What Lies Beneath

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In an instant, Red Hair Shanks felt a powerful surge of Haki sweeping across him—-an unsettling blend of seething rage and icy killing intent.

With a swift turn, he scanned the surroundings, searching for the source of this unexpected burst, only to be met with a surprise. It originated from none other than the enigmatic dark- haired doctor, now standing motionless like a statue behind him... Question raced through the redhead's mind,'What is this about?' he wondered.

However, the gravity of the situation demanded his attention back to the figure before him—

The Island's Ruler.

The middle-aged man stood tall, his appearance striking with hair split evenly between white and grey, an expressionless face, and attire that exuded both opulence and class. "I am Bogart Whitestone... the Ruler of this island. It is my pleasure to meet you...Red Hair Shanks, and your formidable crew," he announced, before breaking into a warm smile...

"Allow me to express my utmost gratitude for your impressive feat in subduing the relentless Basilisk Pirates. Your actions have restored peace into our country, as they had plagued our people for far too long..."

Bogart extended his hand towards Shanks's remaining arm, who reciprocated with a cautious handshake, before interjecting, "That may not be such a big deal, and we believe there are more pressing matters that require immediate attention...sir."

"Oh, is that so..?" The Lord replied, calling for Fugar to approach him and provide a report on the situation. "Why did the marines' investigation encounter obstacles, when we have been eagerly awaiting their arrival to aid in the search for your grandsons all this time?"

The old advisor felt a wave of unease flooding him as he reluctantly approached the Lord, attempting to explain his actions, "Please accept my deepest apologies for my hasty decision, My Lord..! As the marines had yet to arrive, I sought the assistance of the Red Hair Pirates to enter the Forbidden Forest! My hope was to mount a timely rescue for those who were captured within the Basilisks' territory..!"

Bogart raised his hand, signalling for the Marines to clear the area, creating a private space for him and his subordinate to converse...

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"Tell me, Fugar," he calmly began, his tone measured, "Why...when we finally rid ourselves of the Basilisks, the very pirates you despised, did you involve another group of pirates in our country's affairs? Do you wish for us to once again be indebted to them and find ourselves in a similar situation as before?"

"No, no... That was never my intention, My Lord!" Fugar exclaimed, his voice laden with guilt. He stumbled over his words, attempting to explain himself, but his Lord interjected with a gentle tone...

"There's no need for further explanation, Fugar. I understand the depth of your concern for your grandsons. Now that the marines have arrived to lend their assistance, I suggest we initiate our investigations immediately. The lives of our people are at stake...Do you agree?"

"Of course, My Lord!" Fugar eagerly confirmed, his determination shining through.

"Then, in order to ensure the smooth progress of the operation, I believe it is necessary for no one else to interfere... Could you kindly request the Red Hair Pirates to withdraw their involvement and allow us to handle this matter ourselves?"

"I will do as you say, My Lord! It was my own doing, so it is my responsibility to rectify it!" Fugar replied, accepting the task at hand.

As he turned to depart, Lord Bogart added, "Now that the marines are present, it is crucial that we promptly hand over the Basilisk Pirates to them. It is too risky to let any of them remain on our island, whether captured or not. As my trusted chief advisor, I have faith that you will know how to handle this situation appropriately."

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"Ah, this is quite troublesome. It appears things aren't working in our favor," raised Punch thoughtfully.

"That Lord seems to have a firm grip on the old man," observed Beckman. "And it seems they will take custody of the Basilisks as well," added Limejuice. "What should we do...Chief?" asked Yasopp hesitantly...

The Red Hair Pirates collectively arrived at the same conclusion, using their observation Haki to eavesdrop on the private conversation between Lord Bogart and his advisor, a relatively easy task, considering the proximity of their discussion.

The sudden turn of events caught them by surprise...however, for Lord Bogart displayed a rational concern given the trials this country had endured for the past years. At the end of the day, they were still pirates, who possess even greater power than the Basilisks.

In that moment, Fugar expectedly approached them, and requested their cooperation in handing over the captured pirates and temporarily retreat...

With utmost humility, the old advisor bowed before them, offering his sincere apologies, "Please forgive this desperate old man for creating such inconvenient circumstances for you, Red Hair Pirates! We truly appreciate your kind determination to assist us! However, we believe that the best course of action at present is to allow the marines to carry out their work..."

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Red Hair Shanks pondered over the situation for a few moments before flashing a wide smile, "No problem, Fugar-san! The most important thing is to help save the Hermit and the boys, isn't it? It doesn't matter who accomplishes the task!" Shanks declared, his gaze sweeping across his comrades, "As for us, we shall retreat for the time being... Alright, guys?!"

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The others murmured their agreements...

"Okay, if that's what we have to do.."

"We'll keep our fingers crossed for your search, old man!"

Shanks then issued an order, directing specific crew members, "Yasopp, Limejuice, and Punch, head to our camp and bring all the captives here! There's no use keeping them with us any longer!"

"Roger, Chief!" The designated crew members responded in unison, ready to carry out their captain's command.

Shanks now turned to his first mate, Benn, and issued a directive, "Benn, I want you to go observe the situation on the island's shoreline for now. Look for any Marines' abnormal activities."

Beckman raised an eyebrow, a knowing grin spreading across his face..."Why, Chief? Has your intuition struck again?" Asked the chain-smoking brunet.

"It just might have..." Chuckled the redhead..."We'll see."

As the crew members began to disperse, their attention was suddenly drawn to the tattooed- doctor approaching their captain, his expression inscrutable... The aura surrounding the young man felt remarkably different from when they first met him only a day before, though they couldn't quite put their fingers on why...

"I overheard their conversation too, Red Hair-ya..." The doctor began, his tone firm, face hidden under the brim of his spotted-hat...

"And even though I'm not fully aware of the details of the situation here, there's one thing I can assure you..." he paused briefly before looking up straight at the taller man...

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"Do not trust a single word coming out of that Lord's mouth." .

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Shanks was slightly taken aback by the absoluteness in that short sentence and the coldness in its speaker's golden eyes...

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And before he could respond, the lean surgeon quietly said, "Come with me, and I'll get you into that Forest without anyone of them even noticing."

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