After the chaotic skirmish, aboard the slightly worn Oro Jackson in some unknown sea of the New World, the sky cleared beautifully.
As soon as the weather improved, Captain Roger rallied everyone for another round of feasting. Why? Well… just because. Celebrate escaping Garp's pursuit again!
"Let's feast!!!"
"Oh oh oh oh!!!!!!"
The crew roared, glasses clinking, laughter filling the deck. Among the merriment, a door slammed open. No one paid attention to the red-haired kid stumbling in, a huge bump on the back of his head. His straw hat was askew, making him look comical. Nearby crew members laughed.
"Did your head get injured in the previous battle, Shanks?" Roger asked, stepping forward with a smile, wine in hand, patting the boy's head.
Shanks, embarrassed by the bump and wanting to save face, quickly changed the subject:
"No… Where's Oss?"
Buggy, ever opportunistic, immediately tattled on Oss, diverting attention from Shanks' own misfortune. Shanks had always been easygoing, but being ambushed by a friend and left unconscious with a massive bump? That stung his pride.
After nine years of smooth sailing, this was the first time he'd met someone so disrespectful. Fired up, young Shanks weaved through the lively feast, scanning for Oss.
Finally, he spotted him among a group of big guys, devouring grilled meat with large bites and chugging drinks. In his original world, Oss would have been a top food streamer.
"Oh? Shanks, why the stare? Want some grilled meat too?" Oss teased, chewing.
Shanks frowned. "A man's battle… I can't do it hungry. You wouldn't want an unfair win, right?"
Oss shrugged. "I ate too much, I need to digest. Give me a bit."
"…Digesting, done. But now… I need to go take a—"
Shanks froze. Oss smirked. "Done or not? Even waiting outside while I do my business? You really want a duel?"
A shit-covered mop? Shanks wisely retreated. He knew Oss's strength and Observation Haki were no joke. Losing to swords? Manageable. Losing to… that? Terrifying.
For the next few days, Shanks kept glancing at Oss, uncomfortable. But kids will be kids. If a fight was wanted, a fight he'd get.
Oss shook his head, grabbed a regular longsword from the storage, and tossed it to the sulking Shanks. The boy caught it in panic, just in time to see Oss beckon with a playful, wicked smile.
"You bastard!"
Shanks' excitement returned. Finally, Oss was ready to fight. He gripped his sword, ready to strike.
"Don't use the gun on your back. I won't give you the chance."
Oss simply smiled. Shanks' swordsmanship, inherited from Rayleigh and Roger, was powerful—but Oss's monstrous strength and Observation Haki made him untouchable.
"Whoosh—"
"Whoosh—"
"Whoosh—"
Oss didn't attack. He just tilted his head, dodged, twisted, and tucked his stomach—effortlessly evading every strike.
"Bastard Oss! Are you just going to dodge like this?!" Shanks yelled, furious at being toyed with.
"…Since you want me to use a weapon, fine."
Oss pulled a small knife from Buggy's pocket. "Sorry, this is the smallest I have."
Shanks' disbelief was visible. Even the Red-Haired boy could not overwhelm Oss. Every full-force slash was parried with the tiny knife. Blade vibrations multiplied across the deck.
Oss's Observation Haki and natural monstrous strength completely suppressed Shanks.
"Shanks… he's got you totally pinned."
Crew members watched in awe, including Roger, Rayleigh, and Jabba. Rayleigh shook his head, impressed: this wasn't a mere rookie clash—Oss' natural power hinted at future greatness.
"With kids like these, the next era will be exciting!" Roger laughed, thrilled.
Bitham, Oss' master, even opened a betting pool:
Oss: 1 to 1
Shanks: 1 to 10
Draw: 1 to 5
Roger placed bets too, cheering for Shanks, the kid he'd raised.
Just as excitement reached its peak, Oss' Observation Haki tingled. A voice rang in his ear:
"Call it a draw, Oss."
"Uncle Bitham?"
Oss froze, a smile tugging at his lips.