Brook Meets Shanks

Ben Beckman walked over to his side. "Are you still planning to run into them by chance?"

Shanks did not answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Beckman, do you think... that Brook Lott will get involved in this war?"

Beckman lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled a ring of smoke.

"Judging from the Cloud Wanderer Pirates' past actions, Brook may seem carefree and even reckless, but he appears to have a vague bottom line—he does not take the initiative to make enemies of the Marines. His encounters with Kizaru and Aokiji at the Sabaody Archipelago were more like sparring, especially since The Lonely Red did not make a move at the time. As for the Onigashima incident, the Marines touched his spoils first, so his response was retaliation."

After a pause, he continued, "Besides, they have shown little interest in expanding territory or fighting for spheres of influence. Overall, they seem more like a group of travelers pursuing adventure and freedom. So I'm more inclined to think... he will not voluntarily get drawn into this war, nor is he likely to take the opportunity to seize Whitebeard's territory."

Shanks's gaze deepened. "But, Beckman, I have a feeling... he will definitely go to Marineford. Definitely."

Beckman gave his captain a helpless look.

Here it came again.

That inexplicable "feeling."

Yet more often than not, Shanks's feelings were frighteningly accurate.

"So, what are you planning to do?"

A rare seriousness appeared on Shanks's face. "Whitebeard is desperate to save his son, and the Marines are determined to establish their authority. Neither side has any way out now. I cannot stop this war. But the sea cannot be allowed to spiral out of control."

His gaze sharpened. "Brook, and the Cloud Wanderer Pirates under his command, possess terrifying strength capable