The vegetation was barren, and many ravines scarred the landscape.
A tragic scene unfolded on an unknown island.
Pirates in different costumes set up bonfires, took out the wine they had prepared long ago, and the large bowls with broken edges were snatched up by everyone.
The lively scene was completely at odds with the surrounding environment.
In the center, the two people who had just fought were sitting together. Opposite them was Benn Beckman, who looked expressionless. The three of them formed a triangle.
"The World Government has issued an emergency call for the Shichibukai," Mihawk said calmly, taking a sip from his cup.
When Beckman heard this, a strange look flashed in his eyes.
The current situation in the New World, or rather, the entire sea, was much more severe than before.
The Marine, who had broken free from the shackles of the World Government, was much more terrifying than anyone had imagined. In one year, the sea had almost turned upside down.
Some time ago, the Beasts Pirates were destroyed, and Kaido was imprisoned in Impel Down. Who knows when the butcher's knife would fall again and more heads would roll.
At present, Shanks could be called the only Emperor of the sea.
The Red Hair Pirates were now quite eye-catching.
Shanks' face fell, and he paused while holding the barbecue in his hand. "Is the situation so serious now?"
He had never thought that the balance on the sea, which had been maintained so well, could be disrupted so quickly. It seemed stable for at least several years.
But since Big Mom was arrested, the whole world was collapsing so fast that he couldn't keep up.
This made him have serious doubts about the prophecy left by Roger. Nothing seemed right.
Perhaps before that time comes, the world will change drastically.
Captain Roger...was he really right?
"Yes, it is said that the World Government has entered a state of high alert. It's only a matter of time before they openly declare war on the Marine. Maybe they already have."
Mihawk put down his wine glass, his sharp eyes thoughtful.
As a man with an extremely keen political sense, he naturally understood the intentions of the World Government.
Moreover, that man had already communicated with him.
"Then you...are you planning to go?" Shanks stared at Mihawk's face, feeling a little hesitant.
Roger's last words seemed impossible to him.
So, he now faced another choice.
Do the Red Hair Pirates still need to exist?
Mihawk shook his head slightly. "I'm too lazy to get involved in this kind of thing. I joined the Shichibukai just to avoid being chased by the Marine. It doesn't mean I have to fight for the World Government."
"And..."
That sharp and arrogant figure suddenly appeared in his mind. "With that man around, the World Government will not succeed."
"Oh? You have so much confidence in him?"
Shanks couldn't help but look at his old rival. He seemed to have never heard such a respectful tone from Mihawk.
"Yes, he is the only man I recognize, or the only goal worthy of my life."
Hearing this, Shanks fell silent.
He swallowed the food in his mouth.
"Boss, just do whatever you want! Don't worry about us," Beckman suddenly interjected.
Shanks looked up, grinned, and was about to say something.
Boom!
A figure sat down, hugged Shanks' shoulders, and said with a smile, with a strong smell of alcohol in his mouth: "What do you want to do, boss? The most important thing now is to be happy and harmonious. Shall we have a party together?"
"Dahahahaha! So true!"
Shanks was stunned for a moment, then a familiar smile appeared on his face.
"So, boss, let's have a toast!"
Another fat figure approached, and the small wine barrel, which was almost the size of a human head, almost hit Shanks' face.
"Hey! Don't underestimate me. I'm really not afraid of anyone when it comes to drinking! Lucky Roux!"
He picked up the big bowl on the ground, spilled the clear wine, and clinked glasses with Lucky Roux.
"Come! Boss, I want to toast you too!"
"I want to as well, boss!"
"Wow! You are trying to fool me! Do you want to take turns to drink me under the table?"
Everyone laughed and joked, exchanging glasses of wine, and exchanging cups.
As the night progressed, the bright bonfire illuminated the shadows of these people clearly.
But the countless shadows mixed together, giving a vague feeling, making it impossible to tell whose shadow was whose.
Mihawk looked at the lively crowd and sipped the drink in his hand gracefully.
It wasn't particularly good, just the most ordinary rum. When you swallow it, it gives you a burning sensation.
————
Calm Belt, Amazon Lily.
Boa Hancock, who received an urgent call from the World Government, sat on the bedside, surrounded by fully armed female warriors.
Thanks to the trade with the Soviet Chamber of Commerce, life on Amazon Lily was gradually getting back on track.
The female warriors no longer wore tattered clothes and now had some extra overseas-style fabrics.
Opposite her, Elder Nyon's face was as solemn as ever.
Hancock did not order Elder Nyon to be driven away this time but remained silent, holding the envelope in her hand.
Elder Nyon was also very anxious, and this was a difficult decision for her.
"What do you think, Hebihime-sama?"
————
On a certain island, the Shichibukai "Crazy Hunter" Harry and his subordinates were taking a rest.
As a Shichibukai, he could legally plunder a country that was not a member of the World Government and use it as his own territory.
But the hard part was that on the day they accepted the title of Shichibukai, a man suddenly came to their door and beat them all without explanation.
What horrified Harry was that even with his Logia ability, combined with his skilled Haki, they were no match for that man. Even together, they were like children in the hands of that man, being played around in circles.
That day, he saw how different the world was.
However, the man did not take their lives; it seemed he only wanted to humiliate them.
"Flame-Flame Fruit? Even the dogs won't eat it!"
That's what the man had said.
"Captain! What should we do?"
Barton spoke up, breaking Harry's memory.
"Logically speaking, we shouldn't join in the fun. Our identity as Shichibukai is useless, and we don't have any of the rights we should have. If it weren't for that Marine, we don't know how easy our life would be now!"
Some crew members were aggrieved.
The Marine not only beat them up but also warned them not to have other thoughts.
This is why they still live a wandering life.
That man cast a shadow that they still find difficult to overcome!
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