The boy's eyes lit up like fireworks.
Boy: you're going to war! Oh wow!
Shanks had already stepped forward, the playful edge in his posture gone. The air in the bar shifted the moment he stopped smiling.
Shanks: i won't let Elbaph become a battlefield
The words were calm.
But they carried weight.
Behind the counter, the tall blond bartender clasped her hands together, practically swooning.
Bartender: oh what a man!
Ryuto smirked faintly as he stood, reaching back to tie his long black hair into a tighter knot, crimson tips sliding through his fingers.
Ryuto: because that's our duty right boss
Shanks nodded once.
Shanks: that's right ryuto. our duty is to keep this island safe from harm
This island was no ordinary stop on the Grand Line.
This was Elbaph.
A land spoken of in tavern whispers and half-forgotten stories. A country of towering warriors. A birthplace of legends. A place many believed didn't even exist.
The proud homeland of the giants.
The doors of the bar swung open, sunlight pouring in as the Red-Haired Pirates stepped outside.
And then—
Two laughs thundered across the land.
Deep. Ancient. So powerful they seemed to shake the air itself.
The red ogre and the blue ogre.
Dorry and Broggy.
Their massive forms rose into view, weapons resting easily against their shoulders, scars crisscrossing bodies that had survived a century of battle. Even the enormous bar looked small behind them.
Shanks looked up, genuine warmth returning to his eyes.
Shanks (happy): you'll help us protect the place, right dorry, right broggy
Broggy threw his head back and laughed, the sound booming like a war drum. His single-bladed axe gleamed in the sun.
Broggy: it would be my pleasure brother!
Dorry slammed the butt of his weapon into the ground and grinned wide.
Dorry: it looks like you're fired up!
Behind Shanks, the commanders gathered.
Benn Beckman, calm and lethal, cigarette glowing between his fingers.
Yassop, rolling his shoulders, already scanning the horizon.
Lucky Roux, chewing contentedly, eyes sharp beneath the goggles.
Then the others.
Hongo, grey hair tied into a topknot, a bo staff balanced behind his neck, jacket hanging open.
Building Snake, long purple hair flowing, sunglasses catching the light, blade resting loosely at his side.
Howling Gabu, massive and feral-looking, black hair wild, sharp teeth showing even when his mouth was closed.
Limejuice, staff in hand, skull-and-crossbones bandana and shades hiding his eyes.
Bonk Punch, broad and scarred, grinning with Monster perched on his back, chattering softly.
And at Shanks's right side—
The youngest of them.
Shimotsuki Ryuto.
He didn't laugh.
He didn't boast.
But the air around him felt tight. Focused. Dangerous.
Rockstar hurried up beside Shanks.
Rockstar: captain kid you mean! what is it?
Shanks didn't take his eyes off the sea.
Shanks: this is about to be a turning point for him. ask if he really wants to fight me
His voice hardened.
Shanks: if he leaves his road poneglyphs behind, i'll let him go. it's his choice
Ryuto's fingers curled around the hilt of his katana. Red eyes—so similar to Ryo's—burned with quiet intent.
Ryuto: but if he wants to fight, i'd be more than happy to have a rematch
He stepped forward, leapt lightly, and landed on the deck of their ship. The wood barely creaked beneath his feet.
Ryuto (thinking): Kid... I heard you were a big part in the defeat of big mom on wano. for that, you have my congratulations. a pirate with a three billion berry bounty is nothing to scoff at either.
The wind tugged at his clothes.
Ryuto (thinking): but it depends. have you taken the warning I gave you to heart... or are you still as reckless and bloodthirsty as ever
Beyond Elbaph, the sea raged.
Dark clouds rolled overhead. Waves rose and fell like breathing giants.
Two forces were moving toward one another.
The Kid Pirates.
The Red-Haired Pirates.
Both names carved into the top of the world.
Both carrying power that shook eras.
Yet to any trained eye...
The difference was clear.
Experience.
Control.
The calm of those who had already survived the storm.
So only one question remained.
Would Kid leave with his pride?
With his life?
Or would both be shattered on the same day?
Ryuto stood at the bow, hair and coat snapping in the wind, eyes fixed on the distant horizon.
Ryuto: Eustass captain kid... I know you're strong. really strong. but you're not ready yet.
His grip tightened.
Ryuto: but if you really insist on doing this... then you should know there's no shame in losing to the best
The Red Force cut forward through the raging sea.
And history leaned closer to the edge.
And that's a wrap
Cool, finally I get to show what this guy can do
