Shanks, fully aware of how dangerous the Dawn Ship was, became even more cautious. He refused to act recklessly before his injuries had completely healed.
He endured the unease in his heart and spent another six months recovering, nearing full strength. However, while studying the sea chart, he suddenly realized something alarming. Based on the Dawn Ship's nearly transparent sailing route, they were about to arrive at Elegia.
Their daughter was still there.
Not only Shanks, but every member of the Red Hair Pirates grew anxious about Uta's safety.
With no other option, Shanks immediately led his crew to sea at full speed, hoping to intercept the Dawn Ship before it reached Elegia.
But even with their urgency, they were still too late.
As they entered the waters near Elegia, the Red Hair Pirates spotted the unmistakable Dawn Ship.
Everyone in the world knew that the Dawn Ship held a banquet whenever it reached an island. Because of that, the Red Hair Pirates clung to a faint hope, wishing the crew had not landed on the ruined island and were simply celebrating near the shore.
That hope shattered the moment they got closer.
Through his telescope, Shanks clearly saw Ash feeding Uta a Devil Fruit.
Thud.
The telescope slipped from his hand and rolled across the deck. Shanks did not dare look any further. His body erupted with killing intent as his Conqueror's Haki surged outward.
Dorry and Brogy had been killed.
Silvers Rayleigh had been captured, and so had Scopper Gaban.
And now, Uta.
At that moment, every old and new grudge between the Red Hair Pirates and the Dawn Ship flooded his mind.
Shanks's eyes turned bloodshot. He stepped onto the bow, drew his sword, Gryphon, and pointed it toward the Dawn Ship.
"Next, we wipe out the Dawn Group completely."
Benn Beckman remained composed. He lit his cigarette, took a slow drag, and spoke after a brief pause.
"I have a plan that could improve our chances."
He turned to look at the crew's musician, Monster.
Everyone followed his gaze. Monster, perched on Beckman's shoulder, looked confused and pointed at himself.
Beckman smiled faintly. "When we land, do this…"
Earlier incidents involving Rayleigh and Gaban had already taught the Dawn Ship crew a lesson. They were now lined up neatly along the beach, waiting.
If there was going to be a fight, it would stay away from the ship.
The unconscious Uta had been casually tossed behind a pile of rocks by Ash. He then stepped forward and joined his crew.
Not out of respect for the Red Hair Pirates, but simply because he thought standing in formation looked impressive.
With Ash at the center, the group spread out on both sides.
To his left stood Youki, Tsuki, Nojiko, Nami, Carina, and Nico Robin.
To his right stood Pini, Kirk, Saff, Fidel, McKinley, and Conis.
Thirteen people stood shoulder to shoulder in a straight line.
Tsuki tilted his head and glanced to the side. "Hey, aren't you going to call Sali and Wyper?"
Pini and Youki ignored him completely. One calmly wiped his golden bow with a cloth, while the other tightened his golden gauntlets and slammed his fists together with a sharp clang.
Tsuki immediately fell silent.
Ash nearly laughed.
Back then, these two had confidently said they would put on a show. Yet now, facing the Red Hair Pirates, neither of them had even called Sali.
So this was their performance.
The Dawn crew stood quietly, waiting for the Red Hair Pirates to land.
Ash himself remained relaxed. With his strength, he had not paid much attention to the enemy.
However, Pini, whose Observation Haki was the strongest on the crew, and Kirk, who trained constantly due to fewer combat opportunities, both noticed something unusual at the same time.
They exchanged a brief glance and chose to remain silent.
As the Red Hair Pirates approached the shore, they could clearly see the figures lined up on the beach.
Seeing that all key members of the Dawn crew were present, the Red Hair Pirates felt a surge of excitement.
Beckman's plan might actually work.
Impressive.
Shanks originally intended to follow the plan, but the moment he stepped onto land, something felt off.
Every person standing opposite him wore an indifferent expression.
Some even looked at his crew as if they were already dead. There was even a trace of anticipation in their eyes.
What did that mean?
Before the fight had even begun, they already viewed the Red Hair Pirates as prey?
Since when did a mere Warlord-level force dare to face an Emperor's crew with such arrogance?
Shanks could no longer suppress his fury or the weight of their blood feud.
He drew his sword and charged straight at Ash.
Beckman let out a quiet sigh. The situation had been ideal, yet things had already gone off script. Still, there was nothing he could do.
With a captain like Shanks, you followed through.
The rest of the crew said nothing. Seeing their captain take the lead, they all drew their weapons and rushed forward.
In contrast, the Dawn crew remained silent.
Ash had already been told by Pini and Youki to hold back and act last.
The two had also already chosen their opponents.
Without warning, Ash ignored Shanks completely. Instead, he scanned the battlefield and frowned slightly.
"Hmm? Looks like a monkey is missing."
"I'll handle it."
Pini chuckled and stepped forward to intercept Shanks, while Youki rushed straight toward Beckman.
Ash had imagined meeting Shanks many times.
Would the famous Red-Haired Shanks ask him to give him some face?
And if he did, should he slap him left first or right first?
Unfortunately, reality did not match his expectations.
Shanks was far more reckless than he imagined.
It felt like missing a moment that should have happened.
Still, it did not matter.
To Ash and Pini, their actions were perfectly normal. But in Shanks's eyes, it was blatant disrespect.
He charged at Ash with full force, yet Ash did not move. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, exposing his neck.
The insult was obvious.
Shanks swung his sword down.
Clang!
The attack was blocked.
Furious, Shanks finally turned his gaze toward Pini.
Pini smirked. "Your opponent is me."
He stared directly at Shanks.
"You won't even look at me? How much do you look down on me?"
The words mirrored Shanks's own thoughts, making his expression twist with anger.
"Damn brat!"