In the midst of the fierce waters of the New World, the Akagami Pirates' ship sailed gracefully atop the rolling waves.
The atmosphere on board was lively, with laughter and the clinking of glasses echoing from various corners. Shanks sat in a corner, leisurely sipping sake, while his crew members laughed, joked, and drank together.
"Have you heard the latest news from the World Economy News Paper?" Yasopp suddenly asked with a wide grin on his face.
Lucky Roux, biting into a large piece of meat, turned with curiosity.
"What news this time? Don't tell me there's another problem."
"Not a problem, but more like big news. Luffy, that kid, is now called the Fifth Emperor after the chaos he caused at Big Mom's tea party." Yasopp chuckled.
Shanks, who was sipping his sake, paused for a moment. A small smile adorned his face.
"Fifth Emperor, huh? That kid really made a name for himself."
It was unbelievable that the little boy they met in Foosha Village, who kept shouting about wanting to become Pirate King, had now reached a height that many couldn't achieve in their lifetime.
Remembering the Devil Fruit he had forcibly taken from the World Government ship, which Luffy had miraculously eaten, Shanks knew he had found the destined person as Captain Roger had said.
Although Shanks and his crew weren't as strong as they were now, it was highly unlikely that a 7-year-old child could take the Devil Fruit from the tightly guarded box.
"He not only stormed Totto Land, but he also destroyed Big Mom's tea party and reportedly survived. It's not easy, especially when dealing with a Yonko." Benn Beckman added while puffing on his cigarette.
Shanks smiled wider, his memories returning to the time he first met Luffy.
"He's really grown, hasn't he? It feels like yesterday he was a little boy begging me to take him sailing."
"Now look at him! Causing chaos at a Yonko's party and getting out alive. That kid has a knack for attracting trouble." Lucky Roux laughed loudly.
"Like the captain. He's as stubborn as Shanks was in his youth." Benn added jokingly.
The atmosphere around them was filled with laughter. Shanks' crew was used to hearing stories about Luffy, and how he gradually became stronger. However, the news that Luffy was now considered the Fifth Emperor made them all feel proud.
"Luffy might not be fully at the Yonko level yet. But his strength has increased after not appearing for two years to train, it seems he's getting closer to his dream of becoming Pirate King." Yasopp thought about his son on the Straw Hat Pirates crew.
Shanks set down his sake glass and looked out at the sea with hope.
"I knew from the beginning that Luffy would be great. This world hasn't seen his full potential. I believe he will achieve his dream."
"And you know, captain, one day, you might have to fight him too." Lucky Roux said with a mischievous smile.
Shanks laughed loudly at that.
"If that happens, I'll welcome him with open arms. But until then, I'll wait and see how he continues to grow."
*PURURURU*
*PURURURU*
*PURURURU*
Before the conversation could continue further, the sound of a Den Den Mushi suddenly rang out.
Yasopp, who was standing at the stern, immediately shouted, "Den Den Mushi! There's an incoming call!"
Lucky Roux, who was already standing closer, casually walked towards the Den Den Mushi.
*PURURURU*
*GACHA*
He picked it up and greeted, "Yes, who is this?"
From the other end came a heavy and tense voice.
"It's me, Fugar. We have a big problem in Elbaf."
Lucky Roux immediately became serious and asked, "Big problem? What do you mean?"
Fugar swallowed, then spoke again, "Chaosbringer, he's here."
"Chaosbringer?" Lucky Roux repeated, while the crew, who were laughing earlier, began to pay attention.
"You mean Kamiki Eiji? The one who recently caused chaos in Mary Geoise?"
"Yes, he attacked Mary Geoise, killed Kong, fought Kaido and Big Mom. And now, he's in Elbaf. He wants to meet the captain." Fugar answered anxiously, mentioning Eiji's terrifying achievements.
"..."
The atmosphere on the ship became even more serious. The name Chaosbringer had become a hot topic of discussion in the world, and his presence in Elbaf couldn't be ignored. Even the Akagami Pirates couldn't take this situation lightly and responded seriously.
Lucky Roux handed the Den Den Mushi to Shanks.
"Captain, it seems this is important business."
Shanks received the Den Den Mushi and spoke, "Shanks here. What's happening in Elbaf?"
Fugar immediately answered, "Kamiki Eiji wants to meet you, captain. He came to Elbaf and wants to talk to you directly."
"..."
Shanks fell silent for a moment.
"Kamiki Eiji, huh? So he wants to meet me after all the chaos he's caused? Could it be that after fighting Kaido, Big Mom, and Kurohige, he now wants to challenge me? Truly a fighting maniac."
"Initially, I thought so too. But he said he doesn't intend to fight, and just wants to talk about something with the captain. Oh right, what's even more surprising, he said he's a disciple of the Dark King Rayleigh."
Shanks raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised to learn this.
"Rayleigh's disciple? That makes things even more interesting."
Benn Beckman, who was listening closely, smiled faintly.
"So Chaosbringer is Rayleigh's disciple. So that's it, no wonder his strength is beyond reason. Rayleigh wouldn't train just anyone."
Shanks nodded, then spoke again to Fugar.
"Tell Kamiki Eiji that we'll be going to Elbaf soon. Don't do anything that could provoke trouble. We'll see what his intentions are when we get there."
After disconnecting the call, Shanks turned to his crew.
"We don't know what Kamiki Eiji wants, but we have to be ready for anything. We'll sail to Elbaf."
The Akagami Pirates crew laughed simultaneously, the tense atmosphere disappearing as if by magic. They were used to facing threats, and a meeting with Eiji was just another challenge to be faced with their characteristic style.
"Raise the sails!" Shanks commanded with enthusiasm.
"We have a guest in Elbaf!"
The ship began to sail towards Elbaf at full speed.
Shanks stood on the front deck, the wind whipping his red cape, while his mind guessed Eiji's purpose in coming to his base. Fortunately, Fugar didn't report any casualties on their side. That meant Eiji had no ill intentions towards them.
With Eiji's strength, it wouldn't be a problem to wipe out all his allies in Elbaf.
"Rayleigh really trained a terrifying student. If only Buggy had trained under Rayleigh, his strength would definitely be stronger than it is now."
Thinking about his best friend, Shanks felt a little nostalgic.