both required significant time to develop!

However, to gain those mouth-watering skills or talents from Shanks, aside from triggering a task, Adrian had no other way.

So, he could only approach it from Shanks' personal perspective.

Except for certain specific situations, any protagonist-type character has extraordinary aspirations and determination.

Future Red-Haired Shanks, one of the sea emperors, was no exception.

But the issue was, even after becoming one of the Four Emperors, Shanks' actions remained shrouded in mystery.

Two points were particularly perplexing.

First, as one of the Four Emperors, why did Shanks intervene in the Summit War? Letting the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marine Headquarters fight to the death would better serve a pirate emperor's interests, wouldn't it?

Second, as one of the Four Emperors, how could Shanks enter the Holy Land Mary Geoise and meet with the Five Elders? Even having a calm discussion with the top echelons of the World Government?

{Shanks, Figarland, what do you think????}

Adrian meticulously recalled every detail of Shanks' actions in the original story, concluding with just two words.

Balance.

Maintaining the balance of the sea, the balance between pirates and marines.

This seemed to be the root of all Red-Haired Shanks' actions.

At this moment, relying on his extraordinary willpower, Shanks barely snapped out of his unwilling childhood memories.

He immediately noticed the probing gaze of White Ghost upon him.

Recalling what Rumi had just said, and the blue-haired friend he hadn't seen for over two years, Shanks' expression and demeanor tightened. He crossed his arms defensively and hurriedly stepped back two steps.

"I don't want to play this game!"

"I don't like this at all—"

Adrian was jolted out of his contemplation by Shanks' twofold refusal but still couldn't think of a suitable way to trigger a task.

Who could understand the pain of having a golden leek right in front of you but no suitable tools to harvest it?

Adrian had considered directly pulling up the leek...

But the problem was, even if he did, it might not trigger a task!

In the end.

Even with numerous talents and abilities, including the protagonist's standard [Advanced Lucky Aura (Pseudo)].

Just setting sail, Shanks hadn't yet fully realized his potential.

At this point, he was just a low-level swordsman, barely above level 70!

Adrian had slain dozens like him in Paradise, if not a hundred.

But if he were to kill this promising talent now…

Wouldn't that be a waste?

A feast now or endless feasts later.

Adrian could tell the difference.

Seeing the White Ghost remain silent, Shanks grew more nervous.

Adrian suddenly asked, "What did you just say?"

"Hmm?" Shanks cautiously looked at Adrian and asked, "Didn't you hear what I was saying?"

"Oh! Adrian! I know what Shanks just said!" Rumi cheerfully flew over, raising her hand proudly.

"Don't!!" Shanks shouted.

"Don't say it—"

"Oh, Shanks! You're so annoying!" Rumi glared at Shanks, clearly upset by his rude attitude.

"Never mind, it's okay, Rumi." Adrian conjured a small ball of energy and placed it into Rumi's body, her usual way of feeding.

"Go ask Love to prepare some food."

Rumi patted her belly and flew off the deck to find Love.

Adrian then turned to Shanks.

"I heard Rumi call you Shanks, right?"

"Yes!" Shanks nodded. "And you? I only know you as the White Ghost."

"Call me Adrian."

Recalling what Adrian had said earlier, Shanks quickly asked, "Adrian, you mentioned Captain Roger had a wife. Is that true?"

"You'll understand better when you meet Douglas Bullet later on."

"Bullet?" Shanks was surprised. "You've met that cold guy too?"

Cold?

Adrian raised an eyebrow.

No, that guy's just a tsundere!

"Actually, I've met several members or acquaintances of the Roger Pirates."

Adrian began to list them.

"Crocus at Twin Cape, Tom in Water 7, Kozuki Oden in Wano, Douglas Bullet from Windmill Village in the East Blue, and now you."

Shanks's expression lit up with excitement.

"So many people! Thanks for the information, Adrian! I'll throw a party with every one of them when we meet!"

Adrian wasn't surprised by Shanks's reaction.

Even after forming the Red-Haired Pirates, the egalitarian crew's favorite pastime was throwing parties anytime, anywhere.

"By the way, Adrian, have you always been alone?" Shanks asked, suddenly curious as he looked around the Abyss.

"I'm forming my pirate crew now. Adrian, do you want to join?"

"Me?" Adrian pointed at himself, surprised. "Are you sure you're talking about me?"

"Of course!" Shanks beamed. "Want to be my crewmate?"

Join your crew and hand over the Abyss and myself to you?

To be your lackey?

Ugh!

You might not look bad, but you're quite the dreamer!

Adrian was speechless. "Who taught you business?"

"No one!" Shanks scratched his head, laughing. "Adrian, don't you really want to be my crewmate?"

Adrian scrutinized Shanks.

"How about this!?

"You seem average, but you could make a decent subordinate.?

"I'm thinking of taking you in as my... err... sword boy. How does that sound?"

Shanks blankly asked, "What's a sword boy?"

"It's when I fight, and you stand behind me holding the scabbard, making up numbers and looking good!"

Adrian was reluctant to let such a prime talent slip away.

Better to take him whole!

Or,

Send Shanks to the small sky island, and let him be a guard with Enel.

Even if Shanks didn't grow into a future Emperor of the Sea, he'd at least become a Warlord-level fighter with his talent.

That would be enough!

As for Shanks's own thoughts…

Who cares!

"Though it sounds interesting, I won't be someone's crew member or bodyguard." Shanks firmly refused.

"I'm going to be a pirate captain!"