Underworld, roots of the Adam Wood.
"So we're just tying this kid up like this?"
"With multiple Seastone Chains—it's foolproof." Dorry and Brogy clapped their hands and stood up, then gave Loki a regretful look.
"Though we can sense power strong enough to kill both of us... it's a shame, young man. You're still too young, yet you've done so much wrong... We'll just imprison you here and hope you repent someday."
"Thank you, elders." Loki's smile carried a hint of mockery...
But mostly resignation.
When the Red and Blue Ogre, Dorry and Brogy, bound him, he had many ways to resist...
But it would have been pointless.
Because those overwhelmingly powerful figures were watching him from nearby.
Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare act recklessly.
After they secured him to the roots of the Adam Wood, Michael and the others left the Underworld and returned to the world above.
Once they were completely out of sight, Loki suddenly smiled in relief.
"Everything seems to be flowing toward its destined end."
"Let me wait here..."
"For the long-awaited finale to truly descend upon this world!"
"Joy Boy... will this world truly..."
"Be brought to an end by the Archangel of the End, as you foretold?"
...
By the time they returned to the world above, it was already late into the night.
Even the giants, with their extraordinary stamina, had gone home after the feast and were sprawled out fast asleep.Michael, meanwhile, arrived at the Owl Library.
Having already obtained free access privileges, he naturally wasn't stopped by the library's guardians.
However, upon entering, he noticed another person inside.
That distinctive red hair immediately revealed his identity.
"Shanks, shouldn't you be sleeping?" Michael walked over, showing no surprise at his presence. "It seems... you have something to discuss with me."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Of course. I can't imagine a man like you would come to a library just to pass the time."
"Actually, I do enjoy reading..." Shanks replied with a smile. "But you're right. There are some matters I'd like to ask about."
"Go ahead. After all, you're one of the Seven Warlords I personally invited..." Michael said while scanning the shelves for books about Joy Boy.
"Though I'm neither your teacher nor your superior, I suppose I could be considered something of a guiding light for you?"
"You certainly don't mince words." Shanks shook his head and leaned against a bookshelf. "You've dealt with many Celestial Dragons, haven't you? I've heard your initial fame came from opposing them—killing those who captured slaves for the Celestial Dragons."
"You must have also heard the rest... The Celestial Dragons have held a grudge against me ever since. Even saving one of them from the hands of Rayleigh, Gaban, and Gloriosa—the three leaders of Cross Guild—did nothing to help. They've tried more than once to make me disappear from these seas."
"But judging by your relationship with Rayleigh-san and the others... you're quite connected to Cross Guild, aren't you?"
"Don't go spreading rumors, kid." Michael raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a member of Cross Guild... At most, I've provided them with some funding."
"So... you're their backer?"
"If you insist on putting it that way, suit yourself." Michael spread his hands with a roguish grin. "I neither confirm nor deny."
"I see... That explains a lot." Shanks nodded repeatedly. "A Marine, yet also tied to the Revolutionary Army, and the backer of Cross Guild... Most importantly, you have some inexplicable cooperative relationships with several pirates powerful enough to influence the world..."
"Are you including yourself in that count?"
"Shouldn't I be?"
At this point, Shanks flashed a confident smile.
Though Michael was the stronger of the two, Shanks never hid his true nature.
Playing the fool to catch the wise?
Such behavior had no place in the One Piece World...
You might end up becoming the fool for real.
"Fine, fine, you count." Michael sighed and turned to face Shanks. "So then, 'Red Hair' Shanks of the Seven Warlords—a pirate powerful enough to influence the world—what exactly is it you want to ask after all this roundabout talk?"
"I want to know... is there a family among the Celestial Dragons called Figarland?" Shanks hesitated for a long time before finally speaking up.
"Some time ago, a Celestial Dragon named Figarland Garling came to me. He was strong... after our fight, he gave me a message..."
"What? Did he tell you that you're actually a Celestial Dragon? That you're his long-lost son?" Michael raised an eyebrow.
"If I had to guess?"
"So you already knew all this..." Shanks smiled bitterly. "Now I'm starting to understand why Loki always has your name on his lips... Just who are you? How do you know even these things..."
"Don't overthink it. Overthinking is a disease." Michael's lips curled slightly.
"But I can tell you this—your identity is real. You are Figarland Garling's son. After the God Valley War, Gol D. Roger found you as an infant among the seized treasures... Roger probably guessed your connection to Garling from your hair color, but he still let you grow up safely, even making you his successor."
As Michael spoke, Shanks' breath hitched.
Though he had prepared himself for the truth, the impact was still overwhelming.
A man sworn to inherit Roger's will and become the Pirate King...
Was actually... a Celestial Dragon?
"What's wrong with being a Celestial Dragon?" Michael raised an eyebrow. "I may dislike Celestial Dragons and want to send them all to their graves... but I'm referring to those parasites rotting away in Mary Geoise. Don't forget, my little brother is also a Celestial Dragon."
"Is that so..."
"So, did he just come to acknowledge you as family?"
"More than that."
Shanks shook his head.
"He invited me to join the God's Knights."
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