Though Alex and Douglas Bullet spoke lightly, their conversation carried an undeniable weight.
Shanks' mind raced as he processed their words.
There was no doubt about it—he must have known this man in the past.
Then, a name flashed through his mind.
"Douglas Bullet?" Shanks cautiously asked.
"Hah! So you do remember me. That makes things easier. Leave the ship and walk away. Since you were once with Roger's crew, I'll let you all off today!" Bullet declared arrogantly.
The atmosphere on the Red Force instantly shifted.
Shanks' face darkened, and his crew members erupted in anger.
Unlike him, they had little familiarity with the name Douglas Bullet.
Ben Beckman, however, widened his eyes slightly. "Douglas Bullet… the one who sailed with Roger back in the day?"
Being older than most, he recalled bits and pieces from the past.
But before anyone could react further, Alex sneered. "Wow, you guys really are out of touch. Haven't read today's paper yet?"
In the world of pirates, newspapers were delivered across the seas by News Coo, seagulls trained by Morgans, the president of the World Economy News Paper.
Since many people spent months at sea, waiting until they reached land for news was impractical. Instead, News Coo flew out to ships daily, delivering the latest headlines.
As if on cue, a seagull swooped down from the sky, a newspaper clenched in its beak.
It landed neatly on the deck, dropped the paper, and squawked.
Lucky Roux stepped forward, tossed some Berries into the small pouch around the seagull's neck, and watched as it flew off.
Then, he picked up the newspaper and handed it to Shanks.
Though Alex and Bullet had escaped several days ago, the news had only been fully exposed the previous day. Those in major towns had already read about it, but sailors at sea had to wait for today's edition.
Shanks unfolded the paper.
His expression stiffened as he saw the front page.
The bold headline featured two familiar figures—Alex and Douglas Bullet.
Shanks scanned the article, then inhaled sharply. "Douglas Bullet… you actually broke out of Impel Down's Level 6—Eternal Hell—and defeated all of its guards?"
His voice carried across the deck.
The moment his crew heard the words Impel Down, unease spread through them.
The Deep-Sea Prison was infamous. Escape was impossible.
Yet these two men had done it.
Many pirates began gripping their weapons with uncertainty.
Even seasoned fighters felt a twinge of fear.
Shanks, however, stood firm. He exhaled and looked Bullet in the eye.
"Mr. Douglas Bullet, I respect you. But giving up this ship is not an option. The Red Force isn't just my ship—it carries the dreams of the entire Red-Haired Pirates!"
Shanks' voice was calm but resolute.
Bullet may have been his senior, but that didn't mean he would yield. His strength had grown to the point where no one could make him surrender.
But then—
Alex chuckled darkly.
"Your dreams? Do you want me to expose your dealings with the Five Elders in front of your crew? If it comes to that, even the pirate world won't have a place for you anymore."
Silence.
A heavy, suffocating silence.
The previous shock paled in comparison.
This time, Alex had dropped a bombshell.
Because he hadn't just mentioned Shanks.
He had mentioned the Five Elders.
The highest authority of the World Government.
The five men who ruled from the shadows, outranking even the Supreme Commander of the Marines.
Alex had linked Shanks to them.
The implications were staggering.
Every crew member's thoughts spiraled wildly.
And Shanks—
A cold sweat dripped down his forehead.
For the second time in his life, he felt fear.
The first man who had ever made him feel this way had long since been executed due to illness.
Now, the second man stood before him.
Shanks forced himself to stay composed. "Alex… who exactly are you? With your strength and knowledge, why are you targeting me? What do you want?"
Alex shrugged. "I already told you—your ship. As for why I came after you? Coincidence."
Shanks took a deep breath.
Then, in a surprising move, he said, "Let's forget about today's events. I can arrange a brand-new warship for you."
His words stunned even his own crew.
They had sailed these seas for years, but never had they seen Shanks ask someone to back off.
But now—he was requesting it from a no-name pirate?
Alex smirked.
"Hah! Do you think you ate the Face-Face Fruit or something? You think your reputation means something to me? If you want respect—"*
His gaze turned cold.
"Earn it yourself."
In a world where strength ruled—reputation was worthless.
And Alex had just made that painfully clear.