As the distance rapidly closed, the others aboard the Fish-Man Island warship also noticed the approaching vessel.
"That ship is—!"
Apu's eyes widened. "The Red Force!"
That ship was far from unknown on these seas. On the contrary, in the New World, there were hardly any who did not recognize that vessel and the pirate flag flying aboard it.
Because its owner was simply too renowned.
People said he was the man most likely to become the next Emperor, a powerful warrior who had roamed the seas with a crippled body and no Devil Fruit powers, leaving countless heroes defeated and bitter.
His name was Red-Hair Shanks.
"Shanks! Has Mr. Shanks come?"
King Gorden was overjoyed.
Uta's father had come!
"It really is Red-Hair!"
Apu said in astonishment. So the reinforcements Mr. Tesoro had mentioned were the Red Hair Pirates?
But why would these people come to help?
Apu knew that Fish-Man Island and the Whitebeard Pirates were allies.
Director Bright's cooperative relationship with the Charlotte Family was no secret either.
But why had neither of them come? Why the Red Hair Pirates instead?
Could it be that, without anyone knowing, Director Bright had already secretly formed an alliance with the Red Hair Pirates?
That was truly terrifying.
The Red Hair Pirates had drawn close. Gorden eagerly ran to that side of the ship, waving both hands and shouting loudly.
"Mr. Shanks, I'm sorry. I failed to live up to your expectations and still let things end up like this!"
"It's all right. There's no need to blame yourself, His Majesty Gorden."
Red-Hair rested a hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist. As the two ships nearly sailed side by side, he turned back with a smile. "Leave what comes next to me."
"Enough nonsense, Shanks."
Tesoro