Earlier, Red-Haired Shanks had been deep in thought after receiving intelligence from the Celestial Dragons' network at the World Headquarters.
Beckman's question hung in the air, and Shanks did not answer immediately. Instead, he gazed toward the distant horizon, let out a soft sigh, and then began speaking deliberately.
"Just this morning, I received word that Imu's personal bodyguard, Sword Saint Bickley, was defeated by Ashveil," Shanks said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Sword Saint Bickley?" Beckman echoed, confusion evident in his tone. He truly knew very little about the legendary swordsman.
Around them, the crew had gathered, eager for Shanks' words. Their expressions made it clear they were hanging on every syllable.
Shanks' lips moved carefully, and he swallowed before continuing.
"It's normal that you don't know him," Shanks murmured. "He is Imu's personal bodyguard and holds a prestigious title. He is recognized as the strongest Celestial Dragon of the past eight hundred years, and he is also Imu's successor."
The revelation sent shockwaves through everyone present. Imu's successor—someone who could rival even the Gorosei in strength—had been defeated by Ashveil.
Beckman's expression turned serious, understanding dawning.
"Wait… are you saying the only person left who might stand a chance against Ashveil is that legendary God?" he said, his cigar slipping slightly as his eyes flared with intensity.
Those around them reacted with equal astonishment. At this rate, Ashveil was on the verge of overthrowing the divine order itself.
The most incredible part? Ashveil was only twenty years old, and his fame had spread across the seas in less than two months.
Recalling Ashveil's meteoric rise—starting with the complete annihilation of the Blackbeard Pirates—everyone realized just how unprecedented his power and growth were. In mere months, he had become the only being capable of challenging Imu.
"New era, old era…" Beckman murmured to himself, lost in thought.
The crew, equally awed, exchanged nods of admiration.
"His power and the speed of his rise… it's astonishing," Yasopp said with visible emotion.
Lucky Roux, the large man with a chicken leg in hand, adjusted his small black sunglasses, a white gleam reflecting across the lenses.
"Thinking back, Captain Shanks, your decision to remain neutral was absolutely correct. Had we sided with the World Government and suppressed the Whitebeard Pirates, we might have ended up like that fool Kaido—imprisoned and defeated," Lucky Roux murmured, his lips trembling slightly.
Silence fell. Lucky Roux's words carried weight. Even if the Red Hair Pirates' strength slightly surpassed the Beasts Pirates, it was by no means an overwhelming margin. Aligning with other Emperors like Kaido or Big Mom could have meant certain defeat at the hands of Ashveil. Whitebeard might have laughed at such a pitiful outcome.
"Remaining neutral…" Shanks repeated, a faint smile forming.
"Ah, there's something more—news this morning truly surprised me," Shanks continued. "And yes, it's still about Ashveil."
The crew leaned in, curiosity piqued. If this news could shake Shanks himself, it must be extraordinary indeed.
Shanks smiled faintly, tinged with helplessness, as he looked toward the horizon.
"Regarding neutrality… don't worry. If all goes as expected, today will be the last day we remain neutral," Shanks said with a bitter, contemplative smile.
The crew exchanged confused glances, unsure what he meant.
Shanks, however, did not immediately explain. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the sharpest mind among the Red Hair Pirates: Benn Beckman.
Beckman paused, processing Shanks' words. His eyes widened as realization struck.
"Shanks… do you mean… Imu has made a move?" Beckman said, his voice barely above a whisper, disbelief etched on his face.
Imu—the being revered as God.
Could it be that the so-called God of this world was about to confront Ashveil directly?
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