Just as before, Shanks left the straw hat with Luffy as a testament to their shared conviction and promise.
Afterward, Shanks and the others stayed in the village for a few more days, purchasing a great deal of necessary supplies before departing.
"Just watch, Shanks. I'll definitely set sail, and I'll become incredibly, incredibly strong before I show myself to you again. I'm definitely going to be the Pirate King." Wearing the straw hat, Luffy gave Shanks a thumbs-up.
After making their promise once more, Shanks bade Luffy farewell. But just as he was about to board the ship, he stopped.
"What's wrong, Shanks?" Benn Beckman asked in confusion. He sensed that his captain was acting a little strangely.
Shanks gazed into the distance, his eyes growing profound. There was a forest there, and deep within it stood a stretch of high ground.
Suddenly, he revealed an inscrutable smile. "Beckman, wait for me on the ship. I have something to take care of."
"Hey, wait—" Beckman had just begun to ask when Shanks shot away, vanishing from sight in the blink of an eye.
"How much bad luck did I have to rack up to end up with a captain like this?" Beckman sighed mournfully before turning toward the ship.
Within the forest, Shanks moved swiftly.
The forest wind swept past, and leaves rustled as he sped through them.
A moment later, he stopped before the high ground, while a figure clad in a black robe turned around with a smile.
"It's been a long time, Shanks." His calm words and gentle smile were no different from when they had parted more than ten years ago. Time had not left even the slightest trace upon him.
His every gesture blended perfectly with his surroundings. If Shanks had not cultivated