Meanwhile, over the shimmering sea, Yasopp landed with agile grace on the weathered deck of the Red Force.
His steps were steady and silent. He lifted his head, his gaze firm as he looked at Beckman.
"Water 7."
Beckman lounged against the ship's railing, a lit cigarette dangling from his lips, wisps of smoke curling slowly before his weathered face.
He exhaled a smoke ring that dissipated gradually in the air.
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly with a barely perceptible smile. "Haven't we been there already?"
He turned, his eyes meeting Yasopp's with a trace of inquiry. "Going back again?"
"Not sure."
Yasopp walked to the stern and stood quietly, watching the receding coastline.
The sea breeze ruffled the hem of his clothes but couldn't disperse the heavy worry in his heart.
"Where has that foolish boy gone off to?"
He clutched the small, carved wooden figurine in his hand, as if it still retained the warmth from Usopp's childhood.
Yasopp lowered his head, his gaze tenderly resting on the carving as he murmured, "Wait for me, Usopp... Your good-for-nothing father is coming."
...
When Shanks returned to the Red Force, the lingering glow of the sunset draped over the deck like a golden veil, casting a warm hue across the ship.
His eyes swept across the deck and noticed Yasopp leaning against the railing.
His usually bright, cheerful face was now shadowed by a cloud of sorrow, veiled in an inescapable gloom.
Yasopp's fingers caressed the small wooden carving hanging around his neck—a childhood gift from Usopp.
His gaze grew distant, his thoughts drifting as he searched for the figure that weighed on his heart.
"What's wrong?" Shanks strode to Yasopp's side, his voice low and tinged with concern.
Yasopp let out a sigh. He recounted every detail Sanji had shared, the information sitting heavy on his mind.
When mentioning that Usopp might still be in Water 7, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes.
But the light quickly faded.
He lowered his head, his voice subdued. "But Captain, we've been to Water 7 twice already... and returned empty-handed both times."
Shanks patted Yasopp's shoulder, a warm smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
"At least we have solid information now, don't we?"
His gaze drifted toward the distant horizon. "Besides, aren't there those two girls who know Usopp's whereabouts?"
Yasopp looked up, a flicker of shock in his eyes as he realized something crucial.
His voice rose several notches.
"You mean... Nami and Robin?" His brow furrowed, a trace of worry appearing on his face. "But they're currently under the protection of the Whitebeard Pirates!"
As he spoke, he instinctively tightened his grip on his sniper rifle, the weapon glinting in the sunlight.
"Are we really going to cross paths with them?"
Shanks shook his head, interrupting Yasopp. The setting sun cast his long shadow across the deck.
His voice remained calm and resolute. "We're just going to gather information, nothing more."
Beckman had approached at some point and added, "Moreover, our relationship with Marco and the others isn't exactly bad. We aren't enemies."
Yasopp's eyes brightened.
He touched the pendant around his neck, the familiar texture bringing him a sense of comfort.
A long-absent smile reappeared on his face, his eyes revealing firm determination. "Then it's settled!"
Shanks turned and walked toward the bow of the ship.
"The battle at Marineford last time was something we couldn't avoid." His voice carried on the sea breeze, tinged with both nostalgia and relief.
"Yes, I believe they'll understand." Beckman nodded, his gaze showing trust and anticipation.
Yasopp prayed he'd get news of his son, silently hoping the boy hadn't gotten into any trouble.
The sails of the Red Force billowed in the evening wind, like a giant beast ready to pounce.
The pure white canvas flapped noisily, heralding the journey about to begin.
Lucky Roux mumbled through a mouthful of meat, "We have to see that terrifying Whitebeard again..." His voice carried a note of reluctance.
Hearing this, Shanks laughed heartily, his booming laughter echoing across the sea and dispelling the gloom.
"Haha, what's there to fear? We might even get some drinks out of it!"
Yasopp stood at the stern, watching the coastline disappear into the twilight.
The shoreline grew indistinct in the fading sunset, much like his own complex yet resolute feelings.
He knew the path ahead might be full of unknowns, but to find Usopp, he was willing to charge forward.
...
Meanwhile, on Onigashima.
Not long after Saturn departed, a strange ripple appeared in the shadows of the island's ruins.
This ripple spread outward like waves stirred by a stone thrown into calm water.
Ron and Nami emerged from the hidden underground exit, their coats untainted by even a speck of dust, as if the brutal battle they'd just experienced had nothing to do with them.
Earlier, Ron's movements had been smooth and practiced.
With a casual wave of his hand, the Road Poneglyph bearing crucial information vanished from its spot, stored away in his Space Ring.
"Just as expected, it's a Road Poneglyph..."
Ron curled the corners of his mouth, his gaze sweeping across the devastated battlefield before him.
The shattered rocks, charred earth, and scattered debris spoke volumes about the intensity of the recent clash.
Just then, a flash of golden light streaked across the distant horizon, fleeing in disarray.
The glare of that light stood out starkly against the twilight, catching Ron's attention.
He narrowed his eyes, identifying the figure within that radiance.
"Is that... Kizaru?" Ron's brows furrowed, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Seeing him fleeing in such a sorry state was unexpected. "Why would a Marine Admiral appear here?"
As Ron fell into thought, Marco, Jozu, and the others arrived at his side.
Marco's Phoenix Flames danced on his shoulders, his face showing fatigue but unable to conceal his excitement.
"Ron, you truly have foresight! Who would've thought there really were rats sneaking out from the shadows!"
Jozu's diamond body glittered under the setting sun as he laughed heartily and patted Ron's shoulder.
"Hahaha! Ron, those World Government dogs really couldn't hold back after all!"
"Look, it wasn't just one or two—they came out in full force!"
Vista wiped the blood off his twin swords and added, "That Kizaru came with Saturn, seems like he was specifically here as a bodyguard. Wonder if he's prepared to shed some blood this time."
"From the looks of it, Kizaru's blood is the hottest commodity right now!" Vista grinned. "But before Pops, even a Marine Admiral has to turn tail and run!"
Marco lifted his head, gazing thoughtfully toward the distant sea. "I just didn't expect Kizaru to be dispatched. But this time, Saturn's target was King, the Lunarian."