The crew was quite puzzled by Ian's decision.
They simply couldn't understand why Ian cared so much about this little girl.
Why he would go to such lengths to find Red-Haired Shanks.
The only explanation was that Ian's collector's obsession had kicked in again.
This guy just liked picking up kids from all over the place.
Maybe this little girl had something special about her after all.
When Gordon first stepped onto this world-famous pirate ship, he appeared rather reserved.
After all, the people gathered around him were Ian's companions — infamous pirates whose names echoed across the seas!
In contrast, the nine-year-old girl, Uta, was much more at ease.
Having traveled and dined with Shanks before, she showed no signs of discomfort even aboard the Golden Dragon.
She even took the initiative to urge Ian, "When will we be able to find Shanks?"
"Not much longer," Ian replied, sitting on the ship's rail, fishing. "Don't underestimate my intelligence network."
Morgans controlled the underworld, Stussy managed the legitimate side — working together, Ian's intelligence capabilities were quite extraordinary.
While not quite rivaling the World Government, the gap was not that large.
In fact, it didn't take long before news of the Red-Haired Pirates arrived.
The New World wasn't that vast. Once you excluded the territories of the Four Emperors, the area where the Red-Haired Pirates operated was relatively small.
By calculating their direction and sailing speed after leaving Elegia, determining their current location wasn't a problem.
All that was left was to monitor this sea area, send scouts to watch the islands, and wait.
When the Red-Haired Pirates landed, their movements would naturally become clear.
This is the true value of Ian's intelligence!
After confirming their whereabouts, Viola's clairvoyance activated instantly, locking onto the Red-Haired Pirates, leaving them nowhere to hide.
"Have we finally found them?"
Uta was thrilled when she heard the news.
Ian chuckled softly and said to her, "Yes, we're heading there now. But, Uta, you seem unusually happy."
Uta's smile froze for a moment before the stubborn little girl quickly replied, "I just can't wait to confront that bastard!"
That was probably true — Ian had no doubt about it.
Even now, deep down, Uta still held a glimmer of hope.
Hope that the Red-Haired Pirates weren't responsible for what happened.
She hoped they would give up on her for a reason.
How could years of feelings just vanish in the blink of an eye?
"Then let's go. Let's confront him properly."
Ian didn't mind at all.
He had already predicted how the Red-Haired would react.
The Golden Dragon set course toward the sea where the Red-Haired Pirates were.
Almost visibly, the closer they got to that area, the more restless Uta became.
She was filled with anticipation, but also fear.
Even more uneasy was Gordon. If Uta really saw the Red-Haired again, it would only bring her more pain.
Shanks would never tell the truth. He could only push Uta away with cold indifference, taking all the blame upon himself.
Finally, Gordon mustered his courage and quietly approached Ian, "Lord Ian, maybe we shouldn't go after the Red-Haired Pirates after all?"
"Oh?"
Ian raised an eyebrow. "Why would King Gordon say that?"
"After all," Gordon licked his lips and spoke cautiously, "You have no grudge against the Red Hair Pirates, and you're even friends with Red-Haired Shanks."
"There's no need to become their enemy over matters concerning my country, right?"
"Though the Red Hair Pirates can't compare to a Pirate Emperor like you, they are still one of the strongest crews in the New World. It would be too costly to pick a fight with them."
One had to admit, this guy made a fair point.
But Ian just chuckled lightly. "What you said only makes me more interested."
"What exactly did Shanks do to make you, a king, disregard the fate of your own country and refuse to meet with him again?"
Gordon's body stiffened instantly.
This guy was way too sharp!
If he kept talking, the truth might end up exposed!
Gordon forced a dry laugh. "I'm just suggesting—if you don't mind, then I have nothing more to say."
He left awkwardly.
"Something's off."
Law appeared from around the corner. "He seemed really afraid of Uta meeting with the Red Hair Pirates."
"Could it be that he's the one behind everything?"
"Who knows."
Ian said casually, "We'll see the results after meeting the Red Hair Pirates."
"This is starting to sound interesting."
Law grinned.
It felt like something exciting was about to happen.
"Yeah, it really is."
Ian smiled.
Soon.
Uta would officially join the Beasts Pirates and fall under his command.
Somewhere in the New World seas, the Red Force ship sailed steadily forward.
This ship was the flagship of the Red-Haired Pirates.
On the deck, the usually lively members of the Red-Haired Pirates seemed listless today.
Here and there, they slumped in small groups, scattered across the deck.
Even Lucky Roo, who was normally always eating something, showed no appetite. Instead, he sighed heavily every two minutes without fail.
It wasn't just them—Red-Haired Shanks and his first mate Beckman sat across from each other at a small table, quietly drinking cup after cup of sake.
The treasure they had taken from Elegia lay scattered across the deck, untouched and unorganized.
Uta's departure had dealt a heavy blow to this pirate crew that valued camaraderie above all else.
Having grown up aboard this ship, Uta was not only Shanks' daughter but also the youngest member of their crew—their little princess and source of joy.
"I understand how everyone's feeling right now!" Yasopp, who usually kept spirits high on the ship, stood up.
"But we can't stay like this forever!"
"One day, we'll see little Uta again! When that day comes, we can't let her see us looking so down—"
"Yeah!"
Yasopp suddenly froze, turning around in surprise.
Faster than him, Shanks and Beckman had stood up and were staring out toward the distant sea.
Both of their faces were frozen with shock.
"No way…"
Shanks pressed his lips together tightly. "Uta?"
"And…"
Beckman squinted at a large golden ship slowly emerging from the horizon.
"Even coming with Ian!!"
What on earth was going on?
Shanks' mind went blank for a moment.
Hadn't they left Uta in Elegia under Gordon's care?
So why were both of them now on the Golden Dragon?
How did they end up mixed up with Ian?
I really don't understand—what exactly is going on?
"Captain!!"
Yasopp strode over quickly. "We have to do something, right?"
Shanks instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist.
Should Uta and Ian be left together?
No way!
Ian is far too dangerous!
Shanks, having come into contact with Ian before, knew very well that this man harbored ambitions beyond imagination.
He would act sooner or later. It was far too risky to have Uta stay with him!
"But, Shanks," Beckman said seriously, "if we want Uta to come back, then we have no choice but to be completely honest with her."
Otherwise, Uta will never forgive us.
Shanks' body stiffened instantly.
His face turned dark as iron.
Finally, he took a deep breath.
"She's still too young."
He said softly, "This is not a burden she can bear."
He paused, then continued, "If she must be punished because of this, then let me bear it instead. It was I who brought her to Elegia."
On the deck, the pirates who had already stood up all looked toward him.
"It's on us."
Beckman casually blew a smoke ring.
"Hahaha! Well then, mates," Shanks suddenly smiled brightly, "let's make sure we don't mess this up."
"Hahaha! Captain! Who do you think we are!"
The pirates burst into hearty laughter.
But now, her smile could only be a forced one.
Onboard the Golden Dragon.
"We've found the Red Force!"
Babanuki's voice echoed across the deck.
Uta bit her lip, her heart pounding as she rushed to the bow. She climbed onto the ship's railing and gazed into the distance.
There, on the distant sea, a ship she knew all too well lay quietly, waiting for their approach.
"..."
Gordon hurried over too, but no words came out.
Ian and the others joined them at the bow, standing silently behind Uta, watching the Red Force grow closer.
They were close enough now to see the red hair and companions behind the opposite railing.
Uta's eyes traced each familiar face, more known to her than anyone else's.
Finally, her gaze settled on the man with the red hair.
Tears welled up instantly, trembling shaking her small frame uncontrollably.
"Shanks!!!"
At last, ignoring her god-given voice, Uta screamed hoarsely into the distance,
"Why... why!!"
**********
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