69. Shanks!

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 My latest fanfiction, 'One Piece: Why is that Luffy so Different?' has officially launched on P@treon!

In a different world, Luffy masters Observation Haki by 7 and Conqueror's Haki by 9. Setting sail at 14, he quickly awakens Gear Fourth. Known for pushing his limits and demanding the same from his crew, Luffy confronts challenges head-on. During the Summit War, he boldly declares his dominance over Akainu.

Discover a Luffy who challenges the bounds of strength and leadership! 📚🏴‍☠️

Join the journey,

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: p@treon.com/CosmicKaminari

Also,🌟 Power Stone SOS! 🌟 Our stash is as empty as Luffy's belly—dangerously low! Toss a Power Stone our way to keep the adventure thrilling. It's easier than dodging a Gum-Gum Gatling! 💎

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Kuraigana Island

Inside the dark castle

Shirtless and dripping with sweat, Hawkeye had just finished training. Holding the newspaper in his hand, what caught his eye was the clear photo of Raijin Island after it was split in half.

And then there was the information about the "Phantomless blade" that Rob himself mentioned!

For a moment, Hawkeye looked at the name of the sword in the headline of the newspaper and murmured:

"Phantomless blade... the ultimate sword! The sword that I dodged before, the perfected version, is this 'Phantomless blade'? It really seems to challenge me again."

After a moment of reflection.

Hawkeye dropped the newspaper and then picked up the supreme grade sword, Yoru, which was about to be tempered into a black blade. He continued his rigorous training, meticulous and concentrated on his practice.

Although he wanted to fight Rob again now, Hawkeye was very clear that the gap between him and Rob had not narrowed but had grown even larger.

Going now would only mean another defeat and possibly the end of him!

Yes.

The end is death——

Hawkeye had already vowed in his heart that the next time he fought Rob, he would never dodge Rob's strongest strike, "Phantomless blade". If he could catch it, that would be the moment he surpassed Rob. If not, it would be the time for him to face death!

Therefore, Hawkeye did not intend to challenge Rob until he was sure enough, after all, he was not short-sighted or a foolhardy guy!

Hawkeye thought—

There should be no idiots who would foolishly challenge Rob after seeing this news.

New World.

On an island occupied by the Red Hair Pirates

"Is it finally here? Rob!"

Looking at the headlines on the front page of the newspaper, Shanks smiled.

Then he stood up and looked at Beckman and the others, his subordinates.

With a big wave of his hand:

"Brothers! Let's set sail. Our friend, Rob, has come to the New World! Let's go find him and catch up... By the way, I plan to challenge him again and pay back the defeat I suffered in East Blue. Hahaha..."

After hearing what Shanks said,

The members of the Red Hair Pirates, who were sitting and drinking and chatting, all had smiles on their faces.

Then loud cheers responded:

"Oh! Rob and his sisters, have they come to the New World? Sure enough—a man like him can't stay in 'Paradise' forever!"

"Is the boss going to challenge Rob again? It's really exciting!"

"Challenge? The boss is likely to be beaten again! Rob is very strong!"

They discussed excitedly.

Shanks growled:

"You bastards are so verbose! Get ready to sail, bastards!"

The Red Hair Pirates began preparing for their voyage amidst laughter and banter.

With one hand resting on the handle of his great sword, Gryphon, Shanks' eyes were full of fighting spirit:

"Rob, this time, I will never lose!"

Even though Rob's "Phantomless blade" that split Raijin Island was reported in the newspaper, Shanks remained confident in his own strength!

A month and a half passed.

Kingdom of Lulucia in the New World—

The Angel slowly landed on the shore of the island, stopping at a secluded natural port. Rob dropped the anchor and secured the ship.

Robin's figure swiftly jumped from the boat to the shore.

"Hmm~!"

Stretching her increasingly curvaceous and supple body, Robin let out a very seductive humming sound.

She expressed her relief:

"It's been five days! Finally, we set foot on land again!"

While talking, Robin put her hands on her hips and turned to look at Rob and Uta on the boat.

She called out:

"Oni-chan, Uta! Come down quickly!"

Hearing Robin's words, Rob smiled, picked up Uta beside him, jumped off the deck, and landed next to Robin.

Without any hesitation, Robin came forward and hugged Rob's arm, asking:

"Oni-chan, is there any sign of a Poneglyph on this island?"

Rob closed his eyes and sensed for a moment. When he opened them, he shook his head and said:

"No! Poneglyphs are very rare, even rarer than Devil Fruits! How could it be so easy to find another one? This time, we're just visiting the island for a vacation!"

"After sailing continuously on the sea for a month and a half, it's time to take a break."

Hearing his words, both Robin and Uta raised a hand and responded obediently:

"Yes, Oni-chan!"

Departing from Raijin Island, during the more than a month and a half period, the three siblings piloted the Angel and sailed in the New World, choosing routes at random.

On the way, they encountered pirates, Marines, merchant ships, and other vessels, and passed by many islands.

Yes, they even stopped at uninhabited islands.

It can be said that their journey was very fruitful!

It is worth mentioning that—

On one uninhabited island, the three of them found their first Poneglyph after entering the New World, and it was a record of the Void Century, which was a pleasant surprise.

After resting on the shore, Rob looked towards the interior of the island:

"Let's go! Let's explore this country and have some fun! We'll stay here for a while and take a good rest!"

Neither Robin nor Uta had any objections.

Just as Rob was about to step towards the Lulucia Kingdom, Robin quickly stepped forward, took his hand, and with a sweet smile on her face, waited for Rob to look at her suspiciously.

Robin's big bright eyes looked at Rob:

"I just want to hold Oni-chan's hand!"

Rob froze for a moment.

He didn't refuse either and took the initiative to hold Robin's delicate hand with his own, then picked up Uta who was following him, putting her on his shoulder. They headed into the Kingdom of Lulucia, just like they did a few years ago!

This country is not small, but its economic situation leans toward poverty, with no signs of prosperity.

Of course, if you have money, you can still live well here. For example, Rob and his sisters easily got the best food and accommodations with berries!

Although Rob was not a pirate and had no other identities, he had been on the front page of newspapers several times. With the title of "the world's number one swordsman," he was a well-known figure.

So, no one dared to cheat or cause trouble for the three siblings!

The Kingdom of Lulucia is a member of the World Government. Even if the people are struggling to make ends meet, the ruling royal family still collects heavy taxes without sympathy.

This country is a typical example of corruption among the World Government's member nations, but as long as this didn't affect Rob and his sisters, it was fine by them.

Recuperating in such a country didn't affect their mood at all.

They had spent time in worse places, so the poverty of Lulucia Kingdom was nothing new.

Several days passed.

This day—

When Rob was wandering in the Kingdom of Lulucia with Uta and Robin, there was a commotion in the town!

People were leaving in a panic:

"Run away! The Red Hair Pirates are coming! They're a major pirate crew from the New World!"

"Did you go to the Marine branch to request help?"

"Without money, how could the Marines be dispatched? The king won't ask for support either!"

"Damn it! Aren't we a member country of the World Government? What's wrong with asking for Marine support?"

Looking at the chaotic crowd, Rob raised his eyebrows.

There were some doubts:

"Red Hair Pirates? That guy with red hair will not invade the countries that joined the World Government for no reason! Let's go and have a look, we haven't seen that guy for several years!"

Hearing Rob's words, Robin nodded seriously:

"Yes, Oni-chan!"

Bringing Uta, who doesn't have much memory of the Red Hair Pirates, the three siblings headed straight for the direction of the town's commotion!

Not long after, in a tavern in the town, Rob saw the Red Hair Pirates drinking and eating.

When Rob brought Robin and Uta into the tavern, the lively atmosphere immediately fell silent.

The red-haired man, who was drinking wine, turned around and saw Rob. He was stunned at first, then looked surprised:

"Oh!! Isn't this Rob? Long time no see! I've been looking for you for over a month. I received word a few days ago that you were here, so I hurried over.

You really are here!"

"It's really lucky that I arrived in Lulucia in time! Dahaha..."

In a few words, Shanks explained why he appeared here.

Looking at Shanks, who was physically strong, nearly two meters tall, and seemed to have reached a new stage in his physical condition, Rob narrowed his eyes, guessing what Shanks was looking for him for.

He put a smile on his face:

"Long time no see! It's been years since we left East Blue!"

"It seems you've come to challenge me again! What's wrong? Now you are confident you can beat me? Do you want to avenge your defeat in East Blue?"

Hearing this, Shanks waved his hands and said with a smile:

"No! What kind of revenge? We are friends! This time, the main purpose of coming here is to catch up with you, and then have a friendly match!"

While speaking, Shanks pressed one hand on the handle of his great sword, Gryphon, at his waist. His eyes were full of fighting spirit as he looked at Rob:

"How about it, Rob, do you want to fight? I am quite confident in my current strength!"

Rob pondered for a while, staring straight at Shanks:

"Since you are so confident, I can't refuse you! Let's move to another place and have our match, as you wish!"