"One Piece:The True Codex"Chapter 371: The Beauty Trap
Back in Maple Village in the East Blue, William, the local big shot, had a favorable impression of "Red-Haired" Shanks. Although he declined Shanks' invitation to join his crew, William still fulfilled his duties as a host, treating Shanks and his crew to a feast at the tavern and even providing them with supplies for their voyage—free of charge.
At that time, Shanks had promised to return the favor and treat William to a drink someday. William, however, assumed that, as one of the Four Emperors, Shanks had likely long forgotten such a casual remark made years ago.
"But you're really lucky!" Shanks said with a grin. He turned to look at the other side of the tent, where a barrel of excitement seemed to be building. Rubbing his pants like an impatient child, Shanks' eyes sparkled with anticipation as he looked back at William. "You know, this island is said to have a special kind of fruit. It tastes awful, but when made into wine, it has a unique flavor. I came here specifically to test that rumor. The wine is almost ready—you should join me for a taste!"
At his core, Shanks was still the same Shanks. Even as an Emperor of the New World, he retained the adventurous spirit of an explorer. To taste a particular fruit wine, he had gone out of his way to visit this remote, desolate island.
Many of the members of the Red-Haired Pirates stationed in this jungle camp had joined Shanks' crew after he left the East Blue. Most of them had never been to Maple Village, nor had they ever met William.
One of them, curious about Shanks' warm reception toward this man from the Grand Line's first half, asked Benn Beckman, the crew's vice-captain, who was calmly smoking nearby, "Who is he?"
"I feel like I've seen him somewhere before," the man added, scratching the back of his head in thought.
Benn Beckman removed the cigarette from his lips and replied in a calm tone, "Morgan William."
The pirate's eyes widened in realization. "No wonder he looks familiar! I've seen him in the newspapers."
But then, the pirate frowned. "What's he doing here? I've never heard the captain mention they were friends. This guy's been making waves lately—he's not here to stir up trouble, is he?"
"He came alone. He's not here to cause trouble," Benn Beckman said evenly. As the strategist of the Red-Haired Pirates, he had seen through William's character back in Maple Village.
William wasn't the type to court death. By leaving Gin, Selkirk, and the others behind on his ship and coming to this meeting alone, he subtly conveyed his sincerity. If he had come to stir up trouble, he wouldn't have done so alone.
As Shanks eagerly waited, a barrel of freshly brewed fruit wine was finally brought before him by his crew.
Unable to contain his excitement, Shanks scooped up a bowl of the wine, sniffed it, and immediately downed it in one gulp.
The other members of the Red-Haired Pirates, who were clearly not ones for formalities, followed suit. As more barrels of fruit wine were brought out, they grabbed bowls or cups and began drinking directly from the barrels, mimicking Shanks' carefree style.
Lucky Roux, the chubby, meat-loving veteran who had been part of Shanks' crew since their time in the East Blue, squeezed his way to the barrel shared by Shanks and William. He shoved a roughly crafted wooden cup into William's hands before helping himself to a cup of wine. Without hesitation, he continued munching on the leg of meat in his other hand, savoring the combination of flavors.
The fruit wine, brewed using a crude method, was already quite cloudy. After Lucky Roux scooped his portion, a thin layer of grease floated on the surface.
William glanced at the less-than-clean bowl in his hands but still scooped himself a portion from the barrel and drank it down. Unsurprisingly, the wine didn't leave much of an impression. To someone like William, accustomed to fine wines and a life of luxury, this rustic brew was nothing special.
Shanks, however, seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Smacking his lips in satisfaction, he downed three more bowls in quick succession, his face radiating joy.
It wasn't that Shanks couldn't discern the quality of the wine. For him, the taste wasn't the most important part—it was the journey to find the ingredients and the experience of brewing the wine himself. The memories of the adventure, combined with the homemade fruit wine, created a unique and irreplaceable flavor.
Shanks drank nearly half a barrel by himself before letting out a loud burp and finally setting down his bowl.
William, who had a decent tolerance for alcohol, couldn't help but worry that Shanks might drink himself to death at this rate.
"Your two battles in the East Blue were truly spectacular. Golden Lion Shiki and Garp—those are people I've always wanted to defeat but never had the chance to," Shanks said as he plopped back down onto the wooden crate. He looked at William with a curious expression. "You've made quite a name for yourself. You're the most famous rookie pirate right now. So, what brings you to the New World? I doubt you came all this way just to visit me."
"You're not planning to go after my head to become one of the Four Emperors, are you?" Shanks joked, half-seriously.
But as soon as the words left his mouth, the previously relaxed atmosphere grew tense.
Though Shanks hadn't spoken loudly, the sharp-eared pirates around them had heard every word. One by one, they set down their cups and bowls, their conversations ceasing.
In that moment, the previously hospitable Shanks suddenly exuded the commanding presence of a Yonko, ruler of the New World.
"Of course not," William said, unfazed by the attention. He scooped himself another cup of wine and drank it slowly. "If I wanted to take down a Yonko, I wouldn't be foolish enough to come alone. My crew and I are still recovering after defeating Golden Lion Shiki and battling Garp in the East Blue. We've lost a lot of strength and made enemies of the World Government and the Marines. That's why I've come to the New World—to find a way out."
Shanks blinked in surprise before breaking into a wide grin. He slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "So you've finally come to your senses and decided to join me in the New World?"
"If I joined you, would we still be able to drink as equals, like friends?" William asked with a faint smile.
"Who says we couldn't?" Shanks replied without hesitation, gesturing around the camp. "Everyone here is my friend!"
William met Shanks' gaze, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. It was clear that Shanks meant every word. If William truly joined the Red-Haired Pirates, Shanks would treat him as an equal and a friend, without any pretense.
But it was precisely because of this that William knew he couldn't join Shanks. He was someone who couldn't stand being subordinate to anyone, even in name. Rather than risk a future falling-out with such an easygoing and likeable man, it was better to refuse his offer from the start.
Besides, "Red-Haired" Shanks was a carefree adventurer with no ambitions beyond camaraderie and enjoyment. For now, their paths didn't conflict.
"BIG MOM has already sent people to the East Blue to contact my crew. She wants to marry off one of her daughters to me. Her offer is quite substantial. Do you have a daughter?" William teased, feigning disdain.
Shanks looked around the camp. Not only did he lack a daughter, but there wasn't a single woman in sight. With a dramatic sigh, he lamented, "Charlotte Linlin is so cunning, resorting to a beauty trap!"
(End of Chapter)
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