Shanks followed his gaze, saw Van Augur, paused for a moment, and then Satori.
"Hahaha!"
Shanks pointed directly at Van Augur and laughed loudly.
You mean that sniper?
"It's really good!"
"I fought Yasopp to a standstill just now, and we almost both died!"
Yasopp added from the side,
"Boss, that guy's aim is really good."
"We fired at each other for a long time, and in the end, our two shots almost hit each other at the same time."
Shanks nodded.
"For Yasopp to say that, that guy must be pretty good."
" Roy, you have good taste."
Van Augur stood aside, listening to their conversation, and breathed a sigh of relief.
I see.
It turned out that Roy had approached him to recruit him.
They didn't come to kill me.
That's good.
That's good.
The cold sweat on his back instantly subsided.
Roy looked at Van Augur and waved.
" Van Augur, come here."
Van Augur took a deep breath, stepped forward, walked up to Roy, and bowed slightly.
Captain Roy.
Roy's gaze lingered on him.
"I saw that battle just now."
"Your marksmanship is indeed excellent."
"There are very few in the entire West Blue who can fight Yasopp to a draw."
Van Augur paused for a second, then said,
" Captain Roy."
" Van Augur, I've investigated you."
"A renowned Pirate Hunter and long-range sniper in the West Blue, he keeps a low profile and never flaunts his abilities."
"You even refused a recruitment offer from the Navy."
"Why?"
Van Augur looked up at Roy.
"Because I don't like being constrained."
"The navy has too many rules; they're not for me."
Roy nodded to himself; this was very much in line with his character.
What about the pirates?
"Are pirates unrestrained?"
Van Augur remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking.
"Pirates are indeed free."
"But freedom also means danger."
"I didn't want to join the pirates before because I hadn't met anyone worth following."
Roy looked at him, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"And now?"
Do you think I'm worth following?
Van Augur took a deep breath and looked into Roy's eyes.
Those eyes were calm as still water, yet unfathomably deep.
The terrifying power he felt when he clashed with Shanks' Conqueror's Haki was still deeply imprinted in his mind.
That power, that sense of oppression, that aura that seemed to control everything—
It was something he had never seen before.
That was also what he longed for.
Captain Roy.
Van Augur said solemnly,
"I'd like to join your pirate crew."
Van Augur's voice was firm and solemn.
Without hesitation, without delay.
Having witnessed that clash of Conqueror's Haki just now, he clearly realized—
How vast is the gap between myself and these monsters?
That's the difference between heaven and earth.
It is the difference between mortals and gods.
The man before him was willing to give him a chance to cross this chasm.
What reason could he possibly have to refuse?
Roy looked at him, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
"Very good."
He nodded.
"From today onwards, you are a member of the Roy Pirates."
Van Augur bowed deeply.
" Captain Roy!"
Shanks, who was standing nearby, clapped his hands enthusiastically.
Congratulations!
" Roy, you've taken on another crew member!"
Roy glanced at him.
Shanks, aren't you angry?
"That guy just fought your crew to a draw."
Shanks waved his hand.
Why are you angry?
" Yasopp is my partner, not my property."
"I'm overjoyed that he's met a worthy opponent!"
"Besides, anyone you've set your sights on must be extraordinary."
"Perhaps he'll make an even bigger name for himself on the high seas someday!"
A faint smile curved Roy's lips.
"You're quite magnanimous."
Shanks laughed triumphantly.
That's it!
"Come on, since we've met, it must be fate!"
Let's have a party!
Before Roy could agree, Shanks called to his crew.
"Men! Unload the food and wine from the ship!"
"Let's celebrate properly today!"
The members of the Red Hair Pirates immediately erupted in cheers.
"Oh--!!!"
"Let's start the banquet!"
"It's been so long since we've had anything lively!"
Yasopp, carrying a spear, approached Van Augur.
"Hey bro, that last fight was awesome!"
"How many drinks will we have later?"
Van Augur paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Good."
Lucky Roux had already begun directing several crew members to unload large barrels of fine wine and various foods from the ship.
Ben Beckman, a cigarette dangling from his lips, walked over to Roy.
" Captain Roy, I've heard so much about you."
Roy looked at him,
"Ben Beckman, the vice-captain of the Red Hair Pirates."
"I heard you're the smartest guy in the entire pirate crew?"
Beckman smiled slightly.
You flatter me.
"It's just that I thought a few steps ahead of them."
Roy nodded. Roy couldn't help but think more highly of this person who could make Kizaru stop with just a word.
"Being able to think several steps ahead is the biggest advantage."
" Shanks is lucky to have a partner like you."
Beckman took a deep drag of his cigarette, a strange glint in his eyes.
" Captain Roy, you're too kind."
The two exchanged a few words briefly, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
Soon, a bonfire was lit on the beach.
The large barrel of wine was opened, and various foods were placed on a simple wooden table.
The group sat around the campfire, creating a lively atmosphere.
Shanks raised his glass,
"Come on! Let's have a drink first!"
"Celebrating our meeting in the West Blue!"
"Congratulations to Roy for acquiring another great crew member!"
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp.
Roy also raised his glass and took a sip.
The atmosphere is really nice.
Relaxed, casual, and without too many rules.
Shanks took a big gulp of wine, wiped his mouth, and suddenly asked,
"By the way, Roy, what exactly happened in that big battle a while ago?"
"How did you and that old Garp end up fighting?"
Roy glanced at him.
"The news spread quite quickly."
Shanks chuckled.
That's it!
"The news has spread throughout the entire ocean!"
" The Heavenly Dao Emperor Roy and the Garp the Marine Hero wage an epic battle, leveling the deserted island!"
"The newspaper wrote it in great detail!"
Those reporters are indeed incredibly resourceful.
Roy shook his head, speechless at this 'mysterious force'.
It's nothing really.
"I went to the East Blue and happened to run into Garp."
Shanks' eyes lit up.
" East Blue?"
What are you going to the East Blue for?
Roy took the drink Lafitte offered, nodded to him, and then looked at Shanks.
"To visit two old friends."
Rouge and Ace.
" Rouge? Ace?"