Chapter 436 The Final Historical Text
A straw hat drifted slowly down from the sky until it was caught by a large hand.

Shanks, holding his straw hat, walked step by step into the ruins of the collapsed castle and stopped beside Luffy, who was lying on the ground with his limbs pinned down by several boulders.

After prolonged exertion, Luffy could no longer maintain his Nikka form and his hair returned to black, with blood flowing from the huge slash wound on his chest.

After the battle stopped, the endless pain and exhaustion that had accumulated overwhelmed him, and Luffy found it incredibly difficult to even breathe.

As Beckman said, he is no longer capable of fighting Shanks.

"What a pity, it seems it's not time to take this straw hat back from you yet."

Shanks chuckled softly, crouched down, and placed his straw hat over Luffy's forehead:
"I'll have to ask you to keep it safe, Luffy."

"Wow, Shanks, you're really strong. I thought I was sure I could beat you this time."

Luffy sighed regretfully, his hat slipping off his face and falling to the ground. He stared blankly at the azure sky.

"Haha, well, don't be discouraged, Luffy."

Shanks chuckled, sitting cross-legged on the spot, his eyes fixed on Luffy with satisfaction:

"It's already amazing that I could do this much. Even if we played it again, I might not be able to win by a landslide."

"Really?!"

"Well, really."

"Let's have another match, Shanks!"

Luffy pulled his limbs out from under the rock, sprang to his feet, and his fighting spirit rekindled in his eyes:

"I will definitely not lose this time."

"Stop it."

Seeing how enthusiastic he was, Shanks waved his hand dismissively, refusing:

"I'm tired, I'm tired. All I want to do now is go back to the tavern and rest with a drink, rather than fight."

Gollum~~
Upon hearing this, Luffy's stomach rumbled reflexively, and a wave of hunger washed over him.

Luffy clutched his stomach listlessly, his previously high-spirited expression instantly turning dejected.

"Ah~~ I'm so hungry~~ I want some meat~~"

Shanks: "."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

A while later, the tavern in the giant village became lively again, with members of several pirate crews mingling together, raising their glasses in a hearty drink.

The hall was filled with huge round wooden tables. In the center, Shanks, with one foot on the table and a drunken, excited look on his face, raised his glass and shouted:
"Brothers! Cheers to Luffy!!"

"--oh!"

"cheers!!"

"Hahaha!"

The atmosphere in the lobby was harmonious. At the bar, Nami leaned her arm on the counter, listening to the commotion behind her and remaining silent.
"What's this? They were fighting fiercely just now, and now they're acting like brothers."

"After all, he's Luffy. This is probably the meaning of becoming a pirate."

Robin smiled faintly and turned to look at Luffy, who was surrounded by the Red-Haired Pirates' executives, cheering and toasting.

He was always unrestrained, and the word "freedom" was always present in all his actions, while also bringing liberation and redemption to those around him.

If Devil Fruits truly harbor consciousness, then this is probably why Nika and Luffy are drawn to each other.

"Cheers to Luffy's Pirates!"

"--oh!"

"cheers!!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd once again. Redhead excitedly raised his glass and gulped it down, the liquor trickling down his chin.

While everyone was drinking heartily, Luffy had already finished pouring his drink and broken free from the enthusiastic crowd.

"Hey Robin!" Luffy stretched out his arm and grabbed the bar counter, which was about ten meters high. He leaped up, squatted down in front of Robin, and grinned.
"Hehehe, isn't it time we went to see him, the giant who took care of you?"

"Ah."

Robin smiled slightly and asked, "Are you coming along too?"

"Of course, it is the captain's responsibility to visit those who have taken care of his crew."

Luffy nodded and smiled.

"Hey Luffy, I was wondering why you disappeared while we were drinking."

At that moment, Shanks walked up from behind, his tone tinged with satisfaction.

"That's right, Luffy. It seems you've really matured a lot. In that case, entrusting it to you is a good choice."

"Give it to me?"

"Ah, a rubbing of the historical text. Well, you're only missing the last piece, aren't you?"

Shanks took out a rolled-up piece of paper tied with a thin string from his pocket and gestured to Luffy.

Upon seeing this, the lively noise in the tavern immediately fell silent.

"That is!"

"Rubbings of the historical text of the road signs"

"That is the thing that can guide people to the final island of Laugh Tale and find the legendary One Piece."

When this roll of paper appeared, everyone's eyes were drawn to it, and their expressions varied.

Some people in the crowd swallowed hard, their eyes fixed on Shanks's hand, suppressing the impulse in their hearts.

Even Usopp and the others held their breath, their fists clenching nervously.

Only Luffy seemed surprised after hearing Shanks' words.

"Wait a minute, wasn't it said that I would only get it after defeating Shanks?"

"I lost the duel just now, so I don't want it. I won't accept it until I officially surpass Shanks."

Luffy put his hands on his hips, turned his head, and rejected him outright with a sneer.

These words caused everyone waiting around to widen their eyes in disbelief.

"Hey, this is the last piece of the Poneglyph you're missing."

"He actually refused outright? Is he crazy? If he doesn't want it, he can give it to me."

"Get out of here! What business is it of yours? You don't even deserve to possess such a treasure!"

"I've already acknowledged you, Luffy. As for the duel just now..."

Shanks maintained his smile, seemingly unsurprised by Luffy's decision, and simply said:

"The title of Pirate King is not a measure of a person's strength. I inherit Captain Roger's will and hope to pass it on to the right person."

"And that person, I made my choice twelve years ago, Luffy."

Shanks spoke calmly, and under Luffy's stunned gaze, slowly reached out and handed him the rubbing.

"When you stand before me wearing this hat, my test is over. Now it's up to you to fulfill my promise to Captain Roger, Luffy."

"Shanks"

Luffy seemed to be still in a daze, blankly accepting the scroll and looking at the rubbing in his hand, his eyes filled with countless thoughts.

"From the East Blue to the Grand Line, the New World, step by step you have arrived at Elbaf. You have crossed this magnificent sea, gained a group of companions who are no less than us, and experienced countless adventures."

A deep voice echoed above the tavern, Shanks' tone growing increasingly loud.
"Go, Luffy! Head to the end of the Grand Line and search for the greatest treasure!"

"—OnePices!"

(End of this chapter)

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