"The reason the New World exists," Beckman said slowly, lighting his cigarette, "is because the World Government wants us pirates to destroy each other."
He exhaled a thin stream of smoke, eyes half-closed."It's better to divert than suppress. Instead of wasting manpower and resources to eradicate pirates, they let the Great Age of Exploration run its course, all thanks to the Pirate King.
"They used the lure of the One Piece to draw every powerful pirate onto the Grand Line. Then, through its monstrous weather, deadly beasts, pirate rivalries, and the perilous journey through Fish-Man Island, they allowed the sea itself to cull us.
"In the end, only a handful survived to reach the true battlefield—the New World—where those who dreamed of becoming Pirate King tore each other apart.
"That's how the Four Emperors system came to be—a grinder of pirates, devouring all who followed in our wake.
"It saved the World Government a tremendous amount of effort."
He flicked the ash off his cigarette and continued, his tone darkening."But the important thing is this—only the New World is truly lawless.
"Everywhere else… especially the so-called Paradise before it—That's where the Navy focuses its strength.
"Three islands make a small base; seven or eight form a major one.
"Right next to the Sabaody Archipelago stands Marine Headquarters itself, guarded year-round by Admirals, Fleet Admiral Sengoku—the former Admiral of the previous era—and Vice Admirals like Garp."
Snake frowned. "We all know that already. What's that got to do with the boss ditching us and running off?"
"Don't interrupt," Beckman snapped, glaring at him. "This is important."
He took a deep breath and spoke faster."Now that we've covered the Navy's sphere of influence, let's talk about the World Government itself.
"A vast organization made up of nearly every nation on this planet. The so-called embodiment of justice.
"The Four Seas are their foundation, their greatest pillar of control—most of their member nations lie within them.
"They can tolerate pirates being born endlessly, because the strongest ones will eventually sail to the Grand Line anyway.
"But if our captain—the man who's now one of the Four Emperors—returns there…" Beckman's eyes narrowed. "He could easily cause countless pirates who should've gone to the Grand Line to instead pledge allegiance to the Red-Haired Pirates.
"That would threaten one of the World Government's core domains—the East Blue. And if the other Emperors start feeling cramped in the New World and decide to claim territory in the Four Seas too…
"The entire world would descend into chaos.
"The World Government would never allow that.
"They can stomach the existence of pirate emperors—But they will never tolerate anyone who challenges their rules.
"So if the entire Red-Haired Pirates crew set sail, even through the Calm Belt, they'd be detected. We'd face the full force of the Navy and the World Government's combined wrath.
"They wouldn't let us retreat easily. If it came to that, one side would have to be completely annihilated."
Someone muttered, "But the captain just wants revenge."
Beckman's gaze turned cold. "Would you trust the Marines?"
"No."
"Neither would they trust us," Beckman said grimly. "They'd rather suffer massive losses than set that precedent."
He tapped the side of his temple."Shanks may act carefree, but when he makes a move, his mind's razor-sharp.
"If he's going alone, that's actually better. It keeps things quieter. He'll charge in head-on, shake the entire world upside down, and maybe—just maybe—slip through the Calm Belt if he has to.
"Even so, an Admiral will likely move. Hell, even Garp himself might appear."
By now, realization dawned across the faces of the Red-Haired Pirates' officers.
Beckman hadn't said everything aloud, but as first mate, he understood Shanks better than anyone.
Their captain's origins were… complicated. If Shanks went alone, the risks were lower.
But accidents still had to be accounted for.
Beckman's eyes hardened. "Who's got a Den Den Mushi? Hand it over!"
"What for?" Yasopp asked, fishing one from his pocket and passing it over, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
"If my guess is right, that hawk-eyed bastard should still be somewhere in Paradise. Last I heard, he'd even built himself a home there.
"He's a friend of the captain's—and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. It's much easier for him to reach the East Blue unnoticed.
"With that wildcard in play, the Marines might think twice before making a move."
Beckman dialed a number he knew by heart. Every time Mihawk had visited Shanks, Beckman had been the one to coordinate their meeting.
Buru… Buru…
"Who is this?"
The Den Den Mushi's eyes narrowed to hawk-like slits, its expression sharp as a blade.
"It's me, Beckman of the Red-Haired Pirates. I've got something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"Shanks has gone to the East Blue—alone. You'll probably get confirmation of that soon enough."
A long silence followed.
In the shadowed castle, Mihawk sat on his throne, his golden eyes narrowing in shock.Had Shanks lost his mind?
Beckman could almost read his thoughts. "I can't tell you the details, but the captain will go to the East Blue no matter what.
"If you're interested, take a trip there yourself and see what's happening."
"You're using me?" Mihawk's tone turned frosty. His fingers tapped the armrest, each sound like a hammer striking the chest.
"The Red-Haired Pirates will owe you a favor," Beckman replied evenly. "And you'll have full autonomy. No one in this world can force the world's greatest swordsman to do anything he doesn't want."
Mihawk paused—then spoke a single word.
"…Fine."
The line went dead.
Mihawk rose from his throne. "Things are getting interesting. What could possibly draw Shanks back to the East Blue?"
He reached for the massive black blade Yoru, its edge gleaming even in the dim light.Stepping out of the castle, he approached the shore of Kuraigana Island.
There, a small single-masted ship awaited—a black hexagonal hull, its mast shaped like a cross, with an ornate chair set in the center.
Mihawk stepped aboard. As his feet touched the deck, he thrust Yoru into the stern.
Boom—!A flash of emerald light erupted, a flying slash soaring skyward.
The ground behind him split open in a massive scar, and the blast propelled the ship forward like an arrow loosed from its bowstring—vanishing into the horizon.
Twenty Minutes Later – Marine Headquarters
In his office, Fleet Admiral Sengoku was buried in paperwork when a Den Den Mushi rang urgently.
"What!? Dracule Mihawk is heading for the East Blue? Deny him—what do you mean, he's already left Kuraigana Island!? Dammit! What's that man playing at? What could he possibly want there?"
Sengoku rose sharply from his chair, face dark with irritation."Have our forces monitor him along the route. The last thing we need is another headline from that man."
He hung up, rubbing his temples in frustration.Just as he was wondering what business Mihawk had in the East Blue, another Den Den Mushi began ringing—the one reserved for emergencies.
"What now!?" he growled, snatching it up.
Three seconds later, his roar shook the entire office.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY!? THE RED-HAIRED PIRATES ARE HEADING FOR PARADISE!?"
(End of Chapter)