Crack—
Holy Land—Figarland Palace.
Figarland Garling, who was watching the live broadcast, crushed the glass in his hand. Red wine dripped from his fingers onto the expensive carpet.
A suppressed voice seeped from his throat, like a demon whispering.
"Shamrock… you dare defy my orders…"
…
"Someone!!"
—
—
"What's going on! Shanks actually came back…"
What surprised the Marines wasn't Shanks' appearance, but that after waiting a few seconds, they still hadn't seen Rear Admiral Griffin pursuing him.
What nonsense…
"Bastard!! What did you do to Rear Admiral Griffin!!"
"Where is Rear Admiral Griffin!! Answer me!!"
"You must have used some despicable method! If you dare say you defeated Rear Admiral Griffin, I'll definitely kill you!!"
…
Shanks, who had just landed, faced a barrage of questioning from the Marines, and the joy of seeing his companions safe was washed away.
"What… meaning?"
Yasopp, supported by a short, stout old man, frowned and asked: "I'm also curious… that guy didn't chase after us?"
Shanks tilted his head in confusion: "Why are you all talking about Uchiha Griffin?"
"I just escaped from Impel Down, I haven't seen him!"
"How could that be! Not long ago, didn't he knock you flying! You even subdued a very powerful Jailer Beast!"
…
"What exactly are you talking about?"
Swoosh—
Beckman appeared behind Shanks, looking heroic and spirited.
…
…
Unable to process it.
Yasopp and the others' minds simply couldn't process what they were seeing.
Years of companionship allowed them to recognize the beautiful mature woman before them as Beckman, but precisely because of that…
they couldn't understand at all!!
Beckman took a deep breath: "We'll talk about this later, first answer me… from what you're saying, did a 'Shanks' appear before us?"
…
After receiving confirmation, Beckman frowned tightly, turned and exchanged a glance with Shanks.
Meaning flowed in their eyes, both understanding what had happened.
Shanks had mentioned it to him before…
"It's him…"
Shanks exhaled deeply, his expression somewhat complicated: "I really didn't expect he would help me."
…
"Perhaps… because you are brothers."
Rayleigh broke away from the battle and joined the group.
His sword tip dripped crimson magma, his body had multiple burns, and his breathing was slightly hurried.
Opposite him,
Akainu had several sword wounds dripping blood. His Observation Haki couldn't fully foresee Rayleigh's attacks, so he was still injured.
He was also surprised by Shanks' appearance, which allowed him to stop attacking and give Rayleigh a chance to break away.
…
Gazing at Shanks, he spoke lowly:
"You couldn't possibly be a match for Griffin now, why are you the one who returned."
His gaze shifted to Beckman, and he snorted coldly: "Ivankov's ability? Even with you, it's impossible."
"Who else intervened to hold Griffin back?"
Ivankov's ability…
"The Revolutionary Army?!"
…
Clang—
Shanks raised Gryphon, grinning. "There's no need to explain to the enemy. If you're willing to let us go, I might tell you."
...
"Fine."
Akainu's answer left Shanks stunned.
He swept a cold gaze over the crowd, his voice icy. "To the Marines, Griffin's safety is more important than you trash."
"Tell me Griffin's location, and at the very least, I'll withdraw from the fight."
...
"I think so too."
A yellow flash solidified beside Akainu. Kizaru spoke gravely, "Speak, Shanks..."
The situation had escalated beyond control. Confirmation had to come first...
Grand Line—Unknown Island.
One of the Revolutionary Army's bases.
In a dim, lightless hall, Dragon looked at the little girl sleeping peacefully in Kuma's palm. The cyan-blue gem at the corner of her eye was particularly striking.
...
"So that's it... You're leaving, Kuma."
Kuma's face was hidden in shadow, his gentle voice emerging. "I must go find the one who can save Bonney... He told me."
"Are you really sure... Kuma..."
Dragon lowered his eyes, filled with sorrow. "Why is fate so cruel to you... Kuma!"
Drip...
Drip...
Kuma smiled through his tears. "It's alright."
"Whatever fate brings, I am willing to accept it."
...
Kuma turned and walked toward the door, carefully shielding Bonney to keep the sunlight from causing her pain.
Just as he was about to step out, Kuma paused and looked back.
After a long internal struggle, he spoke solemnly, "Dragon... After Kari was sealed, I could sense your despair."
"There are some things I cannot say..."
"But please believe this, Dragon."
"There are still those willing to fight for freedom, to fight to overthrow the rule of the Celestial Dragons..."
"You are not alone!"
"At this point..."
Sengoku approached with heavy footsteps, followed by...
"Vice Admiral Garp!!"
"Are you going to take action?!"
"The legendary hero, Iron Fist Garp!!"
"It's over! We're definitely going to win!!"
...
The Pirate side's reaction was even greater.
Even while locked in fierce combat with Akainu, Rayleigh had never been as tense as he was now.
Cold sweat dripped from his forehead.
"Hey... didn't you old man say you retired..."
Garp grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth. "Hahahaha!! After so many years apart, I had to come say hello! Rayleigh! And... Gaban!!"
...
"Not exactly thrilled to see you, Garp..."
Gaban tightened his grip on his axe handle, his smile bearing a five or six out of ten resemblance to Garp's. "Is it too late to back out now? I've got a wife and kids waiting for me at home."
"If you have a family, then don't get involved in crime, you idiot!!"
It seemed Garp and Gaban were quite familiar. Not only did they share physical similarities, but their personalities had quite a few points in common too.
...
Sengoku raised a hand, signaling the two to stop, his face dark as he looked at Shanks.
"You know what's happened, don't you..."
Shanks took a deep breath and grinned. "Seems I've caused some trouble for someone."
...
"Wouldn't it have been better to just stay up in the sky... If because of you..."
Sengoku's eyes turned cold. "I will absolutely not let any of you go, not a single one!"
He turned to Rayleigh, his voice grave. "Those people have made their move. Garp and I must go protect the Marines' future."
"All of you stay right here and don't move, or else..."
"I will send someone to capture Crocus and the others. I won't spare your family on Nine Serpent Island either, Gaban. You know I'm capable of it!"
Crocus... the ship's doctor who once treated Roger.
Rayleigh's expression turned cold. "Endless threats won't scare anyone. That's exactly why I dislike you, Sengoku."
"Then let me threaten you too. If we keep you all here, that kid will be in serious trouble, won't he?!"
"You!!"
Garp pulled Sengoku back and said seriously, "I have a proposal."
"Don't waste time. Let's all go together."
"Rather than fighting to the death here, isn't it more important to stop their battle?"
...
...
"I don't understand..."
Kuzan leaned closer to Kizaru and whispered, "Do you know what they're talking about?"
Kizaru shook his head. "It must be a topic only the elderly can understand. We're not at that age yet."
"Borsalino!!"
Sengoku roared angrily, then helplessly said, "You take Garp there first. We'll catch up right away!"
Kizaru wasn't foolish enough to keep asking where. In any case... it was the direction where Griffin had disappeared.
——
——
——
Above the sea, waves surged violently.
Shamrock clutched the massive wound on his chest, staring at the man who seemed to have emerged from a river of blood.
Why...
You bastard, don't you feel any pain?!
With the advantage of an Immortal Body, your injuries are definitely worse than mine!!
In less than an hour, the battle had reached a brutal intensity, with no intention of dragging it out. Every move was aimed at killing the other instantly.
...
I'm no match for him...
Shamrock accepted this reality.
If not for the Immortal Body, I might have died long ago. His Fruit Awakening state has reached the same level as Father's.
Give me one more year...
No, half a year is enough!
I can reach that realm too. He would be no match for me then!
...
Suppressing the shame of losing to a mere mortal from the lower world, Shamrock spoke again.
He had no intention of playing riddles with this foolish Marine anymore. He would speak plainly.
"You can't kill me. You've clearly seen Saint Miya."
"Even a fool should have realized by now—I am a god—"
...
"Shut up."
Blood trickled from the corner of Griffin's curled lips.
"I don't care who you are. You're dead."
He formed a hand seal with one hand.
It's done...
...
Shamrock's heart trembled. Instinctively, he looked up.
Above the sea, snowflakes began to fall.