"Stinky Shamrock?"
Shanks' eyes widened briefly in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure, replying coolly.
"How unexpected. The core of the Big Mom Pirates, the second son of the Charlotte Family, has fallen so low as to beco a Marine lapdog—even wearing a captain's uniform. Katakuri, have you decided to 'change your heart' and pledge loyalty to the Fleet Admiral?"
"You don't have much ti to waste bantering with here. Hurry back to the New World."
With that, Katakuri turned and walked away without another word.
Although he officially beca a marine officer through the World Military Draft and t the strength requirents, his previous identity as a mber of the Big Mom Pirates initially led him to plan to start as a low-ranking soldier, much like Moria.
However, Fleet Admiral Orion still gave him a chance, appointing him as a Marine Headquarters Captain to independently command a warship.
He thus beca the first Headquarters Captain to set out on patrol after the conclusion of the World Military Draft.
He had assud this patrol mission would be straightforward, but shortly after departure, he received orders from the Fleet Admiral himself, directing him to a route that Shanks' crew would inevitably take on their return from the East Blue.
At first, he thought the Headquarters wanted him to intercept Shanks' crew, but it turned out he was rely tasked with relaying a ssage to Shanks.
This left him slightly disappointed.
After all, Shanks was the youngest Emperor in the New World, and he couldn't help but feel the urge to test himself against him.
Of course, he wasn't arrogant enough to believe he could capture Shanks—he simply wanted to see whether this man lived up to his reputation or not.
Shanks, of course, knew of Katakuri, the forr sweet commander of the Big Mom Pirates.
Aware of Katakuri's reputation, Shanks didn't take offense at his aloof deanor.
Instead, as Katakuri turned to leave, he gave a slight nod and said.
"Though Fleet Admiral Orion's intention is clearly for to return swiftly to the New World and clash with Shiki, I must still express my gratitude. Shiki's ergence has already endangered my crew's lives."
"But there's one thing I'd like to know!"
Just as Katakuri was about to enter the ship's cabin, Shanks suddenly looked up, his gaze piercing through him.
"My father and 'stinky… stinky Shamrock' you ntioned earlier—did Fleet Admiral Orion tell you that, or did you already know?"
Hearing this, Katakuri paused and turned back, replying indifferently, "I have no interest in your family affairs. I rely relayed the Fleet Admiral's words exactly as instructed. Nothing more."
"Understood."
Shanks nodded slightly.
"Thank you."
At that mont, the Red Force cut through the waves, approaching swiftly.
Without further delay, Shanks flashed back onto its deck.
"Boss!"
"Captain!"
As soon as Shanks landed on the Red Force's deck, his crew gathered around him, standing at his sides as they watched the Marine warship glide past.
The warship didn't linger.
After Katakuri entered the cabin, it suddenly accelerated, quickly putting distance between itself and the Red Force.
Seeing this, Shanks exhaled quietly in relief before turning to Benn Beckman.
"Have we made contact with Shiki?"
Beckman nodded, his expression grave.
"Shiki has already taken control of all our subordinate crews. Clearly, he intends to force our hand."
"Typical Shiki—his thods remain as underhanded as ever."
Shanks chuckled dryly. "Twenty years ago, he pressured Captain Roger relentlessly to beco his right-hand man, ultimately sparking the Edd War. And now, two decades later, he's dragging into his war again."
After a slight pause, Shanks suddenly turned to gaze at the endless sea, his aura surging abruptly.
"Even if the Fleet Admiral tries to take advantage of this situation, no matter how much pressure Shiki puts on , I won't accept it."
"Let's go. To the New World, to crush Shiki completely!"
Feeling Shanks' fighting spirit, the mbers of the Red Hair Pirates standing neatly behind him also erupted with in fervor.
The Red Force suddenly accelerated at this mont, cutting through the waves as it charged towards the New World.
*****
Having received Borsalino's Den Den Mushi call and learned that Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, would be arriving at Marine Headquarters, the port of Marineford had been cleared due to Dragon's sensitive status.
Only Gion and Hina, who had co to greet him, remained.
Standing at the port's edge, Hina watched as a large ship slowly approached across the sea.
When she spotted the figure standing on the deck, her delicate brows furrowed slightly.
"Gion, why would Dragon suddenly co to Headquarters? What's going on here? Hina doesn't understand!"
"And why is Admiral Kizaru traveling with Dragon? Hina is very confused!"
Glancing sideways at the puzzled Hina, Gion didn't hold back and patiently explained.
"Dragon once served in the Marines and is an old acquaintance of both Admiral Kizaru and Admiral Akainu. However, during his ti in the Marines, Dragon didn't get along well with Admiral Akainu. So, the Fleet Admiral sent Admiral Kizaru to the Revolutionary Army's headquarters to represent him in negotiations with Dragon."
"Clearly, Admiral Kizaru's talks with Dragon went very well!"
Hina's beautiful eyes widened in surprise.
"The leader of the Revolutionary Army actually once served as a marine? Why did he leave, and even go on to create the Revolutionary Army to oppose the World Governnt? Hina doesn't understand!"
Though accustod to Hina's habit of adding her catchphrase to nearly every sentence, Gion couldn't help but chuckle, mimicking Hina's tone.
"Gion doesn't understand either."
"Gion, you've changed!"
Not expecting Gion to imitate her, Hina tilted her head and scrutinized Gion from head to toe, her expression serious.
"You're copying my speech. Hina is very angry!"
"But Gion is very happy," Gion replied playfully, blinking mischievously.
???
Hina's head filled with question marks, her usual catchphrase forgotten as she wore an exceptionally stern expression.
"You really have changed!"
Gion nodded. "I've noticed that too, but I prefer myself this way. So, Hina maybe you should consider changing a little as well. Don't always approach everything with such seriousness. It's fine to be serious at work, but you should relax and enjoy life in your free ti. After all, you're only in your twenties."
Hina pondered thoughtfully. "We're working right now!"
Gion praised generously. "Wonderful! That sentence didn't have your catchphrase. A great start."
Hina remained serious. "Gion, are we... even on the sa page right now?"
Gion praised again. "Excellent! Another sentence without your catchphrase!"
Hearing this, Hina couldn't hold back any longer.
"Gion, we're working right now!"
Gion continued her praise.
"Amazing! Three sentences in a row without your catchphrase!"
"!!!!"
Hina's beautiful eyes gradually widened. "Haven't you noticed you've been acting more and more like Marshal Orion lately? Is it his influence, or are you deliberately imitating him? Hina is very curious!"
Before she could finish speaking, it was as if Hina had opened a door to a new world and she blurted out.
"Hina understands now—you like Marshal Orion! Hina always wondered why you rejected Vice Admiral Tokikake's confessions so decisively every ti. So it's because you already have soone you like? But when did you start liking Marshal Orion? Hina is very curious!"
Gion neither denied nor confird it, rely smiling faintly as she replied.
"No, you're not."
"No, Hina is very curious!"
Hearing Hina say "curious" three tis in a row, Gion couldn't hold back any longer and chuckled lightly.
"Alright, I'll stop teasing you! I admit I do have so thoughts about the Fleet Admiral, but he's just like you when it cos to matters of romance... well, perhaps it's better to say you've grasped six out of seven subtleties, with one still eluding you!"
Just then, a large ship approaching from the sea slowly docked at the shore.
Shortly after, Marine Headquarters Admiral Kizaru, who had been absent for so ti, appeared on the deck.
Before Gion and Hina could react, the fearso Revolutionary Army leader Monkey D Dragon, clad in a green coat with a stern expression, erged from the cabin with a girl around sixteen years old.
Following Kizaru, they swiftly left the deck and stood before the two won.
The mont he landed in front of Gion, Kizaru spoke first.
"Gion, Hina, sorry to keep you waiting!"
Gion smiled and shook her head, then turned her gaze to Dragon and the young girl beside him.
Though she knew Dragon had once served in the Marines, that was many years ago.
The Revolutionary Army leader before her now was vastly different from the Dragon in her mories—especially with the tattoos on his face, which made him appear intimidating.
The girl accompanying Dragon looked to be about fifteen or sixteen, wearing a newsboy cap with goggles, sowhat similar to Gunko's hat.
She was dressed in a short jumper dress paired with knee-high socks and boots, exuding a youthful energy.
Noticing Gion's gaze shifting to her, the girl didn't shy away and politely introduced herself.
"Admiral Gion, hello. I'm Koala."
-----------------------------
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