New World, Marine G-14 Branch.
Several shocking slash marks scarred the base's fortress walls.
Several warships moored in the harbor had sunk at crooked angles, leaving only parts of their masts and gun batteries above water.
The fighting had ended.
The members of the Red Hair Pirates had not caused widespread destruction. They simply held the key positions in silence.
But the invisible pressure of an Emperor's pirate crew made it hard for the surviving Marines to breathe, let alone make a reckless move.
Red-Haired Shanks stood alone in the center of the square. The sea breeze stirred the black coat draped over his shoulders and gently swept the lock of red hair across his forehead.
His usual hearty smile was gone. With his right hand, he held a Marine officer by the collar, effortlessly lifting her off the ground.
She was Doll, the commander of G-14, a female vice admiral renowned for her resolve and courage.
Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, and her cap had fallen off, but her eyes remained defiant as she glared at Shanks.
"You're not qualified to arrest me." Shanks's voice was quiet, yet everyone present heard it clearly.
"Go back and tell your superiors they'd better... send Gern himself."
With that, he flicked his wrist and tossed Vice Admiral Doll aside.
Doll grunted. Several Marines caught her as she stumbled, her face livid, but she gritted her teeth and gave no order to retaliate.
She knew that against Red Hair himself, one of the Four Emperors, any resistance now would only add to the casualties.
Shanks swept his gaze over the ruined branch and the Marines struggling to suppress their fear, then unleashed his Conqueror's Haki, knocking them all unconscious.
Just then, footsteps approached from behind.
With half a cigarette