After a full day of sailing, the Spade Pirates finally arrived at the first island within the New World.
Before them lay a vast expanse of ice and snow. Despite the cold, signs of human life could be seen even from a distance.
As the Spade docked at the island's port, a flag with three scars slashed over a left eye fluttered in the wind at the entrance. It was the emblem of the Red-Haired Pirates.
A flag posted here meant that this island was officially under the protection—and jurisdiction—of the Red-Haired Pirates.
Once docked, Ace and his crew disembarked, now bundled in thick coats to brave the island's frigid climate.
"This place is called Ice Island," Kerra explained, pointing to the flag. "It marks the gateway to the territory ruled by the Red-Haired Pirates—one of the Four Emperors of the New World. If we want to reach Burning Island, we have to pass through here first."
"Hold it right there!" Just as the crew was about to step onto the island, they were intercepted by several armed pirates. One of them stepped forward and declared, "No pirates are allowed to land on the island today."
"Why?" Ace asked with a frown.
"Because the Red-Haired Pirates themselves will be arriving today," the man replied. "If you don't want to offend that man, I suggest you back off."
"Oh? The red-haired guy's coming himself?" Ace grinned. "I was hoping to meet him. Looks like fate brought us together."
"Kid, do you even know what you're saying?" the pirate snarled. "That's the Red-Haired Shanks—one of the Four Emperors who rules the New World. You think someone like you is qualified to meet him?"
"I'm warning you—this isn't some game of pretend. If you anger an Emperor of the Sea, you're finished. So take your ship and get lost."
"What did you say?! Our captain is—"
Ace's crewmates immediately flared up in anger, but Ace raised his hand and stopped them.
"Don't act rashly. We're not here to fight," Ace said calmly, a smile still on his face. "If they won't let us land, then we'll just wait on the ship for Shanks to arrive."
Though frustrated, Gumby and the others obeyed Ace and returned to the Spade with him.
Roughly three hours later, a massive ship sailed into Ice Island's port. The bow featured a dragon-shaped figurehead, and a large red flag bearing the Red-Haired Pirates' Jolly Roger waved from its mast.
This was none other than the Red Force, the flagship of the Red-Haired Pirates.
Once the Red Force docked, a tall, red-haired man descended first—Shanks himself—followed by his officers. They laughed and chatted casually as they came ashore.
Although Shanks was the youngest of the Four Emperors and had only recently ascended to that position, his pirate crew was nothing to underestimate. Each of his officers was a renowned figure with a high bounty. The Red-Haired Pirates were famously known as the "Iron Wall Pirates" due to their perfectly balanced strength.
Despite their seemingly easygoing nature, no one on the island dared approach them.
Because even if they looked friendly, the truth remained—they were one of the most dangerous and powerful crews in the entire New World. One wrong move, and death could come swiftly.
"Is that the Red-Haired Shanks? Doesn't seem like anything special," Yanliu muttered aboard the Spade, still twirling his long fingers.
"Shut it!" Gambi barked. "I don't care how ordinary he looks—he's still one of the Four Emperors. If you say something stupid here, we'll all end up in a war! Idiot."
"It's not that serious," Ace chuckled. "Shanks may be domineering, but he's a pretty chill guy if you don't piss him off."
Then he turned to Yaqi. "Bring me the gift I prepared. I'll go meet him."
"You're really going alone, Captain?" Yaqi asked, returning quickly with a backpack half the size of a grown man.
"Yeah. It's better this way," Ace said, slinging the pack over his shoulders. He glanced at his friends. "To be honest, other than Gumby, the rest of you probably wouldn't even be able to stay standing in front of a man like Shanks. No need to embarrass yourselves."
With that, Ace leapt off the ship and headed back toward Ice Island.
"Stop—huh? It's you again?" The guards at the gate recognized Ace instantly. They didn't bother drawing their weapons this time, just waved him off. "Didn't we tell you this isn't a place for brats like you? Go on, scram."
"I really do have a reason to meet Red-Hair," Ace said with a calm smile.
Then, his eyes narrowed.
BOOM.
A wave of invisible pressure exploded from Ace—Conqueror's Haki—washing over the guards.
All of them collapsed in an instant, unconscious.
Ace stepped past them nonchalantly.
At that same moment, Shanks and his officers, who had just started drinking on the island, felt the surge of Haki. They all turned toward the source.
"Oh? That's some serious Conqueror's Haki," Shanks said with an intrigued smile. "Looks like an interesting guest is coming our way."
Ace stopped in front of the Red-Haired Pirates, dropped the massive backpack from his shoulders, and offered a slight bow.
"Greetings, seniors. My name is Portgas D. Ace. I apologize for intruding on short notice. I hope you'll forgive my rudeness."
"Oh? So you're the rookie who stirred up all that chaos at Sabaody?" Shanks grinned. "Didn't expect the first big-name pirate to come looking for me in the New World would be you."
"So tell me, Ace," Shanks said, his expression sharp. "Did you come here looking for a fight?"
"No, no, no!" Ace quickly waved his hands. "You misunderstand, Senior Shanks. I have no intention of fighting."
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