New World
A majestic two-masted pirate ship cut through the turbulent waves.
The ship's bow was adorned with a red dragon head and its sleek hull was painted in a striking combination of red, black and white, exuding an extraordinary aura.
The Red Force.
The flagship of the newly crowned Emperor of the Sea, Shanks.
Standing at the ship bow, a Western-style sword at his waist, was none other than the captain of the Red-Haired Pirates, Shanks.
Before Orion, the Fleet Admiral of the Marines rose to prominence, Shanks was known as the strongest user of Conqueror's Haki.
Shanks not only held an almost overwhelming advantage in the realm of Conqueror's Haki but was also a master swordsman, having sparred with the world greatest swordsman Mihawk, several times without ever being defeated.
Of course, the rapid rise of the Red-Haired Pirates over the past two years, culminating in their ascension to the status of Emperor of the Sea six months ago, was not solely due to Shanks' immense strength.
His crew members were also renowned for their formidable abilities and with an exceptionally high average bounty.
Standing at the bow, Shanks allowed the fierce wind to whip his cloak as he gazed solemnly at the towering waves ahead.
To his left and right stood his first mate, Benn Beckman and the sniper, Yasopp.
"Boss~" Suddenly, a fat man wearing small sunglasses, holding a piece of fragrant roasted meat, quickly approached Shanks from behind.
Lucky Roux.
The chef of the Red-Haired Pirates.
With a hearty smile on his face, Lucky Roux took a bite of the juicy, greasy meat and mumbled with his mouth full.
"We're about to enter Whitebeard territory. If we force our way through to Fish-Man Island, it might upset Whitebeard."
As he spoke, Lucky Roux took another bite, savoring the delicious meat.
"Of course, we should pay a visit" Shanks replied, turning his head. "But given the gravity of the situation, I won't go personally this time. Send a crew member to the Moby Dick to convey my message."
"Understood" Lucky Roux nodded and immediately turned to run towards the ship galley.
Watching Lucky Roux disappear into the cabin, Benn Beckman took a drag from his cigarette and said seriously.
"Shanks, why are we in such a rush? With the New World in turmoil, if you don't bring fine wine and visit in person but instead send a crew member with a message, our passage through Fish-Man Island might not go smoothly. After all, Fish-Man Island is Whitebeard territory now!"
Hearing this, Shanks turned his head to look at Beckman and said in a deep voice.
"We're just passing through Fish-Man Island. If Whitebeard insists on making a fuss, then we'll fight!"
Before the words had fully left his mouth, Shanks' aura surged dramatically, revealing the unmistakable dominance of an Emperor of the Sea.
Seeing Shanks in such an uncharacteristic state, Beckman frowned slightly and tentatively asked.
"What kind of future did you see that's so alarming?"
"It's not about seeing the future—it's intuition!" Shanks stepped forward, placing a hand on his sword, his eyes fixed on the rolling waves ahead, a trace of concern flickering in his gaze.
"The Marine Admiral has suddenly launched a massive assault into the New World, targeting Kaido and Charlotte Linlin directly. If Kaido and Linlin are defeated..."
"Boss, boss—" Before Shanks could finish, Lucky Roux, who had run back to the galley and grabbed a piece of ham, suddenly returned to the deck and blurted out.
"We just received news—Kaido and Charlotte Linlin have been... executed by the Marines!"
"!!!!"
The moment these words were spoken, Shanks, Beckman and Yasopp all widened their eyes in unison, staring at Lucky Roux as if they had misheard it.
After a moment of silence, Shanks, still somewhat in disbelief, stepped forward to stand in front of Lucky Roux.
"When did this happen?"
"Ten hours ago!" Lucky Roux took a bite of the ham and continued "According to intelligence from Totto Land, after Charlotte Linlin was defeated, the Marine Fleet Admiral who led the assault on Whole Cake Island immediately ordered their execution. Along with them, King the Wild Fire and Queen the Plague of the Beasts Pirates, as well as three members of the Charlotte Family, were also executed!"
"What a ruthless Fleet Admiral!" Even Shanks couldn't help but take a sharp breath upon hearing how swiftly and decisively Kaido and Charlotte Linlin had been executed.
Ever since the coup at Marine Headquarters, he had been closely watching this Marine Fleet Admiral who had initiated the coup.
As the youngest and strongest among the Four Emperors who rule over the New World, he never underestimated any opponent.
He certainly didn't believe that a Marine Vice Admiral who dared to launch a coup and force the World Goverment to sign a treaty was just an ordinary Vice Admiral.
However, he still underestimated this Fleet Admiral.
It wasn't his strength that he was underestimating, but his methods.
Two of the Four Emperors who ruled the New World—just killed like that?
Even the World Government had to think twice before engaging in war with the Four Emperors.
Their combat units, including the God's Knights, had to receive direct orders from the World Goverment before daring to raise their swords against the Emperors.
"He really intends to end the Great Age of Pirates!"
After a brief moment of shock, Shanks waved his hand and commanded.
"No need to waste time going to Whitebeard territory. Full speed ahead to Fish-Man Island!"
"Understood!"
With those two words, Lucky Roo turned and ran out. But after just a few steps, Lucky Roo suddenly remembered something.
He stopped and turned back, asking curiously "Boss, why are we in such a hurry to leave the New World?"
Shanks no longer hid the truth and explained "This Fleet Admiral isn't just planning to end the Great Age of Pirates by conquering the New World. He's going to eliminate all potential threats before they even emerge!"
As he spoke, Shanks grabbed his severed arm and a flicker of worry crossed his eyes.
Seeing this, Benn Beckman and Yasopp, standing beside him, exchanged a knowing glance before looking up in unison, their faces filled with dread.
"You're betting on Luffy in Windmill Village?"
Shanks nodded solemnly. "My intuition tells me it won't be long before this Fleet Admiral discovers that secret. He might already know, which is why he suddenly issued a bounty order targeting pirates in the East Blue."
After a brief pause, Shanks shook off his earlier concern and looked up at Lucky Roo, who was still standing there in a daze.
With a bold tone, he declared "Lucky, speed up the ship. We're heading to the East Blue to protect the new era."
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