With just a few simple exchanges of their swords, the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything around them let out unbearable groans.
A clash at this emperor-level made far more commotion than before, so the spectators it drew were naturally of a higher caliber as well.
Hawkeye had already been crossing swords with Red Hair earlier, and now he arrived on the scene only a step behind.
And the members of the Red Hair Pirates were naturally no strangers to their captain's Haki. Before long, they had gathered as well.
"Don't interfere!"
Unexpectedly, even though he was already at an absolute disadvantage, Red Hair stopped his crew from trying to help.
"Are you really not afraid of dying?"
Araki drove his sword down hard, bending Shanks's arm.
Though his situation looked grim, Shanks's expression remained rather optimistic. "I'm only trying to get you to let Luffy go. It's not like I want to start a war with Wano Country. This is my own business, so why drag anyone else into it?"
"Your own business?"
Araki gave a scornful laugh. "I'm afraid they don't see it that way."
He glanced toward the place where the members of the Red Hair Pirates had gathered.
Shanks followed his gaze and saw the Red Hair Pirates, led by Ben Beckman, all rubbing their fists and readying themselves. Their hands were either already on their gun bolts or resting on their sword hilts; in short, they looked ready to start fighting at any moment.
"If something happens to you here today, the Red Hair Pirates will definitely be buried with you."
Araki said flatly, "Don't glare at me. You know your own subordinates best. Do I even need to say what choice they'll make?"
Shanks fell silent.
Indeed, the Red Hair Pirates could be