New World, on a certain spring island.
In a dense forest, bright sunlight filtered through the lush leaves and shone onto the ground.
"Hawkeye Mihawk fought Sephiroth fiercely in the East Blue and was ultimately defeated!
The throne of the world's greatest Great Swordsman has changed hands... What a surprise!
Hawkeye, you actually lost to Sephiroth..."
Red-Haired Shanks first took out a copy of the World Economy News Paper and waved it in front of Hawkeye. Then, he slapped his thigh repeatedly and laughed.
"HAHAHA~! (￣▽￣~)!
No, I have to treasure this newspaper properly. I'll take it out and read it whenever I have some free time."
Hawkeye: "..."
"Please, tell me in detail. How did you lose to Sephiroth...?" Red-Haired Shanks asked curiously.
Hawkeye first shot a sidelong glance at the guy beside him who was teasing him before answering honestly.
"At the time, my vision was obscured by thick fog, while he used some technique that could block my Observation Haki..."
"Is that so? I see. No wonder you lost to him.
If I get the chance someday, I'd like to fight him too..." Red-Haired Shanks said thoughtfully, lightly stroking his chin.
"During this trip to the East Blue, I also came across an interesting pirate. It reminded me of a story you told me before..."
As he spoke, Hawkeye pulled out Luffy's bounty poster from his clothes and handed it to the other man.
Looking at Luffy's smiling face beneath the straw hat on the bounty poster, Red-Haired Shanks immediately burst into hearty laughter.
"HAHAHA! Is that so!? Luffy, you've finally come!"
"Hmm!? Boss, speaking of Luffy...
I suddenly remembered some intelligence we received today. You remember Ace, the one who once visited you as Luffy's older brother, right?"
Red-Haired Shanks froze slightly upon hearing that, instinctively