Shanks. Again.
His familiar smile remained the same—genuine and warm.
The crew was just as welcoming.
First to greet Chu Yang was Vice-Captain Ben Beckman.
"Welcome back to the crew, Chu Yang."
Next came Lucky Roux, Yasopp, ship doctor Hongo, navigator Limejuice, and the others…
It felt as though Chu Yang had never been gone—as if he had been by their side the whole time.
Everyone was ecstatic, shouting for a grand feast.
The Marines were mobilizing nearby, but no one seemed concerned, as if they didn't even consider them a threat.
The banquet was set in the old Wano Country.
---
Night fell. The feast began.
Music and the aroma of grilled meat filled the air.
Kozuki Hiyori, along with samurai and villagers, joined in the festivities.
Everyone danced and sang, their faces aglow in the firelight.
Shanks and Fisher Tiger quickly hit it off, bonding over their shared love for freedom—one living it, the other spreading it.
But Shanks and Dragon? Not a single word was exchanged. Only a brief eye contact, both acknowledging they walked different paths, driven by different ideals.
As the feast reached its peak, countless Marines stood outside, glaring helplessly—none dared make a move.
Shanks sat beside Chu Yang, the area around them empty—everyone else either drunk, dancing, or lost in revelry.
Shanks chuckled, "From the moment you boarded my ship, I could feel your deep hatred for the Celestial Dragons. Even back then, I had a hunch you'd make it this far."
"This battle—if you need me—I'll stand with you."
---
But Shanks' ties to the Celestial Dragons ran deep.
The King of the Celestial Dragons, Imu, had a mysterious personal guard—the God Knights.
The God Knights ranked above ordinary Celestial Dragons, even holding the power to judge them.
Because they directly represented Imu.
The Figarland family, part of the God Knights, was Shanks' birth family.
The current Supreme Commander of the God Knights, Figarland Garling, looked almost identical to Shanks in his youth.
Their bond was undeniable.
This explained why the Gorosei treated Shanks differently than any other pirate.
But the Gorosei weren't simple, either.
The five heads of the World Government's major departments were known as the War Gods—a title granted due to their immense strength.
Financial War God — Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro (Venus).
Agricultural War God — Shepherd Ju Peter (Jupiter).
Judicial War God — Topman Warcury (Mercury).
Environmental War God — Marcus Mars (Mars).
Science Defense War God — Jaygarcia Saturn (Saturn).
The name Gorosei reflected the ancient planets—Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn—that orbit the Sun.
This also revealed Imu's ideology: "Rule the world through overwhelming force."
Each Gorosei member possessed an awakened Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit.
Jaygarcia Saturn, head of the scientific department, transformed into a demon with a bull's head and human body.
The others had unique forms:
Marcus Mars resembled Marco's phoenix.
Shepherd Ju Peter's form echoed Big Mom's soul homies.
While their exact fruits were unknown, when they stood together, they looked like demons from hell.
Imu himself wielded a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, transforming into a massive salamander.
Given the salamander's renowned regenerative powers, it was likely that the fruit granted near-immortality once awakened.
And if Imu had also undergone the Perennial Youth Operation using the Ope Ope no Mi, he'd achieve true eternal life.
Living 800 years? Easy.
8,000? Probably still kicking.
---
Yet even now, Chu Yang couldn't determine Imu's true strength.
Of the original Twenty Kings, only Queen Lily of Alabasta and Imu remained—what about the other eighteen?
They couldn't all be pushovers. For them to submit to Imu, he had to wield terrifying power.
Eight hundred years was plenty of time for Imu to reach inconceivable levels of strength.
Chu Yang was certain Imu was stronger than the Yonko or Marine Admirals.
But how much stronger?
Stronger than Sukuna at five times his normal strength?
That was the real mystery.
Moreover, Pangaea Castle still hid weapons on par with Pluton—capable of obliterating entire nations.
After such destruction, the resulting voids in the ocean could raise sea levels.
With continuous use, these weapons could flood the entire world.
That's why Mary Geoise was built atop the Red Line—to avoid the potential deluge.
And if the world ever spiraled out of control, Imu could drown it all, wiping out every enemy.
---
The God Knights were another wild card.
Some might have strength comparable to Marine Admirals.
So many unknowns…
That was why Chu Yang insisted on finding Pluton—he needed something to ease the pressure.
But ultimately, he blamed himself for his lack of intel.
If he'd spent less time studying Lineage Factors and more time gathering information, he could've stormed Mary Geoise alone by now.
---
As for Shanks' offer?
Chu Yang didn't respond.
If Shanks was that close to the God Knights, there was no point dragging him into this mess.
It'd be like Garp during the Marineford War—torn between Marine justice and the life of his beloved grandson, Ace.
Chu Yang shook his head, declining Shanks' offer. "This is my fight."
Shanks looked stunned, clearly not expecting that response.
"And what about them?" Shanks gestured toward Dragon and Fisher Tiger.
"The Revolutionary Army's purpose has always been to overthrow the Celestial Dragons. As for Fisher Tiger... you already know the Fishmen's plight. Our goals have always been aligned."
Chu Yang didn't meet Shanks' eyes, fearing he'd see disappointment.
On the Red Force, every crewmate was like family.
His rejection would definitely hurt.
Sure enough, Shanks looked crestfallen.
As captain, it was tough hearing your crewmate say, I don't need your help.
But Shanks respected his decision.
"If you want to challenge the Celestial Dragons, fine. But before that—you'll have to beat me first."
Chu Yang smirked and winked. "You've been holding that in for a while, huh?"
"You just want to see if my Haki's really strong enough to beat Kaido."
"Just a heads-up—I didn't beat him just with Haki. So don't get too cocky."
Shanks grinned confidently. "I know your swordsmanship is top-tier. But mine's not half-bad either. Hope you're ready."
Chu Yang stood, dusted himself off, and headed for the shore.
Shanks followed.
The Red Force crew exchanged curious glances.
"What are they doing?"
"Beats me. They were whispering for ages."
"You tried eavesdropping?"
"Are you crazy? Captain would kill me! I'm not risking it."
"This setup looks familiar though..."
"No way... they're really gonna do this now? In the middle of the feast?"
Tiger suddenly leaned in, his massive fishman face startling everyone.
"Do what?" he asked.
Yasopp nearly jabbed his rifle into Tiger's mouth.
Ben Beckman sighed. "Just watch. You'll see soon enough."
Tiger stared after Shanks and Chu Yang, curiosity piqued.
---
Meanwhile…
A CP0 agent stationed to monitor Wano was dozing off.
The feast across the way was boring.
He could barely stand watching them sing and dance while he sat here—cold, hungry, and alone.
What kind of lame assignment is this?
The recent scolding from the Gorosei didn't help.
Nearby Marine warships had gone silent—most of the crew was asleep. He was the only one still stuck on watch.
He was about to start cursing when—
BOOM!
Two immense bursts of Conqueror's Haki erupted.
Thunderclouds gathered in the sky, lightning crackling.
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