The Price of Defeat

Jagged rocks pierce the sky, and surging waves crash against the shore.

On the sky island, Tsunade watched the two's actions with growing confusion.

What's going on? Why are these two standing face to face? Has Uchiha Huayue forgotten the principles of ninja combat after being in this world for so long?

"No, and I didn't have to wait long. We're about to set sail. It's an honor to fight you, the strongest person I've encountered since we set sail. It's quite amazing to be able to experience what the captain felt when he faced you."

Clang!

With its blade drawn, Gryphon, a renowned sword honed over many years of battles alongside Shanks, is raised high, its tip gleaming.

"Next, let me witness the limits of the world, the Four Emperors, Uchiha Huayue!"

The crimson aura of dominance, like a halo of destruction, suddenly stirred up countless monstrous waves, leaving Tsunade, who was on the sky island, in awe.

"What a peculiar power. This world doesn't seem so simple. No wonder they were able to get their hands on something like that. Their peculiar abilities are more like those of the samurai from Wano Country."

Among the Red-Haired Pirates, Ben Beckman and his crew members wore solemn expressions. Red-Haired Shanks' overwhelming aura of dominance was so powerful that even they felt a strong sense of oppression.

"Next, let's settle this with one move and show you the limits of this world: Divine Departure!"

In an instant, the black and red aura thickened like lead and mercury, and the blood-red sparks and lightning flickered unpredictably in the air. The griffin, as if it wanted to tear the sky and split the earth, soared into the sky and headed straight for Huayue.

"Here it comes! Captain's strongest entanglement technique, Divine Departure!"

"Even the Four Emperors have to take the captain's attack seriously. Divine Departure is an attack from a distance, and its extreme speed cannot be ignored!"

As the smoke dissipated with the gale, Ben Beckman's eyes gleamed with unprecedented hope as he stared at the tiny figure being targeted by the griffin, awaiting its response.

"Go Shanks!"

"Defeat that guy, Shanks!!!"

Uta and Luffy, who were hiding behind the rocks, couldn't help but jump out, waving their little fists and shouting at him.

Very quickly, in almost a fraction of a second, Beckman's pupils contracted as he had been observing Huayue's reaction.

Why? Why is he still so calm? His expression hasn't changed at all since the beginning. What's going on? Could it be...?

"It's Divine Departure. You've learned quite a few useful skills from Roger, and you've fought quite a few so-called powerful enemies. That's good."

"However, compared to Kaido's Thunder Bagua, it still falls short. You are still young and have the potential to grow..."

Ding! Ding! Ding!

To everyone's astonishment, the griffin, which was brandishing its fangs and claws as if about to take flight, was held firmly by two fingers.

The crimson lightning sparked countless sparks, but no matter how much it struggled, it could only dissipate helplessly under everyone's gaze.

"That's why I said you chose the wrong opponent, Red-Haired Shanks."

The surrounding area was silent and desolate.

The flashes of lightning dissipated, a gentle breeze arose, the water rippled, and white clouds drifted aimlessly across the sky, as if the scene from just a moment ago was nothing but a dream.

"How... how could this be? Shanks, Shanks should be the strongest pirate!"

Luffy instinctively covered his straw hat, tears streaming down his face like an unstoppable stream.

Uta stood there, stunned, her bright, amethyst-like eyes filled with tears, on the verge of sobbing.

"No, Shanks, Shanks won't lose, Shanks is the strongest..."

Laugh!

Gryphon disappeared into the sand, Shanks smiled gently and languidly, as if he had anticipated his fate.

"This is... the world?"

"That's right, that's the difference between worlds. You're still young, there's no need to risk your life here..."

"However, challenges come at a price. Are you prepared to pay that price?"

Clang!

Kusanagi Sword Shanks its sheath, the pure white, simple hilt made him lower his gaze.

"Ah, this is the price of defeat. Let's do it, Four Emperors."

"Listen up, Red-Haired Shanks. The so-called Haki is the condensation of spirit and will. This condensation has no limits. Remember this strike in your heart."

"Domineering Entanglement - World!"

Exquisitely crafted, it's as if the entire world is held atop a blade, with streaks of colorful and strange lightning sparks forming a kingdom and island.

The base that holds everything, this azure sea, is the whole world.

Next, he simply raised his knife, swung it, and sheathed it, and it all seemed to end there.

bite...

Pfft!

The blade was sheathed, and blossoms of blood bloomed before everyone's eyes. Time seemed to stand still at that moment, and the distant sea underwent an astonishing change that exceeded everyone's expectations.

The sea split in two, rushing towards the sky, with two waterfalls rising into the air in a bizarre spectacle from the calm sea, defying the so-called laws of nature.

Fish drift in the sea, swimming nonchalantly, and everyone can notice the details and scales on each fish.

"This is the world."

Going against nature, acting as one pleases, being omnipotent...

This unprecedented sight caused the Red-Haired Shanks lying in a pool of blood to open his eyes, his smile undiminished.

"A world formed by domineering aura, what an astonishing total amount of domineering aura, is this the difference between worlds? Hey, hey, hey, isn't this a bit too scary?"

"Oh, right, regarding the price you have to pay, I'll take the Poneglyph and rubbings you collected. I'll be going now."

The Red-Haired Pirates swarmed around Shanks, while Huayue's figure flashed as he stood atop the Sky Island.

"I'm off. Those kids must be getting impatient. See you next time."

The sky island sailed into the distance, Red-Haired Shanks, with Beckman's help, struggled to his feet, reverting to his usual carefree nature.

"Hahaha, I've escaped with my life! This is truly a despairing difference, hahaha... cough cough cough!"

The spilled blood stained the corners of his mouth, causing Beckman to furrow his brow.

"Still trying to be brave at a time like this? Hongo, bandage the captain! This guy's domineering aura is beyond anything a human could possess; he's a complete monster!"

"You're lucky you managed to save your life by sacrificing some Poneglyph. Don't be so reckless next time, Shanks! Shanks? You've lost too much blood!"

The Red-Haired Pirates were busy Luffy, and Luffy was crying so hard that snot and tears were streaming down his face.

"Shanks, will Shanks die?"

"What nonsense are you talking about! He'll be fine after a few days of rest following the blood transfusion. Our captain isn't so easily defeated. Besides, we're heading to the Music Country soon, Elegia!"

Upon receiving this news, Luffy froze on the spot, subconsciously glancing at everyone with deep reluctance in his eyes, gradually filling the busy atmosphere with sadness.

"You're leaving?"