Chapter 250

"What a powerful clash of Conqueror's Haki."

"To think that he can match that red-haired guy's presence like this—so this is Zyhark, the 'Evil Thunder'!"

The two powerful Conqueror's Hakis clashed at the point of their swords, forming two interlocking, forceful domains.

Closest to the center, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi felt it the most. Watching Zyhark and Shanks at the heart of the clash of wills, they were filled with profound shock.

The violent red and black lightning obscured their vision, and for a moment, they seemed to see Roger and Whitebeard of years past.

There was no doubt—these two were the strongest of the new era!

Aside from the two dukes, the other Mink warriors, including Sicilian, had long since lost consciousness and collapsed to the ground.

The impact of their Haki clashed across the entire island of Zou. The residents didn't even know what had happened before they were knocked out on the spot.

Even Zunesha, below, raised its trunk and let out a low, strange rumble.

"Though I've heard of this guy's incredible achievements, I never imagined that in just a few months, his Haki could grow to this extent..."

Benn Beckman, biting on a cigar, watched Zyhark clashing with Shanks with a serious expression.

He knew full well his captain's strength. When Shanks unleashed his Haki, even pirates with bounties exceeding a hundred million couldn't stand firm.

And now, the young restaurant owner from Windmill Village had reached a level where he could contend with that!

"Hahaha! I told you this guy wasn't ordinary."

"If he didn't have this kind of strength, how could he have possibly brought down a monster like Big Mom?"

"Go, Zyhark! Knock Shanks down!"

Lucky Roux, Yasopp, and the core members of the Red-Haired Pirates watched the scene with pure amusement.

They laughed, and some even cheered for Zyhark.

No matter how unexpected Uta's sudden appearance was and how it disrupted their original plans, they firmly believed there was no way the two would truly become enemies.

Knowing Shanks' behavior, they were sure that this was just their way of greeting each other after a long time!

"Hey, Shanks! Hurry up and knock that jerk Zyhark flying!"

This was one of those moments when Aqua's mischievous side showed.

To have a chance to watch Zyhark get beaten up with a clear conscience—there was no way she'd pass up on such an opportunity!

"What terrifying auras... That man—is he the Yonko, Red-Haired Shanks, that you spoke of?"

Escanor, now in his weakened state, couldn't help but sigh.

He had fallen to his knees the instant the Hakis clashed and had only been pulled back up by Aqua's divine power.

"He has a scar on his face like mine..."

King stood with his arms crossed, his expression calm, maintaining the posture of an absolute strongman.

He was the second member of the group, following Aqua, but he had never had any contact with Shanks.

'The legendary Emperor Engine—truly unfathomable,' Beckman thought as he noted King's demeanor.

"Hey, Aqua, want to make a bet?" Lucky Roux said, walking over with a large drumstick in his mouth.

"Hmph? You think I'm scared of you? In the Divine Realm, they call me 'the undefeated gambler'!" Aqua confidently accepted the challenge.

In an instant, the Red-Haired Pirates and the Sea Restaurant crew gathered around to place bets on Zyhark and Shanks.

The harmonious atmosphere made the domineering clash of Hakis between the two seem almost awkward.

"Kobayashi, ganbatte~"

Only Kanna resolutely stood by Zyhark's side.

The one with the most complicated emotions was naturally Uta, who stood frozen in place.

Zyhark was... this strong...

The scene before her completely overturned her understanding. Her father, Shanks, had always been invincible in the eyes of the little girl!

The clash of Hakis that could tear the sky apart continued for over a minute, until a smile suddenly appeared on Shanks' once-serious face. In a show of mutual understanding, both chose to stop and withdrew their respective auras.

The sound of their swords returning to their sheaths echoed simultaneously, signifying the end of this unique greeting between kings.

"Hahaha, that was impressive, Zyhark!" Shanks laughed heartily.

"In terms of depth and proficiency in Haki, there's still quite a gap between us."

Zyhark smiled in response.

Though there was a hint of humility, it was true that his Conqueror's Haki wasn't on Shanks' level.

In reality, if not for the opportunistic use of his Rumble-Rumble Fruit as an aid, he wouldn't have been able to pull off something like the "Sky Split" without mastering advanced Conqueror's Haki!

"At the rate you're growing, surpassing me is just a matter of time."

Shanks sighed in exasperation. "I should've just set fire to your restaurant back in Windmill Village, like Captain Roger did when he recruited Rayleigh!"

"If you'd done that, Luffy would've been the first to jump out and scold you until you were drenched in curses," Zyhark joked.

His restaurant was that little glutton's lifeline, after all!

"Haha, that does make some sense."

Mentioning Luffy brought a look of nostalgia to Shanks' face.

And, along with that, the image of Uta, who had always competed with little Luffy.

"Sorry, but can we catch up later?" Shanks asked.

Reading the intent in Shanks' sharp eyes, Zyhark waved his hand. "Go ahead."

The weight on Uta's heart needed to be lifted eventually. Regardless of the decision she made in the end, this was something that had to be settled between father and daughter.

"Thanks."

Shanks slowly turned and raised his gaze to the uneasy Uta standing nearby.

Not far off, Aqua was wailing after losing fifty thousand berries and a crate of fine wine.

Completely oblivious to the awkward atmosphere around her, she rushed to Zyhark, grabbed his collar, and shook him violently.

"Ahhh! Damn you, Zyhark! Why didn't you say something first?!"

"You betrayed this goddess's expectations, and made me lose to everyone! Did you overhear our bet and lose on purpose?"

"That's it! That must be it! With your perception ability, you could easily do that!"

"I'll definitely settle this with you—you owe me money, you owe me wine!!"

Her spit flew all over Zyhark's face.

If not for the fact that this dumb goddess had purifying properties and couldn't have bad breath, Zyhark might have transformed into Professor Yang Yongxin right then and there!

It was only when Shanks slowly approached Uta that Zyhark lightly patted Aqua, who was ranting incessantly.

"Alright, alright, it's not a big deal. I'll pay you back, just be quiet for now."

"Zyhark-sama, arigato, from the bottom of my heart~"

Aqua's demeanor changed immediately, becoming as obedient as a child next door.

Sigh. Perspective, dumb goddess, keep some perspective!

As Aqua quieted down, the surroundings finally became silent.

The core members of the Red-Haired Pirates all turned their attention to Uta, their expressions varying.

"Shanks, I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I killed everyone in the town, and caused you all to bear the heavy burden of being branded criminals."

Facing her father's silent gaze, Uta's nerves, which had been taut since learning the truth, finally snapped.

Self-blame, grief, regret, and sorrow all burst forth.

The crushing weight of it all drained her of strength, leaving her slumped on the ground, her face buried in her hands to prevent her tears from spilling out.

This ten-year-old girl wasn't nearly as strong as she appeared after joining Zyhark and his crew at sea.

All her pretense of strength had crumbled in the instant she faced Shanks.

"Mm, I know, Uta."

"Sorry, for leaving you alone on the island without even saying goodbye."

"Please forgive this incompetent and terrible father of yours."

Shanks' loose red hair covered his eyes, obscuring the expression on his face.

He didn't bring up everything that had happened a year ago but instead gently expressed his own apology.

He had originally not wanted Uta, who aspired to be the greatest singer, to know that her voice and curiosity had led to such a catastrophe.

It would be far too cruel for her.

But now that Uta had inevitably learned the truth, all Shanks could do as her father was offer comfort.

He had no other choice.

The same familiar, gentle voice from her memory shattered the last of Uta's emotional defenses.

"Waaah! Shanks! Father!"

The girl burst into tears, using all her strength to throw herself into Shanks' broad chest in the last second before the tears fell.

After boarding the ship, Uta had worked hard to clean, trying to process what she had read in the newspapers. It wasn't because her fragile young heart could bear the impact.

It was simply because it wasn't the right time to break down and cry.

Everyone knew—the only places one could cry freely were in the bathroom or in a father's arms.

And for Uta, who had grown up on the Red-Haired Pirates' ship, it was the latter.

That way, no one would see her embarrassing side!

Shanks raised a hand to pat Uta's sobbing back, allowing her to wipe her tears and snot all over him.

The long-lost feeling of closeness brought a sense of peace to the great pirate who had shaken the New World.

The moonlight fell on the father and daughter, casting a serene and tranquil glow.

As her sobbing gradually subsided, Uta's emotions finally calmed down.

Her clenched hands loosened, and she stepped back from Shanks' embrace, tears still on her face.

"Stupid Shanks," she muttered, sounding a little haughty.

The lively and mischievous girl had returned!

"Uta!"

"Uta-chan, I missed you so much~"

Unable to hold back any longer, the core members of the Red-Haired Pirates rushed over to hug her.

"I'm still wearing a skirt, you jerks!"

Uta suddenly bared her fanged teeth and scolded them.

Even so, her smile was radiant.

Because these familiar faces were her most important family!

With that, Uta's emotional burden was finally lifted.

After some roughhousing, Shanks asked seriously, "Uta, Zyhark said earlier that you've joined their crew?"

At those words, the relaxed members of the Red-Haired Pirates were all stunned.

That's right—Uta was now a member of the Sea Restaurant crew.

Could she still return and continue to be their singer?

Aqua and Meowth both looked worried.

Although they'd only spent a day with Uta, they were very happy with her—especially the dumb goddess who had enjoyed an entire day of leisure.

Uta's expression darkened instantly, and she bowed her head, clenching her fists, letting her long red-and-white hair hang down.

After some deliberation, and as the cool sea breeze blew from the edge of the forest, the girl raised her eyes resolutely.

"Aqua once said that when faced with something you dislike, just run away. Running away isn't losing; it's winning."

"I don't like Shanks, so no, I won't return to you!"

Not only was she unprepared to face the Red-Haired Pirates again, but she also wanted to stay at the Sea Restaurant.

No child could stay under their father's protection forever—that was a lesson she had learned after living alone in the Music Kingdom for a year.

In other words, even if she hadn't learned the truth, and even if she hadn't met Zyhark and Aqua, she had already decided to leave the Red-Haired Pirates!

"I see, well, it can't be helped."

It seemed as though Shanks had already anticipated this answer. Smiling, he scratched his head, then looked to Zyhark, saying, "This is Uta's decision, so Zyhark, I'm entrusting my foolish, troublesome daughter to you!"

Others might not be reassured, but entrusting Uta to Zyhark gave Shanks no concerns.

In terms of reputation, influence, and high-level combat power, the Sea Restaurant was no weaker than his own crew.

And most importantly, he trusted Zyhark deeply!

"Damn it! Who are you calling foolish, troublesome, and dumb?!" Uta shot back fiercely.

"Oh, and she's also got a bit of a bad temper," Shanks added nonchalantly.

"Idiot, idiot, idiot!!" Uta shouted furiously.

What kind of father bad-mouthed his daughter in front of others?

Soon, her outburst was interrupted by Zyhark's words.

"Since you've made your decision, Uta, as captain of the Sea Restaurant, I formally invite you to join us!"

Just as he had analyzed before, Uta's Devil Fruit ability would be incredibly useful for promoting the Axis Cult.

The virtual world created by the Sing-Sing Fruit would provide an ideal training ground for him and his crew, one where they could control every aspect of the environment!

With that, her lack of combat skills seemed less significant.

Besides, there were already ordinary people aboard the ship~

Looking at the handsome man smiling and extending his hand, Uta's usually flamboyant demeanor faded as her cheeks reddened, and she stood there hesitating.

"Come on, what are you waiting for?!" Aqua used her water manipulation ability to push Uta forward, causing her to stumble awkwardly into Zyhark's waiting hand.

Their hands, one large and one small, clasped together.

"Now, to welcome our new crewmate and celebrate reuniting with Shanks, let's throw a grand feast!"

"Ohhhhh!!!"

(End of Chapter)

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