You Actually Wanted to Make My Big Brother's Grandson a Pirate?!

As that nearly out-of-control low growl fell from Shanks—

The tavern fell completely silent, the sound of dripping liquor echoing loudly against the floorboards.

The crew of the Red Hair Pirates froze one by one, eyes wide and jaws slack.

Even Beckman—

The man who was forever calm, forever standing by Shanks's side.

Did not even notice the cigarette in his hand drop to the floor with a snap.

A spark bounced against the wooden floor, twitched once, and slowly died out.

He simply stared ahead, first at Shanks, then turning to Rock.

At that moment, for the very first time, real hesitation flickered in his eyes.

—That Red-Hair who walked sideways across the New World.

—That man who did not even care for Marine Admirals.

—That captain who even dared to plunder the Celestial Dragons' Heavenly Tribute escort ships.

Right now.

Actually... scared like this?

The air stagnated, yet Rock ignored it all completely.

Shanks's furious roar.

The shock of the crowd.

That extreme, taut tension.

To him, it all felt like nothing more than a passing breeze.

He leisurely reached his left hand into his coat and pulled out something resembling a piece of paper.

His movement was casual, unhurried.

At that very instant, Shanks's nerves—

Snap.

Snapped completely!

"Don't—!!!"

He bellowed almost instinctively, his pupils contracting violently!

A streak of crimson flashed across the depths of his eyes, and Conqueror's Haki surged wildly within him!

The next second—

Swish!

A red blur slashed down viciously from above!

The speed reached the absolute limit!

The air was torn apart, emitting even a piercing screech!

This slash was not wrapped in Haki, nor did it carry killing intent, yet it was purer than any ordinary strike.

There was only one target: that "paper."

—It had to be destroyed!

No