Rumble—
Although it was still only noon, the sky flashed with lightning, and thunder rolled endlessly across the dark clouds.
Today would be a day that shook the entire New World—perhaps even a day that marked the turning of the age.
"It's afternoon," Shanks murmured as he looked up at the sky.
"It's still pouring… looks like it's going to rain again. Does this weather feel like it's foreshadowing something?"
Shanks smiled calmly.
A moment later, a torrent of heavy rain crashed down from the sky, nearly obscuring everyone's vision.
This kind of storm—violent rain, lightning, thunder—was normal enough for the New World.
But today, it felt different.
It felt like a warning—a sign that the Red-Haired Pirates were about to face something catastrophic.
"They're here, Shanks!"
Beckman pointed toward the distance. On the horizon, where sea and sky met, a massive fleet appeared.
By sight alone, there were over a hundred ships.
Three colossal flagships stood out among them:
The main ship of the Beasts Pirates
The Queen Mama Chanter of the Big Mom Pirates
And the flagship of the Elior Pirates
This overwhelming force was none other than the Alliance of the Three Yonko.
The Red-Haired Pirates on Kodo Island trembled. Apart from a few seasoned veterans, most were already shaking with fear.
How could they possibly defeat such a force?
Even if this alliance simply used sheer numbers, they could crush the Red-Haired Pirates through overwhelming force alone.
Many felt as though they were trapped in a nightmare.
They had imagined what a three–Yonko alliance might look like… but seeing it with their own eyes made the reality sink in. This was what it meant to face the combined might of three emperors of the sea.
Were the Red-Haired Pirates destined for annihilation?
"Beckman, Yasopp… everyone."
Shanks stood at the front, turning back to his crew.
"Death is a fate none of us can escape."
"But even if we must die on this battlefield… then we'll die standing! Even if the enemy's power is overwhelming, we can still fight with everything we've got!"
In their hearts, the Red-Haired Pirates felt sorrow. If nothing unexpected happened, this would be their last day. Their journey would end here.
"Shanks, no matter what, we'll follow you until the very end. If we die today, then we die on our feet."
Beckman lit a cigarette—only for the heavy rain to extinguish it immediately. He sighed helplessly.
Maybe his life would end today, just like that cigarette.
"That's right! We'll follow Shanks to the death!"
"Don't think a big alliance like that scares the Red-Haired Pirates!"
"The Red-Haired Pirates fear nothing!"
"Let them witness our power!"
"Kill!"
The crew roared. Weapons were drawn. Rain battered their bodies, washing away hesitation. Their fear faded—many were no longer afraid of life or death.
"Brothers… meeting all of you has made my life worth living!"
Shanks smiled boldly. Then he turned around, drew the famed sword at his waist, and faced Elior's advancing fleet.
The blade in Shanks' hand was the very same one Roger once wielded.
When the Roger Pirates disbanded, Roger entrusted the sword he had carried for years to Shanks, hoping he would inherit his will.
"Old friend… this may be the last time we fight together. Touching, really."
Shanks glanced at his sword, Gryphon, feeling regret, resignation, and a trace of sorrow.
The Red-Haired Pirates now faced Elior's approaching forces.
The distance between fleets was less than two kilometers—and shrinking fast.
...
"Looks like they're all waiting for us… I thought they'd try to flee," Kaido snorted.
"It's better this way! Saves us the trouble of chasing them across the sea!" Big Mom cackled, her grin twisted with excitement. Prometheus and Zeus crackled beside her.
Elior stayed silent.
The Red-Haired Pirates were ready for battle.
In a way, this saved him effort. Shanks really was a man worthy of respect.
If they weren't enemies, Elior might have befriended him—but that was impossible now.
"It's raining hard," Elior muttered as he glanced at Shanks' side.
Then, under the stunned gazes of everyone present, Elior rose into the air.
The moment he stopped mid-air, he extended his hands toward the storm clouds above. A massive crimson magic circle manifested above him, aligned with the position of his palms. Another enormous dark-red magic circle rotated beneath his feet.
"Elior is about to act!"
"What kind of power is this?!"
"This feeling… it's terrifying!"
"Even the wind is shifting!"
The crews of Big Mom and Kaido stared wide-eyed. Even Elior's own crew members reacted with awe. As for Kaido, Big Mom, and Shanks, their eyes sharpened instantly.
On Shanks' side, he gave a warning shout, and everyone prepared for combat. No one knew whether Elior was about to begin the war right here.
His hands were pointed at the sky… but that didn't guarantee safety. Who knew if he would unleash something like Akainu's Meteor Volcano?
And no one knew what kind of ability Elior was about to release.
But the sheer pressure was undeniable.
BOOM!
A deafening roar erupted as the darkened sky suddenly glowed crimson from the massive surge of energy pouring out of Elior's magic circle.
Explosion Magic.
And stronger—far stronger—than the quadruple burst he used at Mary Geoise.
Without even chanting, Elior released it directly.
The tremendous explosive energy shot straight upward into the clouds.
The air warped visibly under the force.
Everyone froze in shock.
The next moment would be etched into their memories for the rest of their lives.