After that war, which had nearly drawn in more than half the fighting forces in this sea, the turbulent Grand Line finally settled down for a while.
With the Big Shots lying low, more and more newcomers began to make their presence felt across the seas.
And so, time quietly passed amid the newcomers' revelry.
Marineford Era 1517, New World, on a winter island covered in falling snow.
"The Spade Pirates? That legendary super rookie wants to pay me a visit?" Red-Haired picked up the famous sword Griffin resting beside him, and the members of the Red Hair Pirates around him stood up at once.
Seeing the atmosphere suddenly turn tense, the freckled young man hurriedly spread his hands. "No, no, that's not what I meant by 'pay a visit.' My younger brother is always telling me that you're his lifesaver, so I wanted to meet you and thank you in person."
"Your younger brother?"
"Ah~ His name is Luffy."
"Eh~ Luffy has a brother?" Red-Haired's eyes lit up. "I see! Let's hold a banquet to welcome Luffy's brother!"
Before long, the bonfire was crackling merrily.
"You're all so warm and welcoming!" Ace said with a laugh. "Since you saved Luffy, I should be the one thanking you."
"Don't worry about it," Yasopp said with a laugh. "Even if you hadn't come today, Shanks would have found a reason to hold a banquet anyway."
Nearby, Lucky Roux imitated Shanks's tone. "It's snowing so heavily today. Let's hold a banquet! It's rare that it isn't snowing today. Let's hold a banquet!"
"Hey, hey, I'm the captain here!" Red-Haired protested.
"Hahahaha!" The pirates around them burst into laughter without giving him any face.
Seeing how harmonious the atmosphere was, Ace couldn't help thinking, *As expected. No wonder everyone says Red-Haired is the