After once again forcing back the attacks of several major Celestial Dragon families, Shanks looked at the remaining Celestial Dragons.
One of the celestial dragon couldn't hold back and glared at Shanks with a dark expression, "Shanks, you who possess the noble blood of the Celestial Dragons, why did you choose to ally yourself with those lowly people?
Look at the massive deaths and injuries your poor decision has caused to our entire race!
You traitor!"
Facing the accusation, Shanks swung his sword forcefully, flicking the blood off Gryphon onto the ground.
"People are born equal. There is no such thing as nobility or inferiority. You set yourselves apart from others just to avoid sharing the world's rights with them."
"What's wrong with that? Some people's status is determined from birth, and don't forget, you've benefited from your Celestial Dragon lineage too! If it weren't for us pressuring the Navy and the World Government, do you think you could have secured your position as an Emperor of the Sea? Don't forget, to us, there's no real difference between the 'Three Emperors' or the 'Four Emperors!'"
The leading Celestial Dragon shouted angrily at Shanks, as if Shanks was a villain beyond redemption.
"You think I don't know your schemes? Don't kid yourselves; we were just using each other!"
Shanks knew that the Celestial Dragons had only supported him to meddle in the complex situation of the seas, as their influence in the New World was much weaker compared to the first half of the Grand Line and the Four Seas.
Shanks, unlike Doflamingo, had never actively chosen to break away from the Celestial Dragons.
After confirming Shanks' identity, the Celestial Dragons and the World Government secretly contacted him multiple times, and they cooperated on various matters.
"Do you really think I'll let you manipulate me!?"
Shanks raised his sword, Gryphon, his eyes fierce.
His overwhelming Conqueror's Haki gathered around the blade, which had the power to influence the very heavens. He swung his sword forward.
"Divine Departure!"
Facing Shanks' attack, the Celestial Dragon who had spoken clenched his fists before his chest, causing a burst of blue light.
As the light dissipated, a massive turtle appeared in front of everyone. Coiled around its thick shell was a long snake, which hissed and stared at the incoming Divine Departure attack.
"What a big target!" Ben Beckman quipped, lifting his gun and aiming at the snake's head.
Bang!
Bang!
Two gunshots echoed simultaneously. Beckman turned to see Yasopp in the same shooting stance nearby. Clearly, the two had the same idea.
The bullets they fired, laced with powerful Haki, flew faster than Shanks' slash. They instantly pierced the snake's eyes, causing it to scream in pain.
Just then, Shanks' Divine Departure reached its mark.
As the bullets struck the snake, Shanks' attack collided with the turtle's thick shell, creating a sharp, grating sound.
Sparks flew where the slash met the shell.
Boom!
The massive beast, Genbu, was forced back, leaving a deep scar on the ground as it was pushed away.
Divine Departure… This was Roger's technique, a terrifying slash infused with both Armament Haki and Conqueror's Haki.
…
Bang!
Ben Beckman fired another shot, shattering an incoming bullet aimed at Shanks. While their strength was immense, the Celestial Dragons were no slouches either and quickly mounted a counterattack.
"Shanks!" Beckman called out to him.
By this point, the Red-Haired Pirates were exhausted. If the battle dragged on, they'd start suffering serious casualties.
"I know…" Shanks replied grimly, nodding as he took a deep breath. His Conqueror's Haki once again gathered around Gryphon's blade.
"Divine Departure!"
He unleashed another slash, cutting down many of the Celestial Dragons. But more quickly filled the gap, undeterred.
…
"Shanks!"
A deep voice suddenly rang out from among the Celestial Dragons' ranks. Shanks had only ever heard this voice through a Den Den Mushi before.
Hearing it now, his face darkened, and his eyes filled with murderous intent.
"Let's cooperate. If we win this war, the world will be yours to govern! You can do whatever you want!" the voice boomed.
To most, such an offer would seem crazy, but Shanks knew this person had the power to make it happen.
"Really…" Shanks sighed, looking ahead as the crowd parted. "Though your offer is tempting, I'm afraid I can't agree."
"Why not? You should know how powerful we Celestial Dragons are when united. The world was built by our ancestors. Even that great one would agree, for they don't care who governs the world."
"I think you've misunderstood. Even though the two at the top haven't decided the outcome yet, the tide has already turned. And I believe that Nicholas will win. That guy wouldn't have waged war against the World Government if he wasn't confident."
The voice fell silent for a while. Shanks was right. Though the battle between Im and Nicholas was still undecided, the scales of victory had tipped in favor of the alliance.
If Nicholas won, it would be the end for both the Celestial Dragons and the World Government.
After a long pause, the voice sighed. Then, a panicked voice rang out, "I'm not going! That guy will kill me for sure! If anyone wants to go, go ahead! Besides, I was just messing around back then. Who knew she'd get pregnant? Don't push me, don't push me!"
Amidst the chaos, a Celestial Dragon was pushed out. His round, obese figure made it obvious he was a typical "fat pig." His greasy, frightened face, the tears and snot running down, and the glass bubble on his head all made it clear he was a Celestial Dragon.
"Hey, who's that?" Yasopp asked Lucky Roux in confusion, wondering why the Celestial Dragons would send out such an obvious weakling in a battle like this.
"How should I know? Stay focused. Even with my protection, you'll still get killed if they get too close," Roux responded, scanning the surroundings. In a chaotic battle like this, he had to protect Yasopp, their sniper, from being taken out by the enemy.
"What are those guys thinking? The boss seems mad," Beckman muttered as he felt Shanks' rising fury.
"What do you mean by this!?" Shanks gripped Gryphon so tightly that the veins in his hand bulged. His blood was boiling.
The Celestial Dragon, crying out in terror, screamed, "Shanks, don't kill me! I'm your father!"
The entire Red-Haired Pirate crew froze in shock. They couldn't believe that the pathetic man before them was their captain's father!
[AN – Everyone knows Garling is Shanks's father so don't worry. This is just a ploy, That guy is not shanks's father.]