Shanks and his crew charged forward like tigers descending the mountain, their momentum magnificent as piercing howls tore through the air.
The waves behind them seemed to be cheering for the charge as well, massive swells crashing against the sides of the ships one after another.
Anger and determination burned in everyone's eyes, especially Shanks's. The unyielding flame in his gaze seemed capable of devouring everything.
Yet just as they drew closer and closer to the Five Elders' forces, an eerie silence suddenly fell over the battlefield.
Shanks's steps paused slightly as an unsettling sensation rushed toward him.
The Five Elders stood at the forefront of the fleet, still looking utterly unhurried.
Shanks's sharp gaze swept over the Five Elders like a blade, seemingly challenging these former symbols of power.
However, what he had not expected was for an unmistakable sneer to gradually appear on the Five Elders' faces. That smile filled Shanks with unease.
Suddenly, the eldest among the Five Elders smiled especially deeply.
"You were fooled."
Those words were like icy arrows, swiftly piercing everyone's hearts.
Shanks's brows shot up. He instantly realized that his charge, along with his crew's, had merely stepped into a trap prepared long ago.
Almost at the same moment, the aura around the Five Elders changed dramatically.
Their previously ordinary presence seemed to be swallowed by some force. In an instant, it surged explosively, becoming immense and oppressive.
The air froze in that instant, as though even breathing had become difficult.
The Five Elders' bodies swelled, muscles bulging like massive boulders. Their skin hardened like armor, and every inch of it exuded an intense demonic aura.
Shanks and his companions sucked in cold breaths, their shocked eyes unable to leave the Five Elders.
So they were not merely old men, but beings who