In the howling storm, the newly launched Redfox was speeding towards the Red Earth Continent.
Red-haired Shanks stood at the bow, draped in a cloak, staring at the horizon with a heavy gaze.
"How long until we reach Shampodi?" he asked without turning his head.
"Boss, under the best conditions, it'll still take about two to three hours."
Intelligence officer Honjo sighed worriedly, "Who knows if we'll be in time, ugh, it's just that our intelligence gathering is too slow..."
"No, Honjo, your intelligence feedback is quite timely. Ultimately, it's the Endgame group that's too elusive, appearing and disappearing mysteriously."
Yasopp wiped the gun barrel, frowned and interjected:
"Strange, I can't figure out how they do it. That group mysteriously appeared in Shampodi, launched a surprise attack, and in the sea filled with Whitebeard's men and Navy surveillance ships, they weren't discovered."
"That man can get to this point, naturally there are secrets we can't grasp."
Beckman, with a cigarette in his mouth, glanced at the captain ahead:
"Let's not worry about that now, Shanks. As for the World Government and Navy Headquarters, I reckon they won't have much of a problem, they'll show you some respect. But Shano? Do you think with that guy's personality, doing all this, he'll stop the battle because of our intervention?"
"..."
Shanks fell silent, recalling last year's encounter in Black Stone City, and finally shook his head:
"Difficult."
Among the people he had met, that man's faith was the strongest and most unwavering.
"But no matter what, we have to try."
Shanks squinted his eyes, "Judging by the current situation, although Shampodi is chaotic, at least no Heavenly Celestial Dragon has died, so there's still room for negotiation on both sides."
Even if there's just a sliver of chance, he has to seize it.
You're too reckless, Shano.
The tide of the new era has indeed been made unstoppable by your sudden emergence, but crashing onto the land is still too early, too early...
The balance of the sea should be broken, but not now.
"Why can't you wait a little longer, a few more years?"
Shanks extended a hand, feeling the rain hit his palm, murmuring softly, "Why rush, when a few years, just a few years would be enough."
Once that kid awakens, won't all the problems be effortlessly resolved?
Luffy...
————
Amazon, Lily.
"Another dull day..."
A lazy, graceful silhouette lay on the windowsill, resting her chin in one hand, staring blankly at the distant sky.
In this isolated kingdom in the Windless Zone, there is little communication with the outside world, not to mention Radio Snail broadcasts—News Birds are unwilling to pass through this area—you have to send people out to collect newspapers and bring them back if you want to see the news.
In the distance, two female guards whispered at the steps below.
"What's wrong with the Snake Princess today?"
"Who knows? Since the last hunt, she's often been like this..."
Speaking of which.
The Snake Princess's temperament remains aloof and fiery, but since returning that day, she's inexplicably become more approachable.
At least she no longer demands an impossible list of tasks or treats them like they don't matter.
Even Granny Zaz's newspapers...
"Hey, you two." Hancock suddenly turned, slightly agitated, "Hasn't the latest newspaper arrived yet?"
"Not yet." The female guard jumped in surprise and cautiously replied, "But it's coming soon. According to previous patterns, Granny Zaz should bring the newspaper into the palace to find you the day after tomorrow morning."
"The day after tomorrow morning?"
Hancock turned her head back, puffed her cheeks, and grumbled, "Ah, what's the deal with that old woman... Hey! Remember to wake me up first thing when it arrives."
"Yes, Snake Princess!"
After the guards responded, things fell silent, and they looked at each other, bewildered.
It's really strange.
What changed the Snake Princess, who was indifferent to the outside world, into someone who loves reading newspapers?
————
Wano Country.
On the grass, Quinn and King stood together with peculiar expressions, watching the father and daughter ahead, sitting cross-legged side by side, absorbed in watching a screen.
For how long...
How long since the two of them met without arguing and peacefully sat together?
Kaido was unaware of what the two were thinking, seemingly focused on the screen, while actually sneaking glances at his daughter now and then.
Weird, where had she heard about Shano, and why did she actively suggest watching this broadcast together?
But it doesn't matter.
He was glad to witness this scene.
Shano, this kid, whether in strength or courage, had gained his approval, and if Yamato was infatuated, it was no big deal. Better than her tying a shimenawa, shouting she's Oden all day.
Just treat it as a desperate remedy—maybe it'll work.
"Hey, Kaido."
Yamato suddenly spoke.
"?"
Kaido snapped back to reality, frowned with a hint of displeasure, "Hey, since I've met your request, kid, shouldn't you correct your address for me."
"Kaido, watch the screen, don't look at me."
Yamato remained unfazed, coldly stating, "The key turning point has already appeared. This war, lasting until now, I think, is about to end."
Hm?
Kaido was surprised, couldn't hide his watching behavior anymore, and quickly turned to the screen ahead.
Indeed.
He narrowed his eyes; it seemed, as Yamato said, it was really coming to an end...
————
Boom!
Amidst the intense explosion, Sentomaru spat out a mouthful of blood, and the last two Peacekeepers simultaneously collapsed on the ground.
Crackle... Click!
The faces of the two Peacekeepers flashed with electricity a few times, finally dimming entirely, losing response.
"That's it, fatty!"
Jack stomped on Sentomaru's face with a grin, "Although these robots contributed a lot, managing to hold out against me this long means you do have some skills!"
This guy, generally average in other aspects.
Except in defense, which was truly formidable—even compared with his thick-skinned self, it wasn't far off!
"..."
Sentomaru barely opened his eyes, seemingly wanting to say something.
But having been beaten for so long, his willpower was at its limit; ultimately, his head tilted, and he fainted.
"Consider yourself lucky."
Jack snorted coldly and released his foot.
He remembered the boss mentioning to carefully handle those associated with Vegapunk, as they might be useful in the future. Confirming Sentomaru's loss of combat ability, he couldn't be bothered anymore.
He pulled the scythe from the wrecked Peacekeeper beside him and looked to the right.
Boom boom!
The dull, drum-like rumbling continued. That was Kuma thrashing two members of the Divine Knight Order, creating such commotion.
Jack had long noticed the abilities of those two members of the Divine Knight Order were quite bizarre and troublesome.
One could manipulate arrows unreasonably, evading damage aimed at him;
The other summoned numerous giant, black monsters, attacking Kuma from all directions.
Yet even so, Kuma maintained the upper hand, always exploiting high-speed teleportation to find openings, delivering harsh blows to those two Divine Knights members.
Either blasting heads or piercing chests...
If it were ordinary people, they'd be dead beyond revival by now.
But the Divine Knight Order members were evidently not ordinary.
Having their heads blasted off, they'd regenerate new heads in an instant, and when chests were pierced, they'd reform their bodies after black mist flickered.
Is this so-called "Undying Body"?
Jack imagined exchanging positions with Kuma against these two and felt he'd grow increasingly impatient, wishing to shred them into pieces.
Looking at Kuma's appearance...
Strange, why does he seem to be relishing it?
——————
PS: Continuing to stay up late writing, there's one more update.