In the New World, within the Whitebeard Pirates' territory.
Under the Navy's anxious watch, one of the Yonko, Red-Hair Shanks, finally met the World's Strongest Man.
Before the enormous Moby Dick, Shanks looked tiny despite standing a little taller than most men. Sunlight cast the ship's shadow over him, just as Whitebeard's renown loomed over the sea.
It was like an ant trying to shake a tree.
Yet no one dared underestimate that ant. Not even Whitebeard could, because the man before him was Shanks, one of the Yonko and the most formidable wielder of Haki in the world!
Clang!
The massive Naginata that had become famous alongside Whitebeard struck the deck with a heavy thud. Towering atop the Moby Dick, Whitebeard looked down at Shanks.
"Gurararara! Shanks, you little brat. You've finally become somebody!"
"The times keep moving forward, Whitebeard." Shanks rested one hand on the saber at his waist and grinned up at him. "What about you, old relic? Haven't you considered stepping aside for the younger generation?"
"What did you say?!"
"Don't get too cocky, Red-Hair!"
The Moby Dick erupted in uproar at Shanks's retort. The division commanders tightened their grips on their weapons, ready to attack the other Yonko at a word from Whitebeard.
There was no rigid divide between captain and First Mate aboard Whitebeard's ship. They were all family, and Whitebeard was their father. Insulting him meant declaring war on the entire Whitebeard Pirates!
But Whitebeard raised a hand to stop them, averting a battle.
"Shut up, you damn brats!"
"Pops?!"
Marco stared at Whitebeard in confusion. Blue flames had already appeared around him, making his eagerness to fight plain.
"Enough talk, Shanks. Where's that brat of yours?"
"Ace?" Shanks smiled faintly. "Looks like he can't wait any longer."
Without warning, scorching flames surged