"Still… for someone to be admired this insanely, that Marine called Longinus must be quite the monster."
With that thought, Shanks opened the small booklet with genuine interest.
Sea Circle Calendar 1498, November:
Ensign Longinus arrests a corrupt Marine officer, liberating five towns under his tyranny.
He tells the fallen officer:
"I believe this is an eternal truth—what is gained by the sword shall be lost by the sword."
Sea Circle Calendar 1499, May:
Lieutenant Longinus aids the Kingdom of Noah in calming its civil war.
On the blood-soaked battlefield, he declared:
"War is a feast for the Reaper. It opens the gates of hell."
Sea Circle Calendar 1499, July…
The booklet was thin—just a few brief pages.
No lengthy essays, no detailed descriptions.
Either the author expected it to fill up with more feats soon…
or believed a few sharp quotes were powerful enough.
By the time Shanks finished reading, the carefree grin on his face had faded.
A serious, heavy expression took its place.
"Boss, I've gotta say—this guy really is something. Legendary feats, iconic quotes, dreamy strength, dreamy looks…
If I were those little girls, I'd probably go crazy for him too."
A scruffy gunslinger suddenly leaned over Shanks's shoulder, snickering.
Shanks burst out laughing.
"If that Marine Major finds out you are one of his obsessed fans, he definitely won't be thrilled."
"Shanks. Yasopp. What are you laughing at?"
A tall, composed man with a long rifle at his waist squeezed through the crowd.
"Everything's purchased. Let's leave before anyone notices."
But Shanks slung an arm around him with a carefree grin.
"Relax, Beckman! We're not officially setting sail yet.
We aren't wanted by the Marines. What's there to be afraid of?"
"You and Yasopp, maybe not. But you, Captain—former crewman of the Pirate King? That's another story."
Benn Beckman slipped free from Shanks's arm, calm and cold as ever.
"Shh! Shh!"
Shanks leaned in dramatically, whispering near Beckman's ear.
"Keep it down! I don't want the Marines noticing just yet!"
Beckman shoved him away with disgust.
"Whatever. You're the captain. Do what you want."
"Hahaha! Don't worry. Once I finish watching this Marine's medal ceremony, I'll leave.
I'm not slacking off—your captain must bravely gather enemy intel, after all!"
Shanks bragged shamelessly.
Both Beckman and Yasopp stared at him with pure disdain.
—
On the plaza, formations of Marines marched in one after another.
When Longinus finally appeared, the atmosphere exploded.
"Ah! Lord Longinus is here!"
"Major Longinus, I'll support you forever!"
Some young girls were so excited they fainted on the spot.
Shanks's jaw dropped.
He stared at the Marine being decorated by three different kings.
"This guy looks pretty normal…
Do they really need to be this crazy over him?"
Yasopp threw an arm around Shanks's shoulder and cackled.
"Boss… jealousy is a dangerous thing."
Even Beckman added, expressionless:
"He's definitely more handsome than you."
Shanks froze in existential despair.
Yasopp patted his shoulder like a seasoned flirt.
"Boss, you don't get it.
When girls grow past the shallow stage of chasing faces, what they really want is a man with depth."
He struck a proud pose.
"I won Banchina over with this rugged, scruffy look…
And you, boss—those three scars over your left eye? They scream tragic backstory.
Give it time—you'll outshine that Marine."
"…Really? Hahahaha!"
Shanks instantly recovered, laughing so loudly people shot him annoyed glares.
"The ceremony's over. Can we leave now?"
"Hahaha! Since we're already here, why don't we—"
Beckman's cold stare cut him off instantly.
"…Fine, fine, I get it!"
The trio slipped away from the crowd.
—
On a quiet street, Beckman asked:
"Captain, decided where we're sailing next?"
"Yeah."
Shanks pressed his hand atop his straw hat, eyes firm.
"I'm going to follow Captain Roger's route—
see everything he saw,
finish the journey I couldn't back then."
He and Buggy had left mid-voyage because they were too weak.
It remained his biggest regret.
"The Pirate King's voyage, huh? Not a bad idea."
Beckman nodded approvingly.
Then—
"…Huh? Someone's calling for help!"
Shanks perked up.
Yasopp stared at him like he was insane.
"Boss, we're pirates. Don't tell me reading that Marine's quotes turned you into a justice-loving hero?"
"Hahaha! She's someone I know.
I can't just watch her get hurt!"
Shanks took off running.
"Someone he knows? That little girl from earlier?
Don't tell me—boss's springtime romance is finally here…"
Yasopp snickered wickedly and followed.
—
In a narrow alley, a small girl was cornered by three thugs.
"Heh heh… With everyone at the plaza watching Marines, we came here to steal things.
But looks like we've found something even better."
"Quit talking. Let me go first!"
"No way! Last time we agreed I go first!"
The girl trembled, trying to threaten them.
"S-Stay back! Major Longinus will punish you!"
The three thugs exchanged looks—then burst out laughing.
"Even if you scream your throat out, no one's gonna save you.
Though later, when you scream…
it'll be for a different reason."
The leading thug started undoing his belt—
A sudden gunshot rang out.
He froze, staring down in disbelief—
and then let out a blood-curdling scream.
"Aiya, my bad," a lazy voice drawled behind them.
"I was aiming for your hand.
Guess I missed a little."
The two remaining thugs turned around in horror.
A man dressed just like them—scruffy, disheveled—stood twirling a pistol, smirking.
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