Chapter 64: Convergence at Fishman Island
The Meeting of Legends
The sea was calm, with the vibrant hues of the underwater kingdom casting a serene glow. Fishman Island, nestled 10,000 meters beneath the surface, was a bustling hub of activity and intrigue. The island had seen many visitors, but none quite like the ones arriving today.
The Red-Haired Pirates' flagship, the Red Force, docked alongside the Silver-Hair Pirates' newly upgraded ship. The inhabitants of Fishman Island, including the young Fishman Tiger, a burgeoning revolutionary, and the equally young Jinbe, watched in awe as two of the most formidable pirate crews in the world gathered.
Standing at the forefront was the towering figure of King Neptune, his regal presence commanding respect. He was flanked by his loyal subjects, all eager to witness the meeting between these legendary crews.
Shanks and Arthur disembarked from their respective ships, their crews following close behind. The two pirate captains approached each other, their expressions filled with mutual respect and anticipation.
"Arthur," Shanks greeted, extending his hand.
"Shanks," Arthur replied, shaking Shanks' hand firmly. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person."
The two captains turned to face King Neptune, who had come to welcome them. "Welcome to Fishman Island," Neptune said with a deep, booming voice. "We are honored to host such distinguished guests."
Arthur nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you, King Neptune. We appreciate your hospitality."
The two crews were led to a grand hall within King Neptune's palace. The hall was adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant coral decorations, a testament to the island's rich culture. Young Jinbe and Fishman Tiger stood at the entrance, their eyes wide with curiosity and admiration.
Inside the hall, tables were laden with exotic foods and drinks, a feast prepared for the visiting pirates. As everyone settled in, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and excitement.
Shanks raised his glass, signaling for silence. "To new alliances and the adventures that lie ahead!" he toasted.
"Cheers!" echoed through the hall as everyone raised their glasses in unison.
With the formalities out of the way, Shanks and Arthur, accompanied by their trusted crewmembers, moved to a more private setting. The room was dimly lit, creating an ambiance of focus and seriousness.
"Let's get down to business," Shanks began. "The world is in chaos, and it's only going to get worse. The remnants of the Rocks Pirates are a major threat. We need to address them before they consolidate more power."
Arthur nodded. "Kaido is my primary target. I have a score to settle with him, and I believe taking him down will send a strong message."
Shanks leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "Kaido is a beast, literally and figuratively. He's nearly invincible. What's your plan?"
Arthur took a deep breath. "Kaido's strength lies not just in his power, but in his influence. We need to cut off his support, disrupt his supply lines, and weaken his forces before we engage him directly."
Shanks smiled. "Sounds like a solid strategy. Meanwhile, I'll target another former Rocks Pirate—Big Mom. Her influence is growing, and her control over Whole Cake Island makes her a formidable foe. If we can destabilize her, it'll be a significant blow to the Rocks' legacy."
The discussion continued late into the night, with both captains sharing intelligence and strategies. Beckman and Arthur's first mate, Rio, contributed their insights, helping to refine the plans.
"We also need to consider the World Government and the Navy," Arthur pointed out. "They won't sit idly by while we target such powerful figures."
Shanks nodded. "True. We'll need to move swiftly and decisively. The Navy's new admirals—Aokiji, Akainu, and Kizaru—are formidable, but if we time our actions right, we can avoid direct confrontation."
As the meeting drew to a close, the conversation shifted to the future. "There are rumors of ancient weapons resurfacing," Arthur said. "Pluton, Poseidon, and Uranus. If any of these fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Shanks' expression turned serious. "We need to ensure that these weapons are either secured or destroyed. The knowledge of their locations is already a dangerous liability."
Arthur nodded in agreement. "And then there's the matter of the Road Poneglyphs. They're the key to reaching Raftel and finding the One Piece. We need to locate and protect them."
Shanks leaned back, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "I've heard whispers about Joy Boy and the prophecy surrounding him. It's said that he will return and bring about a new era. We need to be prepared for whatever that entails."
Arthur smiled. "Agreed. The future is uncertain, but together, we can shape it."
With their plans in place, Shanks and Arthur stood up, shaking hands once more. "To our alliance," Shanks said, his voice filled with resolve.
"To our alliance," Arthur echoed. "May it be the beginning of a new era."
The two captains returned to the grand hall, where their crews were still celebrating. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses.
Ben Beckman approached Shanks, a knowing smile on his face. "Looks like the meeting went well."
Shanks nodded. "It did. We have a solid plan and a powerful ally. The New World won't know what hit it."
Arthur, standing nearby, raised his glass. "To the future, and to the adventures that await us!"
The crews cheered, their spirits high. The alliance between the Red-Haired Pirates and the Silver-Hair Pirates was a game-changer, and everyone knew it.
As the night drew to a close, the two crews prepared to set sail. King Neptune and his subjects bid them farewell, their hearts filled with hope for the future.
"Safe travels," King Neptune said, his voice resonating through the hall. "May your alliance bring peace to the seas."
Shanks and Arthur nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Arthur replied. "We'll do our best to honor this alliance."
As the Red Force and the Silver-Hair Pirates' ship sailed away from Fishman Island, the captains and their crews looked forward to the challenges ahead. They knew that the road would be tough, but with their combined strength and determination, they were ready to face whatever the New World threw at them.
In the distance, the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the sea. It was a new day, and with it came new opportunities and adventures. The alliance between the Red-Haired Pirates and the Silver-Hair Pirates was just the beginning, and the world was about to witness a new era of piracy and power.
As they sailed towards their next destination, Arthur couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The future was uncertain, but with Shanks and his crew by their side, the Silver-Hair Pirates were ready to take on the New World and leave their mark on history.