Chapter 111: Shanks' Arrivals

"The country has finally returned to peace, thank you for your assistance, Lord Luo Ning!"

King Riku, though restored to the throne, recognizes the limitations of his position in this pirate-ruled world. Strength, he now understands, is paramount. With sufficient power in the past, how could he have allowed Doflamingo to seize Dressrosa? Ultimately, his survival depended on his daughter's intervention. In the face of the strong, they were undeniably weak at sea.

Fortunately, he now has Lord Luo Ning as an ally, which, while not guaranteeing absolute future safety, is a significant improvement over his prior situation. A pang of guilt flickered across King Riku as he glanced at his daughter, acknowledging that Violet's abilities were instrumental in resolving the recent crisis.

"There's no need for such formality. It was simply a collaborative effort. Violet has already made a significant contribution," Luo Ning replied, deflecting the king's gratitude.

The topic was dropped, and after regaining stability, King Riku extended an invitation to Luo Ning for a celebratory dinner at the palace. While the food may not have met Luo Ning's refined palate, it was at least palatable.

However, their meal was interrupted.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty! A ship belonging to the Four Emperors, Red-Haired Shanks, has arrived at the port!" A former Dressrosa soldier burst in, his voice urgent.

"The Four Emperors, Red-Haired Shanks?!"

King Riku sprang to his feet, bewildered. Shanks' presence at Dressrosa was utterly inexplicable.

In that moment, King Riku could only think of Doflamingo. After all, they were both pirates, and there was no telling if Shanks had come seeking revenge.

With this thought in mind, King Riku looked directly at Luo Ning.

"Don't worry, Shanks likely isn't here to cause trouble. I bet he's here for me. He has no business with Doflamingo, but I'm also quite curious about his purpose here.

"Have someone bring them in!"

Seeing King Riku's plea for help, Luo Ning offered some clarification. While he wasn't certain of Shanks' specific reason for coming, he felt certain it was related to him. Otherwise, Shanks' presence in Dressrosa wouldn't make sense.

The soldier tasked with fetching Shanks exchanged a glance with King Riku before departing upon receiving a confirming nod.

Soon, a group led by the one-armed Shanks entered the main hall under the escort of soldiers.

"Your Majesty King Riku, Lord Luo Ning, greetings!"

True to his reputation, Shanks was indeed the most unassuming of the Four Emperors. Unlike Whitebeard or Kaido, he displayed a courteous demeanor.

"Mister Shanks," King Riku began, acknowledging his role as king despite the high likelihood of Shanks seeking Luo Ning, "I must inquire about the reason for your visit to Dressrosa."

"There's no ill will on my part. My sole purpose for coming to Dressrosa is to discuss a matter with Lord Luo Ning."

Shanks chuckled. He understood that Dressrosa was in a delicate state following the recent events. Who said he's a pirate too? That pirate caused a great deal of trouble here just yesterday.

It's fair to say that most people wouldn't welcome pirates, good or bad. The pirate banner itself implies a certain lack of virtue. Why expect anything good from someone who identifies as a pirate?

Although Luffy's actions mirrored those of an adventurer, he operated under the pirate banner. For that reason alone, he deserved scrutiny. If a regular person commits a crime, they're labeled a thief. Who else would be targeted in their place?

Luffy, in his naivety, equated pirates with adventurers, failing to grasp the distinction. Even a hundred explanations wouldn't change his mind.

"Speak your mind here. I don't see why anything you have to say can't be shared with everyone present. I have no intention of some secretive backroom chat with you, Shanks," Luo Ning interjected.

He held little regard for Shanks, who he viewed as a meddling hypocrite. Shanks readily incited others to conflict while turning a blind eye to Luffy's actions, conveniently discarding his supposed 'balance theory.'

Shanks was simply paving the way for Luffy, and Luo Ning wasn't a fan of such manipulative tactics.

"I believe a private conversation is still necessary. Some matters are indeed more sensitive," Shanks said with a hint of helplessness.

"Speak now or leave," Luo Ning countered firmly.

Luo Ning showed Shanks no deference, and rightfully so. In his eyes, Shanks, a Four Emperor, held no sway.

Within the One Piece world, Admirals are considered equals to the Four Emperors. While a single Admiral may struggle to defeat a single Four Emperor, none can withstand two Admirals alone.

Luo Ning, however, was a different caliber altogether. He could single-handedly combat the entire Marine Headquarters. The Four Emperors paled in comparison to him.

Within a Four Emperor's crew, only the Emperor themself could rival an Admiral. The remaining officers, while capable of holding their own for a time or even inflicting mutual injuries, were no match for an Admiral in the long run.

Essentially, Luo Ning was facing an Admiral, two or three Vice Admirals (comparable to Admirals), and a contingent of lower-ranking Marine officers. Such a force was simply inadequate against him.

Take the Summit War for instance. Aokiji, Kizaru, Sengoku, and others – if they weren't holding back, there would have been significant casualties. Shanks himself would have been forced to remain with his crew or face utter defeat.

Luo Ning's blatant disrespect left Shanks' entourage visibly stunned. Shanks had extended an olive branch, only to have it slapped away.

"The decision is yours. Speak here, or leave. Of course, if you prefer violence, I'm more than happy to oblige." Luo Ning remained unconcerned. These individuals posed no real threat to him.

"Very well, let's have this conversation here. I would implore Lord Luo Ning not to disrupt the established order of the New World. The sea has achieved a fragile stability. A significant disruption from any side could shatter this balance, plunging the world back into chaos." Shanks conceded, resorting to voicing his concerns directly.