250. One Per Person?
"Hahaha! Luckily, I reacted fast and managed to dodge Beckman's inquiries."
Shanks, rushing towards the boat on Pleasure district, adjusted his straw hat, glanced back to find no Red Hair Pirates members there, and couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.
"But the captain did leave behind a prophecy that's not trustworthy at all. What did you really witness on Laugh Tale?"
Thinking about Roger's instructions before he departed, Shanks couldn't help but frown.
Despite spending two years in East Blue, he hadn't found the person predicted by the captain, the so-called Joy Boy!
"Well, that doesn't matter anymore. Let's move on to the next adventure."
"Perhaps I can count on my comrades to conquer the final island that the captain reached."
In an instant, Shanks had a smile back on his face, spreading it around casually.
"Oh, by the way, where am I?"
Observing the bustling entertainment city with people bustling around, Shanks wore a curious expression.
Even though he had seen many magical things at sea when he was a child following Roger, there weren't many entertainment places like this. Roger usually barred children on board from entering such venues.
Furthermore, places like Pleasure district haven't been around for long.
While there might have been scattered boats on the sea before, there hasn't been a leader to unite their forces.
"Ah, forget it. I'm too lazy to dwell on it. If I had brought Beckman along, he should know where this place is, right?"
Without overthinking, Shanks walked straight toward a nearby small alley.
Clearly, these are two distinct areas.
The street on his side carries a strong scent of makeup, with occasional glimpses of beautiful young girls peeking out from the houses on both sides of the road. Shanks felt a sense of pity for them.
He briefly glanced and smiled disdainfully at the women on the street who waved to him.
As for women or anything else...
It will only affect the speed of his sword draw.
....
On the other side,
Issho, holding a staff sword, proceeded forward, murmuring to the air beside him.
People around him were afraid to approach, so they redirected their traffic in two directions, making Issho's path much smoother.
After all,
To others, this is simply a seemingly mad person talking to thin air.
"So, Your Excellency, may I ask for your thoughts on the Shichibukai system?"
"I heard that you apprehended a Shichibukai during your recruitment phase?"
Finally, Issho spoke, and he couldn't restrain the questions in my heart.
Even though he hadn't witnessed the misdeeds of the Shichibukai for the time being,
Pirates, however, having legal rights to plunder and are recognized by the World Government, turning them into official pirates. Certainly, It is not acceptable for Issho.
"The Shichibukai indeed provide a check and balance effect on the sea's forces, but..."
"The Marines do not need this kind of stability. Marines, including myself, are not in favor of this system!"
Atlas expressed his opinion unequivocally, and he genuinely believed so.
"However, you also understand that the Marines are still unable to voice an opinion that is entirely their own."
"So, Mr. Issho, can you collaborate with me to shape the Marines into what you desire?"
Atlas extended the olive branch once again.
"Your Excellency's vision is indeed something I aspire to, but..."
"Teach! Why are you here?!"
Before Issho could finish speaking, a grave voice echoed from a distance.
"....."
Atlas and Issho exchanged a knowing look (A/N: can they exchange looks even if one is blind? (✘_✘)). Instead of continuing the conversation, they silently moved towards the direction of the sound.
"Hey! Why did you suddenly show up here after lurking on the Whitebeard ship for so long?"
"...Teach!"
Shanks gazed at the menacing figure before him and instinctively touched the scars on his eyes, a twinge of pain crossing his face.
"Zehahaha! So, it's you, Shanks. It's been a while!"
Teach, emerging from the alley, was also taken aback. He closely examined the now stronger man in front of him and grinned, revealing a wide mouth with missing teeth.
"Haha, I'm not the same person I used to be. If you want to go back to those times..."
"The scars on my body will come at a cost much more than just a few missing teeth!!"
Shanks gently touched Gryphon at his waist. The cloak on his body fluttered without any wind, and a formidable aura subtly emanated from him.
Unlike Teach, who concealed himself on Whitebeard's ship, Shanks had journeyed across the world, and his growth in strength was undoubtedly distinct.
You see, Teach isn't a prodigy like Big Mom.
She does nothing, eats desserts every day, and has children.
With natural growth, she can achieve top-tier combat power in the world!!
Teach, who didn't even dare to unleash his full strength during regular training, has already been surpassed by Shanks!!
"Zehahaha! That might not be the case. Since I could leave a scar on you once, I can surely leave one on you a second time."
Blackbeard's gaze sharpened, and he could sense the intense aura emanating from his opponent. Nevertheless, he maintained a facade of calmness, confronting Shanks evenly.
"And..."
"If you strike me, are you ready to face the fury of the world's strongest man?"
Blackbeard stared at Shanks, subtly hinting at a threat, his expression remarkably composed.
He's taking a gamble.
He's wagering that Shanks won't act against him for some trivial matter from a few years ago!!
He doesn't want to confront Whitebeard's rage!!
"...."
Shanks fell silent, loosening his hold on Gryphon. The formidable aura surrounding him gradually diminished, and he turned slightly to the side. Yet, his eyes remained sharp, fixed on Teach.
He could see through Teach's bluff, but he still didn't dare to take the risk.
Facing Whitebeard's fury was not something his current pirate crew could endure.
Moreover, Whitebeard had no understanding of Teach's true nature at all.
Naturally, he didn't want to push his luck.
"You don't want to fight anymore? How about I come and play with you?"
Suddenly, a voice emerged from behind Shanks. Atlas and Issho, who had quietly unleashed the power of the snake talisman at some point, stepped forward one after another.
"——?!!"
"Hakuryu?!"
Shanks and Blackbeard were equally startled, their muscles tensing swiftly.
Their attention had been entirely fixated on each other, oblivious to someone approaching nearby.
"One of these two individuals is a member of Whitebeard's ship, and the other is an emerging pirate star who has gained recent fame."
"One for each person? Brother Issho?"
Disregarding the surprise of the two individuals, Atlas remarked with a smile.
"...If that's the case, then it's better for me to be respectful than to be defiant."
Issho bowed slightly, readily concurring.
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