Chapter 51: Shanks'Journey - World Government's Response
---
Shanks' Journey
The Red Hair Pirates sailed onward, the Gomu Gomu no Mi secured safely in their possession. Shanks stood at the helm, the sea breeze blowing through his hair. His mind raced with thoughts of the old man's words and the potential of the Devil Fruit they had just acquired.
"Captain, where to next?" Benn Beckman asked, his ever-calm demeanor a grounding force for the crew.
Shanks turned to his first mate with a grin. "We need to find a safe place to hide this fruit. It's too valuable to fall into the wrong hands."
Lucky Roux, munching on a piece of meat, chimed in. "Any ideas, Captain?"
Shanks pondered for a moment. "There's an island I've heard of, far from prying eyes. It's a perfect place to hide something like this."
The crew nodded in agreement, trusting their captain's judgment. With their new destination set, the Red Hair Pirates set sail once more, their spirits high and their resolve unshakable.
---
**World Government Meeting**
In the heart of Mariejois, the five elders of the World Government gathered for an urgent meeting. The room was grand and imposing, with intricate designs and luxurious furnishings. The atmosphere was tense as the elders discussed the recent events.
Names and Roles of the Five Elders
1. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn: Elder of Defense, responsible for military operations and security.
2. Saint Ethanbaron V. Nasujuro: Elder of Foreign Affairs, managing relationships with other nations.
3. Saint Marcus Mars: Elder of Economy, overseeing the world's economic stability and trade.
4.Saint Topman Valkyrie: Elder of Science and Technology, supervising advancements and weaponry.
5.Saint Shepherd Ju Peter: Elder of Intelligence, in charge of espionage and information gathering.
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, with his sharp eyes and commanding presence, spoke first. "The Red Hair Pirates have intercepted one of our most valuable shipments. The Gomu Gomu no Mi is now in their possession."
Saint Ethan Baron V. Nasujuro, his expression stern, added, "This fruit holds significant importance. We cannot allow it to be used against us."
Saint Marcus Mars leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "The economic implications of this fruit falling into pirate hands are dire. It could shift the balance of power in the seas."
Saint Topman Valkyrie, always practical, suggested, "We need to mobilize our forces and retrieve the fruit. It's too dangerous to leave it with Shanks."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the most contemplative of the elders, spoke slowly. "Shanks is not to be underestimated. His crew is formidable, and they've proven their resourcefulness."
The room fell silent as the elders considered their options. Finally, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn made a decision. "We will increase the bounty on Shanks and his crew. Make it clear that capturing them and retrieving the fruit is of the utmost priority."
---
New Bounties for the Red Hair Pirates
The decision was swift, and within hours, new bounty posters were printed and distributed across the seas. Shanks' bounty was raised to 2.4 billion berries, reflecting the threat he posed to the World Government. The bounties for his crew were also increased accordingly, each member recognized for their individual strength and skills.
--
As the Red Hair Pirates sailed towards their new destination, Shanks gathered his crew for a meeting. The mood was serious, but there was an underlying sense of excitement.
"Benn, what do you think our next move should be?" Shanks asked, valuing his first mate's strategic mind.
Benn Beckman took a moment to respond. "We need to be cautious. The World Government will be relentless in their pursuit. We should find a place to hide the fruit and lay low for a while."
Yasopp nodded in agreement. "We should also be prepared for any surprise attacks. CP0 won't give up easily."
Shanks smiled, appreciating the loyalty and wisdom of his crew. "Alright, let's head to that island and make sure the fruit is well hidden. We'll decide our next move from there."
---
After days of sailing, the Red Hair Pirates arrived at a secluded island, shrouded in mist and mystery. The island was uncharted, known only to a few. It was the perfect place to hide something as valuable as the Gomu Gomu no Mi.
As they disembarked, Shanks turned to his crew. "Spread out and look for a secure place. Make sure it's well hidden."
The crew scattered, searching the island for the ideal hiding spot. After hours of exploration, they found a hidden cave, its entrance concealed by thick vegetation. Inside, the cave was vast and labyrinthine, with numerous tunnels and chambers.
"This will do perfectly," Benn Beckman said, his voice echoing off the walls.
Shanks nodded in agreement. "Let's secure the fruit here. We'll set up traps and safeguards to ensure it stays hidden."
---
Unbeknownst to the Red Hair Pirates, they were being watched. A shadowy figure observed their every move from the treetops, his presence undetected. He was a member of CP0, sent to monitor the crew and report back to the World Government.
As the Red Hair Pirates secured the fruit, the CP0 agent sent a message to his superiors, detailing the location of the island and the fruit's hiding place. The World Government's response was swift and decisive.
--
In Mariejois, the five elders received the report with grim satisfaction. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn issued the order. "Mobilize our forces. Send an elite squad to retrieve the fruit and eliminate Shanks and his crew."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nasujuro added, "We must act quickly. The longer the fruit remains in their hands, the greater the threat to our power."
Saint Marcus Mars, ever the economist, nodded in agreement. "The balance of power must be maintained. We cannot afford to let this fruit disrupt our control."
Saint Topman Valkyrie, the strategist, planned the operation meticulously. "We'll send our best agents. They must succeed."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the voice of reason, cautioned, "Shanks is no ordinary pirate. Be prepared for resistance."
---
Back on the island, the Red Hair Pirates remained vigilant. Shanks and Benn Beckman stood guard at the entrance of the cave, while the rest of the crew set up traps and defenses.
Suddenly, the silence of the island was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps. The CP0 agents had arrived, their presence a chilling reminder of the World Government's reach.
"Looks like we have company," Shanks said, drawing his sword.
Benn Beckman nodded, his rifle at the ready. "Let's show them why they should never underestimate us."
The battle was fierce and intense, with the Red Hair Pirates fighting valiantly against the elite agents of CP0. Shanks and Benn Beckman took on the leaders, their combat skills and Haki proving to be formidable.
Yasopp provided cover from a distance, his sharpshooting skills taking down agents with deadly precision. Lucky Roux used his brute strength to overpower his opponents, while the rest of the crew held their ground.
Despite the odds, the Red Hair Pirates fought with unwavering determination. They protected the fruit and each other, their bond and loyalty shining through in every move.
---
After hours of intense fighting, the Red Hair Pirates emerged victorious. The CP0 agents were defeated, their mission a failure. Shanks and his crew stood together, their strength and unity unbroken.
"Well done, everyone," Shanks said, his voice filled with pride. "We've proven once again that we're not to be trifled with."
Benn Beckman nodded. "But we can't let our guard down. The World Government won't stop until they have that fruit."
Shanks looked at the Gomu Gomu no Mi, now securely hidden in the cave. "We'll keep it safe. And we'll be ready for whatever comes next."
---
In a distant land, the old man who had informed Shanks about the Gomu Gomu no Mi received word of the Red Hair Pirates' victory. He smiled, knowing that his plans were unfolding perfectly.
"The fruit is safe for now," he murmured to himself. "But the real challenge lies ahead."
The old man, whose identity and motives remained shrouded in mystery, continued to watch from the shadows, his connection to the future events of the world yet to be revealed.
As Shanks and his crew sailed into the unknown, they carried with them a treasure of immense power and the weight of the world's eyes upon them. Their journey was far from over, and the adventures that lay ahead promised to be even more thrilling and dangerous.
---
The Red Hair Pirates' daring heist and subsequent battle with CP0 had set the stage for a new chapter in their story. With the Gomu Gomu no Mi hidden and their resolve stronger than ever, they sailed onward, ready to face whatever challenges the sea would bring. The world watched with bated breath, the legend of Shanks and his crew growing with each passing day.