As Shanks's words fell, Conqueror's Haki suddenly spread out.
The entire street jolted violently.
The walls cracked, and fine pebbles on the ground all bounced into the air.
The bubbles that had just risen burst soundlessly, falling from midair like transparent rain.
Several passersby in the distance who had not yet managed to leave rolled their eyes back and collapsed to the ground.
Even the signs hanging on the street corners swayed violently, their iron chains clattering with a piercing rattle.
Saint Shamrock stood where he was, his cloak snapping under the pressure of the Haki.
There was neither fear nor surprise on that face almost identical to Shanks's.
It was as if he had expected that the moment this name was spoken, the younger brother before him would be unable to remain calm.
After a moment, Saint Shamrock spoke indifferently. "The Five Elders have decided to support a new pirate force."
"And Teach is their target."
As the words fell.
Shanks's gaze grew colder and colder, Griffin's hilt trembling faintly in his palm.
His fingers slowly tightened.
Saint Shamrock continued, "The World Government will give him intelligence, routes, and funds."
"And the pirate remnants driven into desperate straits by the Marines' purges."
"They want Teach to become a dark monster that can counter Rock's New Order."
Shanks stared fixedly at Saint Shamrock.
The lingering complicated emotions from the brothers' reunion rapidly faded from his eyes.
In their place was killing intent so cold it was nearly tangible.
Yet he still forcibly suppressed it.
Because he wanted to hear the answer—the real answer.
Shanks's voice was low, like muffled thunder from the ocean floor. "What does all this have to do with Uta?"
Only then did Saint Shamrock slowly turn his head. From beneath the shadow of his hood, his