Shanks truly lived up to his reputation as one of the Four Emperors. Even when caught in a dire situation, he was able to remain calm and analyze things rationally.
But no matter how rational he was, this time he wasn't facing someone from the pirate world. His logic didn't apply here.
The technique Renji Kai had used was "Tsukuyomi," a genjutsu cast through the Mangekyo Sharingan. Anyone who made direct eye contact with him would be instantly pulled into the illusionary world he created.
In the realm of Tsukuyomi, everything — from time and space to pain and sensation — was under the caster's control. It subjected the victim to immense physical and psychological torment, earning its reputation as the most powerful mental attack.
Normally, Tsukuyomi was almost impossible to break. Only someone with stronger ocular power or overwhelming mental strength could resist it. Clearly, Shanks had no Sharingan.
To weaken Shanks' mental defenses, Renji had meticulously designed the illusion. He bound Shanks with seastone chains in the middle of an endless ocean, making it feel painfully real.
Even with all these precautions, Shanks had immediately sensed that it was a genjutsu.
Renji knew bluffing wouldn't work on someone like him. He had to escalate the pressure.
A long sword materialized in Renji's hand.
When Shanks saw it, his eyes widened in shock. "Griffon!"
It was his own saber — a legendary Western-style sword — now in Renji's grip. Renji had recreated it perfectly within the illusion.
"If you've got the guts, then kill me here!" Shanks shouted.
Despite his bravado, he was starting to feel genuine despair — a sensation he hadn't known even when facing Roger.
Renji chuckled. "I've never had someone request that before, but since it's you, I'll make an exception."
Wait, what? For his sake?
Shanks was utterly confused by the bizarre turn of events. Just a moment ago, this guy was demanding respect. Now, he was fulfilling requests?
While Shanks struggled to understand, the sword had already pierced his chest.
"AARGH!"
Despite his tough physique and formidable Haki, the pain exploded through his body the moment the blade plunged in. The agony was real.
"Look, you're bleeding," Renji said with mock surprise, pointing to the wound.
Shanks looked down. Sure enough, fresh blood was flowing from the stab wound.
It couldn't be real, yet the pain and bleeding were undeniable.
He began to question everything — was this truly just a genjutsu?
"Damn it, what the hell is going on?" he cursed under his breath.
On the outside, Renji's palms were drenched in sweat.
Tsukuyomi was powerful, but using the Mangekyo Sharingan came with dangerous drawbacks. Too much use could lead to permanent blindness.
Even though he was currently possessed by Uchiha Itachi's power, the body he was using was still his own.
Which meant, if he kept using it recklessly, his own eyes would eventually fail. And if his body was damaged, even future possessions wouldn't restore his lost vision. His body was like a container — once broken, it couldn't be repaired.
He was already feeling the toll.
"No choice — I have to end this quickly!" Renji muttered to himself.
He yanked the sword from Shanks' body.
Shanks groaned in pain but still refused to yield.
Seeing that, Renji knew he had to go all out.
This man's strength granted him exceptional mental fortitude. He wouldn't fall easily.
Renji focused his mind again.
Suddenly, five elder men appeared beside Shanks.
"The Five Elders?!" Shanks gasped.
An old man in a black suit, with white curled hair, a thick white beard, a flat cap, and a scar on his left cheek, stepped forward.
"Shanks, you've disappointed us deeply. You lost your arm for a mere child."
Another, in a deep blue suit with long white straight hair and a long beard, added, "Exactly. You're a cripple now. A man missing an arm has no place among us."
Then a bald man in a green suit with a thick mustache and a large birthmark on his forehead barked, "Enough talking. Let's finish him. We don't have time to waste."
The others nodded in agreement.
This was the breaking point.
Until now, Shanks had clung to the idea that everything he saw was fake — a creation of Renji's illusion.
But the realism of this conversation shook him to the core. It felt too authentic.
He began to doubt whether he was still trapped in a genjutsu at all.