Chapter 28 : Give me Face

The voice belonged to none other than Shanks.

As could be expected of one of the Four Emperors, his reputation and power were undeniable, and when combined with his crew, which could only be described as monstrous in strength, no one dared to provoke them recklessly.

Even the Marine headquarters, unless they sought an all-out war, would likely prefer to avoid direct confrontation with him.

At that moment, the faces of countless onlookers changed. They had never anticipated that, after Akainu had just declared his intent to capture Luffy, Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, would be the first to speak. It piqued everyone's curiosity – what was the connection between these two?

The surprises didn't end there. From what Akainu had just revealed, they learned that Luffy was, in fact, the grandson of the Marine hero Garp.

Furthermore, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, the organization feared by the World Government, was Luffy's father. The ties among these three were familial, and this revelation left everyone dumbfounded.

While many in the Marine knew that Dragon was Garp's son, the fact that Luffy was Garp's grandson was a well-kept secret, known only to those from Windmill Village and Marine personnel close to Garp.

The shock rippled through even the members of the Straw Hat Pirates. Who would have thought that their future captain had such a powerful background?

If it weren't for the widespread announcement by Akainu, this information would have remained hidden from the world.

This family's background was exceptionally formidable: one member was a Marine hero with prestige surpassing even that of a marshal; another was the leader of the Revolutionary Army, challenging the World Government; and the youngest was a rising star who, at a tender age, had already defeated two of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

This family not only had a formidable background and immense strength but also their own distinct factions. Each member stood as a powerful force on their own.

In the midst of this revelation, even the Revolutionaries' headquarters had its cadre in disbelief, all of them turning their gaze toward Dragon.

Dragon, however, remained unfazed and focused on the Den Den Mushi in his hand.

Despite his long absence from home and his lack of involvement in his son's upbringing, he cared deeply for Luffy.

If Akainu dared to arrest Luffy in Windmill Village, Dragon would not stand idle. He would either lead the charge to rescue Luffy or engage in a direct conflict if necessary.

There was another who shared Dragon's sentiment: the Whitebeard Pirates. Whitebeard observed Ace, who was merrily conversing with Luffy in the corner, and a faint smile graced his lips.

Ace was his "son" and family, and Whitebeard prioritized the safety of his family above all else. If Akainu attempted to harm Ace's brother, Whitebeard would not hesitate to use his pirate group's might to aid Luffy.

Moreover, Luffy's actions had indirectly aided Whitebeard's recovery from his old injuries, and he was itching for a fight to test his newfound strength.

Logically, they should have offered their support to Luffy. However, Shanks had already spoken, and there was no need to take the lead.

"Shanks..."

"You know Ace's brother?"

"How intriguing..."

...

At the Marine headquarters, Akainu's expression shifted upon hearing Shanks' words.

One of The Four Emperors...Red Haired Shanks? He had prepared for Garp's interference but had never expected one of the Four Emperors to intervene. What was happening?

Not only Akainu but also the Sengoku, Aokiji, Kizaru, and even the few from the East Blue found it unbelievable. Only Garp understood why.

He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. Wretched Shanks! If it weren't for him, his grandson might never have become a pirate.

Even if Luffy's decision to embark on a pirate's path wasn't entirely influenced by Shanks, there was no doubt that Shanks played a role.

For a long moment, Akainu spoke, "Shanks, what's your stake in this?"

Shanks replied in a gentle tone, "Hahaha, not much really. I just happen to know Luffy."

Akainu's resolve hardened, "Well, since that's the case, it doesn't matter. His threat must be eliminated, and no one can stop it."

Shanks maintained his gentle tone, "You're a great Admiral, no need to fuss over a child. Just give me some face and leave Luffy be."

Akainu sneered, "Give you face? And if I don't?"

Shanks' smile disappeared, and his tone grew cold, "If you won't give me face, then I won't mind going to Windmill Village myself. My arm has only just regrown, and I'm eager for a fight."

These words sent shockwaves through the world. Shanks' words were a clear declaration of war against Akainu. If you won't give me face, I will force you to.

It was as simple as that.

Shanks' temperament was befitting of one of the Four Emperors, daring to challenge even an Admiral. Everyone was both impressed and fearful.

At that moment, anyone who crossed paths with Shanks in the future and heard those words – "Give me face" – would undoubtedly comply.

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