At the border between the South Blue and the Grand Line, on the edge of the Calm Belt.
"Chief, 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 peered at the gradually sharpening silhouette of a ship on the distant horizon and gave his captain a muffled warning.
The man known as "Chief" had fiery red hair, and his beardless face radiated youthful flamboyance and unruliness.
Hearing this, an infectious, eager smile curled across his lips. He raised a hand to adjust the straw hat on his head, a hat of extraordinary significance.
"Oh? Didn't expect to run into him here. Bring us alongside! I want to properly greet this fellow rookie!"
Young and full of fire, he naturally would not pass up the chance to test himself against the most prominent rookie of the moment. The title of strongest rookie only counted after he had weighed it himself.
In the distance, aboard Herman's Revenge.
Dawn watched the familiar ship sailing straight toward him, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Shanks... why is he charging right at me?"
With a thought, he unleashed Gambler's Fireline.
Naturally, he recognized the Red Hair Pirates' ship. Although Shanks was only three years older than him and was likewise in the midst of his explosive rookie period, Dawn knew full well that Shanks, having received orthodox training from Pirate King Roger and Dark King Rayleigh, was absolutely not to be underestimated. He was very likely stronger than Dawn at present.
However, faced with a challenge from a fellow rookie, the pride of a strong man in Dawn's bones would not allow him to back down.
When faced with