As Akainu sped towards Mock Town, at the docks of Mock Town...
As Spandam watched the Red Force approach in the distance, he dialed Gawain's number.
Meanwhile, in the air, near the passage from Angel Island to God's Island.
Gawain was silently waiting for the arrival of the Shandia.
Just three days ago, the chieftain and the great warrior Wyper from the Shandia Guerrillas came to the island and expressed their opinions to Gawain.
They were willing to follow the God's Island, which is half of Jaya, back to the real ocean!
Gawain had already guessed this, since anyone who put themselves in the Shandia's situation would lose all choice.
Because their goal, generation after generation, has only been to return to that island, no matter where that island is, they must return to their Holy Land!
So, they'll go wherever the Holy Land is, won't they?
Gawain was not surprised at all by the Shandia's choice, so he arranged a time with Shandia, which was 10 a. m. today.
The Shandia will gather on Angel Island, and after obtaining Gawain's permission, they will move back to God's Island with their families.
Next, under Ikkyo's control, God's Island will return to the sea along with the Dark Bird Ship!
In fact, Kalifa had already informed the reporters on Jaya of this news.
According to Gawain's plan, after 10 o'clock, he would make a dazzling appearance with the Dark Bird Ship and half of Jaya as a backdrop.
Then, they would leave behind key photographs to further amplify their legendary status and influence among ordinary people.
But just as he was making this prediction, reality proved to him that no destiny ever unfolds exactly as one would expect.
Because, just as he was waiting, Kalifa came to his side with Den Den Mushi).
At that moment, the Gion keenly observed Kalifa. Having long been familiar with the rhythm of life among their members, how could they not hear the extreme urgency in Kalifa's steps?
Then, under everyone's gaze, Kalifa spoke urgently.
"Sir, this is Spandam's phone call. He says Red-Haired Shanks' ship has suddenly appeared off the coast of Mock Town!"
It looks like they'll be landing in Mock Town soon!
Upon hearing this, Gawain's brows furrowed slightly.
Shanks?
Why did he suddenly run over here?
"A covert operation, so that it wasn't even detected by World Government agents?"
At this point, Gawain gently took the Den Den Mushi.
Meanwhile, Spandam, at the Jaya pier, also noticed that the hair on the Den Den Mushi in his hand had changed from Kalifa's long blonde hair to Gawain's slicked-back black hair.
Seeing this, even through the Den Den Mushi, Spandam humbly knelt on the ground and then spoke as quickly as possible.
"My lord, I estimate that the Red Force is about eight nautical miles from the dock. The Red Hair Pirates should be able to land in a few minutes!"
I am prepared to fight to the death, I...
"Etc..."
Gawain interrupted Spandam with a smile.
"Don't keep talking about death, Spandam. You still hold a place in my heart, and I can see some of your good qualities."
So, put away that death wish.
I'll send Grandpa Rayleigh back to Jaya ahead of time to keep an eye on you.
As for the time before Grandpa Rayleigh returned, didn't I already teach you and Franky how to welcome tourists to Golden Town?
Treat him the same way you would Red-Haired Shanks other tourist, treat him like a tourist, and he'll be a tourist too, understand?
"Yes, I understand, I get what you mean!"
I'll go find the Saruyama Alliance Tour Group right away and have them welcome Red-Haired Shanks of the Four Emperors, as a regular tourist!
My lord, your teachings are so timely! It was all my narrow-mindedness that led me to this situation!
"I should have realized long ago that no matter who the Four Emperors or anyone else are, their status is simply Koby to yours, sir..."
Katcha...
Spandam's Den Den Mushi suddenly fell asleep.
Spandam knew why the Den Den Mushi had fallen asleep— Gawain had hung up the phone—but he wasn't annoyed at all.
On the Sky Island, after handing the Den Den Mushi back to Kalifa, Gawain looked at Rayleigh, whose face was full of solemnity, and smiled.
"Old man, I'm afraid you'll have to go back ahead of time. You're the only one here who's best suited to talk to Shanks on my behalf."
"I understand!"
Rayleigh nodded heavily.
"However, I hope his arrival doesn't have any ulterior motives."
Little Gawain, once you've received the Shandia, hurry up and set off to support me.
After all, it's been so long since we last met, even I wouldn't dare say I still know Shanks that well."
At this point, Rayleigh raised his fist at Gawain. After their fists collided, Rayleigh grabbed his Staff Sword and used Geppo to rush into the distance.
Unlike Yixiao's route, he went directly into the Sea Cloud from the direction of Angel Beach, intending to swim through the three-thousand-meter-thick Sea of Clouds and then fall directly into the sea.
While Grandpa Rayleigh was swimming as usual, Spandam at the Jaya pier immediately dismissed the group of armed personnel.
Then, muttering to himself that he was finally spared from having his house demolished, he ran to the location of the Saruyama Alliance Tour Group.
Because the incident happened so suddenly, Cricket was in a different area from Franky and the others repairing and renovating the buildings, was unaware of Red-Haired Shanks' arrival.
So when he received a call from Spandam informing him that the first group of tourists had arrived on the island.
Not only was he not stressed, but he also happily called out to the Shojo and Masira, along with all their underlings, carrying banana gift boxes in one hand and Southbird souvenirs in the other, and excitedly rushed to the dock.
Result...
About two minutes later, as Shanks and his companions disembarked from the Red Force, they saw a group of Shojo and Masira trembling so badly they could barely stand...
At the same time...
With a blank stare, a pale face, and teeth chattering with nervousness, Cricket managed to display his banner with great difficulty.
Shanks took a deep breath as he watched Cricket unfurl the banner.
"A native of the Golden City, a true descendant of Noland, the Saruyama Alliance Tour Group of Cricket, along with Shojo and Masira, will guide you through the charm of a blend of fairy tale and reality?"
He read out the banner's contents word by word, and after finishing, Shanks turned around, both amused and exasperated, to look at his companions.
"Sigh, it seems we're far from having enough face. We can't even get a meteorite as a welcome gift."
"Haha, Shanks, in my opinion, this is the best welcome gift ever!"
Yasopp laughed as he stepped out of the line. He approached Cricket and asked softly.
"Hey buddy, look at that chestnut on your head, it's definitely a characteristic of the Rubenir people from the North Sea. So you're a descendant of the big talker Rolando?"
Upon hearing this, Cricket, who had been trembling, immediately perked up. His back pain and leg soreness disappeared, and he stood up straight.
Then, he spoke to Yasopp with utmost seriousness.
"I know you, the gunman of the Red-Haired Pirates, and also the undisputed strongest sniper in the New World World's Strongest!"
But I hope you will take back what you just said!
My ancestor wasn't a boastful liar; he was a true legendary adventurer!
As for the evidence, I believe Saint Gawain will bring it back!
"Why?"
Upon seeing Cricket in this state, Yasopp surprised, but also showed a slight expression of delight.
"He looks pretty good; he's starting to resemble a legendary descendant!"
So, hehe, I apologize to you, Noland is indeed not a big talker.
As soon as he finished speaking, Yasopp patted Cricket on the shoulder and then pointed to his banner.
"Please ask me on behalf of my captain, are the Celestial Dragon still on Sky Island?"
If they haven't returned yet, please take us sightseeing quickly! What are some unique attractions around here, tour guide?
By the way, did you see that songstress on the Celestial Dragon' ship the other day? If you did, how's she doing lately? Is she doing well...? Hmm?"
At this point, Yasopp suddenly stopped talking to Cricket and looked directly at the sky.
At the same time, the officers of the Red Hair Pirates raised their heads in perfect unison, all looking up at the sky like Yasopp.
As for Shanks, he placed his remaining right hand on his forehead to shield his eyes from the sunlight, and smiled as he watched Rayleigh fall from the sky.
He said this as he looked at it.
"It seems Gawain and the others knew we were coming, but even if they did, they only sent out our acquaintances to say hello first?"
So, what important thing are they doing at this time?
As soon as he finished speaking, Shanks lowered his right hand and grabbed Gryphon at his waist.
"You all go and have some fun with the tour guide, let me pay my respects to my old friend!!!"
After leaving those words, Shanks slammed his sandals on the ground, then leaped into the air and soared into the sky, raising his Gryphon as he did so and shouting.
"Gryphon Bite!!!"
Wow!!!
The hurricane billowed Shanks' coat and shirt, exposing his strong chest muscles. Despite having only one arm, his imposing presence still deeply impressed Rayleigh, who descended from the sky.
This man was the one who was hailed as the most Haki guy on the high seas before Gawain appeared!
The hurricane he unleashed at that moment resembled a Griffin flapping its wings, but unfortunately...
This Griffin only has one wing left!
Faced with this move, Rayleigh sighed slightly. Shanks' strength had indeed declined compared to before. After all, he no longer had the opportunity to wield a sword with both hands, so he would inevitably lack some explosive power in battle!
Losing an arm is a huge blow to any strong person!
As he thought about it, Rayleigh drew his Cane Sword, suddenly accelerating as he stepped on the air, and then slammed the Cane Sword down hard.
"Underworld Earth!!!"
In that instant, old Rayleigh, like a towering figure that has stood for countless years, suppressing the underworld for Underworld Earth, crashed down upon Shanks with overwhelming force!
Clang!!!
Buzzing!!!
With a sharp clang, their swords clashed fiercely, and they remained locked in a stalemate.
On the ground, Beckman nodded appreciatively as he watched Shanks and Rayleigh fight.
"As expected of the vice-captain of the Pirate King, we didn't fight last time we met. He just looks like an ordinary middle-aged man."
But this time, haha, this old man really showed his true colors!
"It's more than just showing off one's talents!"
Lucky Roux, who was standing to the side, shook his head.
"Even at his age, this old man is more skilled than me. Shanks and I could never achieve the same effect."
Although Shanks was missing an arm, his strength was still formidable, and the Dark King was not at all at a disadvantage!
At this point, Lucky Roux nodded in admiration.
Hearing their conversation, Yasopp laughed dismissively.
"So what? If we're really enemies, it's just a matter of a fatal bullet."
I've never been a fan of your stuff!
"It's just a difference in roles; we're the combatants, and you're the gunman."
Lucky Roux chuckled, and then the group of them abandoned any thought of sightseeing and simply stood there watching the battle between monster-level powerhouses!
Although they have been fighting against Big Mom Pirates and Kaido Pirates for the past year, Shanks, Big Mom, and Kaido do not usually make a move.
As a leader, the opportunity to personally take action is always extremely rare.
Therefore, they certainly wouldn't miss this battle against the monsters before them.
And in the sky.
Rayleigh and Shanks separated quickly after their initial collision, only to collide again.
Shanks pressed his knife hard against Rayleigh's chest, but Rayleigh didn't use both hands; instead, he held the knife in one hand to confront Shanks.
During the standoff, Rayleigh asked Shanks a question.
"Why did you come to Mock Town, Shanks? Is your target Gawain?"
"I should be asking you that, Rayleigh, why did you get on Gawain's ship!"
Shanks suddenly retorted, then swung his sword fiercely at Rayleigh's shoulder.
Rayleigh parried with his sword, forcing Shanks' blade back, and laughed as he did so.
"The younger generation should answer the elders' questions first. Have you forgotten how I taught you when you knew nothing about etiquette?"
"All I remember is that Rayleigh was my elder back then."
But now, Rayleigh is my rival, or even my enemy!
Why did you have to get on the Celestial Dragon's ship? You even rejected me!
Shanks responded fiercely, then launched a flying kick at Rayleigh's head.
Faced with such a kick, Rayleigh's left fist remained still. Instead, he suddenly raised his right leg and forcefully blocked Shanks' leg.
Why should I join your ship and become a pirate with you again?
A true man will not keep wandering down the same path!
I've already walked the path of the pirate twice, and I've reached the end of this road!
"Can't this old man try something new before he dies, kid?!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh suddenly leaped up and then swung his sword in a fierce horizontal slash.
"The Sanzu River!!!"
Whoosh!
A torrent of Armament Haki- infused sword energy centered on Rayleigh's Staff Sword, slashing towards Shanks' waist.
But Shanks simply raised his sword and muttered something.
"Diamond Feather!"
A moment later, layers of Armament Haki, channeled through Gryphon, firmly blocked Rayleigh's sword energy.
At the same time, Shanks asked in a cold voice.
"The new path you're talking about is the one that killed over 100,000 people in Mock Town?!"
"Is that kind of life even considered life anymore?!"
At that moment, Rayleigh let out a loud shout, and then, finally, he gripped his sword with both hands and, with a forceful swing, slashed fiercely at Mount Hua 'Shanks head.
Facing Rayleigh's slash, Shanks frowned and suddenly reversed his grip, holding his sword horizontally above his head.
"But that was Roger's dream, that was Roger's wish. The turbulent seas had not yet given birth to a true new king, and you're already standing behind someone else, attempting to end the era Roger created?!"
Boom!!!
A black and red Inazuma suddenly descended, and the Red-Haired Shanks's Conqueror's Haki was fully unleashed. A layer of black and red light suddenly covered the blade of his longsword. The moment that light appeared, Rayleigh's slash stopped in mid-air a meter away from the blade!
"Haha, what a powerful Conqueror's Haki's Haki, but still not as good as Gawain!"
This isn't your limit! Come on, let this old man see what those little brats of theirs have become!!!
Even I, an old man, have my own dreams, and my dream isn't to become the Pirate King!
All I want is for this sea to truly calm down. If it's not calm enough, then I'll transform into Dark King and personally bring it to complete peace, Shanks!!!
Can a chef and a swordsman share the same dream? Does that mean I, Roger, and I must share the same goal? Do you think I don't have my own dreams to pursue?!
Sizzle!!!
In an instant, Rayleigh's Conqueror's Haki surged far more intensely than usual, and his Staff Sword was also covered with a layer of black and white light that looked almost silver!
The next instant, a ball of Inazuma appeared, created by the clash of Conqueror's Haki between the two swords.
The sky also split into two different colors!
Tickets, please!