New World, an uninhabited island.
The night was as black as ink. The campfire crackled, casting the Red Hair Pirates' shadows long. The aroma of roasted meat mixed with the scent of rum and drifted through the sea breeze. Everyone sat around the fire, drinking and laughing without end.
Suddenly, Shanks sprang to his feet, the smile vanishing from his face in an instant. His right hand pressed against the hilt of Griffin at his waist, and his sharp gaze pierced the darkness as he looked toward a corner of the night sky.
"Who's there?"
Flap—
White wings sliced through the night sky. Wearing a top hat and leaning on a gentleman's cane, Lafitte slowly descended into the clearing before them. He gave a slight bow, his trademark eerie smile on his face.
"Hohoho, good evening, everyone of the Red Hair Pirates. I represent the Dawn Pirates and have come to declare war on you."
"The time will be seven days from now. The place will be Elbaf."
"Can you tell me why you're declaring war?"
Shanks's cheerful smile reappeared as he raised a hand to stop several crew members who wanted to make a move. Yet deep in his eyes flashed a trace of imperceptible gravity.
"Captain is preparing to make a move against the World Government. Considering the Figarland Family holds a high position among the World Nobles, Captain believes the Red Hair Pirates are a potential threat."
Neither servile nor overbearing, Lafitte answered truthfully.
"Go back and tell Dawn that I'll be there."
Shanks agreed with a laugh.
Only after Lafitte's figure had completely vanished into the depths of the night did Shanks turn to his crew.
"Boys, pack up. Get ready to fight a crew of the Four Emperors! Are you scared?"
"No!"
"Hehe, I've wanted