"Rolan, what did you say to Whitebeard? You seem to be in a very good mood." Nami ran up as soon as he returned to the ship.
Hancock also hurried to his side. "Husband~"
Rolan gave a faint, nonchalant smile. "I just had a drink with old man Whitebeard."
"So… are we going to find Ace now?" Robin asked.
Rolan shook his head. "No need. I trust Ace. There won't be any problems."
Counting the time, if the Marineford War really occurs, it should be less than a year away. Given Peach Garden's current strength, it is far from being able to challenge the World Government directly.
Even if it develops over a year, the timing to seize an opportunity will still be limited. The Marineford War itself is a rare chance. It's an event with its own spotlight; making moves there ensures maximum impact.
Rolan's eyes darkened slightly. If Ace falls at Blackbeard's hands and is captured by the Marines… it would create the perfect opportunity. Though such thoughts were ruthless, Rolan saw it as strategy rather than cruelty.
Robin noticed his expression. "You look… sinister. What are you thinking?"
Rolan shrugged. "Is that so? Who cares? We have just a year before the World Government becomes our full opposition."
He waved a hand, dismissing the matter. "Let's return to Peach Garden first."
"Rolan, the Red Hair Pirates have appeared in Peach Garden waters!"
A massive griffon-shaped figure shifted into Wyper's form, appearing before him.
"Shanks… he actually came," Rolan said, his expression unreadable. He had expected the Red-Haired captain to seek him out.
Wyper spoke cautiously. "Shall we let them in?" Red Hair Shanks was one of the Four Emperors, and one of the most formidable pirates alive. He couldn't be treated lightly.
Rolan shook his head. "I'll go."
In an instant, he vanished.
Red Force
"Boss, Peach Garden is thriving," Lucky Roux said, chewing on a massive bone, surveying the bustling city.
Shanks glanced around, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
Suddenly, a figure appeared mid-air before their ship.
"That's Godslayer Rolan!"
"He can fly in the air!"
Shanks' eyes widened at the sight of the young man. Rolan looked even younger than he had imagined, yet a faint, oppressive aura radiated from him. Even Shanks felt its weight.
Rolan hovered a few meters in front of the Red Force. "Shanks, I've heard much about you. I was thinking of finding a moment to share a drink, but I didn't expect you to come first."
Before Shanks could react, Rolan vanished from the air, reappearing at the ship's bow.
Even though he had anticipated Rolan's speed, he was caught off guard.
Rolan's hand sliced the air, forming an Electromagnetic Blade!, crackling with blue-purple lightning.
Shanks drew his Griffon, his sword gleaming, and slashed at Rolan.
The two blades collided two fists apart. Red and black sparks exploded, streaking across the sky and sea. For a moment, it seemed the entire world had shrunk to just the two of them.
A shockwave tore outwards, stinging the skin of Lucky Roux and the others. Seagulls scattered in panic, the sky itself trembling under the sheer force of their clash.
"Hey! What's Rolan doing? He's not starting a war, is he?" Yasopp shouted, nervously raising his gun.
Benn Beckman shook his head calmly. "No, Rolan isn't reckless. He's not the type to provoke a fight with us, the Red Hair Pirates, here in Peach Garden."
Rolan and Shanks simultaneously sheathed their blades. The aura dissipated, and the world regained its color, as if nothing had happened.
Rolan chuckled lightly. "Hahaha, Shanks, I've long admired your name."
Shanks laughed, rubbing his eye. "Seems your reputation far exceeds mine, you little cripple."
"Hahaha, empty names, not worth mentioning," Rolan said, waving it off.
Shanks rolled his eyes, grinning. "You brat~"
Lucky Roux and the crew, seeing this, let out collective sighs of relief. They didn't know why Shanks and Whitebeard, or Kaido, always split the sky when meeting. Their greetings were… unique.
"Shanks, you didn't come just to exchange pleasantries, did you?"
Shanks nodded seriously. "I do have something to ask you."
"Alright, we'll talk as we go." Rolan shot forward, flying ahead. "Follow me. I'll show you Peach Garden."
As the Red Force docked at the port, Rolan led Shanks and his crew through the city. The scene stunned everyone.
This was the New World, yet it looked more like a peaceful paradise. The streets were alive, prosperous, safe. Even Shanks couldn't hide his awe, stealing glances at the young man beside him.
From their brief interaction, Shanks could feel Rolan's immense power. He was stronger than Shanks himself. The rumors about him were not only true—they were understated.
"May I ask… what is your dream, Mr. Rolan?" Shanks asked carefully.
Rolan gazed at the sky. "Dream? Look at this world—it's too chaotic. The sky is suffocating. It's time to restore light to it."
Shanks' eyes narrowed. "If you do that, it could plunge the world into chaos, war across every corner!"
Rolan shook his head, expression calm but purposeful. "I don't seek war for its own sake. The world has been broken too long. It's time for balance."
Shanks studied him silently. Rolan's aura, his words, even his demeanor spoke of a force that could reshape the world.
Rolan met Shanks' gaze, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "For you to say that, I can't help but think deeply…"
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