"Shanks, it's good to see you again."
Kenshin walked over and looked at Shanks. "But we're no longer on the same path."
He picked up a jug of sake with his sword and waved his hand. "Perhaps we will never meet again after this. Thank you for resolving this for me."
With that, Kenshin walked out of the door.
Shanks sighed. "Farewell, Brother Kenshin. When the time of the demon's return comes, I will head to Wano."
At the mention of the demon's return, Kenshin paused momentarily before walking away, his back to Shanks, hiding his expression.
The so-called demon's return referred to the return of Kozuki Oden.
Though Oden was killed by Himura Kenshin, with even his corpse burned in the fires of the Flower Capital, those who participated in that war knew that Oden would return.
Estimating by the current timeline, it was likely only seventeen years away.
Seventeen years later, Wano would inevitably face an earth-shattering battle that might rival the fight between Roger and Aatrox.
In his current state, Kenshin didn't seem like the swordsman who could participate in such a battle, but as a knowledgeable insider, Shanks knew he had to be there.
In a way, Shanks might be taking on the responsibility that once fell on Captain Roger and all their former companions, ending the demonic events in Wano.
No one knew how many would die facing a demon lord, but Shanks wouldn't run from it.
With Kenshin gone, the tavern was left with only the Red-Haired Pirates and Mihawk. Even the tavern owner had fled, fearing the infamous pirates.
Unlike the Grand Line, where people were accustomed to pirates, pirates were synonymous with evil in the four seas, especially someone like Shanks, a renowned New World pirate.
Even at this time, Mihawk was notable. Before becoming a Shichibukai, he was known as the "Marine Hunter." That name alone showed his audacity.
Other pirates ran from the Marines, but Mihawk hunted them.
Now, two renowned figures from the New World were about to clash on a remote island in the North Blue.
"It's a shame. Such a master like Himura Kenshin, yet I feel no fighting spirit from him."
Mihawk said regretfully.
Shanks smiled. "Everyone has their journey. It's not our place to judge their choices."
Mihawk shook his head. "It's always a pity to see a strong warrior fall."
"Then let's write our own story of strength."
Shanks stood up. He hadn't expected to meet Kenshin and then Mihawk when he had just intended to restock supplies. It seemed he wouldn't get to eat that meal after all.
Mihawk also stood up, and in that instant, his presence became sharp, like a drawn sword.
"You're really busy, aren't you?"
Beckman remarked as he watched Shanks.
Shanks laughed. He didn't want to be this busy, but Mihawk had ruined his reunion with Kenshin. He felt a bit of fire in his belly. But maybe he wasn't that angry. Seeing Kenshin in his current state was more depressing.
"Too many people here. Let's move elsewhere."
Shanks suggested as they exited the tavern. The entire town was in a panic due to their presence. "Besides, if we stay, the Marines might show up soon."
"Agreed. No need to let them ruin our fight."
Although they were about to engage in a fierce battle, they were calm, like old friends ready to spar.
They each took a boat to find an uninhabited island, eventually finding a primaeval one three kilometres away.
Upon disembarking, their auras changed dramatically.
Almost instantly, they disappeared, racing to the island's centre.
"Are we just going to wait here?"
Yasopp leaned against the boat, asking Beckman.
Beckman, standing at the bow, watched them head to the centre. "If you want to watch, go ahead. Just be prepared to avoid their fight's fallout."
"Better not, then."
Yasopp replied. "I'll see fine from here."
"Of course, you're a sniper."
The Red-Haired Pirates seemed calm, as if Shanks wasn't fighting the powerful Mihawk but another pirate. They had great confidence in Shanks' abilities.
And rightly so, as Shanks had never let them down in past battles.
"He's fast."
Mihawk arrived at the island's centre and couldn't help but praise Shanks. Shanks had arrived much earlier, his expression unchanged, as if such speed was effortless.
"People have started calling me 'Red Flash' recently."
Shanks chuckled, using the power of the Drive Card.
"But speed is only part of strength," Mihawk said sternly. "If you think speed is everything, you will lose!"
"Indeed, speed isn't everything."
Shanks' eyes narrowed, and an overwhelming Haki burst forth.
The Conqueror's Haki shook the entire island. Mihawk, feeling the powerful Haki, realised Shanks was a formidable opponent. His blood began to boil.
So strong. He might be the strongest opponent Mihawk had ever faced.
In an instant, two sword-wielders moved.
One was enhanced by the Drive Card's speed magic, the other by the Sword Card's power. Two stronger-than-original versions of themselves clashed in a fateful battle.
This battle quickly drew the attention of many influential figures.