For the first time, Shanks's face turned grim.
Though his current ship was small and not yet the future "Red Force," a pirate ship was one of the most crucial elements of a pirate crew, especially with the pirate flag representing their identity.
Having his ship destroyed was unacceptable to any pirate captain.
Seeing Shanks's face turn cold, Moqi discreetly slipped away. His task was to inform the Red-Haired Pirates that the Flame Pirates had destroyed their ship. Now that the task was complete, he didn't want to stay around such fierce pirates.
Beckman and the others still thought of Moqi as an older man strolling along the beach, not suspecting anything.
"Beckman, find out everything about this Flame Pirates. I want them to pay!"
Shanks finally showed the demeanor of a true leader.
Shanks's good nature only lasted as long as others didn't cross his bottom line. He wasn't infinitely tolerant.
Seeing Shanks's severe and determined expression, Beckman and Yasopp didn't joke around this time.
Beckman nodded, "Shanks, wait here. I'll be back soon."
...
"Rock... huff... huff... your plan worked, but can the Red-Haired Pirates really handle the Flame Pirates? That 'Flame' Harris is a Logia-type Devil Fruit user with the Flame-Flame Fruit!"
In a secluded alley in town, a few messy pirates stopped to rest.
Rock was Kuro's alias. He had already disguised himself as a rogue and joined a pirate crew.
Kuro had essential tasks, and with the support of Alabasta's fastest animal, the Spot-Billed Duck Squad, he had arrived days before the leisurely Red-Haired Pirates.
At that time, Kuro had sown discord between the Flame Pirates and several other pirate crews. Logia Devil Fruits were nearly unbeatable in the first half of the Grand Line. With Harris alone, the Flame Pirates had routed the other crews. The fleeing pirate captain was later pursued by the Navy, only to be saved by Rock.
Rock claimed he was a surviving crew member from one of the pirate crews destroyed by Harris and that, now that his captain was dead, he had to join them.
Having a common enemy and owing his life to Rock, the pirate captain didn't question much and accepted him. Later, according to Rock's plan, they lured the Flame Pirates to the port where the Red-Haired Pirates were. In a rage, Harris used a "Fire Fist" to destroy all the pirate ships at the port.
This led to the scene that left Shanks dumbfounded.
Hailan had orchestrated this complex plan to use Harris's power. He knew that if Shanks and Beckman chose to flee, it would be nearly impossible for him and Gion to catch them alone.
Rock adjusted his glasses and said calmly, "Logia Devil Fruits aren't necessarily invincible, especially the Flame-Flame Fruit, which has quite a few weaknesses."
His gentle demeanor was contrasted by the small tool he pulled from his pocket and slipped onto his thumb—a claw blade.
"That's good to hear... hahahaha... this will be fun to watch!"
The pirate captain laughed, thrilled at the prospect of a clash between the two pirate crews. But Rock suddenly vanished from their sight.
Soru. Silent Step.
When Kuro reappeared, the alley was littered with the bodies of the pirates.
Though Kuro had only mastered Soru, his technique was more terrifying than Captain Wagner's. Like a black cat in the shadows, he moved silently. Even within CP9, no one could match Kuro's level of stealth.
"A bunch of dirty scum..."
Kuro dusted off his shoulder and walked out of the alley with measured, rhythmic steps, as graceful as a black cat.
...
"Burn!"
With a roar, a pillar of fire surged towards Shanks.
Flame Harris was a hot-tempered pirate who was quick to start a fight. He always used his serious moves from the start, no matter the opponent.
With a strong gust of wind, Shanks drew his famous sword and sliced through the raging flames, creating a path.
"Yasopp, you're not yet a match for a Logia Devil Fruit user. Stay out of this fight!"
The young Shanks's eyes glinted with fierce determination when facing the aggressive Logia Flame-Flame Fruit.
"First Mate, you're running too? Aren't you stronger than the Captain?" Yasopp turned and saw Beckman running away as well.
Beckman explained, "Shanks didn't ask for my help, which means he wants to defeat Harris on his own. As crew members, we must respect the captain's decision."
Yasopp glanced worriedly back at the inferno, "Can he really take on a Logia user by himself?"
Beckman, with a cigarette in his mouth and the red glow of the flames reflected in his eyes, replied, "We'll see..."
...
"If Crocodile can hold off Harris, Gion, you can capture Beckman while I go after Shanks. We might have a chance to capture the Red-Haired Pirates this time."
In the distance, Hailan was discussing the next steps with Vice Admiral Gion. As for the Flame Pirates, Alabasta's current navy wasn't enough to take them on.
With a bounty of 240 million Berries, Harris was the highest-bounty super rookie this year, and his strength was beyond what an ordinary rear admiral could handle. Gion had reported Alabasta's intelligence to HQ, and Vice Admiral Tsuru was formulating the plan to capture the Flame Pirates. It would most likely involve Rear Admirals Onigumo, Doberman, and Strawberry.
"Hmm... sounds good, but will Crocodile help us?"
Gion knew well the whims of the Shichibukai. Hailan, recalling Crocodile's previous actions, thought, "He seems keen on building his reputation... if we give him some credit and stroke his ego a bit, he might just help."