The New World.
These already turbulent seas had grown even more rife with undercurrents after the Paramount War ended.
But the islands were far apart, and some nations had closed their borders, so the news had yet to spread.
Still, it was easy to imagine the enormous uproar that would follow once the shock waves of the Paramount War reached every corner of the world.
The Red Force sailed across this stretch of the Grand Line, but the atmosphere aboard was rather heavy.
"Shanks, you talked with River for a long time. What kind of man is he, really?"
Yasopp asked curiously.
The feast had lasted nearly a week. Everyone had drunk themselves senseless, and the two crews had quickly grown closer.
To many of them, River was a powerful man, yet unusually approachable and gentle. Beneath that friendly exterior, however, lay a heart that was difficult to fathom.
"That guy, huh?"
"In my eyes, he's extremely dangerous."
"Sometimes, I even saw a trace of Captain Roger in him."
Shanks spoke with a sigh, his expression conflicted.
"He's incredibly strong, and just as calculating. He knows how to seize every opportunity to rise. He's like a chess player, too."
"Every move he makes seems to be part of a game."
Benn Beckman looked up and asked gravely, "What exactly does he want to do? You two must have talked for quite a while."
"What does he want to do? I asked him that very question, and his answer was simple!"
Shanks sighed.
"He wants to change this world!"
"He said he no longer wants to see the Celestial Dragons standing above everyone else, or the Marines' hypocritical justice. He no longer wants to see pirates wreaking havoc on the world and mercilessly hurting civilians."
"He said that on his very