"Not just the recent movements of the Revolutionary Army, even the World Government is gathering troops!"
Yasopp shouldered his weapon, his eyes filled with deep wariness.
It was clear, just as his captain had said.
Under the Revolutionary Army's movements, the World Government had begun large-scale military recruitment, preparing to counter their offensive.
"Another War, huh?"
"This world is becoming more and more unstable!"
Hongo, with a scar running down his left forehead, spoke slowly.
Last time, during the Marineford War, they hadn't been able to prevent the war from escalating.
Now, with the conflict between the World Government and the Revolutionary Army, how should they proceed?
"This will affect an even larger scale than the Marineford War!" Shank's sharp eyes gleamed with intensity.
"The World Government might find itself in a very awkward position during this great war! There's even a chance they could be completely overthrown by the Revolutionary Army!"
"Bob has been preparing for so many years. If he chose to launch this war now without absolute confidence, he wouldn't have done it!"
Beckman exhaled a smoke ring, holding his cigar between his fingers.
"Hah~"
"Still, don't underestimate the World Government's power. They've ruled the world for 800 years!"
"They must have some hidden cards!"
Folding the newspaper in his hands, Shanks stared intently at the sea ahead.
Suddenly, his gaze sharpened.
"Seems like... we have a distinguished guest arriving."
As soon as he spoke, the sound of footsteps echoed across the Red Hair Pirates' ship.
'Tap! Tap! Tap!'
The steps were steady and unhurried, slowly approaching Shanks's position.
Instantly, the crew members behind Shanks tensed, their hands resting on their weapons, ready to strike at any moment.
For someone to board their ship without their notice—this visitor's strength was undoubtedly extraordinary, and their intentions unpredictable.
Yet, in the next moment, the solemn expressions on the crew's faces twisted into something almost ferocious, their facial muscles trembling.
"C-Conqueror's Haki!"
Bonk Punch, with a monkey perched on his shoulder, spoke hoarsely—not out of fear, but because the overwhelming pressure made even a strong man like him feel his throat tighten.
The monkey on his shoulder screeched wildly.
"So strong!" Beckman's brows furrowed deeply, sweat dripping down his forehead.
Conqueror's Haki was nothing rare on their ship—their captain, Shanks, possessed Haki so powerful it was unmatched among pirates.
Yet, this Conqueror's Haki exerted pressure no less than their captain's.
"Thud! Thud!"
The footsteps continued to approach, and the oppressive force of the Haki grew heavier in the air.
"CRACK!!"
The ship's hull groaned under the tangible pressure, fissures spreading across its surface.
Wood splintered from the deck, flying outward.
The man responsible for the footsteps ascended the final stair, pausing briefly as he came into view.
Clad in a coat made from Sea King hide, his bald head reflected golden under the sunlight.
"Incredible Haki!"
"So it's you... Bob!"
Seated in his chair, Shanks spoke in a deep voice, his eyes showing no trace of surprise as he observed the man before him.
Bob's Conqueror's Haki was formidable, but his own was no weaker.
Hum!!
Instantly, the newspaper in Shanks hand crumpled into shreds as an overwhelming haki erupted from his body.
The entire space was filled with an oppressive force, clashing head-on with the Haki radiating from Bob.
In that fleeting moment, the deck beneath them groaned under the pressure of the two powerful Haki forces.
The chair beneath Shanks shattered into splinters, scattering across the floor.
Now standing, Shanks haki surged relentlessly, colliding with Bob's Haki.
Under the collision of these two immense forces, the surrounding sea churned violently, splitting into two as the ship itself seemed on the verge of being torn apart.
"Hahaha!"
"Truly, you are a man who has mastered Conqueror's Haki to its peak!" Seeing this, Bob withdrew his Haki and spoke.
Opposite him, Shanks also reined in his haki, his gaze sharp and unfriendly as he stared at Bob.
The scene felt familiar—much like when he had visited Whitebeard's ship and done the same.
"Surely you didn't come here just to test my Haki?" Shanks remained unmoved by Bob's praise, his tone still hostile.
In his memory, the only time they had met was after the Summit War.
They weren't exactly close and he deeply disapproved of Bob's methods in inciting conflict.
"You must already know about those matters,"
"The Revolutionary Army's gathering, and the World Government's movements."
Hearing this, Bob raised an eyebrow slightly and spoke slowly.
"So... you want me to join you in overthrowing the World Government, is that it?"
A cold glint flashed in Shanks's left eye beneath his three scars.
"Shanks!"
"Arent you overestimating yourself?"
"Your strength means little to me!" Bob chuckled at Shanks words.
The moment he finished speaking, the crew behind Shanks tensed, gripping their weapons tightly, ready to strike at any moment.
Bob's words made it clear—this wasn't a negotiation.
Shanks however, reacted far more calmly.
Given Bob's power and the influence he had amassed in this world, he had every right to speak this way.
"Oh?"
"Then I'm curious—what exactly is your goal?" The intensity in Shanks eyes faded, replaced by curiosity.
"You'll find out when we reach Marie Geoise." A faint smile played on Bob's lips as he replied.
For Shanks, managing the aftermath of conflict was his forte.
"Is this battle truly unavoidable?"
At the mention of the Revolutionary Army gathering at Marie Geoise, Shanks's expression shifted slightly.
"Do you think I'm joking?"
"You can't stop the war at Marie Geoise, just like you couldn't stop the Summit War!"
"And... I'm not here to ask for your help. I'm here to inform you."
Bob's expression hardened, his gaze locking onto Shanks as he spoke with unwavering resolve.
With that—Without further delay, his figure flashed and vanished from everyone's sight.
"Captain!"
Seeing Bob disappear, the crew immediately felt the pressure lift from their shoulders.
"Set course for Marie Geoise!"
Shanks stared in the direction Bob had vanished, dropping these words.
Just as Bob had said, he truly couldn't stop this war, but he had to prevent a repeat of last time.
This battle—even if Bob hadn't come—was one he would have inevitably joined.