Speaking of Lloyd and Shanks, these two brothers had both endured strange fates. One had fought through a desperate escape during the God Valley incident, while the other had been discovered like a prize from a blind box. In a way, they truly were a pair of ill-fated brothers.
Shanks, however, had no memory of what happened back then. All he knew was that he had been picked up from God Valley.
Lloyd spread his hands slightly and said,
"What? Do you want to come back with me to see Uncle Garling, that is, your father?"
Shanks fell silent for a moment before replying,
"He should have known about my existence long ago, right? Why has he never looked for me all these years?"
"You should ask him that yourself."
"No. I want him to tell me personally."
Lloyd paused, momentarily speechless, then let out a quiet sigh.
"Alright, alright. You really are similar to Uncle Garling in this regard. You are both so stubborn."
As he spoke, Lloyd reached into his coat. Beckman and the others immediately tensed, their guard rising again. Shanks, however, remained completely calm.
The black mist surrounding Lloyd had already dissipated, and Shanks's Observation Haki detected no hostility from him. More importantly, after learning Lloyd was his brother, Shanks no longer felt the need to be wary.
Under the watchful eyes of the crew, Lloyd pulled out a box of cigarettes. He took one and handed it to Shanks.
Shanks blinked, then shook his head.
"I do not smoke."
"This is specially supplied to the Fleet Admiral. You will not find it on the market. Try it."
After a brief hesitation, Shanks accepted it and placed it between his lips. Lloyd smirked faintly, then ignited it with a small flame from his fingertip. The sudden burst of fire nearly singed Shanks's hair.
Shanks instinctively stepped back. When he noticed the faint amusement in Lloyd's expression, he shot him an annoyed look.
Lloyd then glanced at Beckman and the others, who had been silently observing.
"Let your companions handle their matters. We need to talk alone."
Beckman frowned and stepped forward.
"You seem to misunderstand something. You are facing the entire Red Hair Pirates. Do you think this is Marineford?"
Lloyd shrugged lightly.
"Ah, that is right. I almost forgot I came alone this time."
His eyes narrowed slightly as his tone softened.
"But I do not mind putting in a bit more effort."
"What? You..."
Before Beckman could continue, Shanks raised his arm to stop him.
"That is enough, Beckman. Go back to the cabin. No one in this world can stop him. He could kill several of us and still leave unharmed."
Beckman's expression shifted, but before he could respond, a loud coughing sound echoed from behind them.
Yasopp, who had been lying on the ground, suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Hongou, the ship's doctor, rushed over immediately. As he reached out to assist, Lloyd spoke calmly,
"Be careful. Unless you want his ribs to pierce his heart."
Hongou froze for a split second, then carefully examined Yasopp. His face turned grim.
"His bones are shattered throughout his body. Get more people here, we need to lift him carefully."
Lucky Roo, Snake, and Rockstar rushed over at once. Together, they carefully lifted Yasopp and carried him into the cabin.
Shanks let out a quiet sigh and turned to the remaining crew members.
"You should go as well. I will join you shortly."
Beckman stared directly into Shanks's eyes.
"Are you certain you will come back?"
"I am. You are my most important companions."
"If that is true, then you should avenge Yasopp."
A conflicted expression appeared on Shanks's face. His fists tightened.
"Beckman, stop. I cannot do that."
"Shanks..."
"Did you not hear him? He told you to stop talking."
Beckman's instincts flared. He immediately raised his arms in defense.
In the next instant, his body was sent flying backward, crashing hard into the ship's railing.
A crimson palm print marked his arm. He lowered it slightly, his gaze locking onto Lloyd with deep caution.
Lloyd stood where Beckman had been moments before. He casually shook his hand, dispersing the black energy that had wrapped around it.
Gab and Limejuice reacted a beat too late, rushing forward to attack, but Beckman shouted sharply,
"Stop!"
They froze.
Beckman slowly walked back to Shanks's side.
"We will wait for you."
With that, he signaled the others, and they all retreated into the cabin.
Once inside, Limejuice could not hold back.
"Beckman, why did you stop us?"
Beckman glanced at the mark on his arm, his voice low and tense.
"Shanks is right. If we fought him, many of us would die. That man is a monster. There is a reason Kaido fell to him."
Silence followed.
Back on deck, only Lloyd and Shanks remained.
Lloyd walked to the railing, and Shanks followed.
Lighting another cigarette, Lloyd took a slow drag, then exhaled as the smoke drifted into the sea breeze.
"I have thought about it. You are not suitable to return right now."
Shanks frowned, clearly confused.
"Why?"
"When you speak to me, call me Brother. Otherwise, I might feel inclined to take a few heads before returning to Marineford."
Shanks paused, then nodded reluctantly.
"...Brother, what did you mean just now? Is it because I am a pirate?"
"No. Becoming a pirate is not your fault, and it is not a problem. A member of the Figarland Family can do as he pleases."
"But Brother, my situation is different from yours."
"It is. There is only one Fleet Admiral, but there is more than one Emperor of the Sea."
Shanks blinked, completely lost.
"What are you saying?"
Lloyd turned to face him fully, a faint smile forming on his lips.
"I want you to become the Pirate King."
Shanks froze. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"What?!"
He swallowed hard, staring at Lloyd.
"Brother... are you joking?"
"I do not have time for jokes." Lloyd's voice remained calm. "What is it? Do you think you are unworthy, or do you believe that the title of Pirate King must belong to that Straw Hat Luffy?"