The wind swept in, stirring ripples across the sea ahead of the Red Force and ruffling Shanks's black hair.
His eyes sharpened, and his expression turned utterly grave. Benn Beckman and the others were equally alert, ready for battle.
They had watched this battle from beginning to end. River had defeated Kaido and Big Mom together, then brought their remaining pirates under his command.
They knew perfectly well what that outcome meant.
The defeat of two of the Four Emperors would inevitably plunge the New World into chaos. Vast territories and forces now stood leaderless, and neither the Grand Line nor the world would remain peaceful.
The delicate balance that had existed would be shattered completely.
And the ambitious River would never pass up this opportunity to expand his territory. In the near future, he could very well become the new overlord of the Grand Line.
Shanks hesitated, torn.
Should I act? Stop River while I still have this last chance? But he had no confidence that he could.
Even two of the Four Emperors had failed to halt River's advance. Would he and the companions beside him only end up defeated as well?
River and his men drew ever closer, and the wind grew louder.
"Shanks!"
Benn Beckman called out grimly, his right hand already resting on the pistol at his waist.
Behind him, Yasopp and the others were ready to fight at any moment.
Shanks still did not answer. He merely rested his hand on his sword hilt, his gaze growing graver, yet his hesitation remained.
Should I attack or not?
The seconds ticked by, and the distance between the two sides continued to shrink.
Finally, when River and his men were only a few dozen meters away, he saw the man at the bow of the approaching