Naval Headquarters — Top of the Battlefield.
"Red hair!!!"
The core members of the Red-Haired Pirates lifted their heads as a familiar Haki presence approached.
Kaido of the Beasts, locked in fierce combat with Kozuki Oden, involuntarily shrank his pupils.
He had just gotten rid of one disaster—Rocks—only for another to arrive: Red-Haired Shanks.
As someone who knew the connection between Shanks and Oden, Kaido understood all too well—
They had once sailed together on the Roger Pirates.
If Kozuki Oden and Red-Haired Shanks joined forces…
He would be crushed in minutes.
"U-uhh… Red hair… are you the Benitaro mentioned in Father's journal?"
Yamato called out excitedly in the middle of her clash with King the Wildfire.
"Ahahaha, so he wrote about me, huh?"
Shanks scratched his head with an easy smile, then looked toward Kozuki Oden.
"Mr. Oden—it's been a long time. I'm really, truly happy to see you again."
"And I you, Hongtaro. You've grown into a fine man—famous across the seas!"
Oden beamed warmly.
"I owe everything to your teachings, Mr. Oden~!"
Shanks laughed, brimming with sincerity.
During Oden's year aboard the Roger Pirates,
the young red-haired apprentice learned much of his basic swordsmanship from Oden, building the foundation he stands on today.
"No, no, no—you were plenty qualified on your own!"
Oden waved a dismissive hand.
"Ahahaha—then Mr. Oden, need any help here?"
Shanks asked.
"No. Kaido—he must be cut down by my own hand,"
Oden replied without hesitation.
"No, no, no—stop saying terrifying things, Oden!"
Kaido thought in absolute relief, nearly collapsing.
"Ahahaha—then I won't interfere, Mr. Oden!"
Red-Haired Shanks nodded cheerfully.
"Well, let's go. It's been far too long since we've seen Roger!"
Oden grinned.
Shanks strode across the battlefield with his officers following behind.
Elsewhere — Battlefield of Pirate King Roger and Marine Hero Garp
Before Shanks reached them,
Rocks, the Overlord of the Sea, arrived first.
Seeing Roger and Garp exchanging blows, Rocks sneered.
"What's so funny, bastard Rocks?! If you want to interfere, then come here—I'll take you on myself!"
Garp roared, Haki flaring.
"Hehehe… You damn Garp—thirty-six years ago, you and that brat Roger could only barely defeat me. Yet after all these years, your strength hasn't improved, but your big mouths have!"
Rocks retorted venomously.
"Quit yapping. If you want to fight, step up!"
Garp barked.
"Don't butt in, Rocks. I'm not teaming up with you,"
Roger added sharply.
"And don't act tough, Garp—you're barely holding off my attacks as it is. Stop pretending you've got anything left in the tank!"
"You idiot Roger—who said anything about wanting to team up with you?!"
Garp's vein popped.
"You thick-headed fool! Defeat me? You're centuries too early!"
Rocks shot back.
"Garp!!"
"Rocks!!"
"Don't talk to me!!!"
The Marine hero and the ancient overlord shouted in perfect unison, furious at each other.
"It's seriously irritating!!!"
Rocks grumbled, turning away in disgust.
"Good! Now that nobody's in the way—come here, Roger!"
Garp grinned wickedly.
"My number-one disciple already smashed your son. Now it's my turn to beat your face into a pig's head!"
He cracked his knuckles, full of fighting spirit.
"Ahahahaha—hold on! The fight can wait. Let me greet the youngster first!"
Roger laughed brightly, looking past Garp.
His eyes landed on the figure walking toward them—
Red-Haired Shanks.
"Hey, Shanks—it's been a long time!"
Roger's face lit up with a wide, radiant smile.
"Captain Roger…!!"
Shanks' eyes instantly reddened—tears welling as memories crashed into him all at once.