The Power of the West Blue

"It's still the same old issue."

"I assume you've seen the recent papers?"

Whitebeard's pupils contracted as he stared at the red-haired young man before him.

"And what of it?"

Shanks spoke gravely. "The Marines have captured the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division Commander."

"I don't think you can pretend you haven't seen news that important."

Whitebeard picked up the sake from the deck. "So?"

"The Marines' objective couldn't be more obvious!"

"I believe they'll use Ace's identity to threaten you, forcing you to face them alone and sparking a war that will shake the world!"

Shanks's voice was solemn.

"Even so, this hardly concerns you, Red-Haired Shanks!"

Whitebeard spoke flatly.

"If this were only a matter between the Marines and your Whitebeard Pirates, it would indeed be none of my business!"

"Even if the aftermath of this battle changed the world and plunged the New World into chaos."

"But!"

At that, Shanks's gaze abruptly sharpened.

"This battle will inevitably involve that man!"

"And I absolutely cannot turn a blind eye to that!"

Whitebeard fell silent. He drained the sake in his bowl, then smiled.

"That man? You mean Xia Le?"

"You seem to harbor quite a grudge against him."

"You've come to see me time and again, and he's your real reason for coming, isn't he?"

Despite the amusement in those words, Shanks's expression remained grim.

Only after Whitebeard finished speaking did he slowly nod.

"That's right!"

"He's precisely why I'm here!"

Whitebeard raised an eyebrow, interest flickering in his eyes. "Why?"

"That man!"

"He once took away a friend I'll cherish for the rest of my life!"

Shanks spoke in a low voice, his face dark.

Back in Loguetown, he and Buggy had been forced apart. From that moment on, his friend had become Xia Le's prisoner.

"Oh?"

"Now