Cooperation

"Pururururu—"

Buggy answered the Den Den Mushi. It was Inuarashi calling.

"Buggy..."

A low, bitter laugh came from the other end. "Regarding the matter you asked me about, it would be better for him to tell you himself."

Then the voice on the other end changed, becoming bright and hearty. "Hahaha, Buggy, it's Shanks!"

"I could tell." Buggy smiled. "Long time no see."

Shanks asked, "Hey, I heard all about it. You fought Kaido, and you even stormed into Big Mom's territory all by yourself. Is that all true?"

"It's true. I didn't expect the news to spread so quickly—not even you were left out."

"It's not just me. By now, the whole world probably knows what you're capable of. I really never imagined you'd hidden yourself so deeply. You deceived even me for all these years. I always thought you only cared about gold and treasure, but now it seems that isn't the case..."

"I've merely had a knot in my heart all this time. Besides, why can't we accomplish what Captain Roger failed to accomplish back then?"

"The time hasn't come yet... Isn't this a little too hasty?"

"I don't want to speak in riddles with you. You should know why Inuarashi contacted you."

"An alliance..." Shanks paused. "What exactly are you trying to do?"

Buggy said, "Become the Pirate King."

"You should know that I don't like being tied down. Something like an alliance is just far too troublesome for me." Shanks's tone was calm, carrying an air of freedom.

"No one can escape the tides of the era. The entire world will be overturned and swept up in them. Even you won't be able to avoid it."

"I know. Ever since the time I failed to stop Whitebeard, the era that had been changing little by