The Red Force limped toward the bustling port, its battered hull groaning with every wave. The crew's spirits had lifted at the sight of the island, but as they drew closer, their relief turned to unease. The port was a hive of activity, but it wasn't just merchants and townsfolk who populated the docks. Among the ships moored along the pier were vessels flying the black flags of pirates—some adorned with skulls and crossed blades, others with symbols the crew recognized from wanted posters. Even more concerning was the presence of a World Government cargo ship, its pristine white hull and blue sails standing out starkly against the rougher pirate vessels. The ship's flag, emblazoned with the emblem of the Marines, fluttered ominously in the breeze.
Beckman stood at the helm, keen and calculating, taking in the scene. "This complicates things," he muttered under his breath.
Lucky Roux joined him. "Pirates and Marines in the same port? This place must be some kind of neutral zone. Or a trap."
Benn nodded, grimly. "Either way, we don't have a choice. We need those repairs, and we need them fast. But we'll have to tread carefully."
The crew exchanged uneasy glances as the Red Force pulled into an empty berth. Pirates and Marines alike eyed the newcomers with suspicion, their hands hovering near weapons. The townsfolk, meanwhile, moved about their business with practiced indifference, as if the presence of armed factions was just another part of daily life.
As the crew secured the ship, Benn gathered them for a quick meeting. "Listen up," he said, his voice low but commanding. "This isn't a friendly port. We're here for supplies and repairs, nothing more. Stay out of trouble, and keep your heads down. If anyone asks, we're just passing through."
The crew nodded, their determination unwavering despite the obvious danger. Benn turned to Lucky Roux. "Take a small group and scout the town. Find out where we can get what we need—and keep an eye out for trouble."
Lucky grinned, thrusting his chest out, "You got it."
As Lucky and his team disembarked, Benn turned to the rest of the crew. "The rest of you, start assessing the damage. We need to know exactly what we're dealing with before we start making repairs."
The crew set to work, their movements quick and efficient. But as they worked, the tension on the dock grew. A group of pirates from a nearby ship began to approach, their leader—a burly man with a scar across his face—eyeing the Red Force with a mix of curiosity and hostility.
"Well, well," the scarred pirate said with dripping mockery. "If it isn't the Red Hair Pirates. Or what's left of you, anyway. What brings you to this lovely little den of thieves?"
Benn crossed his arms, "We're just passing through," he said, his voice calm but firm. "We'll be gone as soon as our ship is repaired."
The scarred pirate laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Repairs, huh? Good luck with that. This port doesn't come cheap, and the Marines over there don't take kindly to pirates. You might want to watch your back."
Benn's expression didn't change. "We'll keep that in mind. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got work to do."
The scarred pirate smirked but didn't push further. He and his crew sauntered off, leaving the Red Hair Pirates to their work. But the encounter left a lingering unease.
As the crew continued their repairs, Benn kept a watchful eye on the dock. The World Government cargo ship loomed in the distance, its presence a constant reminder of the danger they were in. The Marines on board were no doubt aware of the pirates in the port, but for now, they seemed content to observe.
Lucky returned a short while later. "I found a shipwright who's willing to help us," he said. "But it's going to cost us. And there's something else—rumor has it there's a Marine officer on that cargo ship who's been cracking down on pirates. We might want to keep a low profile."
Benn nodded, "We'll get what we need and get out of here as fast as we can. But keep the crew on alert. This place is a powder keg, and we don't want to be here when it blows."
*****
The northern cliffs of the island were a breathtaking sight, even in the fading light of dusk. The wisteria blossoms cascaded down the rocky outcrops like lavender waterfalls, their delicate petals glowing softly in the twilight. The air was thick with their sweet fragrance, mingling with the salty tang of the sea below. But beneath the beauty of the scene, there was a sense of unease that set Marya and Aurélie on edge.
Marya's mist form swirled gently as she moved through the air, surveying the cliffs for any sign of the disturbance they had sensed. Beside her, Aurélie glided effortlessly, her Locust-Locust wings beating softly as she kept pace. The two moved in perfect sync, their Haki reaching out like tendrils, probing the area for the source of the disturbance.
As they descended toward a secluded grove nestled within the cliffs, the wisteria blossoms grew denser, their lavender hues casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. The grove was quiet, the only sounds the rustle of petals in the breeze and the distant crash of waves against the rocks below. But as they stepped into the clearing, their senses prickled—they were not alone.
Marya's mist form coalesced into her human shape, Eternal Night gleaming faintly in the dim light. Aurélie touched down beside her, her wings folding neatly against her back as her hand rested on the hilt of her katana. The two exchanged a glance, their silent communication speaking volumes. They were ready.
As they moved deeper into the grove, the wisteria blossoms parted to reveal two figures standing in the clearing. Marya and Aurélie remained hidden among the wisteria blossoms, their forms blending seamlessly with the ethereal glow of the grove. They watched intently as the two tall, masculine silhouettes inspected a weathered stone slab, their voices a low murmur carried by the breeze. Both women held their breath, every sense heightened, ready to react at a moment's notice if their presence was discovered.
Shanks' senses, tingled with the unmistakable sensation. He paused in his inspection of the stone slab, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area with a sharp, penetrating gaze. The soft rustle of the wisteria blossoms seemed to whisper secrets, and Shanks' demeanor shifted subtly, becoming more alert and focused.
Yasopp, standing beside his captain, felt it too. The seasoned sniper's instincts were rarely wrong. His hand instinctively moved toward his rifle, its comforting weight a reminder of his readiness. He turned his head slightly, his eyes darting to the edges of the grove, searching for any movement or sign of their observers. The wisteria blossoms, beautiful yet concealing, added an element of mystery to the already mystical atmosphere.
Shanks and Yasopp exchanged a knowing look, communicating without words. Both men remained poised, their postures relaxed yet ready for action. They understood the importance of maintaining their composure, giving no indication that they were aware of the hidden presence.
With a deliberate slowness, Shanks turned his head, glancing over his shoulder. His striking red hair caught the last rays of the setting sun, casting a fiery halo that contrasted with the cool lavender of the wisteria blossoms. His gaze, piercing and unyielding, swept across the grove, missing nothing. His eyes locked onto the spot where Marya and Aurélie hid, as if he could see through the ethereal veil that concealed them.
Marya's breath hitched. That gaze was unmistakable. Her heart pounded as recognition dawned—this was the legendary Red-Haired Shanks. A flicker of excitement sparkled in Marya's eyes as the realization of Shanks' identity fully set in. The legendary pirate himself stood just a few feet away, completely unaware of her and Aurélie's presence. A mischievous grin curled at the edge of her lips, and her mist form shimmered with a subtle, playful energy.
Aurélie noticed the change in her companion's demeanor and raised an eyebrow, a questioning look in her eyes. Marya responded with a silent nod, her excitement barely contained. The thrill of the unexpected encounter, coupled with the challenge of remaining unseen, ignited a spark of daring within her.
With a silent, fluid motion, Marya's form began to shift once more, becoming less solid, more ghostly. Her mist form danced around the wisteria blossoms, weaving through the dense foliage with a grace that was both enchanting and otherworldly. She moved closer to the two figures, the thrill of the game making her heart race.
Aurélie's wings twitched slightly, a silent reminder of the need for caution, but Marya's mischievous spirit was already in full swing. She floated closer to Shanks and Yasopp, her presence as light as a whisper on the breeze. The wisteria blossoms shivered gently in her wake, adding to the illusion of an otherworldly presence.
Shanks' eyes narrowed as he sensed a shift in the atmosphere, but Marya's light-hearted playfulness masked her true intent. She hovered just out of reach, her form a mere breath away from the legendary pirate, relishing the thrill of the moment. Her laughter, silent and joyful, echoed in her mind, a tribute to the unexpected adventure that had unfolded before them.
Aurélie, ever watchful, kept a close eye, ready to intervene if necessary. But even she couldn't help but smile at Marya's exuberance. The wisteria blossoms seemed to glow even brighter, reflecting the mischievous delight that danced in the air. The game was afoot, and Marya was determined to make the most of every thrilling second.
Without warning, Marya's playful demeanor transformed into one of fierce determination. In a swift, fluid motion, she drew Eternal Night, the blade shimmering with an ominous dark glow. The air crackled with energy as she lunged at Shanks, her movements precise and deadly.
Shanks reacted with lightning speed, his instincts honed by years of battle. His hand flew to Gryphon, drawing it just in time to intercept Marya's strike. The clash of their Haki-infused blades reverberated through the grove, sending a shockwave of power that rustled the wisteria blossoms and left the air humming with tension.
Marya pressed her attack, her strikes relentless and fierce. Each swing of Eternal Night was met with equal force by Shanks, who parried and countered with masterful skill. Their swords danced in a deadly rhythm, the air filled with the sharp clang of metal and the crackle of their combined Haki.
As their battle raged, Shanks' eyes narrowed as he studied his opponent. There was something familiar about her movements, her technique. But it wasn't until Marya, with a fierce grin, called out, "Uncle Shanks!" that the realization hit him.
"Marya?" he exclaimed, his surprise evident even as he continued to defend himself. Recognition dawned in his eyes, and with a swift, powerful movement, he disengaged, stepping back to create some distance between them.
Marya halted her assault, her chest heaving with exertion, but her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and determination. "It's been a long time, Uncle," she said, her voice carrying a hint of playful challenge.
Shanks couldn't help but chuckle, lowering Gryphon slightly. "Indeed it has, Marya. You've grown stronger." His tone was both proud and affectionate, a testament to the bond they shared.
Marya's fierce expression softened into a radiant smile. She sheathed Eternal Night with a swift, graceful movement, and before anyone could react, she ran toward Shanks. The legendary pirate barely had time to brace himself as she threw her arms around him in a joyful hug. The tension in the air dissipated, replaced with a warmth that spread through the grove.
Shanks laughed heartily, wrapping his arm around Marya in return. "It's good to see you, Marya. Truly."
Yasopp, who had been watching the exchange with narrowed eyes, finally stepped forward, his curiosity piqued. "Wait a minute," he said, his voice laced with a mix of astonishment and recognition. "Marya? Is that really you?"
Marya pulled back from Shanks, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Yes, Uncle Yasopp! It's me. It's been too long."
Yasopp shook his head in disbelief, a grin spreading across his face. "I'll be damned."
Marya nodded, her expression turning more serious. "But what about you two? How did you end up here?"
Shanks exchanged a glance with Yasopp before responding. "We could ask you the same thing, Marya. It's not every day we run into family in a place like this."
Marya's smile faltered slightly, and she looked between the two seasoned pirates. "It's a long story."
Yasopp nodded thoughtfully. "We got separated from the crew in a storm."
Shanks placed a hand on Marya's shoulder, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Whatever brought you here, it seems fate has a hand in our reunion."
Master Gaius and Captain Knox arrived with a rustle of petals. Hidden in the shadows, they exchanged wary glances, prepared for any confrontation. They found Aurélie, leaning against a tree with her arms crossed. Her eyes sparkled with urgency as she motioned for them to join her. The trio huddled close, their whispers barely audible above the gentle rustling of the wind. Aurélie cast a quick glance towards the clearing where Marya, Shanks, and Yasopp stood.
"Aurélie, what's the situation?" Captain Knox asked in a low growl of concern.
"It appears Marya is acquainted with them," she whispered, her eyes narrowing as she observed the scene.
Master Gaius squinted into the distance, focusing on the figures. Recognition dawned on his face, and he inhaled sharply. "Shanks," he murmured, almost to himself. Memories surged through him, of paths crossed many years ago when he was still a Guardian. The red-haired pirate had left an indelible mark on his past.
Without warning, excitement overtook him. Ignoring the cautious glances from Captain Knox and Aurélie, Master Gaius stepped out from the shadows, his stride purposeful. He approached the group with a broad smile, his voice warm and booming. "Shanks! It's been far too long!"
Shanks turned towards the approaching figure, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to place the face in his memory. The broad smile and the familiarity in the man's voice struck a distant chord within him, but the years had clouded the details.
Master Gaius halted a few paces from Shanks, his grin never faltering. "Shanks, surely you haven't forgotten me already."
There was a moment of silence as Shanks searched his mind, and then it hit him. "Gaius?" he asked, the realization dawning on his face. "Gaius, is that really you?"
Master Gaius chuckled heartily. "It's been many years, young Shanks. You've grown so much since our paths last crossed."
Shanks' face broke into a wide smile, and he stepped forward to clasp Master Gaius' hand in a firm grip. "I was just a kid then," he said, laughing. "It's no wonder I didn't recognize you at first."
Master Gaius nodded, his eyes twinkling with fond memories. "Indeed, you were just a young lad with a fire in your heart. And look at you now, a renowned captain."
The two men shared a heartfelt embrace, the bond of their past encounters rekindling in the present. As they pulled apart, Shanks glanced back at Yasopp and Marya, who were watching the reunion with curiosity and warmth.
"It's good to see you again, Gaius," Shanks said sincerely. "Fate truly works in mysterious ways."
Aurélie and Captain Knox exchanged uneasy glances, the cautiousness in their eyes reflecting their hesitation. Despite the warmth of the reunion unfolding before them, they couldn't shake off the deep-seated wariness born from years of unpredictable alliances.
With a reluctant nod from Knox, Aurélie took a step forward, her movements graceful yet guarded. Knox followed suit, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of threat. They emerged from the shadows, maintaining a respectful distance from the reunited friends, their presence both a sign of solidarity and an assurance of security.
Shanks noticed their approach and offered them a nod of acknowledgment, his smile not wavering. "It seems you have some new friends, Gaius," he remarked, his tone friendly but observant.
Gaius turned to gesture towards his companions. "This is Captain Knox and Aurélie."
Aurélie inclined her head slightly, her expression polite but reserved. "A pleasure," she said softly, her voice carrying a note of cautious respect.
Knox simply offered a curt nod, his gaze never straying far from Shanks and Yasopp. "We mean no harm," he stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Master Gaius's gaze turned serious, the warmth of the reunion giving way to curiosity and concern. "What brings you here, Shanks? And how did you find this place?" he asked, his tone both inquisitive and guarded.
Shanks opened his mouth to answer, but then his eyes flickered to the dense foliage surrounding the clearing. His smile faltered for just a moment, replaced by a look of keen awareness. He sensed the presence of several other strong individuals, their auras barely concealed but unmistakably formidable.
Noticing the shift in Shanks's hand moving to Gryphon's hilt, Gaius's expression hardened slightly. "It's alright," he said, raising his voice so it would carry to the hidden sentinels. "Stand down, Guardians. These are friends, not foes."
Slowly, the tension in the air began to dissipate as one by one, the concealed Guardians stepped into the open. Their faces were stern, yet they obeyed Gaius's command without question, relaxing their stances and lowering their weapons.
Shanks let out a small sigh of relief, his smile returning as he looked back at Gaius. "We were guided by a bit of luck and a lot of determination," he said, his voice lightening.
Gaius chuckled softly, his earlier apprehension melting away. He gestured for the Guardians to return to their posts. "Now, you were saying."
Shanks nodded, taking a deep breath before continuing. "We were caught in a violent storm at sea, separated from our crew," he explained, his voice tinged with the memory of the fierce winds and relentless waves. "It all happened so quickly. One moment, we were navigating through the tempest, and the next, we were thrown overboard, struggling to stay afloat." He paused, glancing at Knox and Aurélie. "By some stroke of luck, we were washed ashore on this island."
Gaius's expression softened, empathy mixing with concern. "That must have been harrowing," he said quietly. His eyes shifted towards Marya. "I must admit, Shanks," he began, a hint of intrigue coloring his tone, "I am curious as to how you and Marya know each other."
Marya, who had been standing quietly to the side, straightened slightly, her eyes meeting Gaius's. Shanks's smile grew a touch more wistful as he glanced in her direction. "Ah, Marya and I have crossed paths several times," Shanks replied, his voice carrying a note of fond reminiscence. "Her father, and I are old rivals. Our encounters have always been... memorable."
Marya couldn't help but smile at the subtle understatement in Shanks's words. The legendary duels between Shanks and Mihawk were well-known, each clash a testament to their unparalleled skills and enduring rivalry.
Gaius raised an eyebrow, a mixture of surprise and admiration in his expression. "Rivals, indeed. I should have guessed. The world of swordsmen is a small one, after all."
Shanks nodded in agreement, his eyes returning to Gaius. "Yes, and it seems fate has a way of bringing people together, even in the most unexpected places."
Master Gaius fell silent for a moment, his gaze drifting thoughtfully as he weighed the choices before him. The presence of Shanks and Yasopp in their community posed undeniable risks. He turned to face them, his decision crystallizing.
"Come Shanks," Master Gaius claps him on the shoulder. "We can give you shelter and food. The Founder's Festival will be in full swing. There will be plenty to eat and celebrate."
Knox's eyes widened with alarm, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. "Master Gaius," he interjected, his voice laced with authority and concern, "These are notorious pirates. The risk is too great."
Master Gaius chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he turned to Knox. "Oh, Knox, you always were one for the dramatic flair. Notorious pirates, indeed!" He placed a jovial hand on Knox's shoulder, shaking him gently.
Knox frowned, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his stern gaze. "Master Gaius, you cannot be serious. These men have reputations that precede them. We have remained hidden and safe for a millennium, undisturbed by the chaos of the outside world."
Master Gaius waved a hand dismissively, a playful smile curling his lips. "Ah, my dear Knox, you worry too much. What is life without a bit of adventure and a few unexpected guests?"