"The logo of the pirate flag..."
Seeing the pirate ship appearing on the sea, especially after recognizing the pirate logo on the canvas, Rob narrowed his eyes slightly. Immediately, the corners of his mouth rose:
"Have we finally met? Red-Haired Pirates, Shanks—I thought I would meet you on the Grand Line, or maybe even in the chaotic seas of the New World!"
The pirate logo on that ship was one Rob had been keeping an eye on—the emblem of the Red-Haired Pirates. That ship was none other than the Red Force!
At this time, Shanks had just turned nineteen and was still sailing in East Blue. His future powerful subordinates had yet to gather. He was likely on the brink of entering the Grand Line.
After all, Shanks hadn't yet received the three scars from Blackbeard. He should enter the Grand Line and arrive in the New World. After being clawed by Blackbeard, he would return to East Blue to meet Straw Hat Luffy!
"Since we met!"
Rob's face showed interest, his eyes flashing:
"Then let's see each other!"
Meeting Shanks was no trivial matter. Shanks' identity was a mystery. He was destined to become one of the Four Emperors, capable of entering Mariejois and even commanding respect from the Five Elders. A meeting was definitely worth his time.
Even a member of the God's Knights under Im bore a striking resemblance to him in terms of body shape.
In short—
This man was mysterious, but also very interesting!
Robin also noticed the appearance of the Red Force. Standing next to Rob, she called out:
"Oni-chan!"
Without saying anything, Rob handed Uta over to Robin and softly said:
"Don't worry! Everything will be fine. You take Uta back to the boat, and leave the rest to me."
Gently nodding, Robin said to Rob with a serious face:
"Leave Uta to me! Oni-chan, be careful! According to what little information we have, the Red-Haired Pirates have never suffered a failure so far, and they are the most powerful pirate group in East Blue!"
Hearing this, Rob gave Robin a reassuring look.
Rob stood on the beach and waited. Using his Observation Haki, he sensed the many auras aboard the pirate ship, some of which were not weak. However, there were only two that truly deserved his attention.
Without a doubt—
Those were the Red-Haired Shanks and his deputy, Benn Beckman!
But now, among the two auras worthy of his attention, the stronger one had left the pirate ship, rowed a small boat, and was approaching the island!
It didn't take long for Rob to see him. Wearing a straw hat that looked familiar to Rob, rowing a boat, was a young and handsome Shanks with red hair, looking a bit like a youthful puppy.
"Excuse me."
After landing on the shore, Shanks, with an ordinary long sword pinned to his waist, greeted Rob with a smile:
"Sorry to visit suddenly. It seems I've disturbed you and your sister's playtime!"
Rob smiled in return.
Rob looked at the redhead and said casually:
"It doesn't matter!"
After a pause, Rob gave the red-haired pirate an appreciative look.
He continued:
"There are very few pirates who are able to communicate with me so calmly when we first meet. You are the first one! Red-Haired Shanks, what's the matter with you looking for me?"
Rob's statement carried weight—most pirates he encountered on the seas either opened fire immediately or displayed undisguised malice. Few were as polite as the redhead.
From Shanks' demeanor, Rob sensed no hostility or malice. In fact, Shanks' attitude was very friendly. So, Rob didn't intend to provoke him and cause unnecessary trouble. Though Rob felt he was stronger than Shanks at the moment, he had Robin and Uta to consider.
As for Observation Haki, Rob knew that while Shanks was strong, he wasn't yet at the peak of his power. His Conqueror's Haki wasn't strong enough to sense or kill over a distance.
At least—
In front of Rob's Observation Haki, Shanks' aura was clear to him.
Shanks responded honestly:
"I came to you with two purposes at the beginning—to invite you to be my companion! But after meeting you and your sister, I don't think I need to pursue that goal."
Shanks then revealed his second purpose:
"The second purpose—I went to Shimotsuki Village and found Mr. Kozaburo from the Isshin Dojo. I wanted to ask him to make me a weapon, but he recommended you to me!"
"So, I came here to ask if you could build a weapon for me. Of course, I'll provide the materials, and I'll prepare a reward that satisfies you. What do you think?"
A request to build a weapon?
Hearing Shanks' request, Rob pondered for a while. He noticed the ordinary saber at Shanks' waist, recognizing it was not Gryphon, the saber Shanks would be known for in the future.
So, before entering the Grand Line, Shanks wanted a new weapon?
Looking at Shanks, Rob thought for a moment:
"I can build a weapon for you, but I'm not short on money!"
"What will you offer me in return for forging your weapon? By the way, if I do the forging and your materials are top-notch, there's a 100% chance of getting a Skillful Grade sword, and a 70% chance of obtaining a Great Grade sword!"
After a moment of silence, Shanks looked at Rob and said:
"A favor! How about it?"
Rob:（⊙ｏ⊙）
After hearing the offer from Shanks, Rob was silent for a while. This guy had indeed learned some cheeky "tricks" from Roger, using a very novel payment method!
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Just read a fanfic where Rias was trash talked, what do you guys think of her.
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