https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1017-I-ve-Never-Been-a-Killer-You-Know/13540725/
Chapter 1016
Chapter 1016
Shanks!
The person who suddenly appeared was none other than Shanks!
He spoke with a smile to Joshua, but his eyes quickly flicked toward Golden Lion Kuro standing nearby.
Lucky Lucci, the hefty pirate gnawing on a meat leg, muttered a reminder, "Boss, the troublemaker's here as expected."
Ben Beckman exhaled a smoke ring, then crushed his cigarette underfoot, his expression turning serious.
"Golden Lion, huh."
Seeing the red-haired man, Red-Haired Shanks smirked and touched the scar beneath his collar, saying, "Long time no see."
Kuro sized him up, then replied, "Yeah, long time. You're still alive?"
"Such hostility. Careful or you'll shorten your lifespan", Red-Haired Shanks said lightly.
"Hey, what did you say?!" Lida scowled, glaring at the red-haired pirate.
Klah adjusted his glasses, his body tensing for combat readiness.
Kuro lit a cigar, staring at Shanks. "Even if your son died, I wouldn't necessarily die. Though of course, assuming you actually have a son. Here to cause trouble? The Old Man of Faya Principality is backing me."
"Already said, don't get so worked up. I'm not here for you, Golden Lion."
Shanks shrugged nonchalantly, facing Joshua. "Hey, Faritear, want to join my crew? I think you've got potential. I know your ambitions – come with me and I'll help you."
"Shanks, huh?"
Joshua studied him. "I have no interest in pirates, and I won't rely on outside influence to unify Astartes. Astartes must achieve autonomy through the people's own willpower to become a true nation!"
"Is that so?"
Shanks held his gaze, then shook his head. "Guess we're not destined to be crewmates. Well then, I'm off."
As he turned to leave, he added, "Don't worry, Golden Lion – I'm not looking to clash with the Navy right now. I just wanted to invite Faritear, since I find him interesting."
"Interesting? Ten years ago you found someone interesting and lost an arm to sea beasts. Now you're chasing another 'interesting' person? Careful some Sea King doesn't swallow your ship whole next time", Kuro scoffed.
Shanks smiled. "I'm just placing my hopes in the New Era. You should watch – the strength of the New Era will baffle us old timers."
Kuro snorted. "New Era? The one hiding in Wano Country? Relying on the next generation instead of your own efforts? I've fought off parasites clinging to elders – now you're a parasite on newborns? If you want to change the world, show some real guts. You're just patching up this era. And as a pirate, you don't even qualify."
He truly despised this New Era nonsense. All these arrogant brats with no real strength...
"Ah? You don't believe in the New Era, Kuro?" Shanks paused, glancing back.
"Let's talk when the New Era becomes 'the present.' You're still alive now, aren't you?" Kuro grinned. "Wait until you die, then it'll be 'the present.' Or hand over your 'Griffin' and see which New Era pirate suits you. Let Sea Kings devour them, let someone inherit Joy Boy, someone inherit Roger, someone inherit Whitebeard. You, a Yonko, need an heir too."
Back in his East Blue days, Kuro knew the importance of constant vigilance. These New Era kids, even with some power, charged recklessly forward. Did they really think a few years' experience could rival decades of experience? Natural talent meant nothing without time to develop it.
"Four decades ago, Big Mom and Kaido wouldn't claim worldwide invincibility. Even twenty years ago. If I returned to that time, I could slay both."
Nowadays, adventurers barely set out a few months before challenging the world. Back at Sabaody, without Silvers Rayleigh and Buggy to hold him back, those fresh-faced rookies would've been wiped out in months. Strength like that – going after Kaido? Finding Joy Boy's treasure would change the world? The world's balance couldn't be that fragile.
True power came from military might, not ideals. Kaido conquered Wano Country through force, not deception. Big Mom's Totto Land came through brute strength, not utopian dreams. Even Blackbeard waited decades before acting.
"Kuro, your ideas are outdated", Shanks gripped Griffin tighter. "You're too dangerous. Best you take a break – otherwise, even prophecies might change."
"Tch, you want influence? I suggest you crawl back where you came from", Kuro tightened his hand on his sword hilt.
Unlike Kaido or Big Mom, Shanks had always been measured. Kuro never truly feared him, but if the red-haired pirate insisted on fighting, he'd oblige. After all, any pirate daring to cross him would face consequences – whether they fit his mood or not.
(End of Chapter)
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