Whitebeard roared in anger, his voice booming across the ship.
"You mean I have to go again myself? What do you take me for!?"
In his view, if he personally went to find Shanks again after being rejected once, he would lose all face on this sea.
Dragon calmly wiped the spit from his face and replied, "Newgate, there is no need to get worked up. I never said you had to go again."
Whitebeard frowned, his voice turning deep and heavy. "Then what are you suggesting? Send someone to Red Hair with a message and arrange a meeting?"
Dragon shook his head. "No. If two Yonko crews move at the same time, it will draw too much attention. Information could easily leak. It is better if I go find Red Hair myself. My identity should carry enough weight."
Whitebeard's brows twitched. He understood that Dragon's plan made sense, yet he still felt reluctant to agree.
Dragon, now far more perceptive after years of experience, easily read Whitebeard's thoughts. He smiled slightly.
"Newgate, both you and Red Hair should take a step back. He is one of the Four Emperors now. You cannot keep treating him like a junior. He may have gained even greater strength, and with his youth, he might have gotten a bit carried away. It is better if both sides try to understand each other."
Dragon was clearly giving Whitebeard a way to preserve his dignity. Whitebeard understood and let out a cold snort.
"Fine. Do as you wish."
Marco stepped forward and added, "Mr. Dragon, Red Hair's ambitions have grown. He is unpredictable now. You should be careful."
Dragon nodded. "I understand. But there is no need for concern. I did not come alone. One of my army commanders is with me, and his strength is exceptional."
Whitebeard glanced at him. "You mean that kid Sabo?"
"No. Sabo is guarding the base. This commander is someone I met while traveling. He joined the Revolutionary Army not long ago."
Whitebeard raised a brow. "A newcomer? Yet you gave him the position of army commander so quickly. You trust him that much?"
Dragon's expression turned confident. "Of course. We share the same ideals, and his character is dependable."
That answer piqued Whitebeard's interest. "For you to praise him like that, he cannot be some nobody. What is his name?"
Dragon smiled, a hint of mystery in his tone. "You are mistaken this time, Newgate. Not everyone seeks fame. He is powerful, yet keeps a low profile. But soon enough, his name will echo across the sea. You will know then."
Whitebeard did not press further. He casually tossed a sake flask toward Dragon. Dragon caught it easily, took a large gulp, then turned.
"There is no time to waste. I will set off now. Wait for my news."
...
On the Red Force, Shanks was resting on the deck when his eyes suddenly opened, a faint red glint flashing within them.
Beckman, standing near the railing, flicked away his cigarette and turned toward him.
Shanks narrowed his eyes. "Things have been quite lively lately. Someone else is coming."
Beckman replied, "The Butterfly Pirates are about to run into them."
Shanks nodded. "A group wearing cloaks. No pirate flag. They do not look like pirates."
Both men possessed advanced Observation Haki that allowed them to glimpse the future. In what they saw, every member of the Butterfly Pirates collapsed instantly. It was clear the opposing side had someone capable of freely controlling Haoshoku Haki.
The Butterfly Pirates were a weak crew under the protection of the Red Hair Pirates. Against Haoshoku Haki, they had no resistance.
However, the vision also showed that the cloaked group had no intention of harming them. The Haki was only used to intimidate.
Shanks slowly stood and turned to Rockstar. "Rockstar, contact the Butterfly Pirates. Tell them to retreat immediately if they encounter a suspicious ship."
"Understood!" Rockstar hurried into the cabin and used a Den Den Mushi to relay the message.
Beckman asked, "Should we intercept them?"
Shanks shook his head and leaned back into his chair. "No. Their target is us. Let them come."
Beckman said nothing more. He lit another cigarette and gazed out at the sea.
After some time, he spoke again. "They have arrived."
Hongou and the others quickly gathered by the railing. On the distant horizon, the outline of a large ship came into view.
As expected, figures in cloaks stood at its bow.
Beckman raised a hand, stopping the others from acting. They simply watched as the ship drew alongside the Red Force.
Two figures leaped from the opposing vessel and landed firmly on deck.
They pulled back their hoods.
One of them smiled at Beckman. "You must be First Mate Beckman. This is our first meeting. Allow me to introduce myself. I am..."
Beckman cut him off without hesitation. "Commander in Chief of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon."
Dragon's smile remained, unfazed.
Beside him stood a middle-aged man with short black hair. His eyes were closed, and two deep scars ran across his forehead, giving him a fearsome appearance.
Sensing Beckman's gaze, the man spoke calmly. "I am Issho, Grand Line Army Commander of the Revolutionary Army."
Beckman had never heard the name, but he could feel the strength emanating from him. He gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Seeing Beckman's polite response, Dragon's smile widened slightly.
Then Beckman spoke again.
"If you are not here to fight, leave. Our captain will not welcome you."
Dragon was momentarily taken aback. The Revolutionary Army had never directly conflicted with the Red Hair Pirates, so this hostility caught him off guard.
Still, he could not leave like this. If he returned without even meeting Shanks, he would have no face left before Whitebeard. Marco had at least spoken to Shanks directly.
Just as Dragon was about to insist further, slow footsteps sounded from behind Beckman.
The crew parted instinctively, creating a path.
Shanks stepped forward.
His head was slightly lowered, his red hair swaying gently as he walked. His voice was low, almost contemplative.
"Revolutionary Army... Revolting against whom?"