His Intuition

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Hidden behind the dense foliage of trees on the elevated terrain opposite the forest entrance, two silhouettes silently observed the unfolding scene below...

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The location they had chosen was precarious, situated on a steep cliffside that dropped into a treacherous ravine. The rugged terrain made it an impossible task for anyone to enter the forest without a means of bypassing the challenging landscape. As a result, there was no sign of any marines standing guard in the vicinity.

"Your ability is remarkably convenient, doctor. I can't even fathom the effort it would have taken us to reach this spot," remarked the taller individual, genuinely impressed by their vantage point.

The said doctor, his demeanour reserved, replied, "Yes, it does come at a cost though..." He then gestured towards the direction of the Forest entrance, "If they're coming from that way, it will take them some time to reach this deep part. We must reach our designated location before they do and act swiftly."

"Agreed. It would certainly be easier if we make our way to Ashar, the Hermit's home area. That should serve as our starting point for the investigation," responded the taller figure, contemplating their next moves.

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While the spotted-hat-wearing brunette was formulating a plan, Shanks couldn't help but closely observed the man crouching just inches away from him...

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The intense and chilling malicious aura he had sensed earlier had now vanished, concealed beneath a carefully constructed facade. The man appeared to be his usual stoic and pragmatic self. However, Shanks knew better. With his exceptional Haki skills, he could sense the additional layer of mental burdens weighing heavily on the young brunet, adding to the already substantial weight he had perceived since their first encounter the day before.

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This intrigued the red-haired captain...

'How is it that this slim-figured man, probably only in his twenties, carries such a profound emotional burden? What life experiences and hardships has he endured?' The older guy marvelled.

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Furthermore, not only did he bear these burdens, but he also harboured a multitude of unfathomable secrets... 'And what reasons do you have to keep all these enigmas hidden, doctor?'

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Shanks, being a true pirate at heart, was always drawn to mysteries, especially the ones that posed a challenge. This young surgeon, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere in his life, embodied precisely just that.

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His intuition told him then... that the enigmatic figure beside him would somehow have a significant impact on his life in the future, in a distinctive way from any of his close-knitted crew-mates...

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