Persevering Shanks

Chapter 270: Persevering Shanks

"Garp?!"

Sengoku stared at the Earthburst Star in the sky, his mind going blank. In any case, Garp was his best friend and he was a hero of the marine. If he were to be killed by Solo here, it would cause a sensation worldwide!

Thus, Sengoku fully activated his knowledge and perception, trying to understand the situation within the Earthburst Star. Fortunately, Garp's aura hadn't disappeared.

His emotions were also extremely intense. Sengoku breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he did, Sengoku was also filled with shock.

He had known Garp for decades. Garp's vision and strength were among the strongest in the sea. In the Battle of Marineford, the Locke Pirates were defeated!

If it weren't for Ace being Garp's son, Garp would definitely have been the main force in that crucial battle. An important asset against Whitebeard. And now, the powerful Garp was sealed in the sky by Solo.

"Solo, how strong is he..."

Sengoku pushed up his glasses and looked at Solo. Even though he was the Fleet Admiral, his strength couldn't compare to Garp's.

"This marine brat is stronger than me."

Then, the Yellow Ape, the Blue Pheasant, and the Red Dog came to mind for Sengoku. The three current Admirals. However, no matter which one of them, in Sengoku's heart, they couldn't compare to the current Solo.

His strength was truly overwhelming. It was unbelievable. If Solo attacks, there would be nothing to stop him from killing Luffy.

"Luffy."

For a moment, Sengoku couldn't help but frown, feeling conflicted in his heart. On one hand, Luffy was the son of the Revolutionary Dragon and had the blood of evil, just like Ace.

On the other hand, Luffy was a criminal who had escaped from Impel Down. Should he really let him go here?

"But..."

Sengoku raised his head and looked at the Chibaku Tensei in the sky. Although it was true that Luffy was the Revolutionary Army Dragon's son, he was also Garp's grandson.

And his bounty was only Thirty million berries. Did he really have to die? Imprisoning him again in Impel Down didn't seem like a bad idea.

For a while, Sengoku remained resolute but inevitably became hesitant. He looked around, surveying the situation on the battlefield. 

Ivancov was heavily injured at this point. Even Marco, known as the Phoenix, was unable to fight anymore. The remaining members of the Whitebeard Pirates were exhausted. The Blackbeard Pirates had been completely annihilated by Solo and none survived.

Even the Level 6 fugitives from Impel Down met tragic ends. Even Beckman of the Red Hair Pirates was killed by Solo.

"Just the current situation... Before the Summit War even started, I couldn't even have imagined it."

According to Sengoku's original plan, victory in the war meant eliminating Whitebeard and Ace at all costs. That alone would have been the greatest achievement.

As for Marco and the other members of the Whitebeard Pirates, Sengoku had little hope from the beginning. Perhaps in this situation, they could stop.

"And as long as Solo is here, that brat Luffy shouldn't be able to cause any trouble."

If they continued, they could discipline Luffy properly.

"There shouldn't be any problems."

The more he thought about it, the more Sengoku softened. In any case, he didn't want to lose Garp, his best friend. However, in Sengoku's heart, there was another voice.

A voice strongly opposed his decision. This was the moment to cut the weeds and eradicate the roots. Based on their relationship, Sengoku was uncertain about what to do. What should he do?

On the other side...

Shanks got up from the ground. At this moment, he was deeply shocked. He never imagined that even the legendary marine hero, Garp was no match for Solo.

Solo took care of him in minutes. This greatly shook Shanks' heart. Even strong individuals like Whitebeard and Garp were helpless against Solo.

Could he, at his current strength, really stop him?

"No."

Shanks vigorously shook his head. Now wasn't the time to ponder such trivial matters. With Solo's power, if he got close to Luffy, Luffy would undoubtedly die.

"We can't let him harm Luffy!"

Shanks took a deep breath, kicked off the ground, and released his conqueror's haki once again. He was like black lightning, swiftly approaching Solo.

In the next second, Shanks leaped into the air, spinning his body and unleashing a powerful kick with his right leg. It was like a whip, assaulting Solo.

Boom!

There was no time for hesitation. As Shanks sensed the killing intent from Solo, he turned around and met Shanks' gaze head-on. Solo clenched his fist, and with a swinging motion, he struck Shanks' calf.

The two forces clashed fiercely, refusing to yield to each other. A terrifying shockwave erupted, sweeping in all directions. Both Solo and Shanks were affected by the impact and instantly separated.

"Shanks."

Solo narrowed his eyes, saying, "I didn't expect you to be so persistent."

As a swordsman, even if your weapon is broken, you still charge ahead.

"Do you really think I won't kill you?"

Solo's voice was low, exuding a powerful aura of killing intent.

It crushed down on Shanks overwhelmingly. In an instant, Shanks felt a tremendous pressure weighing down on him. But even so, he stood resolutely before Solo.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, but he remained steadfast. He glanced in Luffy's direction from the corner of his eye. Just a hundred meters more, Luffy could reach the pirate ship. By then, they could escape Marineford.

"I once pressed my hand on the New World."

The corner of Shanks' mouth lifted, and as he thought about Luffy escaping Marineford, his heart calmed.

"Now, I can't let you ruin my bet. Come on, marine. I, Shanks, won't back down."

Shanks shouted loudly, expressing his determination to Solo.

"As expected of you, Red-Haired Shanks." Seeing this, Solo nodded approvingly.

He acknowledged Shanks' resolve. Knowing that the opponent was stronger, Shanks didn't choose to retreat. Instead, he stood fearlessly before his opponent.

Such boldness truly befitted the title of one of the Four Emperors.

"Then I'll indulge you, Shanks."

Solo also spoke loudly, taking a step forward, prepared to face Shanks right there!