Night settled over the island as lanterns lit up, and the grand celebration everyone had worked together to prepare finally began. Gentle music intertwined with boisterous laughter, filling the air with warmth and excitement as though igniting the entire night.
During the banquet, drinks flowed freely. After only two cups, any initial awkwardness between the groups vanished without a trace. The companions Shanks brought along were open-hearted and bold, and Big Pan's group quickly bonded with them. The atmosphere was vibrant and harmonious.
At one side of the table, Shanks lifted his cup and lightly clinked it against Mihawk's before downing it with a grin.
"Never thought I'd see you here," he said, amused.
Mihawk raised his own glass with calm patience, taking a small sip. His expression didn't shift in the slightest as he replied, "Hmph. But your appearance doesn't surprise me at all."
Shanks burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! As expected from you, Mihawk. You really know me!"
But his laughter soon faded into seriousness. Looking at his long-time rival, he asked, "Mihawk, you've met Eli Winters a few times now. What kind of person do you think he is?"
Those hawk-like eyes stared back at Shanks for a long moment. After a brief silence, Mihawk said quietly, "He is… a very good friend."
Shanks blinked, caught off guard. Then, after a moment of contemplation, he suddenly laughed again.
"If even you call him a friend, then Eli must truly be an exceptional man!"
He raised his cup again and emptied it.
Eli Winters celebrated with the others, maintaining an easy smile, yet his mind remained sharp and alert. He knew the hidden enemy lurking like a snake in the darkness was still watching. A deadly strike could come at any moment.
Surveying the people already lying drunk across the ground, Eli's lips curved slightly. Silently, he placed several spatial markers around the camp. Once done, he stepped lightly onto a wide boulder and lay back.
He gazed at the moon hanging high above, its silver glow spilling across the quiet landscape. His thoughts drifted. When he first arrived in this unfamiliar world, his only wish was to live freely, without restraint. Even after acquiring his mysterious system, he never slacked in his training. He wanted the strength to face any danger and calmly declare, "I don't eat beef."
But time passed. The road he traveled grew longer, the world broader, and the injustices he witnessed only multiplied. Each one settled onto his heart like a stone, weighing down his chest.
A thought kept echoing inside him:
Perhaps he could no longer stand aside. Perhaps it was time to change something… though his lifelong commitment to "not eating beef" still stood firm.
As Eli pondered these tangled thoughts, a shadowy figure silently appeared beside him.
He did not react. He had sensed the presence long before the person appeared.
Shanks sat down next to him with a warm smile. His voice held a hint of curiosity and mischief as he asked, "Eli, is there a dream you're chasing?"
Eli turned slightly, giving him a faint, expressionless glance before answering coldly, "To wipe out all pirates."
Shanks froze, speechless. He hadn't expected such a blunt, icy answer. After several moments, he managed an awkward smile.
"Well… that's not quite the answer I was expecting. It seems you really have a strong prejudice against pirates."
Eli shook his head firmly.
"That's not it."
Now it was Shanks' turn to feel helpless.
What is going on inside this guy's head? He doesn't follow any common logic. It's enough to make someone want to punch him.
Still, despite his frustration, Shanks steadied his emotions and continued, "Eli, I won't deny there are terrible pirates out there. Some truly are scum. But many are simply people forced onto this path by circumstances."
"Being desperate is not a reason to commit evil," Eli said calmly.
Shanks let out a deep sigh. He knew he wouldn't change Eli's views. Their values were simply too different. Yet he also understood Eli wasn't malicious. This was simply who he was.
Time passed quietly. Then, unexpectedly, Shanks smiled again.
"Mihawk says you're a great friend. Think I have a chance to become one too?"
Eli turned toward him. He had never truly disliked Shanks. In another era, the red-haired man would have been the heroic wanderer who roamed the world with his sword and sense of justice. But he, too, carried burdens most people couldn't see, and for that reason, Eli had kept his distance.
Yet now, gazing at Shanks' sincere smile, Eli found himself reconsidering.
He smiled back.
"Of course. As long as you don't act like Mihawk and constantly covet my wine."
The two men burst into laughter.
Three more days passed in the Little Garden before everyone reluctantly parted ways.
The Red-Haired Pirates set off toward the New World to continue their journey.
Dorry and Brogy unearthed their long-sealed giant ship and finally began the voyage back to their homeland.
Tiger, now recovered, also chose to separate from Eli's group, refusing Eli's attempt to persuade him to stay. With a swift leap into the sea, he disappeared into the waves.
"What about you, Mihawk?" Eli asked the swordsman who was still standing nearby.
"Hmph. My ship was destroyed in the fight. You are taking me to the next island," Mihawk growled, glaring as if warning him. Don't even think about making me carve a boat out of wood with my sword.
"Hahaha! Filina, is the Log Pose finished recording the magnetic field?"
"Already done!" Filina answered loudly.
"Good. Then I officially announce our next destination: Alabasta!"
"Yes, Captain!"