The balance of power had been broken.
Gales and torrential rain, raging waves and roaring seas—
All kinds of foreseeable upheavals were about to appear one after another in different forms.
"I'm still thinking about it."
Shanks slowly pressed his right hand, which held the newspaper, against his left shoulder—the one missing an arm.
He had bet this arm on the new era.
But before the new era had even begun, Maud had already turned it upside down.
An enormous tide that no one could have imagined was about to arrive...
Whether he should prepare to welcome it was something Shanks had to consider.
Hawk Eyes silently watched Shanks's profile. From his standpoint, there was no doubt that he hoped Shanks's left arm could grow back.
Only then could he continue competing with Shanks.
After all, losing an arm... let alone a master of physical combat, even a great swordsman would be severely affected.
Defeating Shanks in such a state was not what Hawk Eyes wanted.
Although he very much wanted to see Shanks's left arm restored, Hawk Eyes remained silent and did not reveal his thoughts.
He would not let his own personal desires influence Shanks's decision.
For a while, neither of them spoke. All that filled their ears was the sound of the sea breeze and waves.
"Let's drop this topic."
After a moment, Shanks suddenly stood and looked at Hawk Eyes with a smile. "Since you're already here, don't leave tonight."
Hawk Eyes raised an eyebrow.
Shanks extended his right hand and skillfully draped it over Hawk Eyes's shoulder, then walked toward the buildings in the distance.
"Let's go drink. We're not stopping until one of us is drunk!"
"..."
Hawk Eyes let Shanks lead him forward by the shoulder. After a moment of silence, he said