Chapter 316: Parting
Brett and Red-Hair walked together toward the Red Force's stern. Only the two of them remained here now, allowing them to talk properly.
Watching the two figures heading toward the stern, Uta asked somewhat puzzled, "What do they want to talk about?"
"Well."
Tesoro's mouth twitched. He smiled. "They're discussing adult matters. Don't worry about them—let's get some rest."
Their nerves had been tense for over a day. It was time for a proper break.
At the stern, Red-Hair leaned casually against the rail, enjoying the sea breeze. Brett was much taller—even sitting cross-legged on the ground, he still sat a head higher.
"I heard about what happened before, Brett."
Red-Hair said. "Before that, no one ever imagined you could cause such massive damage to the World Government."
Brett glanced at him with some surprise. "Your information network's quite sharp."
The Red-Hair Pirates weren't like the Beasts Pirates or the Charlotte Family.
They were genuinely just a crew aboard a single ship—they had no substantial intelligence capabilities.
Under these circumstances, Red-Hair still knew the inside details of that war in the New World. Seems this guy really did have something going for him.
The outside world only knew a war had occurred in the New World—that the NEO Navy led by Zephyr had decisively defeated Navy Headquarters' grand fleet and captured two admirals.
But those who knew Brett had played the most crucial role? There were only a handful on these seas.
Kaido and Charlotte Linlin knew because they'd personally participated.
So how did Red-Hair know about this?
Brett had one and only one theory.
Probably from the World Government itself.
This man and the World Government likely shared very deep connections.
"This world can't wait to welcome change, can it?"
Brett said calmly.
"..."
Red-Hair fell silent for a moment. He looked up at the flowing clouds in the sky, then chuckled softly. "Yeah. This world is hungry for change."
This world hadn't changed substantially in eight hundred years.
Like those ancient islands occasionally seen in the New World, time seemed frozen in this world. What the world looked like eight hundred years ago was still what it looked like now.
A colossal entity pressed down atop the world, preventing the tide of the era from surging upward.
"So then, Brett."
Red-Hair asked seriously. "What do you want this world to become?"
"Zephyr wants to practice true justice. Tesoro wants a world without Celestial Dragons. To some degree, their goals align."
Brett said leisurely. "As for me, I haven't thought too deeply. I just want my people to no longer suffer this world's discrimination. I want them to live as freely as humans under blue skies and white clouds, bathing in sunlight."
"I see."
Red-Hair nodded. "A wonderful dream!"
Brett smiled and asked him, "Shanks, any interest in lending us a hand?"
"Hahaha! You're trying to recruit even me?"
Red-Hair laughed heartily. "But I'm sorry—at least for now, I only want to travel the seas with my crew."
"Of course, if I get the chance, I'd also like to see the Final Island."
Though Red-Hair had once been part of Roger's crew, when Roger reached the Final Island back then, he hadn't gone along—staying behind to care for a sick crewmate.
He'd never seen the Final Island's scenery.
However, Brett found this somewhat surprising.
Based on Red-Hair's words, did he not know where the Final Island was located?
Roger hadn't told him that island's location back then?
"Besides, Brett, let me offer some advice."
Red-Hair said seriously. "If you truly want to oppose the World Government, I suggest you visit the Final Island first as well."
"Oh?"
Brett raised an eyebrow. "You mean regarding the Celestial Dragons' National Treasure?"
"Hm? You even know about that?"
Red-Hair froze. If he remembered correctly, even among the Celestial Dragons this was classified information, wasn't it?
"Since you know, then you should understand, Brett." Red-Hair said earnestly. "The government holds unmatched power in its hands!"
"I know. That's why I've been restraining myself all this time."
Brett smiled. "Waiting for the right moment to contend with them."
"I see."
Red-Hair nodded. "Then I'm rather looking forward to seeing what you'll make this world become."
"It'll probably be a brand new era."
Brett said with a smile. "So Shanks, what you wanted to discuss with me is about Uta, right?"
"No need to worry. I'm not base enough to involve a child in war."
"I trust you on that point."
Red-Hair laughed heartily. "If it's Uta's own will, then of course I respect it."
"In any case, remember what I've said, Brett. If you want to oppose the World Government, you'd better visit the Final Island first. Now might not be the best timing yet."
Speaking in riddles, are we?
Brett smiled. "Shanks, you said you have no intention of helping 'at least for now.' Which means when the timing you mentioned arrives, you'd be willing to help, right?"
"Who knows about such things?"
Red-Hair smiled.
Brett chuckled softly as well.
Though this guy definitely shared close ties with the World Government, it was now almost certain he didn't stand on the government's side.
That made sense. He was a man who'd inherited Roger's will—if anything, in the original story he was almost like a generation-and-a-half Pirate King. Of course he'd stand opposed to the government.
He was probably also waiting for the right moment.
Their conversation ended there.
Brett had achieved a good result.
Though he hadn't received a definitive answer from Red-Hair, he'd roughly figured out this guy's attitude. When the time was ripe, he'd probably help.
With their talk concluded, the night passed quickly.
Then came the time for farewells.
"Do your best, Uta!"
Lucky Roux looked tearful, gnawing on a chicken leg in one hand while waving a handkerchief with the other. "You'll definitely become the world's greatest songstress soon, right? Hurry up and reunite with us!"
"Yeah!"
Uta nodded as if it were obvious. She'd always been filled with confidence in herself. "Leave it to me!"
"It's time to say goodbye."
Aboard the Red Force, Red-Hair smiled at his daughter. "I've left you my number. Make sure to call regularly."
"Yeah!"
Uta nodded heavily.
So then—goodbye.
The Red Force set sail and departed. Uta watched them leave.
"Now then."
Tesoro grinned at another person aboard the ship. "King Gordon, if you have nowhere else to go, how about coming back with us? It would be convenient for continuing to teach Uta."
Wouldn't it be too wasteful to let such an excellent musician drift across the seas?
Gordon hesitated slightly, then chose to agree. He'd had nowhere to go anyway.
Having a place to belong wouldn't be bad.
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