The Final Poneglyph

A Straw Hat slowly floated down from the sky with the wind, until it was caught by a large hand.

Shanks walked step by step into the ruins of the collapsed castle and stopped beside Luffy, who was lying on the ground with his limbs pinned by several large stones.

After a prolonged struggle, Luffy could no longer maintain his Nika Form and had reverted to black hair. The massive blade wound on his chest was bleeding profusely.

Once the battle paused, the accumulated pain and exhaustion surged through him, making even breathing feel incredibly difficult.

As Beckman had said, he no longer had the strength to fight Shanks.

"What a shame. It seems it's not time to take this Straw Hat back from you yet."

Shanks chuckled lightly and crouched down, placing the Straw Hat on Luffy's forehead.

"I'll have to ask you to keep it for now, Luffy."

"You're so strong, Shanks. I thought I could finally beat you this time."

Luffy sighed regretfully, the hat slipping from his face to the ground. He gazed calmly at the blue sky, lost in thought.

"Hahaha, well, don't be discouraged, Luffy."

Shanks laughed heartily, sitting cross-legged on the spot. His eyes watched Luffy with a look of relief.

"Being able to do this much is already amazing. Even if we fought again, I might not win for sure."

"Really?!"

"Mm, really."

"Then let's fight again, Shanks!"

Luffy pulled his limbs out from under the stones and sat up abruptly. The fighting spirit reignited in his eyes.

"This time, I definitely won't lose again."

"Don't push it."

Seeing his enthusiasm, Shanks waved his hand dismissively.

"I'm tired. More than fighting, I just want to go back to the tavern and drink."

Grumble~~

Hearing this, Luffy's stomach reflexively rumbled, and a wave of hunger washed over him.

Luffy weakly clutched his stomach, his previously high-spirited expression instantly wilting.

"Ah~~ I'm so hungry~~ I want meat~~"

Shanks: "."

A little while later, the tavern in the Giant Village was lively once again, with people from several pirate crews mingling and drinking heartily.

The hall was filled with huge round wooden tables. In the center, Shanks stood with one foot on a table, his face flushed with drunken excitement, raising his cup and shouting.

"Brothers! A toast to Luffy!!"

"--Ooh!"

"Cheers!!"

"Hahaha!"

The hall was filled with camaraderie. At the bar, Nami leaned her arm on the counter, speechless at the noisy commotion behind her.

"What is this? They were fighting fiercely just now, and now they're acting like brothers."

"After all, it's Luffy. This is probably the meaning of being a pirate."

Robin smiled faintly beside her and looked back at Luffy, who was surrounded by the Red-Haired Pirates' executives, cheering and toasting.

Unrestrained at all times, the word "freedom" had always been the guiding principle of all his actions, and at the same time, he brought liberation and salvation to those around him.

If consciousness truly resided within Devil Fruits, this must be why Nika and Luffy were drawn to each other.

"Another toast to Luffy's pirate crew!"

"--Ooh!"

"Cheers!!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd again. Shanks excitedly raised his cup and drank it down in one gulp, the alcohol trickling down his chin.

While everyone was drinking, Luffy had already finished his drink and broken free from the enthusiastic circle.

"Hey, Robin!"

Luffy stretched his arm, reaching the bar about ten meters high. He leaped up and crouched down in front of Robin, a wide grin on his face.

"Hee hee hee, it's time we went to see him, right? The giant who took care of you."

"Mm."

Robin smiled slightly and asked, "Are you all going too?"

"Of course. Visiting the person who took care of one's crewmate is the responsibility of a captain."

Luffy nodded and smiled.

"Can do, Luffy. I was wondering why you disappeared while we were drinking."

Just then, Shanks walked over from behind, a hint of relief in his voice.

"Well said, Luffy. It seems you've truly matured quite a bit. With that in mind, giving it to you is a good choice."

"Giving it to me?"

"Ah, a replica of a Poneglyph. How about it? You guys are just missing the last one, right?"

Shanks pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper tied with a string from his coat and gestured to Luffy.

Upon seeing the item, the lively atmosphere in the tavern immediately quieted down.

"That's!"

"A replica of the Road Poneglyph!"

"That's the thing that can guide people to the final island, Laugh Tale, and find the legendary Greatest Treasure."

As this scroll appeared, everyone's gaze was drawn to it, their expressions varied.

Someone in the crowd swallowed hard, their eyes fixed on Shanks's hand, suppressing the impulsive thoughts within.

Even Usopp and the others held their breath, nervously clenching their fists.

Only Luffy, after hearing Shanks's words, showed a hint of surprise.

"Wait a minute, didn't you say you'd give it to me after I beat you?"

"I lost our duel just now, didn't I? If that's the case, I don't want it. I won't accept it until I officially surpass you, Shanks."

Luffy put his hands on his hips, turned his head, pouted, and directly refused him.

These words made everyone waiting around widen their eyes in disbelief.

"Hey, this is the last Poneglyph you guys are missing."

"He just refused it directly? Is he crazy? If he doesn't want it, he can give it to me."

"Get lost, get lost, get lost! What business is it of yours? You think you're worthy of possessing such a treasure?"

"I've already acknowledged you, Luffy. As for that duel just now,"

Shanks's expression remained smiling, as if he wasn't surprised by Luffy's decision. He simply said softly:

"Pirate King isn't a title used to measure a person's strength. I inherit Captain Roger's will and hope to pass it on to the right person."

"And that person, I made my choice twelve years ago, Luffy."

Shanks's tone was calm. Under Luffy's stunned gaze, he slowly reached out and handed the replica to him.

"When you stood before me wearing this hat, my test was over. From now on, you will help me fulfill the promise I made with Captain Roger, Luffy."

"Shanks..."

Luffy seemed to still be processing it. He dazedly accepted the rolled paper. Looking at the replica in his hand, his eyes were filled with a myriad of thoughts.

"From the East Blue to the Grand Line, to the New World, step by step to Elbaf, you've crossed this magnificent sea, gained a group of companions no less than ours, and experienced countless adventures."

A deep voice echoed above the tavern. Shanks's tone grew more impassioned.

"Go, Luffy! Head to the end of the Grand Line, pursue the greatest treasure!"

"--One Piece!"