"He must navigate through these troubled times!" Shanks' voice rose, a flash of urgency in his eyes telling Garp that time was running out.
"Otherwise... it'll be too late!"
"Hmph!" Garp's cold laugh cut through the silent air like ice. He crossed his arms. "What damned balance! What damned troubled times!"
The old Marine took a step forward, the sand exploding into a deep crater beneath his feet.
His powerful presence seemed to freeze the very air around them.
"Luffy has my protection, what trouble could possibly befall him?! Throughout my life, I've weathered countless storms, guarding the peace and justice of these seas. Do you think I'd let any harm come to Luffy?" His gaze pierced Shanks like a blade.
His voice was suppressed with fury. "And you! Time and again, you've set your sights on my grandson... What exactly are you scheming?! Or do you have some ulterior motive?"
As he spoke, Garp's iron fist was once again coated in jet-black Armament Haki.
The dense energy materialized like a tangible substance, forming a layer of black mist around his fist.
The Red Force lay anchored like a silent steel behemoth. On its deck, the sea wind howled, carrying a salty dampness that rustled the crew's clothing.
Shanks remained silent.
Beckman stood by the ship's railing, the cigarette between his fingers flickering as wisps of smoke curled upward before being scattered by the sea breeze.
He lowered his head, his gaze penetrating the thin veil of smoke to rest on Yasopp nearby.
His voice was soft, barely a murmur.
"Still the same hot-tempered old man."
Shanks stood motionless, his silhouette stretching long in the fading sunset.
He let out a soft sigh.
Raising his single arm, he signaled the crew to remain calm.
The crew members ceased their activities one by one, their eyes focusing on Shanks as they awaited his instructions.
Shanks' gaze never left Garp.
He stared intently into Garp's rock-solid eyes, trying to see through the Marine hero's unwavering determination.
The scar beneath his red hair throbbed faintly—a remnant of past battles. He knew that once this old man set his mind on something, he wouldn't change course.
Unless he revealed part of the truth, Garp would never allow Luffy to set sail again.
"Come with me." Shanks' voice was low and powerful, breaking the silence.
He turned and walked toward a secluded cluster of reefs along the shore.
His hand rested lightly on Griffin's hilt as he moved with steady, determined steps.
Garp narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on Shanks' retreating back, his mind filled with confusion about what the pirate was plotting.
After a moment's hesitation, he gritted his teeth and followed. He needed to understand what Shanks intended to do.
The two moved single file through several massive reefs. These rocks, polished smooth by years of wave erosion, reflected the sunset's glow.
Their footsteps made crisp sounds among the rocks, interweaving with the rhythm of waves crashing against the shore.
Finally, they reached a natural cave carved out by the sea. The entrance was narrow, surrounded by dense seaweed and shellfish, keeping it concealed.
Sunset rays filtered through rock crevices, casting mottled shadows on the damp stone walls.
Leaning against the rock wall, Shanks produced an aged flask from his chest.
The flask showed its years, with much of its lacquer peeled away to reveal the mottled metal beneath.
He tilted his head back and took a swig, the spicy liquid flowing down his throat making him squint.
Then he tossed the flask to Garp, his eyes revealing a hint of expectation.
"Old man, have you heard of 'Sun God Nika'?" Shanks' voice echoed through the stone cave.
Garp's hand paused as he caught the flask, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
He stared intently at Shanks, trying to read his expression.
"What Nika? What the hell is that? I don't know, stop speaking in riddles!"
Shanks brushed his hand over the sword sheath at his waist, his gaze growing profound and distant.
"Before his death, Captain Roger entrusted the straw hat to me..." His voice was low and measured.
"And I passed it to Luffy in the East Blue. This wasn't a coincidence, Garp."
His gaze pierced through the stone cave as if looking into the distant past, those bygone years flashing through his mind.
The sea wind howled through the cave entrance, carrying a salty dampness that made the light and shadows on the rock walls sway.
From afar came Luffy's anxious shouts, the sound blurred by the wind, yet at this moment, it felt as if it came from another world. Luffy's cries were filled with worry and unease.
He didn't know what was happening between his grandfather and Shanks, only hoping to see them soon.
Garp tightened his grip on the liquor flask, his knuckles turning white.
Anger surged in his heart—he felt Shanks was deliberately being cryptic.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Garp's voice carried a hint of impatience.
Shanks looked directly into Garp's eyes.
His pupils burned like flames in the dim light, flashing with resolute determination.
"Joy Boy's will needs to awaken, and Luffy... is the one destined to carry this will."
Though his voice wasn't loud, it was filled with power, carrying an intangible pressure.
"Nonsense!" Garp smashed the liquor flask against the ground.
The sound of metal crashing against rock exploded through the stone cave, shattering the heavy atmosphere.
"My grandson is just a dreamy fool!"
Garp's face was full of anger.
He didn't believe these inexplicable words from Shanks, trusting only what he could see and feel.
In the dim cave, the atmosphere seemed shrouded by an intangible haze.
Shanks stood quietly, his posture upright and unwavering, impervious to external disturbances.
He lowered his head, reaching into his chest pocket with a solemn motion, as if the object he carried bore the weight of the entire world.
He produced an ancient stone tablet rubbing from his pocket.