William turned slightly to survey his collapsed subordinates before swiftly redirecting his gaze to Golden Lion Shiki. Though William could verify that Shiki had made no visible movement, the crimson tinge still lingering in Shiki's eyes and the subtle pulsation of veins at his temples left little doubt about the source of this phenomenon.
"This is Conqueror's Haki," Shiki explained, his face relaxing back into its characteristic irreverent smile. Noting the confused tension etched across Aramis and Selkirk's features, his amusement visibly deepened. "It seems you're entirely unfamiliar with Haki."
"Haki is a dormant power inherent in all humans," Shiki continued with deliberate slowness. "It's an innate capability, akin to 'presence' or 'intimidation'—existing instinctively within us. However, the overwhelming majority remain oblivious to this power, never manifesting it throughout their lives."
"Yet just as nature divides creatures into predator and prey, though Haki exists within everyone, providence has similarly categorized humanity into two distinct classes. The defining characteristic of this division is Conqueror's Haki," Shiki's bloodshot gaze swept methodically across William, Aramis, Selkirk, and the unconscious figures sprawled on the ground. "This is the hallmark of human society's 'carnivores'—its 'apex predators.' No amount of 'effort' or 'diligence' can secure this power. Those born as herbivores—as prey—may struggle ceaselessly, yet will never attain this ability. Like lambs confronting a lion, they possess no right to resistance. In the presence of hunters wielding Conqueror's Haki, prey can only tremble and supplicate for mercy."
As he spoke of prey, Shiki's gaze deliberately lingered upon William, Aramis, and Selkirk.
"So you, the 'lion,' have come to hunt in this 'grassland' of the East Blue?" William inquired, each word precisely articulated.
"Quite the contrary," Shiki responded with a low chuckle. "I've come to nurture more hunters in this feeble sea and guide them to more expansive hunting grounds."
Shiki glanced meaningfully at Don Krieg, who promptly interpreted the cue and began explaining Shiki's intentions to William's group. Though everyone present—save Shiki himself—already comprehended the true situation, Krieg dutifully maintained the charade.
Shiki continued to smile smugly, visibly satisfied by the barely suppressed indignation and frustration gradually emerging on the faces of William, Aramis, and Selkirk as they listened to Krieg's explanation.
"You've established something impressive on this island," Shiki remarked as he began strolling down the street. "I've visited Mock Town—its reputation is considerable, yet it pales entirely in comparison to what you've created here."
Turning back, he noticed that William's group remained stationary. Flicking ash from his cigar, he inquired, "As this is my first visit, shouldn't you serve as my guide? Or perhaps you find yourselves unwelcoming of guests?"
"Unwelcome intruders, more accurately," Aramis muttered under his breath.
William raised a hand to silence Selkirk before he could speak. Meeting the gaze of Shiki, whose expression now bore the unmistakable confidence of presumed victory, William replied in a measured tone: "Very well. I'll personally escort you through this town."
Indifferent to William's smoking preferences or tolerance for cigars, Shiki extracted one from his coat and tossed it casually toward William, remarking: "Pragmatic, I see."
"Kuro has informed me of your accomplishments—shipyards, trading companies, banking institutions, even intelligence networks," Shiki deliberately referenced Kuro to imply comprehensive knowledge of William's operations. "Your intellect is considerable, and your vision expansive. It's unfortunate that the East Blue constrains your development."
"I had anticipated someone of your stature would criticize my limited ambition for confining my operations to the East Blue," William responded with a forced smile.
"I'm not foolish enough to believe that begging as a vagrant in the New World surpasses reigning as a monarch in the East Blue," Shiki replied. "Particularly when your innovative steam vessels hold value a hundredfold greater than any king's worth."
"Those who labor aimlessly without grand objectives or strategic vision, squandering their existence in this vast ocean—these are the truly limited individuals. Whether they reside in the East Blue or the Grand Line matters little; the only distinction lies in their relative strength. Such people are destined to remain inconsequential vessels adrift on the currents, incapable of influencing the world's course," Shiki expounded, his tone momentarily devoid of its usual condescension.
William remained silent, recognizing that Shiki's discourse fundamentally addressed strategic vision.
Whether considering Pirate King Roger or the Golden Lion now standing before him, both had transcended the conventional definition of "pirate" by William's previous world's standards.
Their actions represented opposition to the World Government rather than mere evasion like common pirates.
They had evolved beyond the base impulses of plunder and destruction.
Roger had catalyzed the Great Pirate Era, delivering a resounding rebuke to the Marines and World Government with his final declaration.
Shiki had consistently pursued global domination.
Their objectives and philosophies—not merely their strength—distinguished them from ordinary pirates and demonstrated their expansive vision.
If "power" alone determined one's scope, then beasts would invariably surpass humans. Even in this world, the Sea Kings dwelling in the ocean's deepest regions—creatures dwarfing islands with their colossal forms—possessed terrifying strength, yet lacked the vision to reshape the world.
Shiki's earlier observations had been as much self-reflection as commentary on William. His tone swiftly reverted to its customary arrogance: "However, these enterprises of yours—shipyards, trading companies, banks—develop far too gradually through individual effort alone. In this perilous world, misfortunes abound. Only under powerful protection can such ventures truly flourish."
"So ultimately, you expect me to pledge allegiance to you and surrender everything I've built over these years," William stated coldly.
Unperturbed by William's attitude, Shiki laughed heartily. "You must adopt a longer perspective. I see great potential in you—perhaps someday I might groom you as my successor."
William scoffed. "I've heard that Whitebeard Edward favors adopting subordinates as 'sons' to cultivate loyalty. Do you intend to make me your 'son' as well?"
"My 'son'?" Shiki glanced at William's golden hair, then unconsciously touched his own flowing golden mane, responding with amusement. "That would depend on whether you could command the respect of my veteran crew members."
"Do I have any choice in this matter?" William inquired.
"You won't refuse," Shiki declared, his smile evaporating into an expression of calculated cruelty. "You're intelligent enough to recognize that rejection would merely inconvenience me slightly. I would still appropriate your operations, and you—you would perish."
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