https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1018-Have-You-Lived-Long-Enough-Red-Haired-Shanks-/13540726/
Chapter 1019: Let's Retire Borsalino!
Chapter 1019: Let's Retire Borsalino!
Devil Fruit—the miracle of the Grand Line. Yet, this miracle lies in the fact that a demon resides within each Devil Fruit.
For a Devil Fruit user, consuming a Devil Fruit not only transforms them into a landlubber but also carries a side effect: it gradually alters one's inherent personality. The deeper the user's mastery, the stronger this influence becomes.
Take Enel, who ascended to the Moon. His arrogant demeanor aligns almost perfectly with his Devil Fruit's nature. Perhaps his original personality was already similar, making the bond between him and his power seamless.
Kuro had known this for a long time but dismissed it as mere influence. After all, what could you do about it?
Red-Haired Shanks, however, understood the truth: Devil Fruit users never consciously perceive their own personality shifts.
Back during the Marineford-scale conflict three years ago, Kuro already showed signs of procrastination—a side effect of his Float-Float Fruit. Now, these effects had grown far more pronounced.
"Forget it", Red-Haired Shanks chuckled, sheathing Griffin. "I didn't come here to fight you. I was just here to invite Faritear. Since he refused, I have no reason to stay. Besides, your opponent isn't me. Golden Lion has someone who's been dying to fight you. They finally have their chance now."
He truly hadn't come to clash with Kuro. Even if he wanted to, this place wasn't suitable for a battle. Both Kuro and Shanks would hold back instinctively—not just for each other, but for the city. Its residents, the vibrant streets, the carefully built structures… Shanks had no desire to reduce it all to rubble. That wasn't his nature.
In the Grand Line, if the "One Piece" symbolized freedom, Shanks was the one closest to embodying it. Unlike the other Four Emperors, he didn't crave destruction.
Kuro held no ill will toward Shanks, nor did he feel overly aggressive. After all, why fight a Four Emperor? He wasn't foolish enough to pick a pointless battle. Winning or losing wouldn't change much—it wouldn't erase Shanks.
This time, Kuro had only brought Lida and Klah. The rest were headquarters soldiers, no heavy hitters. On the other side, while Shanks' officers weren't fully assembled either, their numbers outnumbered Kuro's group. Even if Kuro faced Shanks alone, Lida and Klah couldn't handle the other officers—especially with Ben Beckman in the mix.
Still, Kuro frowned. "What do you mean, 'someone's been waiting to fight me'?"
Shanks grinned. "You'll see. Oh, looks like they're here."
Whoosh!
A gale howled through the air. Kuro instinctively turned, eyes widening. "That aura… Hey, no way."
The figure wore a white fuzzy fedora that obscured their line of sight, blocking their eyes, a maroon-patterned shirt beneath a black trench coat, white trousers, and black knee-high boots. As they drew closer, the massive cross-shaped Black Blade slung across their back swayed ominously.
"Dracule Mihawk!"
Kuro snapped, his voice laced with anger. "What are you doing here?!"
"Visiting", Mihawk replied flatly, landing beside them. "There's no rule saying the Seven Warlords of the Sea can't befriend pirates. I simply accepted his invitation to a banquet. But I also felt his Haki—and your Killing Intent."
"Exactly!" Shanks barked a laugh. "He's been talking about it a lot. You're the one he's most eager to fight. Perfect timing."
He clapped Mihawk's shoulder. "What a coincidence this is!"
Mihawk ignored him, fixing Kuro with a cold stare. "Fight me. Kuro. Bet your title as the World's Greatest Swordsman. Let's duel."
"You're quitting the Seven Warlords?!" Kuro gritted his teeth.
"Not at all." Mihawk shook his head. "I'm merely here to test blades. The Seven Warlords title remains. Naturally, you know its value to me is limited. Let's trade blows, Kuro."
He locked eyes with Kuro. "Fight me, and I guarantee Shanks won't interfere. Do as you please in Astartes after this. Once it's over, I'll remain a Seven Warlord. Perhaps…"
His gaze flicked to Shanks. "If necessary, I'll fight you too."
"You damn bastard—trying to screw me over?!" Kuro's face flushed, a blue vein throbbing on his temple.
Shanks being here had been part of his intelligence report. But Mihawk's presence? Knowing the swordsman's obsession with dueling, he'd jump at any opportunity.
"I've waited a long time, Kuro." Mihawk's hand drifted to the hilt of his massive blade, voice deepening. "Last time you were injured, I waited patiently. Half a year has passed—enough. This duel will test our limits as swordsmen. Stake your title as the World's Greatest Swordsman. Beat me, and you'll surpass me. Lose to me, and I'll keep waiting. Fight me, Kuro."
…
Mariejois.
Pangu Palace.
Rights Chamber.
"What business do you have, Sakazuki?" the Red-Skinned Elder demanded, hands clasped, his voice heavy.
Before them, Sakazuki stood with arms crossed, a cigar clenched between his teeth, head slightly lowered. "A matter regarding Astartes. The Faya Principality petitioned to join as a member state. Lucius Kro set out upon hearing this news. He'll likely clash with Shanks—and perhaps claim the title of World's Greatest Swordsman."
"Faya?"
The five elders exchanged glances. The curly-haired elderly man spoke first. "Why wasn't this reported earlier?"
"I'm here now", Sakazuki replied. "But Lucius Kro departed prematurely. The reason? We couldn't hold him back. The Seven Warlords' rights—specifically the 'Sword'—were meant to be an Admiral's domain. Lucius Kro's actions all point to claiming that rank. Now that the position is up for discussion, I propose the Navy establish a Fourth Admiral."
"Out of the question!" the blade-wielding elderly man roared. "Three Admirals are the Navy's limit! You can't break this rule, Sakazuki!"
Sakazuki said nothing, merely standing in silence.
The five elders exchanged another look. The bearded elder sighed. "You may go."
"Fine. Decide amongst yourselves." Sakazuki turned and left without another word.
As the door closed behind him, the map elderly man muttered, "This is overstepping! How dare Sakazuki do this?"
"Perhaps it's not his doing", the bearded elder mused. "The Faya Principality joining as a member state is a boon—it demonstrates the World Government's growing authority. For this, Kuro is willing to fight Shanks. But the World's Greatest Swordsman… Is Dracule Mihawk there too? Does Kuro know they're present, aiming to settle everything in one stroke?"
"Likely", the blade-wielding elderly man muttered. "We've always known he coveted the Admiral title. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done so much already. But we must see the results. If he truly defeats Shanks and claims the World's Greatest Swordsman title, it would elevate the World Government's prestige."
"Still", the Red-Skinned Elder said firmly, "a Fourth Admiral is impossible. The Navy's power must not expand further."
The map elderly man glanced at them. "If he succeeds… retire Borsalino."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
