A Chance Encounter with the Red-Haired Pirates

At the border between the South Blue and the Grand Line, at the edge of the Calm Belt.

"Boss, something's up ahead. Looks like we've run into that so-called strongest rookie."

On the deck of the Red Force, the round-bodied Lucky Roux held a fragrant drumstick in one hand and a telescope in the other. He looked toward the distant silhouette of a ship gradually coming into view on the horizon and gave his captain a muffled warning.

The man called "boss" had fiery red hair, and his clean-shaven face brimmed with the flamboyance and unruliness of youth.

Hearing this, an infectious, interested smile curled across his lips. He raised a hand to adjust the straw hat of great significance atop his head.

"Oh? Didn't expect to run into him here. Bring us closer! I want to properly greet this fellow rookie!"

Young and hot-blooded as he was, he naturally would not pass up the chance to test himself against the rookie currently in the greatest spotlight. The title of strongest rookie had to be weighed in person before it counted.

In the distance, aboard the Herman Revenge.

Dawn watched the familiar ship sail straight toward him, his gaze narrowing slightly.

"Shanks... why's he charging straight at me?"

With a thought, he released Gambler's Fireline.

Of course, he recognized the Red-Haired Pirates' ship. Although Shanks was only three years older than him and was likewise in the midst of his explosive rookie phase, Dawn knew full well that someone who had received proper instruction from Pirate King Roger and Dark King Rayleigh was absolutely not to be underestimated. Shanks was very likely stronger than Dawn at present.

However, when faced with a challenge from a fellow rookie, the pride of a strong man in Dawn's bones would not allow him