Chapter 66

"Everyone, get ready!"

The red-haired Shanks looked at the two figures emerging from the woods. His gaze paused briefly on Hawkeye Mihawk before shifting to Arthur.

Shanks' instincts told him that this young man wasn't connected to Mihawk and was just traveling the same path.

This young man gave Shanks an unusual feeling. He seemed similar to Shanks but had more ambitious and broader eyes, indicating he was quite different.

Without hesitation, Shanks addressed Arthur first.

"Who are you?"

At that moment, the entire Red Hair Pirates, including the officers and crew, halted their activities.

Some recognized Mihawk as a friend of Shanks.

They were also curious about Arthur, knowing Mihawk was usually a loner.

With the captain speaking seriously, the crew couldn't take the situation lightly. This was a rule among the Red Hair Pirates. The captain's authority must be upheld when necessary. This is why the Red Hair Pirates are one of the Four Emperors' pirate groups.

They didn't sweat the small stuff but were focused on the important things. Usually, they operated like a family, but when duty called, they were a highly cohesive and effective pirate group.

Arthur, with a faint smile and eager eyes, responded to Shanks.

"I am a god from Sky Island. You've been there, Raijin Island. I am the god there.

"My name is God Arthur."

"Raijin Island? Jaya Island? Those are distant, nostalgic memories," Shanks said, his eyes lighting up with recognition and a face full of reminiscence.

He recalled being a seventeen-year-old kid back then, traveling with Captain Roger. It was their first time riding the dangerous Knock Up Stream to the legendary Sky Island.

He remembered the old man who called himself the God of Sky Island, who had entertained the Roger Pirates.

"So, you're a guest from Sky Island. Sit down!" Shanks invited, shaking off his memories and pointing to a spot beside him.

"Speaking of Mihawk, it's been so long since you visited me. Do you have new friends now?" Shanks, who had been serious, suddenly laughed.

This was typical of Shanks. When the situation allowed, he was very sociable, always ready to drink, chat, and have a good time with anyone.

Hawkeye Mihawk, accustomed to Shanks' easygoing demeanor, silently picked up his wine glass and drank.

"By the way, Arthur, the current god of Sky Island, how is the old man named Gan Fall?" Shanks asked while eating and drinking.

Arthur took a sip of the wine. It was strong, and he didn't like it. He set the glass down discreetly.

"He's doing well. As the archon of Sky Island, he's helping me manage the country," Arthur replied.

"That's great. Gan Fall is a good man," Shanks nodded. "So, what brings you here?"

Arthur looked at Shanks. He didn't see the world's most feared man; he saw an opportunity.

"Since I became the god of Sky Island and established the Kingdom of Angels, I've been developing my country and improving my strength. After reclaiming all the Sky Islands, I've gained more confidence in my abilities."

Arthur paused, feeling the tension among the Red Hair Pirates. "I'm here to fight you, to test my strength against the most Haki man."

Shanks' smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. The Red Hair Pirates crew bristled with hostility.

"Why us? Why not the other three Emperors?" Shanks asked, puzzled.

Arthur's challenge seemed like an insult to the crew, as if he considered them the weakest.

"I just want to test myself against a top power. And you, Shanks, known as the most Haki man, are the perfect challenge," Arthur explained, a confident grin on his face, his eyes blazing with Haki.

Shanks, sensing Arthur's intense aura, felt the familiar power. It was the same aura that earned him his title.

"So, you want to compare Haki with me?" Shanks said, his eyes narrowing, recognizing Arthur's determination.

The atmosphere grew tense as Shanks and Arthur locked eyes, their spirits clashing silently. The crew watched, anticipating the clash of titans.

Boom.

Conqueror's Haki, an overwhelming force that can dominate the wills of others, erupted from Shanks.

Simultaneously, Arthur's Conqueror's Haki flared up in response.

Boom~

The two powerful auras clashed, one representing freedom and the other self-sufficiency. The world seemed to lose its color as their Haki collided.

The intense Conqueror's Haki affected reality itself. The ground around them cracked, and the blazing bonfire was instantly snuffed out.

Strong winds radiated from Arthur and Shanks, rushing in all directions.

The crew, who hadn't taken Arthur seriously, were shocked. "How can this young man have such powerful Conqueror's Haki? Who is he?"

Shanks and Arthur's hair blew wildly in the wind.

Realizing Arthur's Haki was at least as powerful as his own, if not stronger, Shanks' eyes grew serious for the first time.

"Truly... an impressive young man!"

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Sorry for the delay